Mentawai Islands route: 6 places across West Sumatra
This interactive route covers the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia, featuring six key locations: Mentawai Islands, Siberut Island, Sipora Island, North Pagai Island, South Pagai Island, and the Mentawai Tribe Settlement. The map traces the archipelago's main islands and indigenous community areas off the coast of West Sumatra.
- Distance
- 489.1 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Mentawai Islands
- End
- Mentawai Tribe Settlement
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Mentawai Islands — Indigenous tribal islands off the coast of West Sumatra.
- Siberut Island — Largest of the Mentawai Islands, home to Mentawai tribes.
- Sipora Island — Second largest Mentawai Island with tribal communities.
- North Pagai Island — Northern island of the Mentawai archipelago.
- South Pagai Island — Southern island of the Mentawai archipelago.
- Mentawai Tribe Settlement — Traditional longhouse community of the Mentawai people.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Ferry from West Sumatra to Mentawai Islands operates only twice per week. Plan accordingly and book in advance.
- Where to stay
- To stay with the Mentawai tribe, contact guide Éru at +62 812-6151-3662 (guide Sarul available).
- Transport
- Expect 2+ hours of motorized canoe travel upriver after arriving on Siberut Island, potentially getting stuck in mud during low water.
- Transport
- Plan for a 2-hour jungle trek after canoe ride to reach tribe settlements. Bring headlamps as you may arrive after sunset.
- Avoid
- Avoid traveling during wet/muddy season if possible. Jungle paths become extremely difficult to navigate with mud.
- Tip
- Bring insect repellent and mosquito nets. GoFundMe mentioned mosquito nets as essential community need, indicating mosquitoes are significant.
- Timing
- Plan for 4+ days minimum to experience living with a Mentawai family and participate in daily activities like fishing, foraging, and crafts.
- Tip
- Be prepared for challenging, immersive travel. This is not a vacation—expect physical demands like jungle hikes and muddy conditions.
- Food
- Try local foods like sagu (roasted in leaves) and durian. Community will prepare meals during your stay.
- Tip
- Fishing in the community is conducted by women. Evening fishing trips use traditional poison methods requiring special knowledge.
Video on this route
96 HOURS LIVING with an ISLAND TRIBE (hidden Indonesia)