36 ชั่วโมงตามหาชนเผ่าโบราณ l เกาะสุมาตรา อินโดนีเซีย

Summary

In this adventurous journey, the traveler spends 96 hours with the Mentawai tribe in the Indonesian jungle, experiencing their ancient way of life. The tribe, known for their full-body tattoos and bamboo tools, lives off the grid without electricity or internet. The traveler participates in their daily activities, including hunting and fishing, and learns about their beliefs in nature's deities. The immersive experience offers a unique insight into the Mentawai people's connection with their natural surroundings.

Takeaways

• 🌲 The Mentawai people are a tribe residing in the jungles of Indonesia, known for their full-body tattoos and traditional way of life.
• ⏳ The journey to meet the Mentawai people lasted 36 hours and was filled with both excitement and challenges.
• 📵 Despite modern advancements, the Mentawai people continue to live without electricity, mobile phone signals, or the internet, relying solely on nature.
• 🗡️ The tribe is characterized by their use of bamboo tools, hunting gear, and a deep connection to their natural environment.
• 🏞️ The visitor's experience was like stepping back in time, with a 3 km hike through rugged terrain to reach the Mentawai village.
• 🐗 The Mentawai people's lifestyle includes hunting and fishing, with men taking on the role of hunters and women as fishers.
• 🏡 The tribe's homes, called 'Uma,' are made from bamboo and reeds, reflecting their deep integration with the jungle ecosystem.
• 🍽️ The visitor was introduced to the Mentawai people's cuisine, which is prepared over lamps due to the absence of electricity.
• 🙏 Respect for the Mentawai people's space and traditions is crucial, as they continue to live a life that is largely untouched by tourism.
• 🔮 The Mentawai people believe in the spiritual significance of natural elements, attributing divine presence to aspects of nature like storms and winds.

Q & A

Who are the Mentawai people mentioned in the script?

The Mentawai people are a mysterious tribe living in the jungles of Indonesia, known for their full-body tattoos and traditional way of life.

How long did the journey with the Mentawai people last?

The journey with the Mentawai people lasted for 96 hours.

What is unique about the Mentawai people's lifestyle?

The Mentawai people live in the jungle without modern conveniences like electricity, mobile phone signals, or the internet, relying entirely on nature.

What is the significance of tattoos for the Mentawai people?

Tattoos are a unique characteristic of the Mentawai people, covering their bodies and holding cultural significance.

What is the duration of the boat journey to reach the Mentawai people?

The boat journey to reach the Mentawai people is a 6-hour-long ride.

What is the name of the island that is renowned for surfing mentioned in the script?

The island mentioned is Siberut, which is one of the world's most renowned islands for surfing.

What is the purpose of the visit to the Mentawai village by the narrator?

The narrator visits the Mentawai village to experience their lifestyle, beliefs, and culture firsthand, including their tattooing methods and daily activities.

What is the name of the local term for the cabin where the narrator stays?

The local term for the cabin where the narrator stays is 'Uma'.

How does the narrator plan to manage personal hygiene without modern facilities?

The narrator mentions that they will wash themselves and their clothes in the river and use the bushes for toilet needs during their stay.

What precautions does the narrator take regarding the local beliefs about nature and gods?

The narrator is advised to respect the local beliefs by acknowledging the presence of gods in nature and following certain rituals, such as eating before the souls might join them.

What is the narrator's strategy for dealing with the lack of toilet facilities during the stay?

The narrator decides to limit their bowel movements to only urinating during the 4-day stay to avoid using the natural environment as a toilet.

Outlines

00:00

🌴 Journey to the Mentawai Tribe

The narrator embarks on a 36-hour journey to experience the life of the Mentawai people, an ancient tribe residing in the jungles of Indonesia. They are characterized by their full-body tattoos and a lifestyle deeply connected to nature, without modern amenities like electricity or internet. The journey begins with a boat ride through rugged paths and thorny vegetation, highlighting the challenges of reaching the tribe. The narrator expresses excitement and apprehension, acknowledging the potential dangers of the jungle. The script also mentions a stop in Padang, where the narrator contemplates bringing a Thai souvenir, a Hong Thai compound herb inhaler, as a gift to the tribe.

05:00

🚢 Traveling to Siberut Island

The script continues with the narrator's travel to Siberut Island, known for its surfing but also as the gateway to the Mentawai jungle. The journey involves a 6-hour boat ride, during which the narrator takes a nap to pass the time. Upon arrival, the narrator enjoys a meal at a local diner by a mangrove forest, noting the similarities between Indonesian and Thai meals. The script then describes the need for travel insurance, promoting Enjoy Travel insurance by Chubb, which can be conveniently purchased through the Krungthai NEXT app. The narrator also discusses the cultural differences between Mentawai and Muslim houses in the area and the importance of respecting the Mentawai people's way of life.

10:01

🏞️ Venturing Deeper into the Jungle

The journey continues with a motorcycle ride, or Tuk Tuk, to another boat that will take them down a narrow river for an hour and a half. The narrator emphasizes the importance of balance on the boat due to its narrowness. As they venture deeper, the lack of phone signal and internet is highlighted, encouraging a digital detox and a focus on the natural surroundings. Upon meeting the Mentawai people, the script notes their unique characteristics such as full-body tattoos, bamboo tools, and hunting gear. The narrator expresses excitement at the prospect of living like the Mentawai people, including a hike through the jungle and the anticipation of experiencing their lifestyle firsthand.

15:03

🏡 Settling into Mentawai Life

The script describes the arrival at the Uma, the local term for the cabin where the narrator will stay. The cabin is well-built and surrounded by a pig farm and a garden of naturally grown plants. The narrator meets Toikot, the eldest member of the household, and learns about the local customs, such as asking for permission to stay and respecting the Mentawai people's space. The lack of modern conveniences like electricity is noted, with lamps being used for light. The narrator also discusses the challenges of living in the jungle, including the use of bushes as toilets and the decision to avoid defecating during the stay. The script ends with a meal preparation scene, where the narrator learns about Mentawai customs and food, and a hint of the upcoming experiences and stories to be discovered in the next episodes.

20:13

🍲 Experiencing Mentawai Culture and Cuisine

The final paragraph delves into the narrator's experience with Mentawai culture and cuisine. They participate in a traditional meal, which includes a soup with glass noodles and vegetables, prepared to their preference for spiciness. The script highlights the importance of respecting the Mentawai people's beliefs, such as the presence of souls during meals. The narrator reflects on the significance of the trip, indicating that it will be a memorable experience. The script concludes with a teaser for the next episode, promising more stories and insights into the Mentawai way of life.

Keywords

💡Mentawai people

The Mentawai people are a tribe indigenous to the Mentawai Islands off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. They are known for their unique culture and traditions, which include full-body tattoos and living in harmony with nature. In the video, the Mentawai people are depicted as living without modern conveniences such as electricity, mobile phones, or the internet, highlighting their deep connection to their ancestral way of life. The script mentions spending time with them to understand their lifestyle, beliefs, and souls.

💡Jungle

The jungle in the context of the video refers to the dense tropical rainforest where the Mentawai people reside. It is a central theme as it represents the natural environment that the tribe relies on for survival and their cultural practices. The script describes the jungle as a place without modern amenities, emphasizing the Mentawai people's dependence on and respect for nature.

💡Tattoos

Tattoos are a significant cultural element among the Mentawai people, symbolizing their identity and status within the community. The script mentions that the tribe members have tattoos all over their bodies, which are not only aesthetic but also carry cultural and spiritual significance. The video aims to explore the ancient tattooing method used by the Mentawai, called Bom, which is a key aspect of their cultural heritage.

💡Siberut Island

Siberut Island is one of the Mentawai Islands and is noted for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance. In the video, the journey to Siberut Island is part of the exploration of the Mentawai people's lifestyle. The script describes it as one of the world's most renowned islands for surfing, but the focus of the visit is to experience the jungle and the indigenous way of life, not the surfing culture.

💡Bom

Bom refers to the ancient tattooing method used by the Mentawai people. It is mentioned in the script as the oldest tattooing method in the world, which the video aims to showcase. The Bom tattooing process is an integral part of the Mentawai culture and is likely to be a significant aspect of the experiences shared in the video.

💡Social detox

A social detox, as mentioned in the script, refers to the deliberate disconnection from social media and digital devices to focus on real-life experiences and interactions. In the video, the journey into the jungle with the Mentawai people involves a social detox, as there is no phone signal, internet, or electricity. This concept is central to the video's theme of immersing oneself in a different culture and way of life, away from the distractions of modern technology.

💡Nature reliance

Nature reliance is a key concept in the video, illustrating the Mentawai people's dependence on their natural surroundings for survival and spiritual beliefs. The script describes how everything relies on nature, and the tribe believes in the presence of gods in natural elements like storms and winds. This reliance is a stark contrast to modern societies and is central to understanding the Mentawai way of life.

💡Cultural immersion

Cultural immersion is the process of engaging with and experiencing a different culture deeply. The video's theme revolves around cultural immersion, as the script describes the journey to live like the Mentawai people, participate in their activities, and understand their beliefs. This includes learning about their tattooing methods, living in their traditional homes, and respecting their customs.

💡Travel insurance

Travel insurance is mentioned in the script as an important consideration for travelers, especially for journeys that involve remote or challenging destinations like the Mentawai Islands. The video script includes a promotional segment for Enjoy Travel travel insurance by Chubb, highlighting the ease of purchase and coverage options, which underscores the importance of being prepared for unexpected events during travel.

💡Respect for space

Respect for space is a recurring theme in the script, emphasizing the need for visitors to respect the Mentawai people's privacy and cultural space. The video narrative includes a reminder that the tribe continues its traditional lifestyle without the need for tourists, and visitors are guests in their environment. This concept is crucial for responsible tourism and cultural exchange.

💡Traditional lifestyle

The traditional lifestyle of the Mentawai people is a central focus of the video. The script describes their lives without modern conveniences, their practices like tattooing, and their beliefs in the spiritual aspects of nature. The video aims to provide a glimpse into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries, offering viewers a unique perspective on cultural preservation and sustainability.

Highlights

The journey with the Mentawai people, one of the oldest tribes in Indonesia, offers a unique cultural experience.

The Mentawai people live without modern conveniences like electricity, mobile phones, or the internet, preserving their traditional way of life.

The tribe is known for their distinctive full-body tattoos, a practice that dates back centuries.

The Mentawai people's lifestyle is deeply connected to nature, relying on it for sustenance and spiritual beliefs.

The traveler experiences the oldest tattooing method in the world, 'Bom', during their stay with the tribe.

The journey is filled with unexpected activities that provide insights into the Mentawai people's daily routines and beliefs.

The traveler's arrival in Padang marks the beginning of the challenging second half of their journey.

The importance of respecting the Mentawai people's space and traditions is emphasized during the visit.

The traveler brings a traditional Thai souvenir, a Hong Thai compound herb inhaler, as a gift for the Mentawai people.

The Mentawai people's houses are built from bamboo and reeds, reflecting their deep connection to the jungle.

The traveler learns about the Mentawai people's hunting and fishing practices, which are integral to their survival.

The journey includes a 3 km hike through the jungle to reach the Mentawai people's village.

The traveler encounters the rugged and challenging terrain of the jungle, highlighting the Mentawai people's resilience.

The experience of living without modern amenities like electricity or internet is a significant part of the cultural immersion.

The traveler is introduced to the Mentawai people's cooking and eating practices, which are communal and spiritual.

The Mentawai people's belief in the presence of gods in natural elements is a central aspect of their spirituality.

The traveler's experience of the Mentawai people's way of life is described as unforgettable, leaving a lasting impact.

Transcripts

I'm in the middle of a jungle with Mentawai people.

I spent 96 hours with the Mentawai people,

a mysterious tribe living in a jungle

and the oldest one in Indonesia.

They have tattoos all over their bodies

and spend their time in the jungle.

No matter how much the outside world has changed,

Mentawai people still live in the jungle

without electricity, mobile phone signals, or the internet.

Everything still relies on nature.

It's like going back 1,000 years in time.

This journey lasted for 36 hours,

which was challenging and tough.

Are we heading there in this boat?

I started to feel excited.

Look at the path. It's rugged.

Whoa. These are all thorns.

Have a poison?

Really poisonous.

I'd be dead if I were in this jungle alone.

4 days of living like Mentawai people.

Let's dive into their lifestyles, beliefs, and souls

through unexpected activities.

You're getting tattooed using the oldest tattooing method in the world, Bom.

Brace yourself for the impact of coming across the wonders of this tribe.

This is the beginning of my journey,

36 hours of discovering the ancient tribe in the center of Sumatra in Indonesia.

[EP. 1 Mentawai Tribe: 36 Hours to Sumatra]

OK, guys.

I'm here in Padang.

After this, it's the beginning of the arduous second half of my journey

which I mentioned would be long and extremely difficult.

Alright, let's go.

Thank you!

Ibis Hotel.

Yeah, Ibis Hotel.

In about 15 minutes.

Hello, everyone.

I've now arrived in Padang.

Yay!

I was thinking about what souvenir to give them

since I'm probably one of the few Thais who get to visit their village, right?

I was thinking like, "Hmm. What represents Thailand

so I can give them that?"

And I got this.

A Hong Thai compound herb inhaler, formula 2.

I hope they'll like it since I love bringing this with me abroad.

When I used it, people often asked me,

"Hey, what are you breathing in? It smells so nice."

So, I'm giving them this inhaler.

[I'm so naughty!]

[Day 2]

Good morning.

Good morning. / You woke up so early.

Whoa! Look at me after waking up.

Let's go.

We're Team Sunken Eyes.

Our ride's here.

We're taking this car to the pier to head to the island.

Let's go.

It's pretty, isn't it? / Mm.

Good morning!

Foreigners come here to go surfing

since the island that we're heading to, Siberut,

is one of the world's most renowned islands.

I think it ranks no. 3 in the world in terms of surfing.

But we're not going there to surf

because we're going into the jungle.

Ploypailin to Siberut.

7 A.M. slot, priced at 350.

After this, it's going to be a 6-hour-long ride.

I'm taking a nap. / I'm gonna explain it to you.

Let's see.

We're here.

This is a world map.

Here's Thailand.

We're right here.

Here.

We're taking the boat from here to this island.

Siberut.

I'm gonna take a long nap. / I'm gonna be seasick for sure

because it rained. There must be big waves.

I'll be dead.

On each trip, I don't know what I'll have to face.

So, I think applying for insurance is a very important thing.

Here! Enjoy every trip across the world

with Enjoy Travel travel insurance by Chubb.

It's really easy to buy via Krungthai NEXT the application.

Most importantly, no document submission is required

from registration to payment.

Everything can be done through the app.

Most importantly, you can use it to apply for a visa!

Yeah! It's awesome. [If denied a visa, 100% of the premium is refunded]

Plus, the premium starts from 100 Baht.

You can also buy other types of coverage,

such as flight delay and damaged baggage,

which is really worth it.

If you plan to travel, don't forget to buy travel insurance.

So your trip is fun and worry-free.

OK. Let's go.

If you're ready, let's resume our journey.

We're currently in the north of Siberut.

They anchored to let us have a meal for about an hour.

Then, we're gonna continue our trip on the same boat.

Whoa. There were huge waves this morning.

It was fine since I took a nap.

[I'm great at naps]

Those 4-5 hours went by so fast

because I slept through them.

Here, guys.

I'm sitting in a diner by a mangrove forest.

Look at what's behind me. Here.

Good thing Indonesians have meals like ours

because who are we?

We're ASEAN people.

On this table, there are these things.

What do you think they're for? / Hand washing?

Hey! How did you know?

I don't think we can drink from them. / How did you know?

Guys, on this table, there are these tiny bowls.

Dip your fingers in it.

I washed my hands, then what?

Use them to eat.

Let's have a meal.

After this, I'm gonna ride on a motorcycle

or what they call Tuk Tuk to get to another boat.

Whoa! It's been a long journey.

Your bags must be heavy.

We have to walk for 2 hours.

I told you to bring small bags!

How could they bring such small bags?

That one is this small.

And look at mine.

So many transfers.

See you, Bom!

The seat is burning hot.

You from?

Thailand! / Thailand.

How long?

30 minutes.

30 minutes. / Yeah.

30? 3?

Yeah, yeah. 30 minutes.

A 30-minute motorcycle ride!

I asked our driver.

He said that these houses belonged to many people.

For example, some houses belong to Mentawai people.

Some belong to Muslims.

Some Muslims traveled from Padang by boat to reside here.

So, there aren't only Mentawai people.

But it's noticeable which ones belong to Mentawai people

and which ones belong to Muslims.

I can tell from the different characteristics of the houses.

Look.

These houses differ.

They aren't like...

traditional Thai houses at all.

I'm trying to show you a house that belongs to Mentawai people.

I might've gone past some, but I couldn't find them.

Most of them are wooden houses.

After arriving at this village,

we're gonna continue our journey to get to the boat.

That guy is my guide.

Look at his machete.

Whoa! It's huge!

He will be our guide for the rest of our journey.

Bom is buying something unpleasant.

What are you buying?

Cigarettes.

He's buying cigarettes.

Should I say chocolate? / Actually...

Bom has already bought some,

but our guide told us to buy more

since people there will ask for them.

One. This one. / Instead of cigarettes,

they smoke tobacco pipes which aren't quite safe.

If they ask, just give them these cigarettes since they're much safer for them.

Cigarettes are the no. 1 product here.

They're widely available and very cheap.

How much is it?

40 Baht. 20 Baht at some places.

20-Baht cigarettes? / They exist.

You're lying, Bom. / They told me.

Really? / Yeah.

How much is it in Thailand?

More than 60 Baht.

Really? It's 50% cheaper here.

The cigarettes. / Yep.

Oh! You bought a lot.

Yeah, for the locals.

For the locals inside? / Yeah.

Wow.

This is for 2 days.

And 2 days.

2 days! / Yeah.

Hey, each pile is for 2 days!

They do smoke a lot.

I told you they always smoked.

You will see later, I think.

He had to buy them these.

Bom, we only bought a pack.

Hey! Are we heading there in this boat?

This narrow boat.

This is the stream we're going down.

Now, we've set off.

We're going down this stream...

this river.

It's going to take us an hour and a half.

Our guide is driving the boat as well.

Don't ever move an inch because the load for this boat...

If we sit closer to one side, it'll lean that way

since the boat is pretty narrow and long.

We were sitting for so long,

an hour and a half.

There isn't any signal now.

There's no need for phones.

Let's go into the jungle and do a social dtac.

Dtac?

Let's do a social detox. / Right.

In this area, there's no phone signal, internet, and electricity.

Let's see how people here live.

It's so real. / Let's go.

Let's backpack. / Let's go.

They're putting the package in the basket.

It's a wicker basket.

Hello! / Hello.

Alright.

We met a real one.

He's fully armed.

Our arrival was truly welcomed by Mentawai people.

Some unique characteristics of Mentawai people

are full-body tattoos, bamboo tools, and hunting gear.

Despite the evolution of our era,

Mentawai people still reside in the jungle

and build their homes out of bamboo and reeds.

The men of Mentawai hunt, while the women participate in fishing.

Once I got to see the real thing, I started to feel excited.

My name is Jane.

Jane. / Jane.

Bom. / Bom.

Bom. / Yep.

You?

Noticed her tattoo?

It extends from her chin to her neck.

Tattoo, tattoo. / Tattoo.

Nice!

I think we need to stick with her.

She's our chef. / Our chef.

After this, we're gonna hike 3 km

for about an hour or two to head into the jungle.

Look at the mud.

Whoa!

We have a doggo too?!

He's a wolf.

How is our cameraman doing?

Show me your feet.

Whoa! Here are my feet.

This isn't normal mud.

It has sucked in the bottom half of my legs!

I sacrificed one shoe.

This is fun!

I get why my friends don't join me on my trips now.

Look at me.

Hey, we need to hurry.

We haven't covered 100 m.

Look at the path. It's rugged.

I forgot to ask your name.

Hi. My name is Lugie.

Lugie? / Yes.

I just learned the name of our guide

because we were always in a hurry.

OK. I'll stop filming.

Let me focus on the hike

since it's about to get dark.

I won't make it to my cabin.

Review your shoes! / They're a mess.

Guys, we're almost there.

There's a river behind us.

It's probably the spot leading up to our cabin

where we can wash ourselves and our feet.

I think you'll find me washing clothes here in the evening.

Hey! I'll come with you.

Probably. / Yeah.

I need to wash my pants for sure. Look at me.

It's pretty around our cabin, isn't it?

Yeah. / Look at the flowers

and the colors of naturally grown plants.

They didn't plant these,

but they live in the middle of a garden called nature. Get it?

It was difficult to get here.

This is rewarding.

Here's the entrance to our cabin!

It's well-built.

♫On this path to our dreams♫

Guys, finally, we're here.

Hello~ / Hello!

Aleu ita. Aleu ita.

Aleu ita. / Aleu ita.

Aleu ita.

Aleu ita! / Aleu ita! Aleu ita.

Aleu ita!

Aleu ita.

Bom.

Bom. / Yep, Bom.

Me? Jane. / Jane.

He has a tattoo here. See?

His name is Toikot. [Age: unknown]

He's the eldest in this household.

So, our guide told us to greet him and ask him for permission to stay here.

This is our living area for 4 days.

Look at my shoes

and the pig that keeps marching about!

How's it going?

This is the view in front of our house.

It's a pig farm. / A pig farm.

And there's the owner of the house.

Hey! He took a chicken.

See the chicken he's holding? / Yeah.

This is the new cabin that's being built. / Yeah.

The planks we saw.

It's made of wood.

The cabin we're staying in is called Uma. It's a local term.

When did you learn this?

I did my research! / Oh!

May I take some photos?

Take photos?

I'm sorry I got you into this.

Why? It's been fun. / But I'm saying that...

it serves you right. / Oh!

All of a sudden, the mood changed!

This is unforgivable!

Let's wash ourselves like this!

Hey, Bom!

Like this?!

Mentawai people wash their hair like this.

It's like a nicely decorated garden. / Yeah.

Did they plant these? / Don't think so.

I know, right? / Yeah.

They seem to have grown naturally.

While we were washing ourselves, this guy came in.

Yes?

Whose legs are those? / A chicken's!

He came in with a dead chicken...

It's already dead. / ...stepped into the water, and left.

In the evening after the sun has set, it all started to get dark.

In this jungle, there's no electricity, mobile phone signal, or internet.

So, we had to rely on lamps

to see and make today's dinner.

It's so nice here, isn't it? / Very nice.

As I said, there's no electricity here

because Mentawai people rely on nature.

They believe that the souls here rely on nature.

There are gods in nature,

whether it be storms,

winds, rainbows, or everything.

There are gods in them.

By being here, our guide told us to respect Mentawai people's space.

Had we not shown up, they could've gone on without tourists.

They don't need us,

but we've asked for their permission to stay here and observe how they live.

So, we have to respect their space.

That is what is special about this place.

We get to live in a house open to tourists.

But there are a number of houses

in this area that aren't open to us.

So, this house is where we're staying on this trip.

For the stay, for the living.

Here, like, really in the forest.

So, we don't have good sleeping bags.

Yeah. No big mattresses.

Yeah, don't worry.

And then also, for the toilet,

we have to go to the bushes.

You know the bushes? / The bushes?

Bushes? Like there in the forest.

Oh, in the forest, yeah. / Yeah.

Yeah, it's not in the river. / The nature.

Yeah, in nature.

I won't poop during these 4 days. I'll pee only.

He said he wouldn't poop.

He will just pee.

Oh, during these 5 days? / Yeah.

4, 4! / 4 days.

He will not poop.

They said when we were about to have a meal,

there might be souls joining us,

but the souls might steal from us.

So, we have to do this.

It's like we're eating before them.

It's like soup with glass noodles and vegetables.

You're having vegetables!

I have to admit. It's hot.

I thought you were gonna say it was good. / It's also good.

It's a lifesaver. It's like Thai food.

I told them I preferred it spicy

since we came from Thailand.

It's not too spicy!

A little. / A little.

A little. / A little. See?

It's not too spicy!

This is just the beginning

of our journey to observe the Mentawai way of life,

the oldest tribe in Indonesia.

In the next 4 days,

there are stories, experiences,

and things that...

You can't do this to me, Ploy!

Please check out the rest of this trip to uncover all of those things.

It's safe to say that this is one of the trips

that will be etched in my memory forever.

See you in the next one.