Safety in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
Overall, our ministry site on Nias Island was very safe because it was so secluded (STTAM/MTC). We did have to maintain and vocalize our status as tourists, and we were questioned by an immigration official. You will stand out, so just make sure you are being cautious about what you share and with whom.When you go into the towns or small cities, just take normal precautions with your belongings to avoid theft (lock your zippers, wear your pack up front, etc.).Overall, the island seems very safe.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
For ministry we did a few things:1. We taught English class to the college students at STAMM/MTC. We taught this class for 1.5-2 hours 1x per day. The students are on a variety of different levels, which is challenging. Some are fluent enough to translate, others are beginners.2. We taught Grace English Course – a community English class for 1.5 hours, 4 x week. This was in the afternoons.3. We did morning devotionals every day to the students at STAMM/MTC, and also helped with gardening and construction on occasion.I would recommend this ministry site as a 4+! There is so much light and love for the Lord in this location, the students are eager to learn, the staff and leadership is amazing. I wish everyone could go here.
Lodging
Lodging in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
SLEEPING/BATHROOMS: We stayed on site at the ministry of STAMM/MTC in open air buildings. They provided sleeping pads/mattresses, sheets, and pillows. We had a bucket fill toilet and a bucket shower setup. Depending on the season, you may have to walk through the jungle to a stream to fill up your bucket. The students will help you if you ask. They also provided mosquito nets, but depending on the size of your team, they may not have enough. Bring one if you can. It is essential.LAUNDRY: They do laundry in buckets. At STAMM/MTC, the students will insist on doing your laundry. Check with the host, but he had us place our laundry outside of our room for the students to grab. They will return it to you when it is dry (which may mean 2-3 days later depending on the rain since all clothes are line dried).COST: Around 3 USD pppd
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
We ate mainly at the ministry site at STAMM/MTC. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were provided by the host. Expect rice at every meal 🙂 We ate a lot of fried eggs, scrambled eggs, salt fish, tempeh, and occasionally chicken. Always clear your plate; it is rude to leave food on your plate.COST: 6 USD pppd – paid to ministry host
Transportation
Transportation in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
To enter the country, we took a planes from USA -> Jakarta -> Pedang -> Gunungsitoli. Then, we had a 2-3 hour car ride to the ministry site in West Nias (STAMM/MTC). If you get carsick, take dramamine. The roads are not paved. It is very bumpy and the car will lurch a lot.The main transportation on the island is motorcycles. It a large group needs to be transported, expect to ride in the back of a big yellow truck (you will have to stand). Some people have cars, and the host will help you to rent a car if necessary (for adventure days/airport transport/etc).The cost of transportation varies widely, check with your ministry host.
Medical
Medical in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
There is not a close medical facility. In a medical emergency, you will likely have to make the 3 hour drive to Gunungsitoli.There are local, primitive clinics, and you can easily purchase antibiotics and other medications if necessary (there is one place about 3-5 minutes from STAMM/MTC). Just ask your host for help with a medical issue.
Communication
Communication in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
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Financial
Financial in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
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Translators
Translators in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
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Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
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Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
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Tips
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Additional Info
Additional Info in Onolimbu, Nias Island, Indonesia Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?