The bustling metropolis of Medan serves as the capital of Indonesia's naturally scenic North Sumatra Province. While tourists typically use the city as a stepping stone to the multitude of surrounding natural treasures, including the cool highlands of Lake Toba and the wild Sumatran jungle, those who linger will be met by a variety of attractions. The city is centred around the impressive Maimun Palace and the octagonal Great Mosque of Medan, which displays an intriguing combination of Islamic and European architectural styles. Those wishing to learn more about the region's past can visit the Tjong A Fie Mansion, a historical Chinese merchant's home converted into a museum. Don't miss out on the famous ethnic food stalls of Jalan Selat Panjang street.
Het kleine toeristische dorpje Bukit Lawang ligt aan de oevers van de prachtige rivier de Bahorok in de provincie Noord-Sumatra in Indonesië en is idyllisch gelegen aan de rand van het nationaal park Gunung Leuser, dat op de werelderfgoedlijst van UNESCO staat. Dit spectaculaire park is de thuisbasis van een verscheidenheid aan wilde planten, vogels en zoogdieren. Het belangrijkste hoogtepunt van het gebied is het beroemdste, de Sumatraanse orang-oetan die door de jungle wildernis van het park zwerven. Bezoekers kunnen zich verheugen op een unieke once-in-a-lifetime orang-oetan trekking ervaring, genieten van de serene sfeer van het dorp en genieten van het bruisende nachtleven van Bukit Lawang in het jungle-dorp.
Berastagi is a small tourist town in the beautiful Karo highlands, surrounded by some of North Sumatra’s most spectacular scenery. The town lies only 70 km from the large provincial capital of Medan and serves as a popular overnight stop for travellers making their way to stunning Lake Toba. Visitors can look forward to exploring an array of colourful markets, sampling the famous local "Marquisa" passion fruit, and visiting the nearby Lingga Village, a unique settlement of the indigenous Batak Karo people where traditional houses remain preserved and inhabited today. Whether climbing the area’s two towering volcanoes, trekking through the lush jungle-clad hills, or visiting the renowned Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, you are sure to find plenty to keep you blissfully engaged in and around this charming little highland town.
Formed by a cataclysmic volcanic eruption around 70 000 years ago, Lake Toba on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island is the largest volcanic lake in the world. This picturesque lake surrounded by towering mountains serves as a popular getaway for travellers looking to escape the chaos of the modern life. The main attraction is simply relaxing on the shore and swimming in the mineral-rich waters of the lake. Those looking for a bit of action can head to Samosir, an island in the centre of the lake which features an array of guesthouses, restaurants, cultural centers, and bars. Don’t miss the Museum Huta Solon Simanindo, showcasing the traditional culture of the local indeginous Batak tribe; and the 300 year old stone chairs at Ambarita village, believed to to be remnants of an ancient criminal court.
Padang, the capital of Indonesia's West Sumatra Province, is situated on the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The town serves as a busy transit hub and a gateway to a number of West Sumatra's natural treasures. These include the magnificent Minang highlands, the world-famous Mentawai Islands, and the remarkably untouched Kerinci Seblat National Park. The city itself is surrounded by rainforest-cloaked hills, endless terraced rice paddies and exquisite Indian Ocean beaches. Aside from the world-famous Padang culinary scene, the city's primary attraction is undoubtedly the Dutch old town area which is idyllically located on the banks of the Muaro River. Here, you will find the town's historical harbour filled with colourful little boats and the popular old Chinatown area.
Renowned for its world-class surfing, the Mentawai Islands are a tropical paradise located 150 kilometres off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. This regency comprises around a hundred islands and islets, featuring lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters. The islands' remote location has preserved the unique culture of the indigenous Mentawai people, who maintain traditional lifestyles and spiritual practices deeply connected to the natural environment. Historical landmarks include ancient megaliths and traditional Uma longhouses. The main towns, such as Tua Pejat, provide access points to explore the archipelago’s stunning landscapes. Besides surfing, visitors can enjoy trekking, diving, and wildlife spotting.
