Mentawai hand that is not very aesthetically creation of the world's eyes

Located off the western coast of Sumatra, the Mentawai archipelago comprises four municipalities, Sirebut, Sipora, North Pagai and South Pagai. Sirebut is the largest of the islands and is still largely covered by rainforest. From the moment they arrive at Sirbeut and see the white coral beaches, ancient forests and hear the brazen black gibbons playing in the trees will be hard to resist falling in love with the place. This island is home to a rich variety of bio-diversity that has earned the designation as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

he remote location of these islands is that the Mentawai people have had very little contact with the outside world. The archipelogo is believed to have separated from the rest of Sumara 500,000 years ago and it is only since the 20th century that external influences began to have an impact on the local population. Today, the Mentawai still governed by traditional practices and live largely on the ground. The local population has a strong spiritual relationship with the forest with a belief system that emphasizes harmony with creation.

It is believed that the first settlers came to inhabit these islands, at least several thousand years ago. Most anthropologists classify as Protomalay Mentawai which means they have a culture, especially Neotlithic but have not been made by Buddhism, Islam or Hinduism.

Tattoos are an important symbol in the Mentawai culture and reflect the maturity, maturity and status. The art of body painting has been inherited from ancestors and the ink is from natural fibers.

The largest city is Muara Sirebut Sirebut on the southeast coast. This is the main entry point for groups of tourists from the mainland. From here you can travel with a local guide and inner journey to some of the Mentawai people. Bahasa If it's good enough, chatting with locals and enjoy their hospitality.

The other big attraction for visitors to these islands is world class surfing. With some of the best surfing conditions in the world, the giant waves and swells that remain throughout the year, this is listed in serious surfers and must visit destination.