Photography & Culture Experience
A four-day Mentawai Jungle Expedition for respectful photography, traditional ceremony, and cultural life in the Uma.
Day by day
Departure is Saturday to Tuesday. The exact pace of each day follows weather, ferry timing, and life in the forest.
Day 1
Meet at Padang port at 06:30 for the 07:00 Mentawai Fast. After the approximately five-hour journey via Sikabaluan, continue to Muntei Village to prepare supplies. At around 16:10, travel by small boat along the river into the rainforest, then walk about two minutes to the Uma. After dinner, join the Sikerei's traditional welcome ceremony.
Day 2
Explore traditional life in the forest: process sago, look for forest materials and sago worms, learn about hunting tools and poison arrows, fish with Mentawai women, and discover traditional clothing and loincloth making. In the evening, the Sikerei performs traditional spiritual practices and a dance ceremony.
Day 3
A full day for the traditional ceremony and respectful photography. With permission, photograph traditional clothing, male and female Sikerei, body decoration, portraits in and around the Uma, cultural activities, daily life, and the forest environment.
Day 4
After breakfast, pack at around 09:00 and return by traditional boat along the river to the village. Continue to Siberut port for the Mentawai Fast back to Padang, where the expedition ends.
Included
Not included
Before you go
Boat schedules can change because of weather, sea conditions, and ferry operations. Please confirm the latest timing with Oncy before booking travel.
Ready to plan?
