Mentawai Tribe: Exploration Native
Activity provided by
In Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
The Mentawai are a tribe of people living in the rainforest of Siberut, Indonesia. Siberut is a remote island off the coast of Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. With the exception of owning pigs and cultivating sago, the Mentawai are hunter/gatherers looked after with devotion by their medicine men- the Sikeri, or Shamans. These are the healers of the tribe, who practice a form of animism called Jarayak. The Mentawai also practice one of the oldest forms of tattooing, which represent the important elements in their lives.
The current state of the Mentawai people collectively is much different than it was 100 years ago. There are a few government-established villages where the majority of the population live. The children are going to school, the adults are working, infastructure is weak but is starting to resemble that of the rest of Indonesia- “developed” and prodiminately muslim. However, outside the villages in the rainforest, there are still a handful of scattered clans of the traditional Mentawai. Those in the rainforest choose to live away by choice, and isolate themselves away from the assimilation of the government villages. These small, and rapidly declining number of people still live the legend of their ancestors.
The Indonesian government set up the villages in order to bring the tribes away from their “primitive” and “savage” practices and to “civilize” the culture. Missionaries are plenty on the island and convert Mentawai. In my own experience, it’s important to note that the missionaries themselves are usually peace loving people seeking what they believe to be righteous, so it is very difficult to judge either party. Progress is a double-edged sword, my only concern is that progress does not always have to inspire change by force. I believe that technology and education are tools that can actually be used to preserve a culture, while providing the necessary guidance into the modern world. The clans that remain are enduring and have survived on their own for a long time, but are now threatened and fragile. Although change is inevitable, there cannot be only one way to live, one way to perceive the world- humanity needs diversity to sustain itself.
Show lessLocation
- Directions:
- City
- Pekanbaru
- State / Region
- Riau
- Zip / Postcode
- 28293
- Country
- Indonesia 0.4636255 101.3841068
Itinerary
DAY 01 : PADANG – MUARA SIBERUT (D)
Welcome & Greeting service upon arrival at “BIM” Airport. Transfer to Hotel for rest and waiting for departure time to Muara Siberut in the evening. The boat departure at 18.00. overnight on board.
DAY 02 : MUARA SIBERUT – THE NATIVE’S VILLAGE (B,L,D)
Early morning arrive in Muara Siberut, after getting permit from the local government, taking motorized canoe to Rorogot or Madobak, it depend on the water in the river, walking to sakaleo or to Bat Nusa about 3,5 hours. Overnight at Bat Nusa or Sakaleo at Native’s House.
DAY 03 : EXPLORING THE NATIVE’S ACTIVITIES (B,L,D)
After having B’fast exploring the daily activities of Native’s Mentawai Tribe Such as : Hunting, Fishing, Making Sago Powder (Main food of Mentawaian Tribe), when you are lucky, you have chance to see the traditional dances of Mentawai during the ceremonies in the evening.
DAY 04 : WALKING TO ANOTHER VILLAGE (B,L,D)
In the morning free at own leasure together with the Native’s before leaving to Bat Alemoi by walk about 2,5 hours. Overnight at Native’s House at Bat Elemoi.
DAY 05 : BAT ELEMOI – MUARA SIBERUT (B,L,D)
Half day exploring the Native’s activities before leaving to Muara Siberut such as : To see how they make Loin Clothes from the Bark of Tree, Making Tatoes, Bow and Poison Arrow, Etc. The Ferry depart to Padang in the Evening. Overnight on board.
DAY 06 : ARRIVING IN PADANG (B)
Early morning arrive in Padang, transfer to Hotel or Airport for your next destination. Tour END
Inclusions
- English speaking guide and Local Ranger
- Porter 1 rag seg/person in trekking
- Permit fee and entrance fee
- Accommodation at Native’s House or Simple Bungalow at the beach
- Hotel in Padang on the first day (Day Used)
- All Transport to complete the journey (Ticket Ferry, Motorized Canoe)
- Meals as specified in the Itinerary, All food brought from Padang, along the Journey in the island the food is carried by porters and cooked by Guide and help by his crew.
- Private return transfer APT – HOTEL – Harbour
- Public ferry PADANG – MUARA SIBERUT – PADANG
- Private motorized canoe in the rural area
Exclusions
- Hotel in Padang in the last night
- Insurance
- Other personal needs
- Tips
Please Note
- Departure every Monday by public boat around 10 hours included
- Add for Private Very/boat O/W USD 750 /& Return USD 1450 ( departure any time ) around 4 hours
TOUR PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING
- Swimming Wear
- Rain Coat
- Long Cotton Trousers
- Sun Cream
- Snorkeling Gear (if you have)
- Sleeping Bag
- Sport Shoes for Trekking
- Hat
- Good sport shoes
- Medicine
- Flashlight
- Other personal needs.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
- During the trip you stay at a village family’s house
- Meals as specified in the program/ full board
TRANSPORTATION
- Private car for transfer in/ out: Airport/ Harbour-Hotel
- Public boat from Padang-Siberut Island VV
- Private boat (Motor Canoe) during the trip on the island
- This is a challenging trek that will take you far from the tourist trail, into the heart of the Mentawai Islands, Deep within their jungles indigenous people live close to nature. A people in transition, these uncomplicated rainforest dwellers are struggling to maintain their traditional lifestyle against the prepared to accept very basic and often uncomfortable condition .
- The Mentawai Islands are in the Indian Ocean, approximately 100 Miles to the west of Padang. Now the island is also a paradise for Surfers. Your journey begins with an overnight boat crossing the Indian ocean to Siberut the largest Island in the chain.
- If there are any delay or cancellation cause of the weather or the ferry delay or cancel all of the cost belong to the clients.
Cancellation policy
If cancelled up to 14 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged. If cancelled later or in case of no-show, the entire activity price may be charged.
