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Mentawai Tribe

Mentawai Tribe

Mentawai shamans

immersion with Mentawai famiy

immersion with Mentawai famiy

Orangutan explore

Orangutan explore

experince wilderness sumatra with our experience local guide

experince wilderness sumatra with our experience local guide

Pulau Weh beach

Pulau Weh beach

Iboih beach Pulau Weh

Iboih beach Pulau Weh

"Your next destination is here!"

 

Our adventure offers the perfect opportunity to explore the diverse beauty of Indonesia. During this trip, you will have the chance to visit Siberut Island, the home of the Mentawai tribe, and explore the habitat of the Orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang. You can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment and learn about conservation efforts. Additionally, you will immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Mentawai people by living with a Mentawai family in the jungles of Siberut. This experience will provide insight into their customs, traditions, and overall way of life, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the indigenous people of Indonesia.

In summary, our Sumatra Holiday Adventure offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the lush jungles of Indonesia, observe its magnificent wildlife, and deeply immerse yourself in its unique culture. The journey will also take you to Weh Island, where you can experience the breathtaking opportunity to dive into crystal-clear waters and witness the stunning underwater life. With unparalleled visibility, you'll have the chance to marvel at vibrant coral reefs, exotic fish, and other fascinating marine creatures.

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  • Trip type > Small group trip.

  • Level > Moderate hike

  • Duration > 15 days

  • Feature > Nature, culture and wildlife

  • Destination >   Mentawai Tribe + Orangutan, Bukit Lawang and Weh Island
     

> What to expect in this trip

  • Meet orangutans in their natural habitat

  • Wildlife observation in Sumatra

  • Meet the Mentawai Flower Men (shamans) who live their unique culture and lifestyle in the forest.

  • Discover the breathtaking underwater world of Weh Island
     

Trip Summary

Day 1: Arrival at Minangkabau International Airport, Padang

  • A day before the start of the trip, the guide will pick you up at the airport and drive directly to Downtown of Padang.

  • Arrival in Padang city, registration at your hotel choice

  • Dinner and evening in Padang

  • Preparation and briefing before a trip to meet the Mentawai tribe
     

Day 2 Padang – Siberut Island, Mentawais – Tribe stay

  • At 6:00 am, we will pick you up from your hotel in Padang.

  • At 7:00 am, we will take a fast ferry to Siberut Island.

  • Upon arrival in North Siberut (Pokkai), the ferry will make a one-hour stop ( the ferry will load and unload goods and passengers ). We will also have lunch and a break at a local restaurant during this time.

  • Upon arrival in South Siberut, we will take a minivan or a pickup to the transit village. We will arrive at our first transit village, prepare and load our belongings, and continue our trip by motorized canoe upriver.

  • Explore the Siberut Jungle River for about 1.5 hours until reaching our hike point (the second transit village).

  • Please arrive at our hiking and trekking point in the Mentawai family (1 hour).

  • Arrival at the traditional Mentawai house
     

Day 3, 4, and 5: Staying with a Mentawai family, participating in local activities, and exploring the jungle and remote villages.

  • During this trip, we will explore the jungle and experience the lifestyle of the Mentawai people.

  • Join us for family activities or participate in food preparation and gatherings in the jungle while we're present.

  • During our stay, we will traditionally live in the Mentawai community

  • Learn how to weave baskets, trays, and bags using rattan or leaves, commonly used by the Mentawai tribe to support their daily life in the jungle. This knowledge can be useful when making poison for the bow and arrows or experiencing jungle survival with the Mentawai tribe.

  • During our visit, we can participate in various activities with our host family and observe their way of life.

  • learn about medicinal plants and herbs

  • learn how the process of making traditional cloth from a particular bark tree

  • Scouting jungle areas for hunting

  • Food gathering in the jungle and fishing

  • Learn about the fundamental food of the Mentawai tribe, the Sago tree

Note: Our immersion trip does not follow a predetermined itinerary. As a traveler, you can stay with locals and experience the Mentawai community's way of life, providing a more authentic and immersive experience. This experience will enable you to understand the local culture better. If we are fortunate during our stay, we may have the chance to attend certain rituals.
 

Day 6: Departure from the isolated village of Siberut port and return to Padang.

  • After breakfast and goodbye to your host family, you will return to the river. A motorized canoe will take you to the government village, where you will be transferred to a local house in Mentawai. You can clean your belongings, take a local shower, enjoy a coffee break, and have lunch. You will depart from Siberut at 3:00 pm by fast ferry, and the estimated time is as follows.

  • Arrival time in Padang is 6:30 pm and transfer to your hotel/hostel for dinner and evening in Padang City.

Day 7 Flight from Padang to Medan and Bukit Lawang

  • Depart from Padang Airport to Medan City (1 hour)

  • Arrival in Medan City, transfer directly to Bukit Lawang, about 4 hours drive by car.

  • Arrival in Bukit Lawang, check in at our ecolodge chill, and enjoy jungle scenery all around.

  • Diner and evening ( briefing and preparation for Orangutan trekking )

  • ( it’s advisable to take afternoon, morning, and noon flights to Medan City )
     

Day 8 Orangutan jungle trekking - Jungle stay

  • After having breakfast at the guest house, we will trek through the dense jungle of Leuser National Park to observe orangutans, Thomas Leaf monkeys, black gibbons, lizards, siamangs, and Hornbills.

  • There will be a maximum of 3 hours of hiking before lunch.

  • Lunch will be provided during a brief stop in the jungle, where we will make a hut.

  • After lunch, we will continue hiking for another 1-2 hours.

  • Before sunset, we will build a cabin (overnight at camp) near a river where you can take a refreshing dip.

  • Night in the jungle
     

Day 9 Rainforest Hike – Bukit Lawang Village

  • After breakfast, we will continue the hike to see and observe more animals, flora, and fauna.

  • Jungle waterfall tour while taking a refreshing shower

  • Lunch will be provided in the jungle.

  • Return to our eco-lodge with tubbing. 

  • Arriving at our ecolodge

  • Dinner and evening
     

Day 10 Departure from Toba Lake to Medan Airport and flight to Banda Aceh

  • After breakfast, a transfer to Medan Airport (4 hours drive)

  • The flight from Medan to Banda Aceh is approximately one hour.

  • Upon arrival at Banda Aceh, transfer to the hotel near the Weh Island ferry port for a trip the following day.

  • Night In Banda Aceh

  • It’s advisable to take an afternoon flight from Medan to Banda Aceh
     

Day 11 Banda Aceh – Pulau Weh

  • 06h30 Breakfast

  • 07:00 Transfer to Uleelee Port for the ferry to Pulau Weh

  • Depart for Pulau Weh

  • 10.30 Upon our arrival at Sabang Port, we will proceed to the mesmerizing Iboih Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy shoreline, and breathtaking vistas. Nestled amidst the lush greenery and overlooking the panoramic ocean view, our seafront eco-lodge/bungalow awaits us to provide a comfortable and relaxing stay.
     

On days 12, 13, and 14, you will relax in Pulau Weh and explore the island.

  • Experience the beauty of Pulau Weh's beaches and participate in exciting activities such as snorkeling, swimming, diving, exploring the island on a scooter, trekking, and visiting waterfalls.

  • Relax, unwind, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Weh Island right in front of your bungalow.

  • Exploring the stunning Sumur Tiga and Gapang beaches and discovering the hidden gems of Aceh, Indonesia, including the magnificent 0 km landmark of Indonesia, was an inspiring and unforgettable experience.
     

Day 15 Pulau Weh – Banda Aceh

  • Departure from Pulau Weh Port at 06:00 AM

  • Departure for Banda Aceh at 08:30 AM via speed ferry

  • Check-in at the hotel upon arrival in Banda Aceh

  • Aceh city tour, including a visit to the Museum of Tsunami and the Grand Mosque of Aceh.

  • Night at the hotel in Banda Aceh.
     

On day 16, you will fly from Banda Aceh to your next destination, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur.

  • After having breakfast, proceed to the airport for your departing flight to your next destination. This marks the end of the trip.

Explore Sumatra

"A free, hassle-free adventure to discover the Mentawai tribe + Orangutans, + Pulau Weh."

Practical Information

  • To stay in the remote village located in the Mentawai jungle, you will need to be prepared to live in the same conditions as the local community. This includes sleeping on the floor with a mat and a mosquito net for protection during the night. Please note that the living arrangements are very basic, so you should be ready for a rustic experience.

  • In situations where poverty and isolation are prevalent, it is not always possible to guarantee the same level of comfort and cleanliness that one may be accustomed to in Western societies. However, when families graciously allow us to live and spend time with them, it is important to be able to tolerate any minor discomforts in order to fully enjoy the overall experience.

  • The Mentawai traditional communities reside in remote areas within the jungle forest. It's not easy to access these communities, and the trek conditions include a significant amount of muddy terrain, with slippery and uneven ground. At times, you'll have to walk on logs on the muddy ground, which the Mentawai make and use as a bridge to access further routes.

  • We would like to kindly remind you that the Mentawai jungle does not have access to electricity. Therefore, it would be wise to make sure your camera and phone are fully charged before embarking on this memorable journey. It's important to note that the conditions during this trip may be challenging at times and may require a certain level of physical endurance. Please don't worry though, because with proper preparation, you will be able to enjoy this experience to the fullest.

  • "Good mental preparation and great adaptability are crucial for this trip. It's important to be well-informed about the culture and ways of life in Mentawai and the jungle before departure. The guide will provide a brief explanation about this before we start our trip."

  • It is important to show respect towards the culture of every local community. This includes respecting their local wisdom, laws, way of living, dress (particularly for the Mentawai), upbringing methods, different life perspectives, and views of the world and local environment.

  • Sumatra has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather year-round. The driest time is from May to September, with sporadic rains. November to January sees abundant rainfall. Siberut Island averages 30°C, so be prepared for the hot, humid conditions.

Things good to know during Orangutan trekking

  • When visiting Gunung Leuser National Park, it's important to keep in mind some wildlife viewing and safety information. Orangutans are known to spend most of their time in the forest canopy and don't usually come into contact with humans. However, ex-captive orangutans in Bukit Lawang may walk on the ground and might come into close contact with humans. Unfortunately, some of their behaviors, as well as the behavior of human visitors, can make them sick.

  • Due to their genetic similarity to humans (97%), orangutans are at risk of contracting many of the same diseases that we can. When humans come into contact with orangutans, they can unknowingly spread diseases through coughing, sneezing, and even spitting. This can result in the spread of diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and influenza among the orangutan population. Additionally, many diseases such as shigella, hepatitis A, herpes, scabies, and worms are carried in human feces. When orangutans come into contact with contaminated feces, they can become infected with these diseases. It is important to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to protect both humans and Orangutans.

Things to carry during Orangutan trekking ​

  • Please bring adventure equipment you will survive in the Sumatra rainforest such as :

  • Trekking shoes will be muddy and wet

  • Small backpack (we can leave some stuff at the previous place we stayed in (hotel/hostel)

  • Long trousers, long sleeves, t-shirt, fresh underwear (there will be sweating going on)

  • Rain clothes 

  • We recommend bringing a dry bag/pocket (waterproof) to protect your camera and any other important documents and equipment you need to take care of

  •  A sleeping bag, mosquito repellent, high protection sunscreen, a headlamp, toilet paper, a sun hat/cap, sunglasses, a water bottle, flip flop

  • First aid such as paracetamol, painkillers, anti-diarrhea, disinfectant, and all other medication you would usually take

  • Do not overpack! Keep it simple

Insurance

We strongly advise that you take responsibility for your travel insurance before or immediately after booking your trip with us. It is imperative that you bring all relevant documents and information with you on the trip. It is highly recommended that you obtain vaccinations before traveling to Indonesia.

In addition to the comprehensive information that you have already received on what to bring and not to bring, we would like to inquire further about any allergies, dietary restrictions, or health issues, such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, or heart disease, that you may have.

We thank you for choosing our services, and we eagerly anticipate hosting you.

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