Mentawai Islands, Island regency in West Sumatra, Indonesia.
The Mentawai Islands form an archipelago of about 70 islands off the western coast of Sumatra, stretching across a vast area. The landscape features steep rocky coastlines and dense tropical forests, with several rivers flowing between the islands.
The islands formed millions of years ago through geological processes and separated from Sumatra, allowing many animal and plant species to develop found nowhere else. This geographic isolation created a distinct evolutionary path that sets them apart from surrounding regions.
The islanders organize themselves in close-knit communities and build their homes elevated above riverbanks to adapt to local conditions. Daily life revolves around farming and hunting, practices that have shaped their relationship with the land and remain central to their identity.
Moving between the islands relies on boats, as roads are limited and infrastructure is basic. Visitors should prepare for fundamental conditions and allow time for boat travel between locations.
A powerful earthquake struck in 2010 and triggered a large wave that caused substantial damage to coastal areas. This event left visible marks on the landscape and in the memory of local communities.
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