Siberut Island is the largest island with 4.030 km squares in Mentawaian archipelago. In administrative, Mentawaian islands belong to Padang Pariaman regency in West Sumatra Province. The Island is located 155 kilometers of West Sumatra coast, across the Mentawaian strait. Siberut is divided into two districts: North and South Siberut with administrative centers at Muara Sikabaluan and Muara Siberut which also service as respectively market centers of Siberut.

The island offers clean white sand beaches with amazing sea garden and colorful coral reefs, excellent for snorkeling. It gives stunning views and green jungles abounding with unique plant and wildlife. The highlight on this island is a chance to meet the Siberut people, especially the traditional hunter in the forest. Another opportunity is to stay in Uma – traditional family house. Meanwhile staying there, the visitor can feel a different insight into the lives of these people who have a belief system based on living in total harmony with nature.

International attention has concern to Siberut as a priority conservation area. The main preserved concerns on the unique culture of the ethnic Mentawaian and endemic of its biodiversity. Biodiversity Conservation Project organized by PHPA, MOF, together with local government, local NGOs and other institutions, conducts the community based conservation program. That’s why, the potential will not utilizing fully for tourism, even though the island has plenty to offer. The culture of the island is the more magnets for visitor to come, comparing with the land itself.

Unforgettable jungle adventure on Siberut  and the most interested thing to do by visitor usually; stay and learn the living culture of Mentawaian village, trek to the jungle, also learn about sago and bark cloth processing. Very small number visitors have explored the thickly forested island. Many desires places to see, such as cave, endemic wild life, and also never regret to see the waterfalls in the northern and southern parts.  Siberut will give uniquely culture and nature that would never be forgotten.

How to get there

From Padang City as capital province of West Sumatra, after that go to the Padang Port by public transportation: bus or taxi, available taxi as well, take a ferry from the port with the range price between 110.000 – 150.000 rupiah, with destination to Siberut Island directly. For more information about the island please see here and flight schedule see also here

Happy Travelling

Photo Credits: Dicky Martiaz