Get in touch · Sumatra & Mentawai

Contact your
Sumatra private tour guide

Ready to explore? Send a message and we'll talk through what you have in mind — then I'll help you build a private trip in Sumatra and the Mentawai Islands that fits your pace, your dates and your way of travelling.

How it works

What happens after your first message

01

First contact

Tell me your dates, ideas, group size and duration.

02

Tailor-made itinerary

I design your route and reply within 48 hours.

03

Confirmation

We refine the details together until it feels right.

Plan your trip

Timing & what to expect

Everything you need to know before reaching out — from the best months to visit to what is covered in your private tour.

When to go

Find your perfect season

Pick a month to see conditions. Green dot = current month.

What's included

Everything taken care of

Transparency from day one. Here is exactly what is covered — and what you arrange yourself.

What is included in your private tour
Private car + driver
All accommodations
Your guide (Fred or trusted local)
Park entrance fees
Planned activities
Fresh bottled water daily
Not included
International flights
Some meals (explore local food!)
Travel insurance
Get in touch

Plan your Sumatra adventure

Fred speaks French, English and Indonesian. Whether you already have a clear itinerary or just a rough idea, you can write in your own words and we'll shape a private Sumatra tour together.

Voyage sur mesure à Sumatra ou séjour privé aux îles Mentawai : écrivez-moi en français, je vous répondrai personnellement pour créer un itinéraire adapté à vos envies.

Fred, your private guide in Sumatra
Your private guide

Hi, I'm Fred

WhatsApp — fastest response +(62) 896 6829 9589 Usually replies within hours
Email Use the form opposite Response within 48 hours
Base Bukittinggi, West Sumatra
Indonesia 26181
Where I am

Bukittinggi, West Sumatra — 2 hours from Padang Airport

Map unavailable offline

Bukittinggi, West Sumatra — 2 hours from Padang Airport

"I'll personally design your Sumatra adventure. Expect my first email within 48 hours — feel free to WhatsApp me anytime for a quick chat."

I first came to Sumatra with a backpack and no real plan. What was supposed to be a trip turned into a new life. Ten years later, I guide private tours for couples, families and small groups — in French, English and Indonesian.

"I don't sell fixed itineraries. I help you discover Sumatra the way I know it, and we build your journey together."

— Fred, your private guide

Send a message

Start your adventure

Tell Fred about your travel plans. Fill in the details below, then use the message box to share your ideas, expectations, special requests, or any questions you may have.

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email.
Please tell me a bit about your plans.
or
Book a free 15-min call with Fred

No commitment. Just a chat about your plans.

100% tailor-made No hidden fees Reply within 48h

Message sent!

Fred has received your message. Here's what happens next:

1
Fred reads your request Usually within 4 hours
2
You receive a tailor-made itinerary Within 48 hours, no obligation
3
We refine it together Until it feels exactly right
4
You book when you're ready No pressure, no hidden fees

In the meantime, have a quick question?

WhatsApp Fred
Behind the Scenes

Life on the trail

See full gallery
Fred guiding a group through the Sumatra jungle canopy
Trekking preparation with hiking gear in Sumatra
Local Minangkabau elder sharing traditional culture
Panoramic view of Lake Toba volcanic landscape
Travelers enjoying a traditional Sumatran meal together
Daily life in a Sumatran village with children playing
Sunrise over the Mentawai Islands coastline
Wild orangutan spotted during jungle trek in Gunung Leuser
Traditional Mentawai tribal tattoo ceremony
Frequently Asked

Your questions, answered

Everything you need to know before planning your private Sumatra adventure. Still have a question? Just reach out.

Honestly, Sumatra is beautiful year-round. The dry season (May to September) is perfect for jungle trekking and beach days on Pulau Weh. During the "green season" (October to April), the jungle is at its most vibrant and rain usually comes as short afternoon showers. I'll help you pick the perfect time based on what you want to experience.

Every trip is tailor-made, so there isn't a fixed price. The cost depends on your itinerary, trip duration, accommodation, activities, and the number of travelers — the larger your group, the lower the cost per person.

All tours include your private guide, driver, transportation, accommodation, and the activities listed in your itinerary. You'll always receive a clear quotation with no hidden costs.

When filling out the inquiry form, feel free to mention your approximate budget. It helps me design the best itinerary possible within your expectations.

Most travelers get a Visa on Arrival at the airport (€35, valid 30 days, extendable once). You can also apply for an e-Visa online before your trip if you want to skip the queue.

Yes, and I say this as a French guy who's been living here for 10 years. Sumatran people are among the warmest and most hospitable I've ever met. You'll be surprised how safe you feel, often safer than in a European city.

Absolutely! A private tour means you're never really alone: you have a dedicated guide, real cultural exchanges, and enough flexibility to change plans on the fly.

Every traveler is different, which is why we offer orangutan treks of different lengths and levels of immersion. A trek can last from a few hours to several days, or even over a week for those seeking a true rainforest expedition across Gunung Leuser National Park.

All of our treks require a reasonable level of fitness, as they are real jungle adventures. We'll help you choose the option that best matches your interests, the time you have available, and your physical condition.

Bali is beautiful but crowded. Sumatra is what Bali was 30 years ago, wild, authentic, untouched. Here you'll trek with wild orangutans, sleep in traditional Minang houses, meet Mentawai shamans, and share meals with people who've barely met a tourist.

I recommend booking at least 4–6 months in advance for July and August (peak season) to secure the best guides and accommodations. For the rest of the year, 2–3 months is generally recommended.

If you're planning a last-minute trip, feel free to get in touch. I'll always let you know honestly what's still possible.

Yes, and they're some of my favorite trips to design. Kids usually love Sumatra — spotting orangutans, river tubing, waterfalls, and wildlife.

That said, Sumatra is a large island, and some transfers between destinations can take several hours. That's why family tours are usually spread over more days, allowing plenty of time to relax and enjoy each destination before getting back on the road. They're best suited to families who don't mind longer journeys and prefer a slower, more comfortable pace.

Typically included: private car with fresh bottle water + driver, all accommodations, your guide/tour leader (me or a trusted local guide), park entrance fees, and planned activities. Not included: international flights, travel insurance, and some meals (so you're free to explore local food!).