Designed especially for photographers, this journey offers rare access to authentic cultural moments and extraordinary photo opportunities. Spend several days documenting the traditional lifestyle of the Mentawai people in the remote forest of Siberut Island, capturing portraits, rituals and daily activities rarely seen by outsiders. Continue to the highlands  of West Sumatra to witness the thrilling  Pacu Jawi, where powerful bulls charge through muddy rice fields, creating one of the most dramatic action photography scenes in Indonesia. 

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival - Minangkabau in Padang

Arrival at Minangkabau International Airport.

Meet and greet our team and transfer to your hotel in Padang

Depending on arrival time, a short introduction to the journey and preparation for the expedition to the Mentawai Island.

Overnight in Padang

Day 2 | Padang - Siberut Island - Mentawai Village

Early morning transfer to the harbor for the fast boat to Siberut Island

Arrival around midday and continue by small wooden boat along the river into the rainforest

Trek trough the jungle to reach a traditional village of the Mentawai people

Afternoon photography session capturing daily village life

Overnight in a traditional Uma house

Day 3 | Mentawai Tribe Photography

Full day photography with the Mentawai people

Traditional Tattoo culture

Traditional cloth processing

Sago processing

Jungle life and daily activities

Portraits of Mentawai men, women and children

Traditional shaman (Sikerei)

Traditional dancing in the night after dinner

Overnight In a traditional Uma house

Day 4 | Mentawai Village - Padang

Morning photography session with the village community

Capture daily morning activities before leaving the jungle

Late morning trek back to the river and transfer to the harbor

Fast boat return to Padang

Arrival in the afternoon

Overnight in Padang

Day 5 | Padang - Bukittinggi - Pandai Sikek Village

After breakfast, depart to the highlands of Bukittinggi

Stop at the scenic Anai Valley Waterfall

Continue to Pandai Sikek Village, famous for its traditional Minangkabau hand weaving

Opportunity to photograph local artisans and traditional houses.

Overnight in Bukittinggi

Day 6 | Market - Pagaruyung Palace - Pacu Jawi

Visit a traditional market where locals trade fresh produce and daily goods, offering vibrant cultural photography scenes

Continue to Pagaruyung Palace, the royal palace of the Minangkabau kindom

After lunch, proceed to the rice fields to photograph the spectacular Pacu Jawi

Farmers race powerful bulls trough muddy rice fields creating dramatic action photogrpahy

Return to Bukittinggi in the aftermoon

Day 7 | Bukittinggi - Padang - Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Padang

Transfer to Minangkabau international Airport

End of tour

Important Information