Things to do in Sumatra
Though perhaps not the first stop on many travellers' Indonesian itineraries, Sumatra is a hugely popular destination that boasts some fantastic attractions and activities. Depending on the pace visitors want to set, a trip to one of the Mentawi islands, Batu or Nias Island is a must, as they are fantastic locations for surfing, windsurfing and scuba diving. Those wanting something a little more relaxing will love a cruise down the Siak River.
The holiday resort of Lake Toba in the north makes the perfect location for a relaxing holiday break, while the glistening Lake Maninjau offers retreat from the frenetic outside world. A hike to the Mertua Waterfall in Pekanbaru is a must for all nature lovers, as is a visit to the Kerinci Valley and National Park, which boasts a remarkable collection of Sumatran Rhinos. For a brush with orangutans, travellers should visit the Gunung Leuser National Park in the north or, for the ultimate wildlife experience, the Burbak Wildlife Reserve near the strait of Melaka, where they can view clouded leopards, Malayan sunbears, otters and gibbons.
Bukittinggi, which served as headquarters for the Japanese army during WWII, is worth exploring to visit the King Palace, Tuo Belimbing Mosque, or even Lake Singkarak. With all these great attractions and so much more, visitors will find there is more to this popular island than just its abundant natural beauty.
Bukit Lawang
The little village of Bukit Lawang is situated on the eastern banks of the pretty Bahorok River, facing one of the grandest forest areas in South East Asia, the Mount Leuser Nation…
Bukit Lawang
The little village of Bukit Lawang is situated on the eastern banks of the pretty Bahorok River, facing one of the grandest forest areas in South East Asia, the Mount Leuser National Park. Its major attraction, the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, helps orphaned orangutans that have been displaced because of land clearing, or rescued from captivity, and teaches them the necessary skills to survive in the wild. Visitors have an opportunity to view the apes twice daily when they come swinging through the trees to collect the bananas and milk left on feeding platforms in the forest. Jungle trekking and tubing down the river are other popular activities.
Website bukitlawang.com
Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi, or 'high place', is situated on a hill and set among majestic mountains, green plantations and rice terraces. One of the friendliest and most easy-going cities in Suma…
Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi, or 'high place', is situated on a hill and set among majestic mountains, green plantations and rice terraces. One of the friendliest and most easy-going cities in Sumatra, it is home to the Minangkabau people and the area is steeped in the Minang culture, which is Muslim and strongly matrilineal. One of the features of the town is the characteristic architecture: wooden houses with curved roofs soaring to a point representative of buffalo horns and decorated with beautiful wooden carvings. Nearby Mount Merapi is an active volcano that can be reached on a beautiful hike.
Nias Island
Famed for its right-hand reef breaks, Nias is a key surfing destination for many travelling through the area, with the best known surf spots being Sorake Bay and Lagundri Bay. This…
Nias Island
Famed for its right-hand reef breaks, Nias is a key surfing destination for many travelling through the area, with the best known surf spots being Sorake Bay and Lagundri Bay. This fascinating island also boasts a rich cultural history, featuring prehistoric remains that are thought to date back to the megalithic Stone Age. Tourists visiting Nias Island can enjoy traditional festivities such as the war dances performed by locals, and the hauntingly beautiful local music, which is mostly sung by women. Popular activities other than surfing include scuba diving and snorkelling in the clear waters, which brim with rich marine life.
Lake Maninjau
Lake Maninjau is set like a burning sapphire stone in the crater of the mountain and is a spectacularly beautiful place to relax and unwind. It is a caldera lake, located in west S…
Lake Maninjau
Lake Maninjau is set like a burning sapphire stone in the crater of the mountain and is a spectacularly beautiful place to relax and unwind. It is a caldera lake, located in west Sumatra, and is thought to have been formed by a volcanic eruption around 52,000 years ago. The lake is set at about 1,545 feet (471m) above sea level, and the average temperature of the water in the lake is around 86F (30C). Visitors can enjoy cycling the 37-mile (60km) circumference of the lake, or plodding through the neighbouring rice paddies while others can swim, canoe and hike the surrounding mountains or explore the local villages.
Padang
The capital of Sumatra, Padang offers a compact and enjoyable cross-section of Sumatran life and its various cultures. Many surfers stop here on their way to the Batu or Mentawi Is…
Padang
The capital of Sumatra, Padang offers a compact and enjoyable cross-section of Sumatran life and its various cultures. Many surfers stop here on their way to the Batu or Mentawi Islands, but the town itself boasts a few noteworthy attractions such as the Adityawarman Museum, which features a collection of antiques, and the cultural centre where locals perform traditional dances on Sundays or even pencak silat (martial arts). Many people come here for the markets, for which Padang is famed, but Padang Beach is also popular for its spectacular sunsets and hundreds of colourful food stalls.
Berastagi
The town of Berestagi is famed not only for its passion fruit, but also for the two active volcanoes on its doorstep: Gunung Sibayak and Gunung Sinabung. Gunung Sibayak boasts fant…
Berastagi
The town of Berestagi is famed not only for its passion fruit, but also for the two active volcanoes on its doorstep: Gunung Sibayak and Gunung Sinabung. Gunung Sibayak boasts fantastic hot springs whose warm waters are not only open to the public, but are also believed to have therapeutic properties. More active travellers can climb this mountain, earning breathtaking views over the island of Sumatra from the top. This is the most commonly climbed volcano in Sumatra as the hike to the top is comparatively easy, with beautiful and unusual scenery to enjoy along the way.
Lake Toba
The holiday paradise of Lake Toba is embedded in the northern highlands of Sumatra and is surrounded by steep and fertile mountains. Filling in a giant volcanic crater, the lake ha…
Lake Toba
The holiday paradise of Lake Toba is embedded in the northern highlands of Sumatra and is surrounded by steep and fertile mountains. Filling in a giant volcanic crater, the lake has depths of up to 1,680 feet (525m) in places. In the middle of Lake Toba sits the jade-green island of Samosir, which is thought to be the origin of the friendly Batak people. Evidence of their culture and traditions is visible in the little Batak villages, with their characteristic curved roofs, and the traditional dance performances at Simanindo's Batak Cultural Centre. There are also several hot springs near Pangururan, which attract visitors.