Surfer Paradise - Mentawai Islands

Observing the graceful charm of unspoiled nature and its preservation awake on an island in the middle of the Indian ocean is certainly very impressive. Walking through the thick forest through the paths in a National Park area with remarkable natural phenomenon could be an interesting adventure and unforgettable. Mentawai Islands is an archipelago that lies off the coast of West Sumatra province. This archipelago consists of four main island groups that inhabited are island of Siberut, Sipora island, North Pagai island and South Pagai island. In addition there are other small islands that are only planted with coconut trees.

Mentawai Islands became one of adventure, cultural tourism and marine tourism destinations in West Sumatra. Ancient tropical rainforests cover most of the island of Siberut and this place to be a natural habitat for 16 endemic species and several species are categorized as endangered species. By UNESCO, Siberut island designated as a biosphere reserve.

Mentawai tribes living in the culture and traditions that they hold dear. Mentawai tribe can be encountered in the interior of the island of Siberut, there are Madobak, ugai and Matotonan village. The tourists can stay overnight in the uma (Traditional house of  Mentawai tribe) and see or mingle in the life of the indigenous tribes Mentawai. They still wear distinctive clothing called khabit made form bark. Most of their bodies decorated with tattoos that are an important symbol in Melawai culture as a symbol of maturity and status. Tattoo art has been passed down from their ancestors and tattoo inks they use are still using natural dyes. You can try to make a tatto for your body with them.

Waters in the Mentawai Islands is amazing. Height and length of the waves rolling in on almost every beach and used for surfing activities. Activities can be done in several surfing beaches in the Mentawai islands, there are Nyangnyang beach, Karang Bajak beach, Karoniki beach and Pananggelat Mainuk beach which are all located in the district of South Siberut. Surfing is a tourism icon for the Mentawai archipelago that has been known throughout the world. Several times has held the international surfing competitions here. No less than 400 "surf spot" in the Mentawai islands. Bosua village on the southern tip of the island known for most perfect waves with wave heights up to 4 meters, many tourists and surfers visit Mentawai Islands on summer.

Besides surfing activities, you can do diving and snorkeling to see the underwater sights at some dive point. Awera Island and Siruso coast frequented visited by tourists for recreation because the sea is crystal clear, with white sand beaches. Beautiful landscape you can find there.

Here are the tourism spots in the Mentawai islands

Madobak villages: one village where people still maintain traditional culture of life in performing daily life such as hunting, gathering medicinal and religious ceremonies. In this village we can find natural baths.

Saumanganyak Village : contained Rua Oinan  lake that located in the middle of the forest.
Bulasat Village : there is a Bat Soumang waterfall with a torrential flow of rivers suitable for rafting.
Katiet Hamlet, Bosua bay, Nyangnyang island, Mapaddegat, Sibugue bay and Pittoijat: the waves are perfect for surfing with a height of up to 4 meters.


Accommodations
Accommodations are available in the Mentawai islands are resorts, homestay and a more exciting is that we can live together with Mentawai Tribe at Uma.


The way to the Mentawai
You can get through the international airport Soekarno - Hatta Jakarta and continue your flight with destination airport Tabing (Padang - West Sumatra). Through the bay harbor bayur - Padang, you can use  ferry to the Mentawai islands.

Tips
- Bring your own surfboard because it is rather difficult to find a surfboard shop in Mentawai
- Ocean waves / the best waves in March - October in the dry season
- Bring your personal medicine
- Arrange your visit by contacting a travel agent in Indonesia
- Bring cash

Video by: isctour

Picture Sources:
getlostinminangland.blogspot.com
forum-unand.blogspot.com
visitranahminang.blogspot.com
publiceye-magz.com
kaskus.us
gesaf.wordpress.com
surftrip.com
umatun.wordpress.com
http://www.wayfaring.info
forum-unand.blogspot.com
wavepark.com