Tribes – Mentawai

The Mentawai Tribe: Guardians of the Siberut Rainforest

Deep in the heart of West Sumatra, Indonesia, lies the Siberut rainforest, home to the indigenous Mentawai tribe. With a rich cultural heritage and deep connection to nature, the Mentawai people have lived in harmony with their environment for centuries.

Traditional Way of Life

The Mentawai tribe is known for its traditional way of life, which revolves around hunting, gathering, and farming. They live in small villages, called “uma,” and are skilled in the art of wood carving, tattooing, and traditional medicine. Their traditional clothing is adorned with intricate tattoos and ornaments, reflecting their deep spiritual connection to the natural world.

Spiritual Connection to Nature

The Mentawai people believe in a complex spiritual system, where every living thing is interconnected and sacred. They believe that the forest is their home, and that every tree, animal, and plant has a spirit that must be respected and honored. This deep connection to nature has allowed them to live in harmony with their environment for centuries.

Program Highlights

Visit the Matotonan village and experience the warm hospitality of the Mentawai community.
Trek through the lush rainforest to reach the Mentawai tribal village, where you’ll stay in a traditional Uma house.
Share lunch with a Mentawai shaman (Sikerei) and learn about their traditional practices, including making poison arrows and hunting sago worms.
Participate in traditional Mentawai activities, such as making cawat (kabit/loincloth) and hunting sago worms.
Explore the rivers and waterways of Siberut Island by canoe, offering a unique perspective on the island’s natural beauty.
Stay in a homestay in Siberut and experience the local way of life.

The Itinerary

Day 1 Meeting point in Minangkabau International Airport, Padang
Day 2 Mentawai Fast Harbour – Leave to Siberut. Stay Matotonan village
Day 3 Trekking to Mentawai Tribal.
Day 4 Hunting sago worm. Make poison arrow.
Day 5 Trekking to the river
Day 6 Leaving to Siberut by canoe. Arrived at Ugai transit by motorcycle taxi. Arrived at homestay in Siberut
Day 7 Free time, pakcing go back to Padang
End of program.