Mentawai Islands
Kepulauan Mentawai
Approximately 100 km west off the Sumatran cost lie the Mentawai islands. Despite the relative proximity, they are culturally distinct from the Sumatran mainland. The Mentawai people are the main ethic group on the islands, nowadays, they are mostly Christian, however traditional animistic Mentawai’s can be found on Siberut island, which is the largest of the four main islands. The other three islands are Sipora and the two almost connected North and South Pagai islands. Sipora is the most developed of the group and also contains the largest town. Most of the tourist focused infrastructure is concentrated in the south of and on the small islands south of Siberut island, as well as the northern and southern ends of Sipora. These areas are mostly focused on surf tourism, but are also great for a relaxing time on the white sand beaches after trekking through Siberut’s jungle.
The Mentawai islands can be reached from Padang which will also be the city you'll arrive in when coming from Jakarta as Padang is not an international port of entry. Most tours to the Meantawai's will have their start and endpoint in Padang as well, in which case the guide of your choice will be able to help you with the Ferry. Ticket prices are however usually not included in the tour price. When planning your trip to the Mentawai's please keep the ferry schedule in mind. The fastest and most foreigner friendly ferry is Mentawai Fast, it leaves from a port in Padang’s city center. You can check the schedule here.
Mentawai Tours
An Experiance of a lifetime
In this cultural tour, guests will visit a group of flower people who live close to one of the beautiful natural valleys of Siberut island. These Indigenous people practice animism and live centered at the Uma, a Mentawaian communal house lead by a clan chief. They believe All living things have both a spirit and soul. Guests will be taken to experience the shamanic ceremonial dance, chanting, hunt, medicine herbs, beautiful nature, and local wisdom.
Guide: Robi Parmonangan Siagian
Duration: 6 Days/ 5 Nights
Price: 350€/Guest
Mentawai Cultural Tour
This tour will allow you to get immersed in the Mentawai culture and enjoy Siberut's beautful nature. You'll meet with the tattoo covered Mentawai shaman and learn about the local wisdom of Arat Sabulungan which full of diversity, uniqueness, and curiosity.
Guide: Robi Parmonangan Siagian
Duration: 4 Days/ 3 Nights
Price: 320€/Guest
Mentawai Photography Tour & Bounty Island Stay
This tour is ideal if you're interested in photography and experiencing culture. You'll first get a chance to experience the traditional Mentawai culture and Siberut's stunning nature , while visiting one of the Mentawai shaman and learn about the local wisdom of Arat. This tour will end on Bounty island giving you time to relax and enjoy the Mentawai beaches.
Guide: Robi Parmonangan Siagian
Duration: 6 Days/ 5 Nights
Price: 520€/Guest
Stay at Blue Surfcamp
Located in E Bay and just a short walk away from the surf spots at E Bay, Pitstops and Beng-Beng, Blue Surfcamp is a great spot for your Mentawai surf trip on a budget. Ade will pick you up at the harbor in Siberut and be there for you during your stay. Three Meals as well as non-alcoholic drinks like Coconut water, tea, coffee etc. are included in the price, boat rides to surf spots which are further away are excluded.
Guide: Ade ''Kept''
Duration: no minimum (recomended min. 1 week)
Price: 450000 Idr pppd* +3.6 million per boat
*per person per day