Sumatra is one of the largest and most beautiful islands in Indonesia; it's three times the size of the UK and, unlike its neighbouring islands of Bali and Java, sees far fewer tourists. It's also one of the most biodiverse areas on earth, known for its extraordinarily rich flora, fauna and wildlife. Want the lowdown? Read on to discover our reasons why you should visit Sumatra.
1. Step into the Unknown
2. Journey into the Jungle
3. See Orangutans in the Wild
4. Visit Lovely Lake Toba
1.
Step into the Unknown
Back in the 18th century, the Javanese had to be bribed by Dutch colonisers with vast sums of money to work on the plantations in Sumatra, which at the time was infamous for tigers and cannibalism. Two centuries on, Sumatra is still very much an unknown entity to a lot of the world, so to visit Sumatra is to embark on an adventure into the wilderness. This island is simply beautiful, with vast stretches of jungle, greenery and plenty of uneven roads to reinforce the fact that tourism is not rife here; it's just you and the locals making your way through the country. And while the main city, Medan, is largely an entry and exit point, there are palaces to explore if you want to have a culture fix.
2.
Journey into the Jungle
Aside from a chance to venture into the unknown, another reason why you should visit Sumatra is the chance to explore an epic jungle paradise. Located a (somewhat bumpy) five-hour drive from Medan lies a remote community nestled in the thick jungle, called Tangkahan. Tangkahan is a charming village sitting alongside two vast rivers worming their way through the jungle. You’ll always hear the soothing rush of water, complemented by the luscious green rainforest surrounding you as far as the eye can see. Stay in one of the basic jungle lodges or guesthouses in the village, all run by locals from this tight-knit community. The people of north Sumatra love their music, so you’ll likely be treated to some skilful guitar strumming and singing during your stay here. There’s so much to entice you to Tangkahan, from the chance to mingle with rescued elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary to guided trekking tours into the depths of the jungle and visits to the countless gushing waterfalls.
3.
See Orangutans in the Wild
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Sumatra is Bukit Lawang. The main attraction here? The opportunity to see Sumatran orangutans in the wild. Saddle up for an authentic trekking experience with a capital A. Expect to wade through rivers, hold onto trees for dear life, and traverse vertical tracks on your hands and knees while searching for these red-haired primates. While a sighting is never guaranteed, in the hands of an expert guide, you’re in with a good chance of getting up close and personal with one: an experience you’ll never forget. And if you fancy a little extra adventure, your guide can organise a trip down the river in a giant rubber tyre. The perfect way to cool off in the jungle, you’ll also be cleaned of all the mud you acquired from the trekking…
4.
Visit Lovely Lake Toba
Another reason why you should visit Sumatra is to see Lake Toba, the largest crater lake in the world. The vast, serene waters of Lake Toba are incredibly beautiful, and impressively, there’s an island the size of Singapore in its centre. Take a day trip to the gorgeous Samosir island to visit traditional Batak villages and watch local dances. Surrounding Lake Toba are also lots of lovely small villages to explore, and there are spectacular boat trips, cycling tours and other outdoor activities to get stuck into, with the pristine lake scenery as the backdrop.