Travel Guide Île De Siberut

This island is the most famous of the Mentawai Islands, located 100 km off the coast. Access is from Padang. The archipelago is home to some 30,000 Mentawais. Siberut measures 86 km from north to south. It is home to the "Flower Men". During ceremonies, the Mentawais cover themselves with flowers and plants, so that their bodies look beautiful and their minds don't want to wander. They embellish their bodies with full tattoos, and some even sharpen their teeth. Mentawai culture is all about balancing the spirits of the afterlife, the human world and the underworld. Every new event likely to upset a spirit, such as work on the family home (Uma), must be followed by a ceremony. Sadly, however, this tradition seems destined to disappear. Things are changing fast. Long reclusive and isolated by coral reefs and difficult sailing conditions, the islands have never attracted many tourists.They became Dutch in 1864. The Dutch placed a garrison there to prevent any other foreign power from setting up a naval base. Missionaries succeeded in Christianizing most of the population.The islands' main crops are sago, taro, cassava and banana. Most villages are located along the rivers that criss-cross the jungle. There is only one guesthouse on the island. You may be able to stay with a family for a few days in exchange for a fee. You'll have to ask the village chief for hospitality. The main village is Muarasiberut. It may be possible to stay in a forestry office shelter. Please note that the diet on this island is traditionally light and basic. June and July are the months to avoid. It is possible to visit the villages around Muarasiberut on foot. For the rest, you'll have to travel up the rivers. Renting a motorized pirogue is rather expensive: it's the price of discovering sumptuous landscapes and people with extraordinary personalities. You'll need a guide. The islanders will often expect you to offer them small gifts of all kinds, such as cigarettes. Beware of malaria, which is very common in these regions. Drink only boiled or purified water. Travel well equipped. Ask permission before filming or photographing islanders, and always show the utmost respect.