Survivorman | Beyond Survival | Season 1 | Episode 10 | The Mentawai Shamans of Indonesia

Threats to uncontacted tribes living in the most remote parts of the world are an issue of vital importance as oil and gas exploration, mining and logging push ever deeper. The Mentawai Islands lie to the West of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. Les begins at the island of Siberut. He journeys 9 hours up river by boat, navigating log-jammed river systems and shallow waters, eventually trekking by foot into the heart of the island, arriving at the Mentawai tribe.
Les will live with this tribe for eight days, connecting to their history, learning the great survival methods they can teach. Eating the daily food staple called ‘sago’, making a Shaman’s garb called the ‘si kerei’, and under-going painful ancient warrior tattooing, Les will prepare himself to hunt and survive in the Borneo jungle with bow and poison arrow. The key to daily survival here is finding food and, in a jungle renowned for its poisonous insects and reptiles, the Mentawai’s knowledge of medicinal plants and invocation of healing and spiritual ceremony is at the core of what keeps them alive in this highly dangerous environment.
Voice is important to the Mentawai, they lure their prey by imitating the calls of all the animals they hunt. As hunting is getting scarce, they are now forced to go deeper and further into the jungle. They say even a caterpillar can kill you in Borneo; the Mentawai believe their singing of shamanic songs attunes their souls.
With award winning, never before seen ceremonial and survival footage, Les Stroud crafted this stunningly beautiful and compelling series about connecting to the earth through survival and ancient ceremonies with indigenous cultures around the planet.
Directed By Les Stroud
Starring Les Stroud

[@cjgia4898]

"And this guy wants to snuggle" Les says while looking like....'If you touch me man, that smile is leaving your face!' 🤣

[@GHM28]

Les, you’ve outdone yourself on this series. Today I played the first episode over breakfast with my family and just finished the last with my father. From ages 5-72 we invested in this. It took us all day, off and on, but my dad and I just finished and are discussing the wonders of the world over some decent whiskey. Thank you sir. Great job on the tattoos.

[@vuk8550]

Wish I had a dad as half as yours. I am glad there are normal parents at least somewhere out there. Cherish each other dude, cheers.

[@scypho6874]

P0 L0i

[@jf6647]

I miss when stuff like this was on TV. Les you inspired me to hike, explore and enjoy nature. The original Survivorman show has brought me so much knowledge and even comfort when I watch them. I admire the unaltered perspective, as it brings a true sense of reality and connection to the world, nature and the many different cultures of the world. You'll always be a personal hero of mine. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@nathandowney813]

Historic! Les, you are the most interesting man in the world!

[@baz_1239]

After Jesus

[@davidbeals2056]

Do you all realise just how real Les is. No bullshit, as he would gain nothing if he didn't know it is 100% facts, not some MSM bullshit. Do you realize Les how unique your preservation process of these people is? Damn HYSTORICAL. And "how do they figure it out', that's my question and you answered it FINALLY in my life. That is the answer, "they figure it out". Absolutely amazingly, beautiful. They should make an award called the Les Stroud Documentarian of The Year. I am very serious. No one else has ever documentad anything close to this. He is a LEGEND. And the people in this video seem so prehistoric. I don't mean that in an abusive way, but as a big Complimentary "WOW,", just how diverse our planet truly is? Being "primitive" seems to be such a heavenly place. The tattoo scene was pretty intense! The final dance, absolutely indescribable and possibly unbelieveable; STELLAR ending.

[@davidbeals2056]

Thank you Mr. Les Stroud. Mad respect for you.

[@vicarious1717]

Yes. That's why most of us are here.

[@rikkcampbell8975]

Will you come to Australia to spend time with the oldest race of aboriginal peoples in the world and show there story thanks for your amazing shows

[@cjgia4898]

Yes. We do. But thank you for say it so eloquently! ✌❤🙏🏼

[@derpherp4530]

Very few film makers are as open minded and willing to get their hands dirty, it shows alot passion for what you do.The respect you show to these people and their customs is something this world could use more of . Keep on learning Les so we can learn with you! And the dedication you needed for that left shoulder/ other shaman..... damn.

[@Legitpenguins99]

Its amazing to me how much kindness and acceptance all these native cultures show to a outsider and stranger.

[@jaime8317]

A "travelling shaman" remember ?

[@JasonVectrex_187]

Only if we did the same in return....

[@Mark-nu5vg]

Not very kind to animals making those pigs suffer before eating them they still have fear and feel pain even if they are going to be served as food really what difference does it make if the thing is 6hrs old or butchered right when there ready to eat it

[@zachall101]

@@Mark-nu5vg they are kind to them… the animals LIVE FREE in a big forest…. They are ONLY taken when they are needed… NEVER WASTED…. And show some respect for their way of life…. Their more in tune with nature than u and I probably are… they are incredibly respectful to everyone outside there way of life and in it…. The same can’t be said about most other people in the world… all we do is divide ourselves through politics and bring up reasons to hate each other…none of this here with them

[@joshsmith7176]

@@JasonVectrex_187 who's we you have a mouse in your pocket and the two of you just run around treating people like shit? Most people in the world are good nice people who treat others the same way they want to be treated. It's time for you to leave the urban jungle and see the real world and the people who live in it.

[@jerickodoggo9595]

12:09 I reaaly like these people.Your host has a lot of character. He was mocking you and it was actually quite good. Good sense of humor.

[@ioanwib]

He has a lot of good spirits. Wish more people would kindle theirs.

[@wyatthooten6149]

12:15 he put his food up to the cam just like les and he looks ecstatic its so wonderful to see .

[@canuckgloves6217]

I dont think thats the right time stamp

[@NOAH1995able]

@@canuckgloves6217 its right before that, 12:07 ish! it looks like he is having a bit of a laugh about les showing his food to some camera!

[@smokeyalpaca1910]

@@NOAH1995able yeah, he had a serious "I can do it too!" vibe lol loved his face. Expression and body language can transcend the barriers of spoken words and cultural differences so easily

[@maxwanders]

The tattooing was a major acceptance from them. Really enjoyed this episode. It made me think how intensely awesome and absolutely nerve racking it will be to learn from tribes around the world. If you truly think about it, it really is beyond survival.

[@pamelagreenan]

I agree! It shows humanity and acceptance on all corners of the earth.

[@lovingdeanthegodmachine5622]

@@pamelagreenan Indeed no matter where I go I will respect your culture and ways of life.

[@itsvan5791]

It's arguably the oldest tattoo culture in the world

[@michaelbrownlee4857]

Truth!

[@jamie.777]

Les is dumb. Horrible rusty screw tattoo 😅🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@myangelc4657]

Les Stroud is 110 times better than Bear Gryils. I said it. Fight me.

[@gobbledgoop8350]

bear gryls is a joke lol, Les teaches you real life knowledge.

[@bendaniels967]

But is bear grills better than Ed Stafford?

[@myangelc4657]

@@bendaniels967 no he's not ..

[@neildavies3066]

Videos are way better and more real

[@neildavies3066]

@@bendaniels967 yea

[@jlcworld91]

I was clenching my jaw biting down on my teeth just watching you get that tattoo. Respect. Les is a leader all of us can and should learn from.

[@bonitawilcox2909]

Great series..... I'm a nurse, and after my 12 hour shift, I enjoy watching the Survivorman series....these are truly captavating....so interesting....but the the little boy with the larva in his mouth,.... I tried, but I had to look away...lol.....Les ate it, strong stomach..lol......I'm enjoying, great series...Les is looking handsome with his new tattoo 🍂

[@zzarkS]

By far my favorite Les series to date. Shaman bringing the humor @12:06 !

[@k7l3rworkman97]

Imagine getting a tattoo and a bunch of women start playing with your nipples ✌🏻😄

[@jenniferray753]

You are So Beautiful! I Love Your Soul and all of your heartfelt intentions ♥️!! Way to be!!💚👍🏽👍🏽

[@eliasdskill5008]

Yay Yay yay!!! I love these more then the survivor episodes. Learning and embracing these lost cultures.. thanks les

[@grootygroot6351]

You're a good man ,Les . Ive been watching your show sense I was a young lad. Thanks for making it available to us all.

[@moireth1460]

Les Stroud, you were described to the shaman as a sort of traveling shaman - a very good and accurate description of you think about it. You know more of different "primitive" cultures from around the world than any one professor not to mention your resume on the different ways you've encountered the spirit realm. You truly are the most interesting man on the planet and have shared to us a tiny insight into our pasts. thank you!

[@ilovesteveclark6084]

@Moireth Your comment is the most accurate description of Mr. Stroud.

[@zookasaurusrex3002]

THANKYOU so much for posting this it has kept me busy and i love watching your adventures. If you wrote a book about all these adventures, NOBODY would beleive you actually did all this.. these videos are LIVING PROOF like never before. You are a legend.

[@ajgraham7371]

I love this series ❤️❤️

[@beverlyhanlon7575]

You are so amazing. You show no fear. Thank you for being who you are.

[@danisaputra3500]

Its Indonesia broo😄

[@outdoordannyd]

Thanks for posting these videos Les, I remember seeing these on TV and I tell my students all the time that colonization and changes in indigenous ways isn't just happening here in Ontario but around the world. Your series has opened my eyes to that and has profoundly impacted my world view. Thank you a million.

[@bassmith448bassist5]

Les has always impressed me as being one of the very few Real wilderness adventurers. No crew hiding just off camera, no warm hotel room at the end of the day's shoot. There are a lot of posers on tv. Les is not one of them. If I were 30 years younger, I'd love to do a trip with him. Les Stroud is the real deal.

[@rosalindadizon9628]

Shaman is mean if non civilized people to grow to non city just in no iland

[@jeremymagz]

Been watching all the 'Beyond Survival' episodes and I have to say, Les really does seem like a genuine person with good intentions; good man.

[@eliharper6616]

Old man's skill is unreal. Respect 🙏

[@Urbangardener1]

I've been watching you for a couple years now. You are part of my enlightenment process. Thank you for making my vision of the world wider. I cannot even imagine what you went through to make this video or how satisfying it must have been in the end. Humbled

[@athimarplaysgames8277]

i always love seeing them teach les and how happy a bunch of them are

[@jeffersonspace]

Thank you Mr. Les from those of us who appreciate tribal cultures. Bless

[@slanderman3296]

So awesome to see les always evolving with the times. He is timeless and "classic" if you will(dusty rhoades voice). A true PUREBRED

[@CaptnJDR]

What an absolute masterpiece of a series, thank you Les for opening our minds and taking the risks that you did to uncover the truth of these peoples. Thank you Les for the plethora of knowledge you shared with us. Wild harvest is next!

[@visnuexe]

You managed to do more than 50 lifetimes with this series compared to all but 1% of Western people have ever experienced. Plus you filmed it all! I am so appreciative you and your team!

[@lebonlebonart7464]

Salam dari ujung pulau jujur saya sangat mencintai kultur daerah seperti Mentawai dan daerah lainnya jd tolong jaga termasuk yg punya konten ini terimakasih sudah membuka wawasan juga ilmu buat generasi kedepannya..wahai putra-putri .daerah jagalah daerahmu dan jgn tinggalkan siapapun yg datang tetap lah dipantau agar tetap terjaga endemik baik' itu flora fauna daerah mu..agar tangan tangan jahil tidak merusaknya..salam hormat sayang yg luas buat Mentawai ku tercinta semoga tetap terjaga sampai anak cucu.. kelestarian lingkungan hidup nya... karena Mentawai adalah Indonesia..salam kompak.bersatu

[@CliKnight]

As I watch these and I want you to know I fell in love with each culture that you brought to us here home safely in my living room and I kind of felt not worthy . Being a native American professional wanderer and outdoor educator I want you to know truly how much I appreciate you I think that you are a national treasure thank you again for the hardships and the time that you take to make these

[@nicholasmaddalena1451]

Brought a tear to my eye...This is a cruel world... Nothing remains the same except change itself. From the bottom of my heart Les THANK YOU. you deserve the credit and monetary joys for your spirits long long long journey over this earth. I said some things about the commercials that I want to take back. You my spirit friend deserve to benefit from your hard work and I get it now... I get it.

[@th-pw8pn]

I have a lot of respect for Les here and this series in general. I have been to a number of places in Asia to seek out the true shamanic experience and have been disappointed, if not bullshitted nearly every time (The Philippines and Taiwan were the only places I didn't get taken for a fool). If you can get yourself here to Taiwan and speak to the select tribal elders here before their is no one to talk to any more and their shamanism is gone for ever it would be a charm. They use the Acacia Formosa root bark to make a highly active DMT based brew that will put white knuckles the best of men!... :-)

[@nicholasmaddalena1451]

Joe rogan- "But have you tried dmt?" lol

[@itsvan5791]

I'm Indonesian and as far as I know shamanism in indonesia have nothing to do with DMT, it's more like cultural religious belief with sacrificial rituals, ironically most of the shaman who teach about tantric, chakra energy, and involving DMT they are fake shaman running a scam, just regular drug dealer with a cult.

[@th-pw8pn]

@@itsvan5791 Yes, there is "sham-anism" then there is Shamanism. If there is no psychedelic aspect it's a just farce based on some religions practices with, as you say, some drugs and hocus pocus thrown in...

[@willczebatol9475]

I really believe that Netflix or Hulu are making a mistake not picking this up as a show. You are the best at what you do.

[@1cjadefox]

DEFINITELY a mistake!!!

[@gsimplify5352]

He doesnt want a corporation telling him what to do which is exactly what hulu and netflix would do. they would scrutinize every sec of his film work. and hes already stated he wont have any of that ever again. hes best of doing what he loves to do.

[@chasemicek5325]

Les the Legend. So great you brought these to KZbin. Thank you

[@Prop-A]

Traveling Bush Shaman is the right title. The guy with the cigar all asleap 🤣😂😂 I love the Shamam. He seems like a sypatic guy, allways smiling and good spirited. Another great episode.

[@kaiezesi6630]

Isn't it beautiful when man can be civil with a man of different living and still be peaceful...

[@konjuer]

Les goes through a lot to get high

[@mwindanji6714]

Fascinating series. Thanks for so generously sharing these uploads.

[@hunterflowerson4460]

Amazing series and as somebody who watched survivorman growing up who loves learning about other cultures and tribes with little contact, so very happy this exists lol. Getting my friend more into it as well

[@david.thomas.108]

Wow what an experience and such a precious culture, good to have it preserved somewhat and shared for us on KZbin, thanks.

[@paulbillings1986]

Les Stroud.... A true inspiration that all should witness!

[@cjgia4898]

Thank you for all the material that you've released for us, especially over the holidays. I am especially grateful. It can get pretty lonely and I don't wanna go insane. Lol. But seriously, thank you. May the spirits be ever on your side. Peace, love and prayers throughout this and the coming years to you, your family and staff. ✌❤🙏🏼

[@chadsummers7981]

14:27 not a word was spoken, just a simple connection, something to relate to, and the hearty chuckle of your buds :)

[@jeffreylilly2100]

This one is PRICELESS!!!!!!! Great job on this show.

[@romeoporto6441]

best series EVER!!! thank you les🙏🏼

[@jasonrideout4371]

Ur the best outsider to be there they should know ur a tuff man les... RESPECT BUDDY thanks for the videos les...

[@joerussell9187]

Amazing and enlightening as always. Such respect, an willingness to learn the ways, and contribute to the beautiful cultures visited. Thanks so much for sharing sir!🙏🏻🙏🏼🙏🏽🙏🏾🙏🏿

[@LokiKala117]

So many great scenes and good laughs from this episode; terocha the he looked while he was talking to you after mentioning your kids are wolves. The way you looked at the other shaman when he tried to keep your legs closed. The way the women were with you. Loved it!!!

[@vuk8550]

Somehow, I am just now founding out about Les and Survivorman, and I really wish I did when I was a kid, tho even now, this whole channel filled me with so much joy and wonder. In less then a week, I've seen almost all the videos and gotta say all of it was so very rich and inspirational, but this series, Beyond Survival is def my favorite. Very very refreshing and profoundly interesting content. Thank you Les, you're the man!

[@bulkzorage]

These guys are so highly skilled craftsmen aswell as bushmen. So cool!

[@aswarrior6365]

Thank you for these uploads everyday. I’ve really enjoyed watching these

[@alexformosa]

Amazing series to watch during these tough times. Much love from Canada.

[@kieranhart5776]

Hey Les…I hope you go back to visit these people who have accepted you into their Clan…their family. What an honour!

[@cjgia4898]

Thank you for this Survivorman! I am loving Everything you put out! I think its especially funny when these indigenous people get you high! Lol ✌❤🙏🏼🦉

[@alpatronlhefehajromeromero4345]

Another tribe les been initiated into,mad respect. He a man in so many tribes, crazy!

[@johnthorpe1349]

So powerful amazing one of my favorite Episodes Migwech ✌️🍁💯

[@canada_rye]

Loved this series. Thanks for sharing again and for future generations!

[@xFlyingFlip]

My world is so so small ... But the Earth is one big beautiful place. I wish I could escape to a more balanced slice of life , somewhere between the modern world and this transcendental barebones lifestyle

[@abyssminiaturestudios6103]

Much love and respect from the green mountains.

[@spideymcgee4718]

I waited all day to watch this, like everyday. So worth the wait!

[@handiman5]

Next video: Shamans, and all of your cultural spiritual initiations...one day your video will be titled "Les Stroud becomes the Supreme Pope of the Universe"!! ha-ha. We really enjoy your sharing your experiences around the world! You're a fascinating guy! Thank you! Heck, I'm subscribed, and give you 'Likes' even before I click the Play button!

[@theripper4254]

Would live to see yourself and Bruce parry collaborate on one if these shows again, he did tribe and your beyond survival go tandem. Live your works. Thanks you dude saved many of our minds during these mad times. Grazi

[@ryanybarra2479]

Envious, curious, empowered. Thank you

[@djbartz1978]

Yes. This is my favorite series

[@lebonlebonart7464]

Thanks for tim all together fo educational.of surverior..of jungle..broo

[@bassmith448bassist5]

For Torocha and especially the other shaman, the opportunity to tattoo an outsider could be seen as an omen that the spirits look favorably on them and their clan. Stroud is obviously according the event with some serious spiritual connection. Although he doesn't usually talk much about it. I don't follow the traditional western beliefs either and would love the chance to do something like this. Believe it or not Les, you are a shaman walking the world.

[@andikahariwijaya]

Good job les! That was good documentation from Mentawai Sumatera.

[@patrickmetz3492]

Absolutely amazing!! Nice tattoos as well.

[@mamathornton2437]

Love this! Hoping to see more Bigfoot as well ❤️

[@jamiejenkins5643]

I check KZbin on a regular hoping you post something new. My favorite survivalist by so far!! Nothing I'd rather do then kick back and relax and watch your videos

[@chrisfelty8211]

So interesting to me ! Les is a shaman keeping all of these ancient peoples way of life alive in us. Could watch this all day.

[@Ghostdog4]

The real deal! Les you hit this one out of the park

[@user-sl3zv8cq9k]

I met Les Stroud some 10 years ago at Long Woods park. He is a nice guy. I like watch his video. I am glad that he is still in great shape despite all those survivor challenges.

[@kadyrov3218]

Excellent thank you. 😊 🙏 Love the knowledge that you share. x

[@MrCDRWilson]

Really great episode, one of my favorites!

[@snick3896]

Rolling out the episodes 😍 love it!

[@gamdanyunizar7849]

This is what I called a tribe not just some random young meat green leaves that conjure in which the world has ever become

[@chrisscerbo5731]

I'm really pissed I missed these series when they originally aired. it's awesome seeing how these people still live .

[@Wedget]

First episode I have watched Les, it will not be my last, thankyou for the incredible insight into the world around us and I hit the subscribe and look forward to more to come

[@AlexHeinzmann]

Awesome. Friend, this is your greatest work. I've really enjoyed your series on survival but this is another level. Well done, keep going, good luck and much love.

[@bichodomatosim]

Les, incrível sua experiência com essa cultura! 👏👏🏿👏🏻🇧🇷

[@ryanmcgrath339]

This is by far the best episode iv seen bro. to then get excepted by the tribe was absolutely fantastic. Them two tattoos they did for you must mean a lot. Thanks for uploading bro

[@chancebad]

Sad that this is the last of this series

[@yulipurnomo1631]

Thank You came Indonesia Les...!

[@henningjohansen6929]

what an experience les!! This must bee a memorie of a lifetime!! really entertaining;-D

[@uscoastgaurd]

One of my favorite series! Thanks for keeping me entertained during another lockdown, Les.

[@ryanschultz4119]

It's not merely by chance, that Les is universally accepted by Indigenous tribes all across the world. Where others would be turned away, or not shown the full extent of their culture. Les is granted permission because he has pure intentions. Doesn't judge them, or try to impose western ways onto them. Truly a man of the people!💯

[@benderbendingrodriguez420]

This series is Goated. Very beautiful and inspiring. Wouldn't mind if this got more episodes

[@averyhufford9437]

I've never seen this show les did. This is soo awesome

[@arkalink9195]

wow... great cheers from samarinda, the borneo

[@shanek6582]

Tv has sucked since survival man went off.

[@Lockster2007]

It hasn't gone out.

[@coletsonchoke]

Alone is pretty good

[@lovingdeanthegodmachine5622]

@Techies cenzorship Honestly third party shows are found for free all over KZbin.

[@jaime8317]

Survival man ?!

[@M4Production]

tv has always sucked, thats why he survives.

[@ptec2694]

Les, you are a living legend

[@niklashall5969]

It's so hard to find good videos on tribal cultures good job Les!!!!

[@YoursUntruly]

This was absolutely beautiful. Thank you for letting me whiteness everything. 🖤🤘🏻

[@lilman1796]

Thanks for the video les ,you teach I learn ,i survive, keep up the great work ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

[@michaelhatem2520]

Damn Les, you really earn every penny you make. Hopefully it's a lot of penny's. I really eny your work!!!

[@Punished_Trump]

You can get a look at his house in the Covid 1-9 video he made a while back. He seems to do alright.

[@payecamacho7652]

Ilove all the series you are the best 💪😎👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@shawnglass893]

Maybe my favorite Survivorman series cause he's able to approach these tribes and cultures with a very unique perspective and authenticity very few would have - even other very sincere documentarians - simply because most would not have the backdrop of survival research and lived experience to inform their commentary and foster acceptance from the people he is visiting. Many others would be going in with far more hesitancy and trepidation, I think, and the final product just wouldn't be the same. The people he's with wouldn't reveal as much and you wouldn't get to 'live' the experience with him in quite the same way. If I got a chance I'd ask him, which cultures would he like to document this way, but *hasn't* had the opportunity?

[@ilovesteveclark6084]

Shawn Glass I think it's the opposite: what makes Les special is that he DOES approach situations like this with hesitancy and trepidation, which would be honest and appropriate. He accepts that he is an "outsider" and therefore is very lucky to have been welcomed by these indigenous people. He isn't concerned about his ego, instead his priority is to HONESTLY share his experiences with us! That includes the good, bad, leeches, ants, not wanting to eat larvae, and sometimes struggling to understand different customs. He's authentic.