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What to see in Sumatra
Sumatra Attractions
Sumatra may not be the first stop on many travellers' Indonesian
itineraries, but this island is still a popular tourist destination
and boasts some fantastic attractions and activities that will
appeal to all kinds of people. Depending on your sport of choice, a
trip to one of the Mentawi islands, Batu or Nias Island is a must
as they are fantastic locations for surfing, windsurfing and scuba
diving, while those wanting something a little more relaxing will
love a cruise down the Siak River back in West Sumatra.
The holiday resort of Lake Toba in the north makes the perfect
location for a relaxing holiday break while the glistening Lake
Maninjau offers retreat from the bustling tourist-packed beaches
and frenetic outside world. A hike to the Mertua Waterfall in
Pekanbaru is a must for all nature lovers, as is the Kerinci Valley
and National Park which boasts the largest collection of Sumatran
Rhinos; for a brush with orangutans, visit the Gunung Leuser
National Park in the north, or for the ultimate wildlife
experience, visit the Burbak Wildlife Reserve near the strait of
Melaka to view clouded leopards, Malayan sunbears, otters and
gibbons.
Bukittinggi, which served as headquarters for the Japanese army
during WWII, is worth exploring to visit the King Palace, Tuo
Belimbing Mosque, or even Lake Singkarak. With all these great
attractions and so much more, visitors will find there is more to
this island than just its abundant natural beauty.
Berastagi
A great place to stop off for travellers en route to the holiday resort of Lake Toba, the town of Berestagi is famed…
Bukit Lawang
The little village of Bukit Lawang is situated on the eastern banks of the pretty Bahorok River facing one of the grandest…
Bukittinggi
Meaning 'high place', Bukittinggi is situated on a hill and set among majestic mountains, green plantations and rice…
Lake Maninjau
Lake Maninjau is set like a burning sapphire stone in the crater of the mountain and is a spectacularly beautiful place…
Lake Toba
The holiday paradise of Lake Toba sparkles like a precious stone, embedded in the northern highlands of Sumatra and surrounded…
Nias Island
Famed for its right-hand reef breaks, Nias is a key surfing destination for many travelling through the area, with the…
Padang
The capital of Sumatra, Padang offers a compact and enjoyable cross-section of Sumatran life and its various cultures.…
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