Sumatra: immersed with the Flower Men of Siberut
Authentic sharing with the last tattooed guardians of the primary forest
Duration
10 days
From
€975/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
The Mentawai peoples who live in the eponymous islands west of Sumatra are better known by the name "Flower Men," as the notion of beauty is essential in their culture. This culture also pays attention to the spirits of the forest that the indigenous people venerate and fear alike. They practice hunting, fishing and livestock farming to feed themselves, but the Flower Men are especially known for their tattoos, often covering them from head to toe. They decorate their skin in order to preserve their soul and prevent it from detaching from the body. Tattooing is also a means of identifying each individual and protecting them, like armor. The particularity of the Flower Men is that they live in a collective house on stilts, called an "uma."
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Sumatra
From Aéroport
Welcome by your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel, located in the city center.
Welcome to Siberut
Early in the morning, you join the port of Padang and board a speed-boat heading to the island of Siberut.
The boat stops in Sikabaluan around noon for lunch break, and departs again at 1pm. Arrival in Maileppet around 2pm.
Welcome from your guide, who takes you to his village. This is an opportunity for first meetings, while he carries out the purchases and necessary procedures for the smooth running of your stay.
Then, from the village of Rokdok, a motorized canoe takes you to the Buttui region (1h30), where you start your trek (1h) through the jungle to reach the "uma" (traditional long-house) where you will share the life of the flower men. This is the time to get your bearings with your host family.
In Immersion with the Flower Men
For six days, you will follow and share the daily life of the Mentawais.
You will in particular observe and participate in the preparation of sago, their staple food; you will also search for Sago grubs, you will observe the making of traditional loincloths called "kabit", not forgetting the preparation of poison for their poisoned arrows.
You will go fishing in the river with the women of the clan, or take walks in the forest, in search of fruits or neighboring "uma".
The evenings will also be privileged moments to share with the shamans (or "Sikerei") of the clan and get to know the family better. However, we cannot guarantee the organization of a shamanic ceremony or a hunting trip, as these events are rare.
In any case, you will have the opportunity to meet another family, which lives 1 hour walk away: Aman Ipai.
Return to civilization
Boat
After a difficult goodbye, you resume, on foot and by canoe (4h), the journey to Muntai, where the fast-boat for Padang awaits you
Arrival in Padang around 18-19h and transfer to your hotel
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
- International and domestic flights to Padang
- Possible visas and airport taxes
- Travel Insurance & Assistance
- Meals in Padang
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything not mentioned in "Included"
Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Team of porters
- Land and sea transfers
- Accommodation in B&B in Padang
- Full-board accommodation in Siberut
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above
- Site entries, trekking permits & donations
- Liability insurance
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
