MENTAWAI ISLANDS: IN PHOTOS

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.

fullsizeoutput_9e0 — Crowds of people gather outside the ferry to collect their belongings — Siberut, Sumatra.

fullsizeoutput_9d9 — Writing in my travel journal as we travelled by long boat, from the ferry port to the island.

fullsizeoutput_9d8 — 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.

fullsizeoutput_9df — A traditional Indonesian hut lodged on the side of the mangroves.

fullsizeoutput_9d2 — Beautiful blue oceans surround you as far as you can see—the magic of Mentawai.

fullsizeoutput_9c7 — 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.

fullsizeoutput_9c3 — 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.

fullsizeoutput_9cc — Rahman enjoying a fresh, young coconut.

fullsizeoutput_9c1 — 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.

fullsizeoutput_9cd — Fernando—Rahman’s brother-in-law—climbing the trees in search of fresh coconuts.

fullsizeoutput_9af — The view from above. Our camp was nestled in the righthand corner of this image, bordering the sand.

fullsizeoutput_990 — One of the local Siberut residents. I took this photograph on our way back to the ferry port.

fullsizeoutput_993 — A local fisherman untangling his nets after a fine catch.

fullsizeoutput_988 — 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.

fullsizeoutput_989 — Siberut from the water. For such a beautiful region, it’s sad to see so much rubbish floating willingly into the ocean.

fullsizeoutput_98d — Off to find the catch of the day.