The sikerei
Mentawai sages and healers.
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The largest island of the Mentawai archipelago in the Indian Ocean west of Sumatra, mostly covered in dense rainforest protected by Siberut National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and home to primates found only on these islands. Siberut is best known for the Mentawai people, some of whom still live traditionally in the forest in long communal houses called uma on the riverbanks, known for full-body traditional tattoos and for the sikerei, the community's sages and healers with herbs and ritual. Trips by canoe up the rivers can be arranged to stay several days with a host family and share their daily life. There is no general island fee; the cost is the organised trip with a guide and local host, varying by the number of days. The fast ferry from Padang reaches Siberut in three to six hours depending on the day and the weather. This is an adventure, not a rest: muddy forest, mosquitoes and simple lodging, so choose a reputable guide who respects the islanders and their culture, and carry malaria medication after consulting your doctor.
Mentawai sages and healers.
Communal houses on the rivers.
A UNESCO biosphere reserve.
The largest Mentawai island, off Sumatra's west coast
Yes, if done through a local guide who arranges it with families in advance and shares the money with them. Avoid trips that treat people as a show, and always ask before taking photos.