Surving to Mentawai

Located on off the coast of Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, Mentawai consists of about seventy islands, the major islands are : Siberut (the largest), Sipora, South Pagai and NorthPagai. The difficulties in communication and transportation make the island of Siberut is isolated.

Explore the jungle in the heart into the heart of the Siberut Island in the western part off West Sumatra's coast, to meet the indigenous people of the Mentawai who live close to nature and still live in comparative isolation, maintaining their age-old ways. It's virgin rainforest, inhabited by a number of animal species not found anywhere else in the world, among them some rare monkey species, pleasant surprises await you to explore.

You will be rewarded with stunning views and beautiful jungles abounding with unique plant and wildlife. The real highlight of your journey though, is the chance to meet the people of Siberut, traditionally hunter, gatherer clans who are now coming into contact with the modern world.

They believe that all living objects, men, plants and animals are supposed to have spirits. The only specialist in the community is the medicine man, KEREI, responsible for communication with the spirits and the souls. In case of misfortune or illness, he is called in to restore harmony within the group or in relation with the spirits in the environment. An elaborate Taboo system based on religious beliefs with respect to the environment is a dominant characteristic of traditional life on Siberut.

You will stay as guests of a local Kerei (medicine -man) in the Uma (traditional family house). Here, where conditions are basic, you will gain a unique insight into the lives of these people who maintain a belief system based on living in total harmony with nature.

Visit and stay in a Mentawaian village, trek to the jungle, learn about sago processing and bark cloth processing, and do other activities that will heighten your interest in and fascination with the natural philosophy of the Mentawaians.