Overview
Discover the rhythm of river life with the Mentawai River Life experience—an authentic cultural journey along the lush waterways of Siberut Island. Over 5 days and 4 nights, immerse yourself in the daily lives of the Mentawai people by staying in traditional uma houses by the riverbank, participating in their daily activities, and learning their ancestral knowledge. Surrounded by serene rainforest and slow-flowing rivers, this trip is ideal for travelers seeking deep connection with nature and culture—without strenuous trekking.
Tour Info
- Place Covered: Siberut Island – Mentawai
- Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights
- Start Point: Padang Harbor (Fast Ferry Terminal)
- End Point: Padang Harbor
Tour Highlights
- Explore daily life along the Siberut riverbanks with local Mentawai families
- Stay in riverside traditional longhouses (uma)
- Learn sago harvesting, river fishing, and local cooking methods
- Witness Mentawai tattoo art and participate in cultural demonstrations
- Enjoy peaceful canoe rides and relaxing river moments surrounded by rainforest
More About the Mentawai River Life
- Suitable for families, slow travelers, and culture lovers
- No intense trekking—moderate walking and river access only
- Includes cultural guide and all local transport (motor canoe)
- Basic facilities with no mobile signal or modern luxuries
- Ferry ticket from Padang to Siberut not included
- Pricing depends on group size and travel date – contact us for details
Itinerary
- Depart from Padang via fast ferry to Muara Siberut.
- Meet your local guide and transfer by river canoe to a Mentawai river village (approx. 2 hours).
- Arrive and settle into a traditional Mentawai house by the river.
- Welcome tea and introductory walk around the community.
- Join your Mentawai hosts in daily activities: fishing, food gathering, and river bathing.
- Help process sago (the local staple food) using traditional tools.
- Participate in a cooking session with your host family.
- Evening storytelling and rest by the fire inside the Uma (traditional home).
- Try your hand at making traditional handicrafts using jungle materials.
- Learn about natural dyes and traditional tattoo patterns (optional observation).
- Collect and identify useful plants with guidance from a local shaman (Sikerei).
- Take a sunset paddle along the river (if weather allows).
- Enjoy a slow morning with free time to relax or swim in the river.
- Spend time with village children or observe daily chores and skills.
- Farewell dinner prepared by the host family with traditional foods.
- Say goodbye to your hosts and depart via river canoe.
- Transfer to Muara Siberut and board fast ferry back to Padang.
- Tour ends. Optional transfer to hotel or airport available.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusion
- 4 nights stay in Mentawai riverside Uma (traditional longhouse)
- All meals provided during the stay (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Local Mentawai guide and translator throughout the trip
- Hands-on experience with traditional river life and culture
- River transportation using local canoe or boat
- Permit fees and contributions to the Mentawai community
Exclusion
- Ferry transport from Padang to Mentawai (Mentawai Fast)
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Porter service for individual belongings (available with extra charge)
- Meals and accommodation in Padang before/after the trip
Tour Policy
Confirmation Policy:
Guests will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours after booking.
If selected dates are unavailable, we will offer an alternative date or full refund based on guest preference.
Booking will only be considered confirmed after full payment is received.
Cancellation Policy:
- More than 30 days before departure: Full refund (excluding bank transfer or admin fee)
- 15 - 30 days before departure: 50% refund
- 7 - 14 days before departure: 25% refund
- Less than 7 days before departure: No refund
- Non-refundable components: Mentawai Fast ferry tickets and permits are non-refundable once issued
All prices are in Indonesian Rupiah and may change without prior notice.
Any fees related to payment gateway or transfer will be borne by the customer.
Refund Policy:
Eligible refunds will be processed within 7-10 business days after cancellation confirmation.
Refunds will be made through the same payment method used at the time of booking.