Sumatra: immersion among the Flower People of Siberut - Azimuth Adventure Travel Ltd
Adventure

Sumatra: immersion among the Flower People of Siberut

The Mentawai people who live on the eponymous islands to the west of Sumatra are better known as the 'Flower People', because the notion of beauty is essential to their culture. This culture also pays attention to the spirits of the forest, which the locals both venerate and fear. They hunt, fish and raise livestock for food, but the Flower People are best known for their tattoos, often from head to toe. They decorate their skin to preserve their soul and prevent it from detaching from their bod...

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Day 1Welcome to Sumatra

Day 1Welcome to Sumatra

  • Welcome by your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel, located in the city centre.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: D’Oxville Hotel

Siberut

Day 2Welcome to Siberut

Day 2Welcome to Siberut

  • In the early morning, you reach the port of Padang and board a speedboat bound for the island of Siberut. The boat transits to Sikabaluan around midday for a lunch break, and leaves again around 1pm. Arrival in Maileppet at around 2pm. Your guide will welcome you and take you to his village. This is an opportunity to meet people for the first time, while he makes the purchases and takes the necessary steps to ensure your stay runs smoothly.

  • Then, from the village of Rokdok, a motorised pirogue will take you to the Buttui region (1h30), where you will begin your trek (1h) through the jungle to the "uma" (traditional long-house) where you will share the life of the flower-men. This is the time to settle in with your host family.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: D’Oxville Hotel

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Long house

Siberut

Day 3-5Immersed among the Flower Men

Day 3-5Immersed among the Flower Men

  • For three days, you will follow and share in the daily life of the Mentawais. In particular, you will observe and take part in the preparation of sago, their staple food; you will also look for sago worms, observe the making of traditional loincloths known as "kabit", not forgetting the preparation of poison for their poisoned arrows. You'll fish in the river with the women of the clan, or go for walks in the forest, looking for fruit or nearby 'uma'. The evenings will also be a special time for sharing with the clan's shamans (or 'Sikerei') and getting to know the family better. However, we cannot guarantee that a shamanic ceremony or hunting party will be organised, as these events are rare. In any case, you will have the opportunity to meet another family, who live an hour's walk away: Aman Ipai.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Long House

Siberut

Day 6Return to civilisation

Day 6Return to civilisation

  • After a fond farewell, you head back to Muntai on foot and by canoe (4 hrs), where the fast-boat to Padang awaits. Arrive in Padang around 6-7pm and transfer to your hotel.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: D’Oxville Hotel

Day 7See you soon in Sumatra

Day 7See you soon in Sumatra

  • Free time until transfer to the airport.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: D’Oxville Hotel

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