Voyage authentique
Cultural and Natural Immersion
12 Days 11 Nights
This 12-day, 11-night tour in the heart of West Sumatra offers a total immersion experience spanning both land and sea. Your adventure begins with an extraordinary expedition to Siberut Island to meet the Mentawai people, where you will share in their ancestral way of life within 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, taking in the equestrian traditions of Batusangkar and the historic charm of Bukittinggi along the way. It is a balanced itinerary combining trekking, authentic human encounters, and the discovery of magnificent natural vistas.
ITINERARY: Authentic Journey
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PADANG
- Meet-and-greet service upon 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
- After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the port of Padang to catch the fast ferry to Siberut Island, departing at 7:00 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 motorized canoe along the river to Rorogot—a journey of about one hour.
- The trek through the jungle continued for approximately 90 minutes.
- Accommodation in an *uma* / traditional Mentawai house.
DAY 3: DISCOVERING INDIGENOUS ACTIVITIES AT ROROGOT
- After breakfast, discover the daily activities of the Mentawai tribe, such as making loincloths from tree bark and searching for *Tamra* (sago worms) 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 local women, wearing traditional Mentawai clothing (accompanied by 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
- After breakfast, we will set off for the village of Muntei, trekking through the jungle, and then continue by motorized traditional canoe to the village of Muntei.
- At midday, transfer to Siberut port to take the fast ferry to Padang, departing at 2:30 pm.
- Early evening arrival in Padang, followed by a car transfer from the port of Padang to your hotel in Padang.
- Hotel check-in.
DAY 5: PADANG – ALAHAN PANJANG
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Free time until departure from the hotel
- The journey will continue towards the Alahan Panjang hinterland.
- 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 Talang Pass, passing a tea plantation, with panoramic views of the twin lakes and local vegetable gardens growing onions, potatoes, and other vegetables (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 check-out
- 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
- 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
- Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
- 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 accommodation
DAY 10: HARAU VALLEY
- Breakfast at a local 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 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 12: BUKITTINGGI - DEPARTURE
- Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
- 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 the trip.
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.
OUR GUARANTEES
Local Expertise
Tailor-Made Experience
Secure Payment
Responsible Commitment
When to Leave?
The best time to travel is during the following months:
The price starts from X.XXX euros, minimum 4 people in normal season.
The price is per person, subject to availability. We will send you a personalized quote with the fixed price. This final price may vary depending on several factors (number of participants, holiday period and hotel availability, transport size, guide specifications, and service levels).
If you are interested in this itinerary and the price indicated does not correspond to your budget, we can customize the quote according to your wishes.
Supervision and Support
For your comfort, we offer different levels of support depending on the stage of your trip:
Private drivers (Logistics)
They handle the logistics of your stay. They know the routes perfectly and drop you off directly at the different sites.
- Language: They speak basic English (generally not French).
- Role: They are happy to share anecdotes about their island, manage the logistics, and buy your entrance tickets. However, they do not accompany you on visits and activities, where you remain completely independent.
The guides (French-speaking or English-speaking)
They work in addition to the local drivers. They accompany you during visits and activities throughout the trip, as detailed in your itinerary.
Important note: The guides are not the drivers, they are two separate people.
Local specialist guides (On site)
- At major sites(e.g., Borobudur, Prambanan, Sultan's Palace): Official local guides (English or French speaking) will explain in detail the culture, history and philosophy of the places.
- East of Java (e.g., Mount Bromo, Kawah Ijen, Madakaripura and Tumpaksewu waterfalls): It is impossible to find local French-speaking guides on site. You will therefore be accompanied by a English-speaking local guide.
Sites open for self-guided visits (without a local guide)
Some smaller sites do not have guides on site. In this case, your driver will buy your entrance tickets and you will visit independently, at your own pace.
Transport & Vehicles
Transportation is a key element to the success of your trip. On islands like Java, Sumatra or FloresJourneys are often very long. We select spacious and comfortable vehicles to ensure your travels remain pleasant.
| Vehicle type | Ideal Capacity | Recommended configuration |
Toyota Innova Reborn (2.0L – 2.5L engine) | 2 to 3 passengers (with guide on board) Maximum 4 passengers (without a guide on board) | Very comfortable vehicle. Has 6 seats in the rear, configured to leave room for luggage and suitcases. |
Toyota Hiace Minibus (2.5L – 2.8L engine) | 4 to 9 passengers (with guide on board) Ideal for 6 to 7 people + 1 guide | Large space. Features 9 seats in the rear with dedicated luggage space for all passengers. |
| Bus / Coach | 10 people or more | We provide buses for you 30 seats or 40 to 50 seats depending on the size of your group. |
*) Please provide the exact number of participants so that we can best adapt your vehicle and offer you the fairest price.
Accommodation
We select our accommodations according to several categories to best suit your expectations and budget:
Guest Houses / Homestays
Our criterion is to find simple and welcoming places.
- Services: Clean accommodation with private bathroom, garden and small terrace to enjoy nature. Some establishments have a small swimming pool ideal for children.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Local Hotels – Mid-Range (Superior Category)
Establishments offering excellent value for money with more space.
- Services: Spacious, nicely decorated, clean room with a private bathroom. You will enjoy a lovely garden, a small terrace and, for some rooms, a children's pool.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Local Hotels – Superior Range (Charm and Authenticity)
For travellers seeking artistic details and a more typical setting.
- Services: Spacious rooms with charming and tasteful décor, private bathrooms (sometimes open to the outdoors in harmony with nature). The hotels boast beautiful terraces overlooking magnificent gardens and are situated in prime locations. They generally feature lovely swimming pools suitable for children.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (4 out of 5)
Luxury Hotels
Ideal for families seeking absolute serenity or for an unforgettable honeymoon.
- Services: Charming accommodations with exquisite artistic touches in the rooms, on the terraces, and in the bathrooms. These are often small, intimate, and welcoming establishments nestled in lush natural surroundings. They feature a magnificent swimming pool in the middle of a large garden, offering a perfect romantic setting for honeymooners.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (5 out of 5)
Hotels of International Standards (3 to 5 Stars / Resorts)
If you prefer the infrastructure of large hotel chains to local charm.
- Services: Large complexes or resorts offering a multitude of services and facilities: huge swimming pool, large landscaped garden, sometimes even a golf course.
Please do not hesitate to let us know your specific requirements so that we can offer you the ideal establishment.
Food & Drinks
- Breakfasts: They are almost always included and served directly by your hotels.
- Lunches and Dinners: They are generally excluded from our packages in order to leave you free to choose where and what you want to eat, according to your desires and the type of restaurant you like.
- Water safety: Never drink tap water or water from local springs. When hiking, water should always be treated. In town, drink only bottled water with a sealed cap.
- At your disposal: For your comfort and safety, your driver will provide you with the following every day: bottled mineral water.
Tips
Tips are not never mandatoryHowever, they are a much-appreciated gesture of gratitude. In Indonesia, it is customary to leave one when you are satisfied with the service provided.
The amount of a tip depends on your discretion and should be in line with the local economy. Tips that are too high relative to the country's standard of living can destabilize local economies.
Indicative benchmarks:
- In hotels: Expect to pay approximately 1 € for the porter who carries your luggage to your room. At check-out, you can leave approximately 1 € for the cleaning staff.
- During the tour: An amount of €10 to €20 per couple per day, to be divided between the guide and the driver (for example: €10 for the guide / €5 for the driver), corresponds to local standards.
Important reminder: A tip is a small token of appreciation for good service. It does not replace our team's salary. Everyone involved in your trip receives a fair and fixed wage from us.
General Terms and Conditions of Sale (GTC)
Booking and Payment
Registration for one of the activities or a trip offered by the agency Java Exotic Tour implies full and complete acceptance of our general terms and conditions of sale.
- Booking confirmation: Your reservation is definitively confirmed upon receipt and acceptance of a deposit representing 30% of the total amount of the trip, subject to availability.
- Last-minute booking: If registration takes place less than 32 days before the departure date, the full price of the trip must be paid at the time of booking.
- Payment methods: You can make your payments by international bank transfer (SWIFT/IBAN) or by credit card via a secure online payment link. A booking confirmation will be sent to you by email as soon as possible.
- Payment of the balance (70%):
- It can be adjusted in cash (in Euros) upon your arrival in Indonesia.
- If you prefer to pay the balance by bank transfer, we ask that you do so upon your arrival in the country or 1 week before departure if it is a mini-tour (stay of less than one week).
- Important banking clauses:
- The payment is net of fees: all bank transfer fees (sender and recipient fees) remain exclusively your responsibility.
- The name of the bank beneficiary provided is unique. To avoid failure or rejection of your transfer, you must not change this name under any circumstances.
Cancellation Terms and Fees
If, for any reason, you are forced to cancel your trip, the refund of sums paid will be made less the following cancellation fees (calculated based on the date your notification is received):
| Cancellation deadline before departure | Fees retained (% of the total amount of the file) |
Up to 31 days From 30 to 21 days From 20 to 14 days From 20 to 14 days In less than 8 days | 30 % of the total amount (equivalent to the deposit) 40 % of the total amount 50% of the total amount 75% of the total amount 100% of the total amount |
Cancellation by the agency:
- Insufficient number of participants: If the agency Java Exotic Tour If the company is forced to cancel a group departure due to a lack of participants, the decision will be made and customers will be informed as soon as possible. 20 days before departure.
- Cases of force majeure: The agency may also cancel a departure due to exceptional and unavoidable events constituting force majeure (volcanic eruptions, civil unrest, strikes, severe weather) that could compromise the safety of participants. In these situations, participants will be reimbursed for the sums paid, less any compensation and expenses already incurred and non-refundable with service providers (such as hotels).
Reminder: Tips
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a highly appreciated gesture of gratitude in Indonesia when customers are satisfied with the service. The amount should be reasonable and in line with the local economy so as not to destabilize the country's overall standard of living.
- At the hotel: Approximately 1 € for the baggage handler and about 1 € for the cleaning staff at the time of departure (check-out).
- During the tour: An amount of €10 to €20 per couple per day, to be divided between the guide and the driver, corresponds to local standards.
- Remuneration: Gratuities are an additional service and in no way replace the salaries of our staff. All individuals involved in our trips are properly compensated separately.
- Encourage interaction with the residents
Throughout this tour, you will be in regular contact with local people.
Learn a few simple words in Indonesian like "Terima kasih" (thank you),
"Selamat pagi" (hello) or "Permisi" (excuse me) is always very much 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 sea excursions. - Choose appropriate clothing
For temples and traditional villages, it is advisable to wear:- ✓ Clothing that covers the shoulders
- ✓ Trousers or skirts below the knee
- ✓ A sarong can be very useful (and is often provided on site at 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
