Siberut: The Shamans of the Night
At the heart of Siberut, a rare initiation with the last Mentawai shamans in the sacred forest.
Duration
15 days
From
€6,495/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe, Couple
The spirit of travel
« EPHEMERAL » CIRCUIT LED BY THIERRY ROBINET
Thierry Robinet invites you to an original encounter with a very little-known and endearing people. A social system based on forest resources and what it provides on a daily basis. But the land of the "Flower-Men", is also a fantastic osmosis between ancestors and the living, when in the evening, the "Shamans" call out in incantations to the ancients, those who departed long ago into the afterlife, to return to the clan house, the Uma.
Thierry Robinet will then introduce you to certain ceremony masters such as AMAN IPAI, AMAN IKBUK and MACINDEREI, three "flower-men shamans" who will lead you into their world of trance and ritual dances, for the span of a night. You will also follow the women in their daily life and in the surrounding gardens.
As for the return to the southern beaches, on the island of Masilok, it will be a feast for the eyes and a promise of abundant fishing with those accompanying you.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to West Sumatra!
Arrival in Jakarta and connecting flight to Padang.
Citilink / Jakarta – Padang / 1200-1340.
Mentawai Islands
Early morning transfer to Padang port, where you board a speed-boat heading to the Mentawai Islands. At Muara Siberut, you are welcomed by Yohan, your local coordinator, who takes you to a small inn. The rest of the day (by the seaside) is free while Thierry & Yohan prepare the travel logistics.
First Encounters
Departure by "pongpong" (small motorized longboat with long tail) towards the village of Buttui, following the meanders of the Rogdog river.
During the journey through the forest and a few villages, you will spot monitors or small crocodiles basking on the banks, birds and perhaps a huge python asleep on the branches, above the river.
Arrival in Buttui in the afternoon. Settlement in the Uma (traditional longhouse) of Aman Ipai, the newly appointed Sikkerei, and now Shaman. Dinner and overnight stay in the traditional house with the family and its guests.
Shamans of the Night
You will spend 4 full days in the company of the forest people. You will follow the women foraging for food in the gardens, fishing in the river, preparing local food in the Uma, etc. With the men, you will prepare the poison for hunting arrows (use of strychnine, which is the sap of the strychnos tree), sacrifice a chicken and read its entrails to know if the coming days will be positive, if the ancestors will return home, if the guests are welcome, and if food will be abundant. You will share with your hosts the communal meals, greatly improved by your team of cooks.
The Mentawai speak to trees, plants and animals. Macinderei, another legendary Shaman, officiates as medicine man if there is a sick person. You follow the men for the preparation of sago, the basis of all local food: cutting the sago palm, flour extraction, collection of sago grubs, etc.
Back at the Uma, Aman Ipai the Shaman adds a tattoo to his body as a sign of protection for the days to come. The great ceremony is for tomorrow, and one must be worthy before the ancestors who will return, for a day and a night, in the Uma. Several Sikkerei arrive early in the morning at the Uma, invited for the ceremony of enthronement of a new Shaman. They did not need to be asked twice to collaborate in the birth of a new master of ceremony, through dance, song, the rhythm of body and feet striking in cadence the wooden floor. These Shamans have become, for a few hours, the messengers of heaven and nature to whom they speak, and who bring all their knowledge for the protection of the small community.
Food is abundant too. Their wives speak loudly to show their status as wives of chiefs, whether they are Sararrakeit, Sakkudei or Saige Oni. Different clans but all brothers today. One or more pigs are sacrificed, a few chickens will meet the same fate, and everyone will comment.
As evening comes, like a powerful call from the forest, the Shamans will enter into the dance to the sound of gongs, communicate in a language of their own, and reach an ecstatic state through trance. Wonderful days in contact with these extraordinary beings, the "flower-men", considered as the last guardians of the forest.
In the Heart of the Jungle
Long day of hiking between traditional crop fields, sago palms and jungle heading towards Majongaik, a traditional hunting ground of Aman Ipai. Camp setup, made of wood and a palm roof to protect from possible night rain.
This day is a sharing of traditional life with the people of the forest. You will pick young fern shoots for dinner, go with the Sikkerei to search for medicinal plants for healing possible sick people at the Uma, a knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
Hiking 6h
Wild boar hunting
A day in the forest in the company of your hosts, hunting with bow and spear to flush out a wild boar or an endemic monkey on the island of Siberut. The route can be more or less long and patience will be required.
Others will trap fish and crustaceans in the river close to the camp. A very instructive day.
Hiking 4h
Towards the east coast
Hiking through the jungle to reach the small village of Toribuk on the east coast of Siberut.
The walking paths on the island are not always well marked, especially when passing through the heart of sago palm territory.
Mud and brackish water up to mid-calf (it is advisable to be equipped with gaiters). 5-hour hike
Towards Paradise
On foot, you reach the hamlet of Salappak, where you board a "pongpong" heading south. After a stop at Muara Sibeirut (to pick up fishing equipment… and fresh beer), continue to Masilok island by motorized canoe.
Settlement in a charming little lodge, nestled under coconut trees and facing a beach with desperately white sand, and turquoise waters. On a beach stretching several kilometers, you are alone in the world.
Seafood barbecue in the evening: very good grilled fish, squid, prawns, etc. Hiking 1h30
Rest in paradise
Rest day. Possibility of fishing, snorkeling with mask and snorkel (to bring personally if needed), walking through the mangrove or simply swimming. A day to be "Robinsons".
In the evening, a big fire and prepared for dinner with your fish caught during the day.
Minang Country
Day visit to the Minang region around its capital, Bukittinggi. Numerous stops along the way: the volcanic Lake Singkarak, the royal house of Pagaruyung, the cattle market of Batusangkar where the buffalo is king, rice terraces stacked beneath Mount Marapi volcano (2,911m), still very active, etc.
Land of the "victorious buffalo", the Minangkabau region is subject to a matriarchal system. The wife owns the land, livestock, and house. Although the Minangkabau are Muslim, the tradition has endured for generations.
Check-in at the end of the day at the Grand Rocky hotel, ideally located in the city center.
See you very soon in Sumatra!
Morning visit to Bukittinggi: its very lively market, its superb traditional Minang house which serves as a museum, the Syanok canyon and its Benteng fort, a relic of the former Dutch colonizer. Mid-morning transfer to Padang airport for your return flight to France, via Jakarta.
Citilink / Padang – Jakarta / 1410-1550
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Possible visas and airport taxes
- Insurance and travel assistance
- Alcoholic Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- Domestic flights Jakarta-Padang round trip
- Supervision by Thierry Robinet, French explorer
- Full board accommodation in Mentawai
- Accommodation with half board in Padang & Bukittinggi
- Land transfers in private and air-conditioned vehicles
- Maritime transfers by speed-boat
- Motorized canoe river transfers
- Site entrances, trek permits & donations
- Mineral water and energy supplement
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sumatra
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
