We will start the day by visiting Jam Gadang, the iconic clock tower, and take a short walk around its surroundings to feel the rhythm of local life. We will also head to Batu Sangkar, the village that houses the Pagaruyung Palace, the replica of the former residence of the Minangkabau king. It will be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about this community, discover the history of the region, its traditions, and its distinctive architecture.

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In the afternoon, we will visit the Harau Valley, a beautiful Minangkabau area where we will spend the next two nights. During our stay here, we will observe and participate in the daily life of this community, accompanying them in their daily tasks and getting to know their way of life. If we are lucky, we may be able to attend a local celebration. On Saturdays, weddings are often held, and together with our local guide, we will try to find ceremonies where we can participate and further enjoy the life and traditions of this region. Additionally, we will walk through the rice fields and the stunning landscapes that make Harau a unique place in the world.

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While returning to Padang, we will stop at some traditional villages to appreciate some of the last “Rumah Gadang,” the traditional houses of the Minangkabau community. They are characterized by their distinctive architecture, especially their elevated and pointed roofs, which resemble buffalo horns. Their name in the Minangkabau language literally means “big house.”
Once in Padang, we will take the opportunity to rest and make the final preparations before heading to our next destination.

From Padang, we will take a ferry to reach Muara, the capital of Siberut Island; home to the Mentawai people and famous for its wild nature and impenetrable jungle. We will cross the river in a motorized canoe to the village of Kulukubuk, which will serve as our base of operations as we acclimate to the humidity and high temperatures (the island has an average of 28ºC, and although we will be going in the dry season and it’s unlikely to rain, the tropical climate makes the humidity very high). From here, we will finalize the logistical details that will allow us to access the more remote villages of the community.

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We will spend the next few days living with a Mentawai family, accompanying them and helping with their daily tasks: building and repairing traditional homes, weaving fishing baskets, preparing the poison for their arrows, participating in hunts, collecting plants, grinding and processing sago... We will all sleep together in one of their huts, which are humble and of a standard far from the accommodations we’ve had in the last few days. We will have individual mosquito nets, although the facilities will be basic, with no running water or electricity. There will also be no bathrooms or showers; the stream water will serve for our hygiene.

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Our team will prepare the breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, which will be simple and mainly consist of rice, eggs, vegetables, and fruit. Anyone who wants can also have the opportunity to learn how to cook typical dishes alongside the family. For drinking, we will purify the river water. 

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During the last three days in the jungle, we will be moving with the community members on a series of treks that will take us to more remote locations. No hiking experience is necessary, as the routes won’t have significant elevation changes, but you will need a strong desire to walk and good frustration management, as the jungle floor will be muddy and at times slippery. The reward will be living firsthand an experience that very few will have in their lifetime.

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Our goal is to fully immerse ourselves in the Mentawai way of life and accompany them, whenever possible, to deeply understand their culture, customs, and their worldview.

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After breakfast and saying goodbye to the community, we will head towards the port of Muara in pickup trucks and motorized canoes. There, we will have lunch before taking the ferry to Padang. Once in the city, we will rest, enjoy our first hot shower in a long time, and appreciate the comfort of conventional accommodation. During our farewell dinner, we will take the opportunity to reminisce about the moments we’ve experienced and discuss the unforgettable journey we’ve just had.

The time has come to head back home! A transfer will take us to the airport, where we will catch our flights back to our home country… until we meet again on the next adventure ;)