Siberut National Park lies offshore West Sumatra along the Mentawai Straits some 155 km away from the city of Padang. Dipterocarpaceae primary forest, mixed forest, swamps coastal forest and mangrove forest dominate the conservation area. Tall, statuesque trees that flourish within the area serve as the natural habitat for endemic primates, including the simakobu monkeys ( Nasalis Concolor Siberu ), Mentawai leaf monkey ( Presbytis Potenziani Siberu ), kloss gibbon ( Hylobates klossii ) and Mentawai macaque (Macaca Pagensis).
The distinctive habitat of local wildlife has made it necessary for UNESCO to declare the national park as biosphere reserve. Siberut is part of Mentawai Islands, is harmonious blend of biodiversity and local culture. Siberut is the largest island of four islands in the Mentawai, which lies off the coast of west Sumatera. Siberut island lies south of the equator between the coordinates 98036' - 99003' East longitude and 1005' - 1045' South latitude. The distance between the island of Siberut and Sumatera island about 155 km acros the Mentawai Strait. Altitude 0 - 500 m above sea level, rainfall on average 2,900 - 3,700 mm/year. Siberut is divided into five district : The North Siberut (Muara Sikabaluan), South Siberut (Muara Siberut), West Siberut (Simalegi), South-west of Siberut (Tailelu), Middle Siberut (Saibu Samukop).
The indigenous population, the Mentawai tribe, clings strongly to their hunting tradition. Mentawai islands are said to have been isolated from mainland Sumatra since 500.000 years ago, thus giving shape to a unique culture and ecosystem. The Mentawaians believe that all living objects, men, plants, and animal are supposed to have spirit. The only specialist in the communitiy is the medicine man 'Kerei', responsible for communication with the spirits and the souls. In case of misfortune or illness, he is called in to restore harmony within the group or in relation with the spirits in the environment. An elaborate 'Taboo' system based on religious beliefs with respect to the environment is a dominant characteristic of traditional life on Siberut. Visit and stay in a Mentawaian village, trek to the jungle, learn about sago processing and bark cloth processingn, and do other activities that will heighten your interest in and fascination with the natural philosophy of the Mentawaian.
The journey to Siberut National Park is an adventurous combination of a boat ride and traveling by foot through muddy paths. Along the journey, you will witness the natural grandeur of tropical rainforest where wildlife roam, waterfalls tumble and cascade also natives warmly greet and welcome visitors, a memorable experience. Siberut Island equatorial climates that hot and humid with high rainfall and no prolonged dry season. Average rainfall per year is approximately 3.320 mm. Rainfall is highest between April and October, while the relatively dry months between February and June. Temperature and humidity are relatively constant with humidity ranging between 81-85% and the average daily temperature is 22 º C - 31 º C with the highest point on the island is 384 meters above sea level.
Accessibility and Direction : Ferry crossing are available thrice a week, departing in the evening from Padang ( Muara Padang ) to Muara Siberut, Muara Sikabakuan and Muara Saibi. The passage takes approximately 10 hours. An alternative would be the fast ferry service available every Thursday from Padang to Tuapejat at Sipora island, then continue south to Siberut island ( 4 hours journey ).
Best Time to Visit : From Januari to September
Contact Details : Siberut National Park, Jln. Raden Salah No. 8 C PO BOX 159, Padang, Sumatra Barat. Phone/Fax (0751) 442309
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