Overview
This journey is an immersion into worlds few outsiders will ever see. Over nine days, we will cross from the modern bustle of Padang to the deep forests of the Mentawai, where animist shamans still tend to the balance between people, nature, and spirits, and onward to the highlands of the Minangkabau, where a matrilineal Muslim society celebrates its heritage in striking ceremonial dress and the exhilarating spectacle of post-harvest bull races. Every step is designed to place you in the heart of authentic traditions, with the time and access needed to capture images that are both rare and deeply human.
Such encounters do not happen by chance. They are the result of over 15 years of relationship-building with remote communities, local experts in the team, meticulous planning, and an unwavering commitment to respectful, low-impact presence. From securing permission for ceremonies to coordinating transport over sea, river, and jungle, our team handles complex logistics so you can focus entirely on your photography and experience. Starlink connectivity, charging stations, and proper sleeping arrangements bring comfort and security into the wild, without breaking the integrity of the environments and cultures we are entering. We bring over 500 kg of equipment and supplies to ensure a proper journey in the jungle, so we do not compromise on comfort and safety.
You will witness moments that few photographers can claim like the Sikerei preparing body paint and headdresses for a night-long ritual, women casting nets into a jungle stream, tattoo sessions, Minangkabau adjusting golden headpieces before a portrait, riders gripping and biting bulls’ tails as they explode through flooded fields. These are not staged performances for tourists, but living traditions unfolding in their own time, shared with us because of long-standing trust and mutual respect.
Itinerary
Day 1, Arrive Padang (Sumatra) Friday, July 10
Meet in Padang, the gateway to the Mentawai. Padang is the capital of West Sumatra and the entry point to two distinct worlds, the ocean-bound Mentawai archipelago and the highland Minangkabau culture. We will explore the best these two have to offer. Known across Indonesia for its tasty rendang and signature Padang cuisine, served in an array of small plates, the city blends Minang traditions with centuries of coastal trade. It’s your last taste of modern Indonesia before stepping into one of Southeast Asia’s most traditional tribal societies.
Afternoon/evening briefing, itinerary review, cultural etiquette with the Sikerei (shamans), safety guidelines, and photo strategy. Final supply run (SIM cards, snacks, water, dry bags), gear check, batteries charged, cards formatted. Overnight in Padang hotel.
Day 2, Padang → Mentawai (Ferry + River Canoes) → Longhouse Saturday, July 11
Early transfer to the fast ferry (sea conditions: ~2–4 hrs). On arrival, continue by road to a river pier, then travel by motorized dugout canoe along winding jungle waterways (~2–3 hrs) to reach the uma, the Mentawai longhouse that serves as both residence and spiritual center. The Mentawai live in scattered clans deep within Siberut Island’s jungles, their world anchored in animist traditions. The river journey is a rite of passage. Our uma is located deep in the interior, far from the villages touched by tourism, and has hosted some of the world’s most celebrated photographers, including Sebastião Salgado. Upon arrival, camp setup, cook’s kitchen, generators, and charging station (plus Starlink), and introductions to our hosts. A short welcome ritual by the Sikerei follows, along with an etiquette recap for respectful, non-intrusive photography. If light allows, first portraits at dusk. Overnight in the jungle.
Day 3, Daily Life with the Sikerei Sunday, July 12
Dawn light around the longhouse offers opportunities for environmental portraits framed by the forest. We join the Sikerei in their daily routines, gathering and foraging, crafting, and tending fires. Sago palms are felled for their starch, but the Sikerei also leave some trunks to soften and decay, returning weeks later to harvest fat, cream-colored sago grubs, a rich source of protein prized during ceremonies and hunting trips. The process is hands-on, splitting the pith to reveal the wriggling larvae, which can be eaten raw, roasted, or smoked for later use. Men prepare a potent arrow poison from forest plants they gather. It is used to hunt monkeys, birds, and wild pigs. This is done with great care, as the toxin remains deadly for weeks. Downstream, women wade into a clear jungle stream to fish with handwoven nets and bamboo traps, providing a rare chance to photograph the quieter, graceful rhythms of Mentawai subsistence life. In the afternoon, a short lighting session inside the uma (one-light setups, triggers provided) allows for controlled portraiture in the dim interior. Overnight in the jungle.
Day 4, Ritual Day (Preparations + Ceremony) Monday, July 13
We spend the day with the Sikerei and their families as they prepare attire, body adornments, and the ritual space. Mentawai ceremonies are rare, and our long-standing relationship with the host family grants us the privilege of witnessing a genuine one. Preparation begins slowly, strands of forest vine are softened and braided into arm bands, feathers are chosen for headdresses, and the rich orange of turmeric is ground into body paint. By late afternoon, the air thickens with the scent of burning resin and the rhythmic beat of hand drums made of tree trunks and snake skin. Smoke drifts through the uma, blurring the boundary between seen and unseen worlds. The Sikerei’s skin is painted in intricate lines that carry symbolic meaning, some patterns invoking ancestral guidance, others serving as protection against illness or misfortune. Songs rise and fall in hypnotic cycles. As night falls, the longhouse becomes a stage for the spirit world. The ceremony connects the living with ancestors through dance, chant, and offering, the Sikerei moving in and out of trance-like states. Details matter here, the worn patina of tools, the smoke, the sweat on painted skin, the dialogue with spirits, each one a photographic thread. Low-light strategies will be essential: fast primes, high ISO, and monopods to steady the lens without intruding on the scene. The ritual often runs late, the deep jungle around us alive with the sound of frogs and cicadas. Overnight in the jungle.
Day 5, Exit Jungle → Coastal Rest Tuesday, July 14
Morning canoe and road transfers return us to the coast. Coastal Mentawai villages balance fishing traditions with the growing surf tourism industry, layering a new economy atop ancient seafaring and trade. This pause allows time for reflection, as the transition from jungle to sea mirrors a shift in time. Check in at a coastal resort for showers, laundry, and rest. Optional evening media-sharing session. Overnight at resort.
Day 6, Seaside Resort, Wednesday, July 15
Mentawai’s western shores are among the most celebrated surf destinations in Asia, attracting wave-riders from around the world. Here, fishermen, farmers, and resort owners share a coastline where geography dictates livelihood and identity. A full day is set aside for editing, relaxing, or surfing. Overnight at resort.
Day 7, Ferry to Padang → Drive to Bukittinggi, Thursday, July 16
Morning or early-afternoon ferry back to Padang, then ~3 hrs by road into the cooler highlands of Bukittinggi, heartland of the Minangkabau. This matrilineal Muslim society is instantly recognizable for its horn-shaped rumah gadang roofs, echoing the silhouette of water buffalo horns, a symbol of strength and resilience. The Minang are famed traders, scholars, and orators, blending deep Islamic learning with pre-Islamic traditions. The cultural shift from animist Mentawai to Islamic Minang is one of Sumatra’s most striking contrasts. Prep for tomorrow’s portrait work. Overnight in Bukittinggi.
Day 8, Minangkabau Portraits Friday, July 17
Portrait session in and around a traditional rumah gadang. Models wear ceremonial dress and ornate headdresses, each design speaking of status, clan lineage, and regional style. Traditional Minang attire bursts with gold embroidery and bold color, embodying a living heritage where property and family names pass through women. We provide lighting and triggers; you bring your vision. Overnight in Bukittinggi.
Day 9, Pacu Jawi (Bull Races) Saturday, July 18th
The Pacu Jawi, held after the rice harvest, is part sport, part spectacle, part marketing for the bulls. Riders cling to wooden plows or grip the bulls’ tails, steering the animals through flooded fields in a spray of mud and muscle. At times, the rider bites the tail of the slowest bull to adjust the trajectory. The event is as much a social festival as it is a competition, serving as a showcase of the bulls’ strength before sale. For photographers, it’s the Minangkabau equivalent of fireworks, chaos, power, and tradition colliding in a single frame. Techniques range from fast shutter speeds to freeze action, to panning for motion, to long-lens compression for layered drama. Return to Padang for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Padang.
Day 10, Depart Padang Sunday, July 19th
Transfers to PDG airport and goodbyes. You leave with images and memories spanning two worlds, from the spiritual isolation of the Mentawai jungle to the cultural pageantry of the Minangkabau highlands.
Important Notes & Disclaimers
Travel time & weather dependency:
Reaching the Mentawai longhouse from Padang is weather-dependent. One day to reach and return, including staging/connection times; it is often faster, but sea conditions can extend or shorten travel. In total, expect 6 to 8 hours on the water to get there. If the fast ferry is cancelled due to rough seas, we will switch to a larger freight/passenger boat with shared cabins. Schedules may shift with limited notice.
Terrain:
From the river landing to the uma (traditional Mentawai home), there is a ~10-minute walk on an uneven, sometimes muddy path. Local helpers carry group gear and your gear, and assist on the trail. Boots are provided; bring light socks.
Sleeping & insects:
We sleep on plush air mattresses under mosquito nets, in a covered but open-air area of the uma compound. Mosquito density is usually low, but repellent/lotion is mandatory. Long sleeves for evenings are recommended.
Noise, smoke & quiet hours:
Sikerei (shamans) often smoke and socialize late. Sound carries in open structures; earplugs are strongly recommended. Please advise us in advance of smoke sensitivity; we’ll position your sleeping spot accordingly when possible.
Bathrooms & hygiene:
Shared bathrooms; one toilet is designated for us. Bring personal toiletries, hand sanitizer, and quick-dry towel. It is common to shower/cleanup with a nearby stream or a bucket, very clean and revigorating. The water is not cold, but refreshing. Wet wipes and sealable bags are helpful; please pack waste, as we do not leave any traces of our visit, and carry trash back with us.
Meals & drinks:
Our cook prepares two styles of dishes: local Indonesian and simple Western options for each meal. Diets are basic but safe and nutritious. Coffee, tea, and an espresso machine are available. Please share any dietary restrictions in advance.
Power & connectivity:
Generators provide charging for batteries and devices for most of the day. Starlink high-speed internet is available when satellite visibility and power permit; speeds can vary, and service isn’t guaranteed 24/7.
Cultural content advisory:
You may encounter traditional animal sacrifice (wild pig) as part of ritual life. Participation/photographing is optional; if preferred, we can arrange alternative portrait or forest sessions during that time. We brief all guests on respectful conduct and consent before any cultural activity.
Health & preparedness:
If sensitive to motion sickness, consider seasickness medication. Bring any personal medications, electrolytes, sunscreen, hat, headlamp, mosquito repellent, and a lightweight rain layer.