The tours of Mentawai are loudly marketed in Bukittinggi as a trip to see the "primitive" people and "stone-age" culture. Generally, Mentawai people welcome tourism as a way of validating and preserving their own culture, although they get little financial benefit from it. Be sure to read and obey guidelines about behaviour that are given to you, as the people have a complex system of taboo behaviour. Be aware that on a five-day trip, Day One usually means a 3pm departure from Bukittinggi and Day Five may well end at 10am when you get back to Bukittinggi. Most tours centre on the southeast of the island, where you'll be able to watch and join in with people going about their everyday activities, such as farming, fishing and hunting. The ceremonies of Siberut are something of a draw for tourists, but many are actually staged for them. Malaria is endemic on the island, so take your own net or borrow one from the tour company.