As opposed to its neighbouring islands Bali or Java, Sumatra will not draw in a lot of travellers and even even though this is exactly what drew me to the island, it really is tough to fully grasp why. It can be the greatest island in Indonesia and it has a good deal to present jungles, orangutangs, elephants, volcanos, waterfalls,… Briefly: an untouched paradise entire of adventure!
Gunung Leuser Nationwide Park
Dwelling to the orangutang and the Sumatran tiger, Gunung Leuser Nationwide Park is a great area for a jungle trekking. You should not be upset that you – most probably – is not going to see any tigers even though, as my tutorial instructed me no one ever sees one and it would possibly be the very last detail you’d at any time lay eyes on in any case.
Leaving early from Bukit Lawang, it didn’t past long prior to we ended up surrounded by orangutangs and Thomas Leaf monkeys climbing the trees. It was incredible to see how nicely the guideline understood how to behave all over each and every orang tang, as they all have their very own personality features and some of them like thieving baggage!
Tangkahan
This peaceful village at the border of the Gunung Leuser National Park really stole my heart. You can find plenty to do in this article washing elephants, river tubing, swimming in the waterfalls,… all this currently being surrounded by the wonderful tropical forest. A fantastic area to hook up with nature.
Although Indonesians are particularly helpful individuals in common, this is undoubtably the spot the place you will fulfill the most kindhearted men and women at any time. Often all set to assist and eager to tell you about their tradition, the guides will do every little thing to make your remain certainly superb.
Also, elephants are amazing animals and I want to see them happy. I’m not an specialist but I do assume I observed delighted elephant faces in Tangkahan.
Sibayak Volcano, Berastagi
Mount Sibayak is one of Indonesia’s energetic volcanos and the watch mountaineering up to its crater is astonishing. As you climb up to the top rated, the odor of sulphur gets stronger and there are steaming vents with yellow coloured rocks all about.
Funnily, as I was applying sunscreen my tutorial requested my why on earth I was masking myself with this white cream all the time. He initial seemed at me in shock, then started laughing uncontrollably when I reported I’d switch crimson if I did not.
Samosir island, Lake Toba
An island on an island! You will not only discover stunning landscapes here, Samosir is also house to the Batak people, an historical tribe that will gladly instruct you about their tradition. With their classic dances, vibrant ensembles and lovely properties embellished with geometrical models, their tradition will astonish you.
Banda Aceh
I was a tiny hesitant at to start with to set Banda Aceh in my record of favourite locations in Sumatra but the culture shock I professional there and the tsunami remains the metropolis holds turned my visit into an unforgettable experience. One particular working day in this town, as a transit position to Pulau Weh, was more than enough though!
Being governed by rigid Sharia legislation, this place is not for everyone but if you determine to go there, it will surely go away you in awe.
Banda Aceh was strike by the tsunami in 2004 pretty poorly and the impression it had on the city is nonetheless seen. You will locate the strange sight of boats in the center of the town or on best of a residence, still left untouched as a memorial here. The Tsunami Museum features an insight to the horrifying encounter the people endured and it is really really worth going to way too.
Pulau Weh
This is a little island found ideal earlier mentioned Sumatra, effortlessly available from Banda Aceh by ferry. With its crystal very clear h2o and white sanded seashores, Pulau Weh is a paradise to snorkel, dive or to chill out. There are so many unique fish in this article that I felt like I was floating all around in a all-natural aquarium!