Day 1: Padang – Siberut – Mentawai Tribe

06:20: Gather at Muaro Padang Harbor and purchase ferry tickets. 
07:00: Depart from Padang by fast ferry Mentawai Fast.
Transit: One-hour transit in Pokkai, the northern part of Siberut Island.
Lunch: Provided at a local restaurant during the transit stop.
Afternoon: Arrive in South Siberut, then continue to a transit village near the Siberut Port.
Evening: Journey by car through the forest to an upriver village, followed by a trip to the Mentawai family home. Meet the Sikerei (traditional shaman) and the Mentawai family.

Days 2, 3, 4 & 5: Stay with the Mentawai Tribe in the Remote Forest

Authentic Traditional Mentawai Experience: During your stay, you will experience the genuine traditional life of the Mentawai people.
Hands-on 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.
- Witnessing the Paruak among a group of Sikerei as the ritual leader who guides customary ceremonies, prayers, and spiritual harmony.
- Making traditional necklaces
- Follow the Sikerei or Shaman,explore the fore - see the samll house for the chickens.
- Follow mothers collecting local food in the forest - cooking proses
- 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.
Deep Cultural Understanding: These day form the heart of your transformative experience, allowing you to deeply understand the Mentawai connection to nature, spirituality, and community life.

This program offers a deep and transformative cultural immersion with the indigenous Mentawai community in the interior of Mentawai Tribe, where travelers live alongside the people and actively participate in daily forest life—river fishing using the traditional Palikga-gra method, learning ancient hunting skills including arrow poison preparation, forest plant knowledge, and trap setting, searching for Tam’ra (sago caterpillars), crafting Baiko loincloths and traditional necklaces from natural materials, following the Sikerei to explore the forest and observe small chicken shelters, and joining Mentawai mothers in collecting and cooking local forest foods—while also having the rare opportunity to witness Paruak, a sacred ritual led by a group of Sikerei who guide customary ceremonies, prayers, and spiritual harmony; evenings are spent in cultural exchange and storytelling with the host family, within a flexible schedule that follows the natural rhythm of Mentawai life, forming the heart of a meaningful journey that reveals the deep connection between nature, spirituality, and community.

Days 6: Farewell & Return Journey to Padang

Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast and an emotional farewell with your host family.
Return Trip: Begin your journey back to the riverbank, carrying unforgettable memories.
River Transport: A motorized canoe takes you back to the transit village near Siberut Port.
Final Preparations: Return to Siberut town for unpacking, lunch, and preparation for departure.
Departure: Depart from Siberut at 15:00 by fast ferry, heading back to Padang with a transformed perspective on life.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR VISITING THE MENTAWAI TRIBE

1. Preparation Before Departure

• Location: Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia. The main access route is via Padang (Muaro Padang Port), then by ferry to Siberut Island.
• Permits: Make sure you have permission to visit the traditional area (usually arranged by a local guide)
• Local Guide: It is (mandatory to hire a local guide) to help with communication and to show respect for local custom

What to Bring:

•  Personal medicine, mosquito repellent, raincoat, flashlight, toiletris, light clothing, and another personal needs.
• Power bank and a waterproof camera the area is humid.

2. Etiquette and Manners in Traditional Areas

• Greeting and Smiling: Greet locals with a warm smile; shake hands if they initiate it.
• Photo Permission: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, houses, or traditional activities.
• Entering the Uma (Traditional House):

1.  Remove your footwear before entering.
2. Do not sit just anywhere—wait for the host to show you where to sit.

• Conversation: Avoid speaking negatively about nature, animals, or their traditions.
• Gifts/Souvenirs: If you wish to offer gifts, do so politely and modestly examples: candy, sugar, coffee, or cigarettes.

4. Dos & Don’ts

✔️ Recommended / Allowed:

• Learn a few simple Mentawai words (for example: “Anai Leu Ita?” = "Hello, how are you?)
• Participate in daily activities (with the guide’s permission).
• Respect ongoing rituals—observe quietly unless invited to join.

✖️ Not Allowed:

• Do not give money directly to children (give it through your guide if you wish to help).
• Do not touch ritual tools or objects without permission.
• Avoid criticizing their way of life or comparing it to city life.
• Do not bring alcohol without the guide’s approval—it can be considered disrespectful.

5. Additional Notes

• The weather in Mentawai is humid and often rainy; wear quick-dry clothing.
• Phone signal is limited, especially in forest areas.
• Electricity is limited, especially in traditional houses—bring a power bank.
• Keep the environment clean; do not litter.
• If you feel unwell, inform your guide immediately as medical facilities are limited.

Cultural Guidelines for Visitors in Mentawai

1. Respect local customs and beliefs.
   The Mentawai people deeply value spirituality and their relationship with nature. Never mock or disrespect rituals, sacred symbols, or spiritual objects.
2. Dress modestly and simply.
   Avoid revealing clothing, especially when inside the Uma (traditional house) or during cultural ceremonies.
3. Ask permission before taking photos.
   Always request consent, particularly when photographing the Sikerei (spiritual leader), rituals, or children.
4. Follow the guidance of the Sikerei and local guides.
   The Sikerei play a central role in Mentawai life. Obey their instructions for cultural respect and personal safety.
5. Do not touch or take traditional objects.
   Sacred items, amulets, or ritual tools must not be handled or moved without permission.
6. Maintain respectful behavior and speech.
   Avoid loud laughter, inappropriate jokes, or disruptive behavior during rituals and communal activities.
7. Respect the forest and nature.
   The forest is both a living space and a spiritual realm. Do not damage plants, litter, or hunt without permission.
8. Follow communal living rules in the Uma.
   When staying overnight, respect shared living customs, including activity times, space usage, and meal practices.
9. Do not bring alcohol or drugs.
   These substances go against local values and are considered highly disrespectful.
10. Come with the intention to learn, not to judge.
    Openness, humility, and respect for cultural differences are essential for a meaningful and enriching experience.