Siberut Island, Island in Mentawai archipelago, Indonesia.
Siberut Island is an island in the Mentawai archipelago covered by dense rainforest, mangrove swamps, and coral reefs. Multiple rivers run through the terrain, shaping the tropical landscape and its diverse ecosystems.
The island was designated a biosphere reserve in 1981 to protect its natural environment. This conservation effort led to the creation of Siberut National Park in 1993, establishing formal protection for a significant portion of the land.
The Mentawai people live in traditional Uma longhouses that shelter multiple families and structure daily life around shared spaces. Visitors can observe how this way of living shapes community bonds and cultural practices that remain central to the island today.
Ferries from Padang serve as the main access route, with slower boats taking around 10 to 12 hours and faster services cutting travel time significantly. Plan for long journeys and be flexible with schedules, as weather conditions can affect ferry operations.
Four primate species found nowhere else inhabit the island, including the bokkoi and Mentawai langur. These rare monkeys are part of more than 30 mammal species that exist only here, making it an unusual place for wildlife.
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