Introduction : Sumatra

In the western most region of the Indonesian archipelago lies the island of Sumatra. This is a land of fascinating cultural diversity, rich wild life and spectacular natural wonders. The islands landscape is made up of mountains and valleys, tropical forrests, rugged coastlines, roaring rivers, vast volcanic lakes and white sandy beaches.


The many national parks and reserves, such as mount Lauser and Kerinci-Seblat National Park protect Sumatra's indigenous wildlife such as gibbons, tigers and elephants. To get up close with the farmed sumatran orange-haired apes, visit the Bahorok Orangutan rehabilitation center at Bukit Lawang near Medan. Medan also has Asam Kumbang, a crocodile farm which has impressive collection of upto 1500 crocodiles.

For lovers of the great outdoors, Sumatra satisfies the craving of adventures and adrenaline junkies. Splendid dive sites and surfing points dot the coast-lines around Sumatra. The Rubiah sea garden is protected environment, a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving, as is Weh Island famous for its underwater volcanoes. Nias island is a world class surfing destination that hosts the annual International Surfing Competition. for rafting, try the rapids and bends of the alas and wampu rivers, that wind through dense tropical forest adding to the thrill and excitement. For avid mountain climbers, just 97 Km across the Lampung bay, South Sumatra, is the volcano Anak Krakatau which lays dormant and welcomes day trippers to  its summit.

Thanks to its diverse natural landscape, Sumatra is endowed with a wide array of picturesque scenery, from lakes, beaches to canyons. Lake Toba in North Sumatra is the largest in Southeast Asia measuring 1.700 km2 and the deepest lake in the world at 450 m. Samosir island in the lake's center is homeland of the Toba Batak and offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the past and present Toba Bataks. Lake Singkarak in West Sumatra is the main venue for an international cycling event, The Tour de Singkarak. Harau and Sianok canyons are breathtaking to look at and are situated not far from major towns in West Sumatra.

The islands off the south eastern coast of Sumatra are relatively new tourist destinations. This islands have everything from beaches with giant granite outcrops, impossibly blue waters to white sandy beaches. Scenic beaches aren't their only attractions. Some of the most fabulous tropical golf courses on the archipelago are found here, integrated into luxury resorts complete with top-notch spa facilities.

Some of the most unique cultures of the archipelago live on the island of Sumatra. There are the Batak in the north arround lake Toba and the Minangkabau in the west who still maintain a matrilineal society and are famed for their beautiful hand-woven songkets and richly decorated horn-roofed longhouses called Rumah Gadang. The cuisine of West Sumatra, known locally as Padang cuisine is an institution in itself, spicy, and rich in coconut milk. At Padang restaurant, waiters carry up to four dishes on each arm and erve them all at once at your table but you only pay for what you eat. The People of Nias still keep alive a megalithic tradition with stone monuments, fortress-like villages, war dances and ritual combats also a unique stone jumping ritual in which tribesmen jump over 2.5 m of stone.

"Unforgettable Greens

Golfing in the tropical has never been more rewarding. Sumatra's golf courses range from those boasting panoramic vistas of the ocean to golf courses that border lush rainforests where flora and fauna entertain golfer with unprecendented wildlife show. Designed by world class golf professionals, courses in Sumatra offers beautiful setting as well as challenging round of golf. Try Ria Bintan golf, Bintan Lagoon Golf or Southlinks Country Club which was designed by Hisamitsu Ohnisi for seaside golf and Anai Resort & Golf Course for a game of golf amidst lush forest vegetation."