One of the most fascinating destinations in Indonesia, Sumatra is the westernmost of the main islands in the Indonesian archipelago. Renowned for its wide range of natural beauty and rich wilderness, Sumatra boasts mountain forests, untouched areas and more than 10 national parks.
Aceh Province Banda Aceh, Banyak Islands, Blankejeran, Gayo Highlands, Gunung Leuser National Park, Pulau Simeulue, Pulau Weh, Singkil, Tapaktuan Bangka-Belitung Province Pulau Bangka, Pulau Belitung Bengkulu Province Bengkulu, Pulau Enggano Jambi Province Jambi, Muara Jambi Lampung Province Bakauheni, Bandarlampung, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Gunung Krakatau, Kalianda, Was Kambas National Park North Sumatra Province Berastagi, Bukit Lawang, Danau Toba, Medan, Parapat, Pulau Nias, Sibolga Riau Islands Natuna Islands, Pulau Batam, Pulau Bintan, Pulau Lingga, Pulau Penuba, Pulau Singkep Riau Province Dumai, Pekanbaru South Sumatra Province Danau Ranau, Krui, Palembang, Pasemah Highlands West Sumatra Province Bukittinggi, Danau Maninjau, Kerinci Valley, Mentawai Islands, Padang
Introduction#
Sumatra was covered by jungle at the end of the 19th century. Although only 30 percent of the island’s jungles remain, visitors can still appreciate the natural side of this tropical paradise.
The most well-known city in Sumatra is Medan. The Sultan’s Palace and the Grand Mosque are some of the interesting historical sites in Medan. Within a short drive of the city is Lake Toba, a vast lake set inside the caldera of a volcano. Aceh Province is known for its breathtaking sceneries, a traditional dance and severe political turmoil.
Say hello to the friendly orangutan that roam the lush wilderness in Bukit Lawang. The town is an ideal destination to relax and eat cheap food and there are many trekking routes in the area. Not to be missed is a heart-stopping trip down the river in an inner tube. The journey takes about three hours and there are a few dangerous spots along the way.
The thriving capital of West Sumatra is Padang, a hotspot for beach lovers and sun worshipers. The city’s highlights include the Adityawarman Museum with its impressive collection of antiques and the Taman Budaya cultural center where traditional dances are performed every Sunday.
Other hotbeds for beach bums are the lovely islands of Pulau Siberut and Pulau Nias, off the west coast of Sumatra. Not always easy to get to by regular ferry, visitors can admire beautiful, unspoiled beaches and enjoy a number of water activities. Once a very low-key, almost unknown area, Pulau Nias is now bustling with surfers who come for the waves and sandy beaches.
Getting around in Sumatra is very easy, with becaks (trishaws or pedicabs) being the most popular means of transport. Some travelers also opt for a motorbike or a bicycle to visit places within the cities. A number of domestic and international airlines serve Medan from airports in Singapore and Malaysia.
Despite having been recently developed, Sumatra provides good facilities for visitors. There is a wide range of accommodations to suit all kinds of budgets while local eateries serve good and inexpensive food. The peak tourist season falls around July and August so it’s always a good idea to book your hotel and flights in advance.
Sumatra, among the largest islands in the world, is a landscape of tropical rainforests, perfect coned-shaped volcanoes and pristine beaches. Located in the northwestern corner of Indonesia, Sumatra’s wealth of natural beauty, long history and mix of ethnicities make it a destination for eye-opening exploration.
Medan is the capital of the island and an excellent entry-exit point to the rest of Sumatra. Its Dutch influenced architecture combined with strong Sumatran culture gives way to a certain sense of surrealism. Here you will find numerous street stalls and restaurants offering the best of spicy Indonesian cuisine. For the perfect gift to take home, visit Jin Jend A Yani, the main shopping area, offering a range of local crafts from paintings to carvings.
The strikingly picturesque city of Berastagi, dominated by two towering volcano peaks, is home to the fascinating Karo Batak people who showcase their long history of unique heritage in full and proud view. To explore the wealth of wildlife in the area, Leuser National Park is the perfect place for trekking enthusiasts. Farther north, Aceh is home to the Orang-utan Rehabilitation Center, one of the largest of its kind in the world. The northern region is also a popular destination for surfers, boasting large ocean waves, while the sandy beaches are the perfect setting to sit back, relax and lap up the sun.
Highlights
Lake Toba: located amid tropical jungles, this is one of the most idyllic spots in the region and one of Sumatra’s main attractions.
Mesjid Raya: located in Medan, this stately building offers beautiful design features from around the world, including Italian marble and Chinese stained-glass windows.
Medan: a bustling port town with everything from crowded local markets to wide tree-lined avenues and upmarket hotels and restaurants.
Palembang: built on the longest river in Sumatra, the city is known as the ‘Venice of the East’. The city offers a range of museums and relaxing boat trips along the Musi River.
National parks: there are over two million hectares of tropical rainforest in Sumatra and herein lie three separate national parks: Gunung Leuser, Kerinci Seblat and Bukit Barasan Selatan.** **