Voyage authentique

Cultural and Natural Immersion

12 Days 11 Nights

Description

This 12-day, 11-night tour in the heart of West Sumatra offers a complete immersion in the land and sea. Your adventure begins with an exceptional expedition to Siberut Island, where you'll meet the Mentawai people and share their ancestral way of life in the jungle. The journey continues through the spectacular landscapes of the Minangkabau hinterland: from the tea plantations of Alahan Panjang to the majestic cliffs of the Harau Valley, passing through the equestrian traditions of Batusangkar and the historical charm of Bukittinggi. A well-balanced itinerary combining trekking, authentic encounters with local people, and the discovery of breathtaking natural panoramas.

The highlights

  • You will experience a deep immersion on the island of Siberut by staying in an UMA, the traditional house of the Mentawai people.

  • You will actively participate in local customs, such as making loincloths from tree bark and searching for sago worms.

  • You will discover ancestral survival techniques by searching for the materials needed to make poisoned arrows.

  • You will explore the volcanic landscapes and tea plantations of the hinterland on a jeep tour on the slopes of Mount Talang.

  • You will visit major historical sites, including the Istana Basa Pagaruyung Palace and the centuries-old traditional house Rumah Tuo Balimbing.

  • You will have the unique opportunity to attend the traditional cow races which take place every Saturday in Batusangkar.

  • You will enjoy immersive hikes through the terraced rice paddies and authentic villages of the Harau Valley.

  • You will discover local crafts and cultural heritage in Bukittinggi, including the Sianok Canyon and the silver workshops of Koto Gadang.

ITINERARY

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN PADANG

Minangkabau International Airport
  • Meet and greet service upon your arrival at Minangkabau International Airport (PDG)
  • Check-in at the hotel of your choice
  • Free program
  • Lunch and dinner (at your own expense)

Day 2: PADANG – SIBERUT – ROROGOT

maison traditionnelle Mentawai
  • After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Padang port to take the fast ferry to Siberut Island, which departs at 7 a.m.
  • The ferry will call at the port of Sikabaluan (Mentawai) before continuing to the port of Siberut.
  • Arrival in Siberut around 1:00 PM. The guide will take care of the preparations and will make the necessary arrangements with the authorities for the trek.
  • Continue by local motor canoe on the river to Rorogot, approximately one hour.
  • The trek through the jungle continued for approximately 90 minutes.
  • Accommodation at UMA / traditional Mentawai house.

Day 3: DISCOVERING INDIGENOUS ACTIVITIES IN ROROGOT

  • After breakfast, discover the daily activities of the Mentawai tribe, such as: making loincloths from tree bark and searching for Tamra (sago worm) in the oldest sago tree.
  • After breakfast, discover the daily activities of the Mentawai tribe, such as: making loincloths from tree bark and searching for Tamra (sago worm) in the oldest sago tree.
  • In the afternoon, we will go fishing with the local women using traditional Mentawai clothing (in the company of Mentawai women).
  • Before dinner, we will be able to observe the activities of the Mentawai in the making of sago (the main food of the Mentawai).
  • In the evening, you can organize a pork feast and a traditional dance (the pork feast and the traditional dance are optional).

Day 4: ROROGOT – MUNTEI – PORT OF MUARO SIBERUT – PADANG

village de Muntei
  • After breakfast, we will depart for the village of Muntei by trekking through the jungle, then we will continue by traditional motorized dugout canoe to the village of Muntei.
  • At midday, transfer to Siberut port to take the fast ferry to Padang, departing at 2:30 pm.
  • Arrive in Padang in the early evening, then transfer by car from Padang port to your hotel in Padang.
  • Check-in at the hotel.

Day 5: PADANG – ALAHAN PANJANG

Alahan Panjang
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Free time until departure from the hotel
  • The journey will continue towards the hinterland of Alahan Panjang
  • Check-in at the hotel of your choice
  • Free program

Day 6: THE ALAHAN PANJANG HINTERLAND

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Jeep excursion on the slopes of the Talang pass, passing by a tea plantation, panoramic view of the twin lakes and local vegetable gardens where onions, potatoes and other vegetables grow (approx. 3 hours)
  • Lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense)
  • Return to the hotel and free time

Day 7: ALAHAN PANJANG – BATUSANGKAR

  • Breakfast at the hotel and departure from the hotel
  • Departure for Lake Singkarak and photo stop
  • You will then discover a traditional century-old house, the Rumah Tuo Balimbing, located in the village of Balimbing, a living testament to the ancestral Minangkabau heritage.
  • The village of Pariangan is known for its magnificent views of the terraced rice paddies.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense)
  • Continue to Pagaruyung to visit the majestic Istana Basa Pagaruyung, an iconic symbol of Minangkabau culture with its traditional architecture and slender roofs.
  • Check-in at the hotel of your choice and free time

Day 8: BATUSANGKAR

Pacu Jawi Batusangkar
  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Easy hike through terraced rice paddies and local villages)
  • Cow races (every Saturday)
  • Lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense)
  • Return to the hotel and free time

Day 9: BATUSANGKAR – HARAU VALLEY

Visite d’un moulin traditionnel de café à Kiniko
  • Breakfast at the hotel and departure from the hotel
  • Visit a traditional coffee mill in Kiniko, to immerse yourself in local flavors.
  • The journey continues towards the Harau Valley and its magnificent landscapes
  • Lunch at a local restaurant (personal expense)
  • Arriving in the Harau Valley, famous for its majestic cliffs and peaceful rice paddies
  • Check-in at your homestay

Day 10: HARAU VALLEY

  • Breakfast at a local's home.
  • Departure for an immersive hike through the rice paddies and traditional villages around Solok and Harau. A great opportunity to meet the locals and observe their authentic way of life.
  • A walking tour through the peaceful villages of the Harau Valley, encountering an authentic rural setting where local life flows to the rhythm of nature.
  • As you walk, you will discover a charming village nestled in the heart of the valley, surrounded by green rice paddies and dominated by impressive rocky cliffs.
  • The walk continues to a magnificent natural waterfall, whose waters cascade through a spectacular setting. Between breathtaking landscapes, lush rice paddies, and a serene atmosphere, this immersion offers a privileged glimpse into the beauty and harmony of the Hara Valley.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense)
  • Return home by motorized rickshaw (Becak Motor)
  • Free program

Day 11: HARAU VALLEY - BUKITTINGGI

  • Departure from the guesthouse
  • A morning dedicated to visiting Bukittinggi. You can start with the famous "Sianok Ngarai" canyon, a Japanese cave, or you can discover the character painting workshops of Minangkabau and then the "Fort-de-Kock" fortress, located on the highest point of Bukittinggi.
  • Koto Gadang, famous for its silver craftsmanship
  • Lunch at a local restaurant (personal expense)
  • Clock tower tour and exploration of the Pasar Atas and Pasar Bawah markets
  • Check-in at the hotel of your choice
  • Dinner at a local restaurant (at your own expense)
  • Return to the hotel and free time

Day 11: BUKITTINGGI - DEPARTURE

Jam Gadang Bukittinggi
  • Breakfast at the hotel and departure from the hotel
  • The magnificent waterfall in the Anai Valley, nestled in the heart of a lush rainforest.
  • Transfer to Minangkabau International Airport (PDG) for your departure flight. End of trip.
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Our Friendly Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip to Indonesia

> Encourage exchanges with the residents

Throughout this tour, you will be in regular contact with local people. Learning a few simple words in Indonesian will also be beneficial. Terima kasih (thanks), Selamat pagi (hello) or Permisi (Excuse me) is always greatly appreciated and facilitates communication. These small gestures make encounters more authentic and enriching.

> Protect yourself from the tropical sun

Indonesia has a sunny climate all year round. Remember to pack:

      • A high SPF sunscreen
      • A hat or a cap
      • Sunglasses
      • This will allow you to fully enjoy outdoor activities: hiking, cultural visits and marine excursions.

> Choose appropriate clothing

For temples and traditional villages, it is advisable to wear:

      • Clothing covering the shoulders
      • Trousers or skirts below the knee
      • A sarong can be very useful (and is often provided on site in temples).

> Recommended footwear

Some tours include walks, hikes or wetlands (waterfalls, volcanoes).
Plan ahead:

      • Comfortable shoes
      • Non-slip sandals
      • Possibly water shoes

> Respect for local customs

Indonesia is a welcoming country that respects traditions.
A few simple steps:

      • Avoid overly visible displays of affection in villages
      • Ask permission before photographing the inhabitants
      • Use your right hand to give or receive
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