teradesa.com If you go to West Sumatra, don’t just stop by Padang City. Did you know that West Sumatra also has a beautiful tourist destination, the Mentawai Islands?
The Mentawai Islands consist of four large islands namely Sipora Island, Siberut Island, South Pagai Island and North Pagai Island along with hundreds of small islands around them. All of them hold a variety of interesting natural and cultural attractions.
Can’t wait to do island hopping in Mentawai? Check first a number of tourist destinations in the Mentawai Islands recommended.
How to get to the Mentawai Islands
To get to the Mentawai Islands, you can take a plane to Padang. From Padang, there are alternative fast boats or ferries to various islands in Mentawai with a price range ranging from 95,000 IDR to 250,000 IDR. Of course, if you use a fast boat, you will save a lot of time on the trip even though the ticket is more expensive.
1. Riding the famous waves at Mapadegat Beach
Mapadegat Beach, located on Sipora Island, is favored by surfers for its world-class waves. If you love surfing, it’s a must to try wading through the famous telescope waves here!
After exhausting yourself in the sea during the day, then find a nice spot to relax in the afternoon. The fantastic sunset sky in Mentawai is not to be missed as you won’t find it anywhere else.
Address: Mapadegat Hamlet, Tuapejat Village, North Sipora, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra
Opening Hours: Every day, 24 hours
Ticket Price: Free
2. Jati Beach is beautiful and easy to reach
Once in Tuapejat village, you can reach Jati Beach in about 10 minutes. Upon arrival, you can enjoy the cool air under the shade of coconut trees and buy snacks to fill your stomach. The beautiful coastline invites many people to come here to relax and swim. Once you get off the Tuapejat Pier, Jati Beach can be a fun first tourist destination to open your adventure in the Mentawai Islands.
Address: Jati Hamlet, Tuapejat Village, North Sipora, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra
Opening Hours: Every day, 24 hours
Ticket Price: Free
3. Enjoy a comfortable snorkeling activity on Awera Island
Awera Island is the perfect place for those of you who want to get away while enjoying the beauty of Indonesian nature. The sea water is crystal clear and you can satisfy your hobby of snorkeling or diving as the waters are calm.
You can charter a boat to stop by the island and you definitely don’t want to miss the special sunrise or sunset. Don’t worry because there are plenty of lodgings on Awera Island so you won’t miss any of the beautiful spots!
Address: Tuapejat Village, North Sipora, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra
Opening Hours: Every day, 24 hours
Ticket Price: Free
4. Swim in the beauty of Pujujurung Waterfall
Pujujurung Waterfall is not too high and terraced. Located behind lush trees and bushes, the clear water is also used by the local community for irrigation. You can take a vehicle and continue on foot to reach the waterfall. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes as the fresh air and clear water will invite you to get wet!
Address: Goiso Oinan Village, North Sipora, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra
Opening Hours: Every day, 24 hours
Ticket Price: Free
5. Immersing yourself in the indigenous culture of Rorogot Village
One of the tourist villages that you can visit in the Mentawai Islands is on Siberut Island, namely Kampung Rorogot. Here you can find the indigenous Mentawai tribe who are believed to have originated from Siberut Island before spreading to other islands.
You can come alone or book a tour package from a travel agent to stay at this tourist village. Experience a different atmosphere inside a traditional house called an uma and sample authentic sago-based cuisine! There are also traditional arts such as turuk, which is a traditional dance that you can see in Rorogot Village.
Address: Rorogot Village, South Siberut Sub-District, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatera
Opening Hours: Every day, 24 hours
Ticket Price: Free
6. See more culture in Matotonan Village
Another well-known tourist village in the Mentawai Islands is Matotonan Village, which is still within the Siberut National Park area. You can hear historical stories about the indigenous Mentawai tribe and see their activities such as hunting and traditional feasts.
Traditional feasts can last up to three days and during the feast, there are many rituals you can witness. If you want to take home a memento from Mentawai, you can also get a traditional tattoo or titi. Done manually rather than by machine, the various shapes tattooed on the body have a deep meaning to the Mentawai people.
Address: Matotonan Village, South Siberut Sub-District, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra
Opening Hours: Every day, 24 hours
Ticket Price: Free
7. Observe a variety of unique flora and fauna in Siberut National Park
If you want to experience an unspoiled jungle with hundreds of flora and fauna in it, you must visit Siberut National Park. Wear the right footwear so that you can explore the park comfortably! You can meet the Mentawai tribe who live inside Siberut National Park and see their daily lives.
There are various plants ranging from mangroves, palms and various endemic plants. Endemic fauna such as the Mentawai wren, Mentawai gibbon and Mentawai monkey also live here. The richness of Mentawai nature in Siberut National Park will fascinate you and you can hire a tour guide to make your experience more enjoyable!
Address: Siberut Island, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra
Opening Hours: Every day, 24 hours
Ticket Price: Starting from 5,000 IDR
8. Venture to the incredible Nyang Nyang Beach
This beach, located on Nyang Nyang Island, is internationally famous for its waves and is said to be the third best in the world. So don’t be surprised if you see a lot of foreign tourists at Nyang Nyang Beach! If you want to try the waves, you can visit between June and August and the waves can be up to 4 meters high.
What if you’re not a surfer? The beauty of Nyang Nyang Beach is still captivating and you can still enjoy it!
Address: Nyang Nyang Island, Southwest Siberut Island, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra
Opening Hours: Every day, 24 hours
Ticket Price: Free
9. Spend time fishing at Siruso Beach
Siruso Beach, located on Siruso Island, is a popular destination for fishing. The sea is rich with fish such as grouper, tempting fishing enthusiasts to come immediately. While fishing, your eyes will be entertained with the beautiful panorama of the Mentawai beach. If you manage to get a fish, you can grill it directly to enjoy. This beach is fun to visit with family and the taste of fresh fish is guaranteed to be even more delicious!
Address: Taikako Village, Sikakap Sub-District, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra
Opening Hours: Every day, 24 hours
Ticket Price: Free
10. Linger to listen to the sounds of nature at Simatobat Waterfall
This waterfall, also called Bungo Rayo Waterfall, is still very natural. The height is only about 15 meters, but the atmosphere around it is relaxing. You can dip your feet in the cool water, look for interesting photo spots or climb the wide rocks.
In addition to the beautiful atmosphere, the natural impression is also reinforced by endemic primates such as bilou and bokoi that are still here. Wandering around the waterfall area is also an interesting activity because the location is surrounded by lush trees and caves. Be prepared to meet or just hear their voices!
Address: Bulasat village, South Pagai sub-district, Mentawai Islands district, West Sumatra
Opening Hours: Every day, 24 hours
Ticket Price: Free
In addition to spending time traveling, enjoying the beauty of nature and culture, you can also buy souvenirs in the form of local handicrafts from Mentawai Islands residents. Not only does it provide income to the local community, but its uniqueness will also make you proud to wear it!
