Why Go to Sumatra – The Island of Orangutans

Wondering whether you should go to Sumatra rather than to one of Indonesia's other islands? If you love nature and a jungle stay appeals to you, trekking through Gunung Leuser National Park to see the orangutans should be right up your alley. Alongside that, this part of the country is home to towering volcanoes such as Sibayak or Marapi, overlooking caldera lakes, as well as paradise beaches like Lagundi Beach or Kiluan Bay, where dolphins and turtles await your visit. Finally, preserved villages inhabited by ancestral tribes such as the Minangkabau or the Mentawai, alongside modern cities like Medan or Padang with their majestic mosques, have a great deal to offer.

Orangutan Trekking in Bukit Lawang

A flagship activity in Sumatra, orangutan trekking in Bukit Lawang is a must if you're passing through the north of the island and enjoy wildlife. The name Bukit Lawang literally means gate of the hill. This small village sits right at the entrance of Gunung Leuser National Park, a vast forested area that is still home to a protected population spared from the ravages of industrialisation and palm oil farming. These great orange-haired apes are fascinating to watch in their natural habitat. If the experience interests you, we can put you in touch with a trusted agency offering a few days in direct contact with them. You'll camp in the jungle, walk safely through the tropical vegetation, and can even swim in the Bohorok River or float down it on inner tubes. On top of this orangutan conservation centre, this special area is also home to an elephant sanctuary, the Tangkahan CRU.

Hiking the Sibayak and Marapi Volcanoes

Beyond its orangutan population, this island with its abundant wildlife and flora is crossed by a long chain of volcanoes that can be climbed. Sibayak, in the north, is the easiest of them all and is accessible to less experienced climbers. Marapi, to the west, is on the other hand very demanding, particularly active, and suited only to seasoned mountaineers. Also worth mentioning is Mount Singgalang, in the same region as Marapi, another very popular peak among Sumatra's many volcanoes, as well as Mount Kerinci, one of the highest volcanoes in Indonesia.

Swimming in Lake Toba

Sumatra's volcanoes and the strong seismic activity that characterises the island have created immense lakes that are wonderful to dive into. The most famous of them is Lake Toba. A hundred kilometres long and thirty kilometres wide, formed seventy-four thousand years ago by one of the most catastrophic eruptions the Earth has ever known, this legendary body of water is the largest lake in the world and is clearly worth the detour. Whether you want to relax on its beaches, swim across it, or explore it by boat, it's a genuine option to consider when planning your itinerary. Its cousins Maninjau, less than an hour from the town of Bukittinggi, and Danau Singkarak, near Padang, aren't bad either if you're staying in the west and fancy Sumatra's lakes.

Meeting the Minangkabau Tribe

Sumatra's wildlife and volcanic landscapes aren't the only riches to be found here. The ancient peoples who still live on their native lands and have kept their traditions intact are a living testament to Indonesia's incredible diversity. First among them are the Minangkabau, who can be visited around Bukittinggi and the Harau Valley. Their singular name translates as the victorious buffalo. It refers to a legend in which a buffalo from their herd defeated another buffalo belonging to Majapahit, one of their rival kingdoms. Today, the horns of this totem animal can be seen represented on women's headdresses and on the roofs of houses. The second trait that specifically defines the Minangkabau is their matriarchal society. Among them, despite their adherence to Islam, it's the women who call the shots. As for the Mentawai, tattooed animists who live off Sumatra's west coast, it's equality that prevails instead. As for the Batak, recently converted Christians who live along the shores of Lake Toba and have their own alphabet, it's the men who hold most of the power.

Surfing and Snorkeling in Lampung

Since Indonesia is an archipelago, the sea and ocean are of course present everywhere across the country's islands. So even though it's far from Sumatra's main draw, there's no shortage of water activities. Head south to the province of Lampung to surf at Krui Beach or watch dolphins in Kiluan Bay. A few offshore islands are also known for the beauty of their seabeds and coastlines, such as Belitung and Bangka to the east, or Nias Island to the west.

The Downsides of Sumatra

The lush jungle covering most of Sumatra has its advantages, but it also comes with drawbacks. This dense vegetation encroaches on the roads and makes journeys complicated. Getting from place to place is extremely tedious on this island. Regular landslides and earthquakes don't help matters either, creating rockslides that block the roads. You'll need to be extremely patient if you plan to visit several regions during the same trip. The wisest approach is to focus on a single area rather than struggling for hours in overcrowded shared taxis, or to fly instead to move between cities more easily. Also be mindful of Aceh province, the only province in Indonesia that applies sharia law and requires both tourists and locals to follow strict rules. Aside from these particularities, going to Sumatra is the perfect plan for lovers of impenetrable rainforests, wild animals roaming free, and cultural immersion.