Still alive
Video & Expeditions by Daria Alieva.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the world has permanently lost more than 230 documented languages. Their speakers—small Indigenous communities—were assimilated or disappeared, along with their beliefs and traditions, as a result of disease, conflict, and the destruction of their ancestral lands. Their languages and cultures endured for thousands of years, only to be overwhelmed by globalization. Has there truly become no place left for them on our planet?
ABOUT DARIA
For over 12 years, I have documented the traditions of Indigenous peoples in some of the world's most remote regions. Every journey has taught me that these cultures are not relics of the past—they are living worlds that deserve to be understood, respected, and remembered.
Hidden deep within the rainforests of Siberut Island, off the west coast of Sumatra, lives one of Indonesia's oldest indigenous communities—the Mentawai people. For countless generations, they have preserved a way of life that remains deeply connected to nature and guided by ancient animistic beliefs. Here, every living being—and even rocks, rivers, and trees—is believed to have a soul.
This expedition takes you beyond the usual tourist routes and into the heart of the Mentawai homeland, where we will spend several days living alongside the community and experiencing their traditions firsthand.
THE JOURNEY
Our adventure begins with a boat crossing from mainland Sumatra to Siberut Island. From there, we continue by traditional dugout canoe along winding jungle rivers before trekking through pristine rainforest to reach an Uma—the traditional communal house of the Mentawai.
Far from roads and modern infrastructure, we will immerse ourselves in one of the most remote and culturally rich places in Southeast Asia.
EXPERIENCE THE MENTAWAI WAY OF LIFE
During our stay, we will witness daily life within the community and learn about traditions that have been passed down for centuries.
Highlights include:
Meeting a Kerei (Mentawai shaman) and observing traditional healing practices
Learning about medicinal plants collected from the rainforest
Watching traditional bow-and-arrow hunting techniques
Witnessing sacred rituals that maintain harmony between people and nature
Observing traditional tattooing and ceremonial teeth sharpening
Experiencing dances, ceremonies, and rituals honoring the spirits of hunted animals
SIBERUT'S UNIQUE WILDLIFE
Siberut is one of Indonesia's most important biodiversity hotspots. Throughout the expedition, we will encounter untouched rainforest and search for rare endemic wildlife and plants found nowhere else on Earth.
What's Included
Hotel accommodation before the expedition
Camping accommodation during the expedition
All transportation between Sumatra and Siberut, and throughout the island according to the itinerary
Meals in remote areas
Porter services
Community fees, local permits, and gifts for the Mentawai families
Not Included
International flights to Padang (West Sumatra)
Meals in towns and villages
Travel and medical insurance
Alcohol, cigarettes, and personal medications
Personal clothing and expedition equipment
