Forest Adventure
Meet a Mentawai shaman ("Sikerei") while learning about their unique culture and way of life in the forest. Enjoy a true cultural experience by living with a Mentawai family. Engage in daily family activities and immerse yourself in their diverse culture and lifestyle. Explore the pristine Siberut jungle and connect with the local community away from mass tourism.
NOTE:
Ferry Schedule : Leaving on Saturday - Returning on Tuesday
Puck-Up Point : Muaro Padang Harbor (Mentawai Fast) at the Ferry Ticket Counter
06:20 AM: Gether at Muaro Padang Harbor and buy Ferry tickets, 07:00 AM: Depart from Padang by local Mentawai fast boat.
Transit: One-hour transit in Pokkai, northern part of Siberut Island
Lunch: Provided at local restaurant during transit
Afternoon: Arrive in South Siberut, proceed to transit village near Siberut Harbor
Evening: Journey into the forest by car to upstream rural village, then trek to Mentawai tribe's home. Meet with shaman and Mentawai family
Living in the Uma traditional house: Stay with Mentawai family in the heart of the forest, fully immersed in their daily life.
Cultural Activities:
- Follow Mentawai Tribe fishing in the river using traditional methods Palikga-gra.
- Making arrow poison, learning forest plants, - ancient hunting techniques.
- Learning forest hunting techniques and setting traps for wild animals.
- Looking for sago caterpillars typical food the Mentawai Tribe Tam'ra.
- Follow Mentawai Tribe making loincloth Baiko from tree bark or natural fibers.
- Free activities joining the daily forest life of the Mentawai people.
Evening: Cultural exchange and storytelling with the host family.
Special Note: Flexible schedule based on the natural rhythm of Mentawai people. Possible opportunity to witness sacred shamanic rituals.
This program offers a deep and authentic cultural experience with the indigenous Mentawai people in the forest interior of Kepulauan Mentawai. Travelers actively take part in daily forest life through traditional activities such as river fishing using Palikga-gra, learning ancient hunting techniques including arrow poison preparation and trap setting, searching for Tam’ra (sago caterpillars), and making Baiko from natural materials. Evenings are enriched with cultural exchange and storytelling with the host family, within a flexible program that follows the natural rhythm of Mentawai life and offers the special opportunity to witness sacred Sikerei rituals filled with spiritual meaning.
Morning: Final breakfast and emotional farewell with host family
Trek Back: Walking journey back to the riverbank
River Journey: Traditional canoe transportation back to transit village near Siberut Harbor
Afternoon: Final preparations and departure from Siberut
Evening: Return journey to Padang with unforgettable memories and new perspectives on life.
Cultural Guidelines for Visitors in Mentawai