Have you ever wanted to live independently? Experience an authentic and immersive life in Sumatra. Join us on a journey to the Mentawai Tribe, where you’ll live independently and learn to live like them. You’ll experience their way of life and culture, and interact directly with Mentawai shamans who live in the remote forests of Siberut. Meet the Mentawai people in the heart of the Siberut Forest; one of your most unique travel experiences is staying with a Mentawai family. Discover these mysterious people, share their daily lives, and join different families in their Uma (traditional houses) through the jungle (by motorized canoe and trekking). You’ll share their home—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about their culture firsthand.

Trip Highlights

Adventure Route: Siberut Island, Mentawai
Trip Type: Culture – Forest and Local Life
Ferry Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday
Comfort: 2/5
Prices start from 295 euros, contact us if you want to join a small group or a private trip
What’s Included:

*Two ferry tickets (Padang>Siberut>Siberut Padang)
*Permits from the local government and Siberut National Park
*Logistics (all food and drinks during the trip)
*car or motor (upstream of Siberut to reach the trekking point)
*Porter (whenever needed)
*Accommodation in a Mentawai Traditional House
*Mosquito net, mattress
*Local guide/team

What’s Not Included

Personal expenses: souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, etc.
Insurance
Medicine
Accommodation in Padang City.
NOTE*

Our prices depend on the number of people in the group, the season, and access to remote villages/forests. The more remote or remote our destinations, the more logistically challenging and adventurous they become.
We prioritize transparency and fairness in pricing our trips based on access to forests and remote locations. The deeper you venture into the forest and remote areas, the costs associated with transportation, permits, accommodations, and logistical arrangements can vary. These areas often require specialized knowledge, experienced guides, and special arrangements to ensure your safety and comfort.

Day 1: Padang – Siberut – Mentawai Tribe

Our journey will begin from Muara Harbor, Padang City, by fast ferry and a one-hour transit in Pokkai, on the northern part of Siberut Island. We will then provide lunch at a local restaurant. Upon arrival in South Siberut, we will proceed directly to our transit village near Siberut Harbor.  The journey continues into the forest by road car to the upstream of the rural village in the beautiful interior village).we will continue our trek to the Mentawai tribe’s home and meet with a shaman and Mentawai family.

Days 2-4: Live with a Mentawai Tribe & Experience Their Lifestyle

Live with a Mentawai family in the heart of the forest and fully immerse yourself in their daily life. Experience their traditions, experience their routines, and gain a deep understanding of their unique culture and relationship with nature. While living traditionally with a Mentawai family in the forest, you will fully immerse yourself in their daily life, gaining a deep understanding of their unique culture, traditions, and way of life. This experience offers a rare opportunity to not only witness but also actively participate in their daily activities, such as:

Chopping down sago palms and processing them into food
Catching fish using traditional methods
Preparing and making poison for hunting
Hunting and learning forest survival skills
Exploring the forest and setting traps for animals
Gathering food from the forest
This hands-on experience provides an authentic and unforgettable insight into the resilience and wisdom of the Mentawai people, connecting you with their ancestral way of life.

Note: This experience will push you beyond your comfort zone. Unlike standard itineraries, this trip is flexible, allowing you to delve deeper into local life and culture. There’s no set schedule, as each day unfolds naturally according to the rhythm of the Mentawai people. If we’re lucky, we might even have the rare opportunity to witness or participate in a sacred shamanic ritual during our visit.

Day 5: Leaving the Remote Village – Siberut Harbor – Return to Padang

Start the day with breakfast and saying goodbye to our Mentawai host family. We’ll walk back to the riverbank, where a motorized canoe will take us to a transit village near Siberut Harbor. Upon arrival, we’ll be taken to a Mentawai home to freshen up and pack our belongings. We’ll be transferred to the ferry harbor and have lunch at a local restaurant before departing Siberut at 2:40 PM on the fast ferry.