What do the Mentawai eat?

sago
The main food they eat is sago, a type of flour from ground palm medulla, which is usually grilled. Small animals are hunted by women. The Mentawai people keep pigs, dogs, monkeys, and sometimes chickens as pets.

What religion are the Mentawai people?

Animism
Animism followed by Islam and Christianity are the predominant religions. Originally, The Mentawai people worshiped Arat Sabulungan (the religion of leaves), a philosophical journey toward heaven by embracing all in the environment, past and present.

What language do the Mentawai people speak?

The Mentawai language is an Austronesian language, spoken by the Mentawai people of the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, Indonesia.

How do you get from Bali to Mentawai Islands?

There is no direct connection from Bali to Mentawai Islands Regency. However, you can take the taxi to Ngurah Rai airport, fly to Minangkabau, take the walk to Padang Airport, take the bus to Hotel Inna Muara, take the walk to Padang, take the ferry to Muara Siberut, then take the travel to Mentawai Islands Regency.

What is Mentawai teeth sharpening?

Teeth sharpening is considered a form of beautification that pleases one’s inner spirit for the Mentawai. The ritual is undertaken with no pain medicines or anesthetics as part of a traditional coming-of-age ceremony, and is still practiced today.

Are the mentawais crowded?

A couple of other particular spots at the Mentawai can also get crowded occasionally (Lance’s right and Maccaronis), but the majority – away from the Playground area – has no access neither accommodation available, and therefore it’s not crowded.

When should I surf Mentawai?

The prime surfing season in the Mentawais is between March and October/November. This roughly coincides with the dry season, as well as the best time to surf throughout most of Indonesia.

When did the Mentawai teeth sharpening start?

The rite of passage performed by the Mentawai women is known as teeth sharpening or teeth chiseling. Around the age of 13, young women usually announce that they would like to get their teeth sharpened, the village will then applaud and start cheering.

How much does it cost to get your teeth sharpened?

Teeth Reshaping: Cost According to American Cosmetic Dentistry, the cost of teeth reshaping (also called contouring) treatment typically is between $50 to $300 per tooth before (and if!) insurance helps cover it.

What is shoulder surf season?

The month of October, what we call shoulder season, is considered one of our favourite months. With medium sized swells together with light winds and less boats sailing around, its guarantee to score great waves during the trips.

How much is a surf trip to Mentawai?

Prices start at $1,350 for a 10-day package. If you’d like to have the ultimate surf trip, a Mentawai surf charter is the way to go. These give you the freedom to move easily between the islands and the many surf spots. You’ll be able to surf multiple breaks, including remote and uncharted waves.