Sumatra: 4-Day Homestay with a Mentawai Family on Siberut
5.0/5 · 6 reviews on GetYourGuide
The most demanding trip in our selection – for travellers who adapt easily. From Padang on Sumatra a fast ferry takes you to Siberut island, then a canoe up the river and a walk through muddy rainforest to a clan house. For two days you live with a Mentawai family and join their daily work – processing sago palm, traditional fishing, gathering food in the forest – and meet a sikerei shaman. Conditions are very basic: you sleep on a mat under a mosquito net and there is no toilet.
Itinerary
- Ferry from Padang to Siberut, lunch on the wayDay 1
- Canoe up the river and rainforest walk to the clan house, meeting the shaman and family
- Life with the family: sago processing, fishing, gathering forest food, jungle walksDays 2–3
- Farewell, canoe back, 14:40 ferry and drop-off at your hotel in PadangDay 4
Practical information
- Duration
- 4 days (3 nights)
- Pickup & start
- Hotel pickup in central Padang at 6:00, ferry from Muara port at 7:00. Back in Padang around 18:30. Flights to Sumatra are not included.
- Language
- English, French, Spanish
- Group
- Small group (up to 8)
- Difficulty
- Very demanding – muddy, slippery terrain and very basic conditions
- Age
- Not suitable for children under 5
- Operator
- Mentawai Tribe
Included
- Pickup and drop-off in Padang (city centre only)
- Return ferry Padang – Siberut
- Port transfer to the transit village and canoe
- Permits (including Siberut National Park)
- All meals and drinks during the stay with the family
- Porter
- Homestay with a Mentawai family, mosquito net, mattress and rubber boots
- Gift for the clan
- Local guide and team
Not included
- Accommodation in Padang
- Insurance with emergency evacuation cover
- Medication
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcohol)
What to bring
- Sleeping bag
- Rain gear and long-sleeved clothing
- Sturdy shoes and water shoes
- Insect repellent, medication and a power bank
- Cash
Not suitable for
- Children under 5
- Pregnant women
- People with back or heart problems
- People with epilepsy or claustrophobia
- Wheelchair users
- People over 65
- People with insect allergies
- People prone to seasickness
Good to know
- Accommodation is very basic: a mat and mosquito net, no toilet and no modern comforts.
- GetYourGuide also lists a weight limit – check it before booking.
- If the ferry is cancelled for weather before the trip, you get a refund; missed flights and other costs are at your own risk.
Cancellation & payment
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later.
Tour FAQs
Who runs the tours?
Each tour is run by the local operator named on its page. You book through GetYourGuide – that's where you pay and get your confirmation, and the operator contacts you via GetYourGuide or WhatsApp. We pick the tours and explain clearly what to expect.
What language is the guide?
Mostly English, and some tours offer other languages – we list them on each tour page.
How do I pay, and in which currency?
Directly on GetYourGuide by card or another available method, in your preferred currency. Check GetYourGuide for the current price and availability.
Can I cancel?
Cancellation terms vary by listing and selected option. See the exact terms before paying on GetYourGuide, where you also manage your booking.
When will I get my pickup time?
Operators usually confirm the exact pickup time the day before by email or WhatsApp, so add a WhatsApp number and your hotel address when booking.
What if it rains?
Most tours run rain or shine. For boat trips and hikes the operator decides based on safety – if they cancel, you get a new date or a refund.
Why do you recommend tours you don't run yourselves?
We know Bali and select experiences for their itinerary, reviews and what they offer travellers. You pay the price shown by GetYourGuide when you book.
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