At 6 a.m., I was picked up and headed to the harbor. After coffee, we boarded the boat, and a few hours later arrived at Siberut Island, the largest of the Mentawai Islands. Another few hours on the boat led us to a small coastal village, where we took motorbikes further inland. The motorbike journey was thrilling—bouncing along narrow paths, through muddy patches, and over makeshift bridges. Eventually, we started trekking through mud and rivers on foot to reach the village, immersing ourselves in the remote beauty of the surroundings. Finally I made it to the final destination, the village where I’m going to stay for a couple of nights with the authentic Mentawai tribe.

The Mentawai people live simply, in traditional palm-thatched homes. I learned about the Sikerey, certain men in the tribe who wear tattoos and ceremonial attire as a mark of their culture. Spending time with this family felt like stepping back in time; every detail, from cooking to storytelling, revealed aspects of their heritage. At first, I felt like an outsider, but soon I grew comfortable, learning bits of their language and engaging with their daily routines.

One evening, one of the family members was looking at his feet and remarked on the condition of his toenails after the long journey through mud and jungle. Amused, I pulled out a nail cutter and there started a “pedicure” session, the Mentawai way! It was unexpected but such a fun and memorable moment, and I felt lucky to share these simple, joyful exchanges. So if you go there, take a equipment, they will love it.

In the jungle, we collected medicinal plants, and I got a traditional Mentawai tattoo. We fished, joined a lively ceremony, and experienced rituals for blessings and protection, complete with animal sacrifices. I was grateful to be part of this profound experience and to feel included in the family’s traditions.

Throughout, I realized I was incredibly lucky with my guide and the family I stayed with; hearing others’ stories later, I knew my experiences were uniquely meaningful and exceptional. This journey was more than I had hoped, truly a highlight of my travels.