SIBERUT NATIONAL PARK

Siberut National Park is located on Siberut Island near to West Sumatra that is separated by Mentawai Sea. The distance from Padang, the capital of West Sumatra, is about 155 kilometers. 60% of Siberut is covered by natural forest which has beautiful view and huge amount of fauna. The UNESCO states it as a biosphere conservatory through the program Man and the Biosphere.

Distinctly, Siberut has its original primate species that can not be found in other place in this world. The Siberut’s original primates are bokkoi (Macaca pagensis), lutung mentawai/joja (Presbytis potenziani siberu), bilou (Hylobates klossii), and simakobu (Nasalis concolor siberu). In addition to that species, Siberut National Park also has 4 species of chipmunks, 17 mammals and 130 species of birds which 4 of them are Siberut original species.

The tribe that occupies the Siberut Island is Mentawai tribe. They live in social closeness and tight brotherhood. They live in a huge house called UMA, it may consist of 30 to 80 peoples. The Mentawai undergoes traditional live, they are away from modern life and their faith is animism.

The travel to Siberut National Park is a really challenging adventure. To explore the park we have to mud walking, boating and kayaking. The traveler are able to enjoy the view, swimming in the water that is falling from the virgin waterfall at the northern and southern of the island, observe the flora, photograph the scene, flora and fauna, caving and observing the traditional community.

Not only the tourists can do the above activities but they are also able to snorkel at Sagulubek Beach and Masilok Beach. The beaches offer their virgin habitats such as coral and fishes that are very interesting. The white sand coast with the tropical coconut trees create the most beautifull view. The accomodations are available at the beach, so relax yourself and enjoy the view.

To complete the visit, every May is held Gandang Tasa festival and Tabuik Festival on June. Those two festivals are held in Padang.

The travel to the park is arranged by travel agents in Padang or Bukit Tinggi. They provide all the need to make the journey as well as the guides.

The Siberut National Park can be achieved by boat from Muara Padang at Padang to Muara Siberut or Muara Sikabaluan or Muara Saibi. The schedule of the boat is 3 times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and it departs at 8 P.M. The journey takes places for 10 hours. On demand boat may be arranged with the travel agents at Padang.

Source: www.dephut.go.id.
Usefull link: Siberut Conservation, Siberut National Park

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