Sumatra Overview

Sumatra, the largest island in Indonesia, is a unique tourist destination, offering a multitude of activities and discoveries. Also known as “Asia’s Most Extensive Garden”, the island is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and abundant culture, not forgetting its unique cuisine

What to see on the jungle island

Here are some of the most popular sites to visit in Sumatra:
•  Volcanoes: Sumatra is also a volcanic island with several active volcanoes, including Mount Kerinci, Mount Merapi, and Mount Sibayak.
• Rice fields: Sumatran rice fields are among the most spectacular in Southeast Asia, with the most beautiful in the Bukittinggi, Tanah Datar, and Karo regions.
• Beaches: Sumatra is home to many beautiful beaches, with white palm-fringed sand and turquoise waters. The most popular are Pantai Air Manis, Pantai Pasumpahan, and Pantai Panjang.
• Tropical forests: The island surprises with its unique fauna and flora. Witness the very popular rainforests of Bukit Lawang, Gunung Leuser, and Kerinci Seblat.
• Cities: Sumatra is home to many attractive cities, including Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province, and Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province.

What to do on the island of Sumatra

Here are some ideas for things to do in Sumatra:
• Hiking: Sumatra offers many hiking opportunities, from easy hiking to hard hiking. If you are an amateur, you will certainly find your happiness in the regions of Bukit Lawang, Gunung Leuser, and Kerinci Seblat.
• Surfing: Sumatra is known for its world-class surf spots, with the best located on the west coast of the island.
• Orangutan observation: Sumatra is one of the last places in the world where you can observe wild orangutans. The best chances of crossing them are in the rainforests of Bukit Lawang and Gunung Leuser.
• Traditional Village Tour: Sumatra is home to a wide variety of traditional villages, which provide insight into the local culture. The most popular villages are Minangkabau, Batak, and Karo.

What to eat in Sumatra

Influenced by Indonesian, Chinese, and Indian cuisine, Sumatran cuisine is rich and varied. The most popular Sumatran dishes are rendang (stewed beef), gulai (spicy stew), nasi padang (curry rice), and sate (meat skewers).