Welcome to Mentawai — a chain of remote islands which lie 150 kilometres West of Sumatra. The region is well known for its pumping swells, beautiful, untouched rainforests and local Indonesian lifestyle.
Crowds of people gather outside the ferry to collect their belongings — Siberut, Sumatra.Writing in my travel journal as we travelled by long boat, from the ferry port to the island.This is Rahman, his wife, Rerin and their beautiful 4-year-old daughter. They are a local Mentawai family, living in the heart of Siberut.A traditional Indonesian hut lodged on the side of the mangroves.Beautiful blue oceans surround you as far as you can see—the magic of Mentawai.These canoes are the most common method of transport in the Mentawais. They are made from just one carved tree, and a lot of skill.Exploring the natural land was a daily pleasure. This shot was taken from the boat, and features the beautiful island that’s home to Burger World — one of Mentawais’ many treasures.Rahman enjoying a fresh, young coconut.This is our friend’s boat. I was always happy when I saw it anchored up as I knew they’d be in the water.Fernando—Rahman’s brother-in-law—climbing the trees in search of fresh coconuts.The view from above. Our camp was nestled in the righthand corner of this image, bordering the sand.One of the local Siberut residents. I took this photograph on our way back to the ferry port.A local fisherman untangling his nets after a fine catch.A group of local men and women travelling by long boat. Note the unique outboard on the side of the craft—these homemade engines are a common sight.Siberut from the water. For such a beautiful region, it’s sad to see so much rubbish floating willingly into the ocean.Off to find the catch of the day.
Eleanor Knight | Journalist