After breakfast, enjoy a cultural immersion by visiting several traditional villages around Bukittinggi. Here, you will witness authentic daily farming activities such as rice planting in the paddies, farmers working the fields with This hands-on experience offers a deeper understanding of Minangkabau rural life. During the visit, you will also be treated to a local snack, such as fried tapioca or fried banana, freshly prepared in a villager’s home.
Accommodation: Santika Hotel Bukittinggi or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast
18 DAYS/19 NIGHTS THE NATURE OF SUMATRA AND MENTAWAI TRIBE DISCOVERY
7 photos
Duration
18 Days
Pickup
Aiport
Max People
-
Min Age
2+
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure through Sumatra and the remote Mentawai Islands, where ancient traditions and breathtaking natural beauty await. This journey is perfect for travelers seeking a deep cultural immersion and a taste of Indonesia’s untouched wilderness.
Overview Sumatra And Mentawai Tribe Discovery
Sumatra is the wild west of Indonesia and a fascinating place to visit. Steamy rainforest, swamping plains and active volcanoes make up this island, which is the 6th largest in the world and the largest in Indonesia. You are guaranteed an adventure here, with hiking, surfing, climbing, wildlife experiences, and jungle treks on offer. Ten national parks boast an impressive array of endemic species, including the Sumatran tiger, orangutan, rhino and elephant. Sumatra is the only place in the world where these endangered animals coexist. You’ll find the people are just as diverse as the wildlife and land, with Muslims, Batak Christians and up to 52 ethnic minority groups living on the island, each with unique and fascinating traditions, clothing and lifestyles.
Discover a unique Mentawai tribe, live in the forest in harmony with nature. They believe that everything has a spirit and have the oldest tattoos in the world.
Let’s meet the last shamans of Siberut and share with them a piece of their life, in respect and tolerance.
With them, you will discover their unique way of life and you will take part of their daily activities such the preparation of the sagou, their main food, fishing in the river or making loin clothes. Meeting the Mentawai is a wonderful highly positive experience and the possibility to share a lot together.
Highlights Sumatra And Mentawai Tribe Discovery
- Explore the vibrant city of Padang before heading into the wild
- Trek through lush rainforests in Bukit Barisan to discover Sumatra’s rich biodiversity
- Experience the unique culture of the Mentawai Tribe, one of the world’s last indigenous groups still practicing ancient traditions
- Witness traditional Mentawai tattooing, shamanic rituals, and daily tribal life
- Enjoy scenic boat rides through remote islands and pristine beaches
- Immerse yourself in local cuisine and traditional hunting or fishing methods
- Engage with the warm and welcoming Mentawai people in their traditional longhouses
Location Map
18 Days The Nature of Sumatra And Mentawai Tribe Discovery
Tour Itinerary
DAY 01 (Thursday): ARRIVAL IN MEDAN
Welcome to Sumatra! Upon arrival at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, you will be warmly greeted by your personal tour guide. A comfortable private transfer will take you to your hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to relax at the hotel, enjoy the facilities, or take a leisurely stroll to get your first impression of Medan, one of Indonesia’s most vibrant and diverse cities.
Accommodation: Emerald Garden Hotel / Le Polonia Hotel or similar hotel
Meals: None
DAY 02 (Friday): MEDAN CITY TOUR – JOURNEY TO TANGKAHAN
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided city tour of Medan, a bustling metropolis where colonial, Malay, Chinese, and modern influences blend. Highlights include:
- A Chinese temple, reflecting the strong cultural presence of the Chinese community.
- The magnificent Great Mosque (Masjid Raya), one of Medan’s most important religious landmarks.
- The Sultan’s Palace of Deli (Maimun Palace), with its grand architecture blending Malay, Moghul, and Italian styles.
Afterwards, leave the city behind and begin the scenic drive to Tangkahan, often referred to as the “hidden paradise” of Sumatra. The route passes through Stabat and Batang Serangan, offering picturesque landscapes of countryside, rubber plantations, and small villages.
Arrive in Tangkahan in the afternoon and check into a simple but welcoming jungle lodge surrounded by pristine rainforest. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remote eco-destination.
Accommodation: Mega Inn or similar accommodation
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 03 (Saturday): ELEPHANT WASHING & RIVER SAFARI IN TANGKAHAN
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle before heading out on today’s extraordinary adventure. A short walk takes you to the Tangkahan Elephant Camp, where you will meet the mahouts (elephant keepers). Here, you can:
- Participate in the morning bathing ritual, joining the mahouts in washing the elephants in the river.
- Help with feeding the elephants, learning more about their daily care and habits.
- After this heartwarming experience, continue with a river tubing safari. Float gently downstream on inner tubes, surrounded by dense jungle and serenaded by the calls of tropical birds. Midway, stop at a waterfall to swim, take a refreshing “jungle shower,” sunbathe on the rocks, or simply relax. A Picnic lunch will be served on the riverbank. You may also choose to visit nearby
natural hot springs for a rejuvenating dip.
In the afternoon, return by foot through a local village, where you will have the chance to interact with villagers and observe their daily routines, before heading back to your lodge.
*Optional: Instead of the elephant program, enjoy a 3-hour guided trek through Tangkahan’s lush rainforest. Spot fascinating flora and fauna, including Thomas leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, gibbons, and a variety of tropical plants.
(Note: Elephant activities are not available on Fridays or during Idul Fitri holidays)
Accommodation: Mega Inn Lodge or similar lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic lunch
DAY 04 (Sunday): TANGKAHAN – BUKIT LAWANG BY JEEP ADVENTURE
This morning, bid farewell to Tangkahan and embark on an adventurous overland journey to Bukit Lawang, traveling by rugged 4×4 jeep. The ride takes you through plantations, dense jungle trails, and remote villages, offering a glimpse of everyday rural life in Sumatra. Stops will be made along the way at:
- A local plantation, to see the crops that sustain the region.
- A village school, where you can observe the lives of local children.
- The exterior of a palm-oil factory, a major industry in Sumatra. (it’s outside only)
- Scenic viewpoints to admire the natural landscape and capture photographs.
By late afternoon, arrive in Bukit Lawang, the gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the last strongholds of the endangered orangutan. Check into your riverside accommodation, where the rushing sound of the Bahorok River and the jungle atmosphere create a magical backdrop for your stay.
Accommodation: Ecolodge Bukit Lawang Cottage / Rindu Alam Hotel / Wisma Sibayak or similar accommodation
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 05 (Monday): JUNGLE TREKKING IN GUNUNG LEUSER NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, set out on a guided jungle trek deep into the Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the richest ecosystems in the world. Trek for about 3 hours through dense rainforest, keeping an eye out for:
- Semi-wild orangutans swinging gracefully through the trees.
- Other primates such as Thomas leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, gibbons, and black gibbons.
- Exotic bird species, tropical butterflies, and fascinating flora.
Your knowledgeable guide will explain the ecology of the rainforest, medicinal plants, and the importance of conservation in this UNESCO-listed ecosystem. After the trek, return to your lodge for a leisurely afternoon. You may relax by the river, explore nearby villages, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Accommodation: Ecolodge Bukit Lawang Cottage / Rindu Alam Hotel / Wisma Sibayak or similar accommodation
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 06 (Tuesday): BUKIT LAWANG – BERASTAGI
This morning, travel from Bukit Lawang to the highland town of Berastagi, famous for its cool climate, fruit plantations, and views of surrounding volcanoes. The scenic route passes through villages such as Namu Ukur, Rumah Galuh, and Simpang Kuta Buluh, and offers dramatic views of Mount Sinabung, an active volcano. Upon arrival in Berastagi, visit the following highlights:
- Lhumbini Park, featuring a golden replica of Myanmar’s famous Shwedagon Pagoda.
- The lively fruit and flower market, bursting with colorful produce and tropical flowers.
- Gundaling Hill, a viewpoint offering spectacular panoramas of Mt. Sibayak and Mt. Sinabung.
Later, check into your highland hotel and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Accommodation: Mikie Holiday Resort / Sibayak International Hotel or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 07 (Wednesday): BERASTAGI – SAMOSIR ISLAND, LAKE TOBA
After breakfast depart for the legendary Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake, with an island the size of Singapore at its center. The journey includes several fascinating stops:
- Dokan Village (a traditional Batak Karo settlement with distinctive wooden houses)
- Sipisopiso Waterfall (plunging dramatically from a height of 90 meters into a gorge, with sweeping views over Lake Toba)
- Tele Viewpoint (offering a panoramic perspective of the lake from its western side)
- Efrata Waterfall (another beautiful cascade nestled in the hills)
- Lumban Suhi-suhi (where you can observe women weaving colorful traditional ulos textile)
By mid-afternoon, arrive in Tuk-Tuk on Samosir Island, set in the heart of Lake Toba, and check into your lakeside hotel.
Accommodation: Tabo Cottages / Toledo Inn / Samosir Villa Resort
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 08 (Thursday): FULL-DAY EXCURSION ON SAMOSIR ISLAND
Spend a full day exploring the cultural treasures and natural beauty of Samosir Island by car:
- Ambarita Village, where ancient stone chairs and execution tables of the Batak tribal chieftains can still be seen.
Tomok Village, where you can view the centuries-old stone sarcophagi of the Sidabutar kings and learn about Batak burial traditions.
In the afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy the tranquil lakeside atmosphere. You may take a stroll along the shore, interact with locals, or relax by the water.
Accommodation: Tabo Cottages / Toledo Inn / Samosir Villa Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 09 (Friday): SAMOSIR ISLAND – PADANG SIDEMPUAN
After breakfast, cross by ferry back to Parapat and continue the overland drive southward to Padang Sidempuan. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops at:
- Plantations of pineapple, clove, and coffee garden, where the air is filled with natural aromas.
- Balige traditional market, a lively spot showcasing local produce and crafts.
- Sipoholon hot springs, with steaming pools set amidst volcanic landscapes.
Before reaching Padang Sidempuan, take a short walk along the Sarulla River, bordered by terraced rice fields, offering one of Sumatra’s most picturesque rural views. On arrival, check into your hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Mega Permata Hotel or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 (Saturday): PADANG SIDEMPUAN – BUKITTINGGI
After breakfast, continue the journey to Bukittinggi, a charming town in the Minangkabau Highlands. The road passes through the lush Rimba Panti tropical rainforest, home to unique flora and fauna. Along the way, visit plantations of pepper, vanilla, cardamom, and cinnamon, learning about the spices that have made Sumatra famous. A special moment awaits at Bonjol village, where you will cross the equator line, a unique photo opportunity. Arrive in Bukittinggi in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.
Accommodation: Santika Hotel Bukittinggi or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 (Sunday) : BUKITTINGGI – EXPLORE LOCAL PEOPLE LIFE
Day 12 (Monday) : Bukittinggi –Heart of the Minangkabau Kingdom – Padang
Today’s tour reveals the fascinating heritage of the Minangkabau people, renowned for their matrilineal society and unique pointed-roof architecture. Highlights include:
- A scenic drive to Batusangkar via Tabek Patah, with a stop at Rao-Rao village to see a traditional settlement.
- A visit to a traditional coffee milling site, where coffee is still processed using old techniques.
- Pagaruyung Palace, an impressive replica of the royal palace of the Minangkabau Kingdom, richly decorated with carvings.
- A stop at Pandai Sikek, a village known for its exquisite hand-woven songket textiles and fine woodcarvings.
Arrival in Padang in the afternoon. You will visit the market to purchase all necessary items for the journey to Mentawai / Siberut Island, such as rubber boots, gifts for the Mentawai tribe, and other essentials.
Accommodation: D’Oxville Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 (Tuesday) : PADANG – SIBERUT – BAT OBAY / BAT ROROGOT
After an early breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Padang harbor. Here you will board the fast boat departing at 07:00 AM for Muara Siberut. The journey takes approximately 6 hours, with a short stop at Sikabaluan before continuing on to Siberut.
Upon arrival around 01:00 PM, you will meet your local guide and complete the necessary permits with the local authorities. Afterwards, board a traditional motorized canoe and travel along winding jungle rivers surrounded by dense tropical forest. This canoe journey takes you deeper into Mentawai territory, offering your first glimpse of the island’s wild beauty and remote lifestyle.
By late afternoon you will arrive at Bat Obay or Bat Rorogot, two remote villages where you will be warmly welcomed by the Mentawai families. Settle into a traditional wooden longhouse, enjoy a local dinner, and spend the evening getting acquainted with your hosts.
Overnight in Bat Obay / Bat Rorogot – traditional Mentawai house
Meals : Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 (Wednesday) : EXPLORING BAT OBAY / ROROGOT – TRANSFER TO BUTUI
Wake up to the sounds of the forest and enjoy a refreshing bath in the river, the traditional way of starting the day for the Mentawai people. After breakfast, you will spend the morning observing and participating in the villagers’ daily activities. These may include weaving loincloths from tree bark, fishing in the river, or learning about their unique tattooing tradition, which represents family
identity and spiritual beliefs.
In the afternoon, continue your journey by motorized canoe deeper into the forest. The trip to Butui village takes around 3–4 hours through winding rivers lined with towering trees and occasional glimpses of exotic birds. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed into a traditional Uma, the communal longhouse of the Mentawai tribe, and settle in for the night.
Overnight in Butui – traditional Uma house
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 (Thursday) : CULTURAL IMMERSION IN BUTUI
After breakfast, immerse yourself in the ancient traditions of the Mentawai. Begin by learning how the tribesmen craft poison-tipped arrows used for hunting in the forest. Accompany them on a short jungle hunt to see their skills in action and discover how closely their lives are tied to the forest. Later, observe the process of sago preparation, the staple food of the Mentawai. You will see how
they harvest sago palms, extract the starch, and search for protein-rich sago worms, which are considered a delicacy. You will also learn about their knowledge of herbal medicine, made from forest plants and passed down through generations.
In the evening, you may enjoy an optional traditional Mentawai dance performance or even take part in a pig feast, a ceremonial celebration that brings the community together. These activities offer rare insight into the spiritual and social life of the Mentawai people.
Overnight in Butui – traditional Uma house
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 (Friday) : BUTUI – KULUKUBUK WATERFALL – MUNTEI
After breakfast, spend a final morning in Butui, joining your hosts in their daily routines. Then board a motorized canoe and travel downriver towards Muntei village. Along the way, make a stop at Kulukubuk Waterfall, hidden within the forest. Here you can swim in the cool, clear pool or simply relax surrounded by nature before continuing your journey.
By afternoon, arrive at Muntei, another Mentawai settlement. Depending on arrangements, you will stay in a traditional house or a simple guesthouse. This evening provides another chance to connect with the community and reflect on your experiences so far.
Overnight in Muntei – traditional house or guesthouse
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 (Saturday) : MUNTEI – MUARA SIBERUT – PADANG
After breakfast, enjoy some free time to walk around Muntei village, meet the locals, or take photos of the traditional houses and daily life. Around midday, return by canoe to Muara Siberut to board the afternoon fast ferry back to Padang.
Arrive in Padang by early evening and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: D’Oxville Hotel or similar
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18 (Sunday) : Hotel – Airport / Transfer
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