Detailed Itinerary

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

Daily Life Immersion: Join and participate with the family in preparing food and other cultural activities right before your eyes.
Authentic Traditional Mentawai Experience: During your stay, you will experience the genuine traditional life of the Mentawai people, including:
Ritual Preparation: Helping prepare sacred leaves and herbal ingredients used by the Sikerei for rituals.
Food Preparation: Join the family in preparing traditional meals using ancestral methods.
Cultural Activities: Participate in various customary practices and ceremonies.
Ritual Observation: Witness sacred rituals with explanations provided by your guide.
Cultural Exchange: During your stay, you are welcome to ask anything about their way of life, culture, and traditions. The family will gladly share and answer your questions.
Deep Cultural Understanding: These days form the heart of your transformative experience, allowing you to deeply understand the Mentawai connection to nature, spirituality, and community life.

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.