13 Days Mentawai Tribe + Orangutans, Berastagi & Toba lake

18 November 2025       14        Mentawai tribe

13 Days Mentawai Tribe + Bukit Lawang, Orangutans, Berastagi and Toba lake

Effortless Travel, Unforgettable Experiences in Sumatra!

Exploring Sumatra can be challenging, especially with limited time but we’ve got you covered! Our expertly crafted itinerary ensures a seamless and stress-free journey, allowing you to experience the very best of Sumatra without the hassle. Let us take care of the details while you immerse yourself in the island’s breathtaking nature, culture, and wildlife.

Embark on a one-week adventure through Sumatra’s breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions.

• Live with the Mentawai Tribe – Stay with one of Indonesia’s oldest indigenous communities, sharing their home and daily life.
• Trek in Bukit Lawang – Explore Leuser National Park and encounter endangered orangutans in their natural habitat.
• Discover Lake Toba & Batak Culture – Visit the world’s largest volcanic lake, relax on Samosir Island, and experience the vibrant heritage of the Batak people.

What to Expect on this Journey

• Meet the Mentawai shamans ("Flower Men") and learn about their unique traditions and way of life in the forest.
• Immerse yourself in an authentic cultural experience by living with the native Mentawai tribe.
• Encounter orangutans in their natural habitat.
• Observe Sumatra’s incredible wildlife up close.
• Discover Toba lake and Batak culture

Trip Summary

Day 1 Journey from Padang to the Mentawai Tribe

06:00 AM – Hotel Pick-Up in Padang. Your adventure begins with an early morning hotel pick-up in Padang. 07:00 AM – Fast Ferry to Siberut Island Depart from Muara Port, Padang, on a fast ferry to Siberut Island. Along the way, we will have a one-hour stop in Pokkai, located in the northern part of Siberut Island, we’ll proceed to a local restaurant for a traditional lunch before continuing our journey.

Our arrival in South Siberut, from the port, we travel to a nearby transit village before embarking on a scenic river journey by traditional motorized canoe, crossing lush jungle landscapes. Upon reaching the trekking point, we continue on foot through the rainforest to the Mentawai clan house, You will be expected to trek through some swampy jungle areas with mud, where you will meet the Mentawai shaman and his family, gaining an intimate insight into their ancient traditions and way of life.

Days 2 – 4 Live with the Mentawai Tribe & Experience Their Way of Life

Stay with a Mentawai family in the heart of the jungle and fully immerse yourself in their daily life. Experience their traditions, participate in their routines, and gain a deep understanding of their unique culture and connection to nature. While living traditionally with a Mentawai family in the jungle, you will fully immerse yourself in their daily life, gaining a deep understanding of their unique culture, traditions, and way of living. This experience offers a rare opportunity to not only witness but actively participate in their daily activities, for example:

• Cutting sago trees and processing them into food
• Fishing using traditional methods
• Preparing and making poison for hunting
• Hunting and learning survival skills in the jungle
• Scouting the jungle and setting traps for animals
• Gathering food from the forest

This hands-on experience provides an authentic and unforgettable insight into the resilience and wisdom of the Mentawai people, connecting you to their ancestral way of life.

Note: This experience will push you beyond your comfort zone. Unlike a standard itinerary, this journey is flexible, allowing for a deeper immersion into local life and culture. There is no fixed schedule, as each day unfolds organically based on the rhythms of the Mentawai people. If we are fortunate, we may even have the rare opportunity to witness or participate in sacred Shamanic rituals during our stay.

Day 5 Leaving the remote village - Siberut port - back to Padang

Start the day with breakfast and a farewell to your Mentawai host family. We trek back to the riverbank, where a motorized canoe will take us to our transit village near Siberut Port. Upon arrival, we will transfer to a local Mentawai house to freshen up and organize our belongings. Transfer to ferry’s port and lunch at the local restaurant before departing Siberut at 2:40 PM on the fast ferry. Estimated arrival in Padang is 6:30 PM, where you will be transferred to your chosen hotel or hostel, concluding your unforgettable Mentawai adventure.

Day 6 Flight from Padang to Medan & Transfer to Bukit Lawang

• Fly to Medan City, then embark on a 4 to 5-hour scenic drive to Bukit Lawang, the gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park.
• Check-in at our accommodation and enjoy free time to explore the village or relax.
• Dinner & overnight in Bukit Lawang.

Day 7 Orangutan Jungle Trekking in Bukit Lawang

• After breakfast at the guesthouse, begin an exciting trek into Leuser National Park, home to orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, black gibbons, macaques, hornbills, and more.
• Trek for about 3 hours before stopping for a jungle picnic lunch, where we’ll set up a temporary hut.
• Continue trekking for another 1–2 hours, exploring deeper into the lush rainforest.
• Before sunset, we’ll set up camp by the river, where you can enjoy a refreshing bath in the water.
• Overnight in a jungle camp, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

Day 8 Rainforest Trekking & Return to Bukit Lawang

• After breakfast in the jungle, continue trekking to spot more wildlife, explore the diverse flora and fauna, and visit a hidden waterfall for a refreshing swim.
• Jungle lunch before heading back towards Bukit Lawang.
• Experience an exhilarating river tubing adventure down the river back to our ecolodge.
• Arrive at the ecolodge, relax, and enjoy the evening at leisure.
• Dinner & overnight in Bukit Lawang.

Day 9 Transfer from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi

After breakfast, we drive 4 hours to Berastagi, a scenic highland town at 1,300m altitude in Batak Karo country. Known for its fertile volcanic soil, Berastagi produces strawberries, passion fruits, and more. It lies between two active volcanoes, Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung. In the afternoon, visit Berastagi’s traditional market and the Lumbini Buddhist Pagoda, a golden temple inspired by Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda. Overnight in Berastagi.

Day 10 Sunrise Trek to Mount Sibayak – Dokan Village – Transfer to Lake Toba

Wake up early for a sunrise trek to Mount Sibayak, an active volcano offering breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. Depart at 4:30 AM with an experienced guide and reach the top just in time to witness the sunrise over the highlands. After descending, return to the hotel for breakfast and relaxation before setting off on a 5-hour drive to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world (100 km long and 35 km wide). En route, we stop at Dokan Village, home to the Batak Karo people, where you’ll see traditional longhouses that have been preserved for generations, offering a glimpse into their unique culture and way of life. Upon arrival in Parapat, board a boat to Samosir Island and head to Tuk Tuk Village, a peaceful lakeside retreat. Spend the evening relaxing by the lake, soaking in the serene atmosphere of this stunning volcanic wonder. Overnight stay in Tabo, Samosir Island.

Day 11 Explore Samosir Island & Batak Culture

Start the day by immersing yourself in the rich heritage of the Batak people, exploring some of Samosir Island’s most fascinating traditional villages:

• Ambarita Discover the stone chairs and execution table of the Sialagan Kings, where justice was once served in Batak tradition.
• Traditional Batak Village, Experience the unique architecture, customs, and daily life of the Batak Toba people.
• Holbung Hills, Hike up to this scenic viewpoint for panoramic views of Lake Toba and its surrounding landscapes.

Continue your adventure by exploring Samosir Island by scooter or Tuk-Tuk, stopping at various viewpoints and cultural landmarks. Spend the afternoon relaxing by Lake Toba, soaking in the serene beauty of the world’s largest volcanic lake.

 Day 12 Explore Samosir Island & Batak Culture

Visit the ancient Tomb of King Sidabutar, a site steeped in Batak history and legend. Visit a scenic viewpoint and explore a traditional Batak village, immersing yourself in the local culture. Enjoy an authentic Batak dining experience at a traditional restaurant. At 3:00 PM, return to the hotel and unwind, swim in the lake or relax while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Toba.

Day 13 Samosir to Medan & Flight to Padang

• 11:00 a.m Departure from Samosir Island to Prapat town, from Prapat transfer to Medan City,
• Arrival in Medan city, visiting Maimun Palace and transfer to your hotel in Medan
• Night in Medan and Tour end

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Practical Information

Climate & Weather

Sumatra has a hot, humid tropical climate year-round.

·       Dry season: May–September (but occasional rain is still possible)

·       Wet season: November–January (heavier rainfall)
Siberut Island averages 30°C, with humid, unpredictable forest conditions.

Cultural Respect & Dress Code

When visiting local villages, please dress respectfully:

·       Wear knee-length trousers and shoulder-covering T-shirts (men & women).

·       Avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts, revealing tops, or short skirts.

·       Loose clothing is recommended to stay cool.

·       Swimwear is allowed only during river activities or jungle trekking.

Important Information for Orangutan Trekking

Orangutan Behavior

·       Wild orangutans spend most of their time in the canopy and rarely interact with humans.

·       Ex-captive orangutans in Bukit Lawang may come to the ground and sometimes approach visitors.

Why Human Contact Is Dangerous

·       They share 97% of their DNA with humans and can easily catch diseases.

·       Illnesses such as measles, TB, pneumonia, flu, scabies, and worms can be transmitted by coughing, sneezing, or poor hygiene.

Effects of Close Interaction

·       Disrupted natural behavior

·       High stress levels

·       Poor reproductive health

·       Weaker immune systems

·       Increased infant mortality

·       Risk of heart failure and premature death

How to Protect Them – #KeepWildlifeWild

✔️ Keep a minimum 15-meter distance
❌ Do not touch, feed, or offer drinks
❌ No selfies when they are close
📷 Share photos showing responsible wildlife distance — use #SelfieAware

Essential Packing List

Trekking Gear

·       Trekking shoes (muddy & wet conditions)

·       Small backpack

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