SUMATRA HIGHLIGHTS
It's very name conjures images of virgin jungles, tigers and active volcanoes.
Although Sumatra is the third largest island in the world, most tourist only visit
the Northern half of the island. The main highlights include the Orang Utans at Bukit Lawang,
Lake Toba and Bukit Tinggi. This is the second mosbrt populous area in Indonesia after West Java.
Of the many ethnic groups, the 3 of most interest to the tourist are the fiercely Christian Bataks,
living around Lake Toba and Samosir Island, the islanders living in Nias, and the matrilineal Minangkabau,
who live around Padang and Bukit Tinggi. Each has their own dialect, customs and religious beliefs.
This cultural diversity allows the traveler the opportunity to sample distinctive dances, arts,
sports and cuisine. There are enough Ancient carved-stone graves of Batak kings, megalithic culture of Nias,
and traditional houses to keep any photographer happy. The stunning Lake Toba offers peace and quiet and
Pulau Weh is now a popular destination for diving and snorkeling.
Medan
Medan is the capital of North Sumatra Province, and boasts a wonderful Grand Mosque,
complete with Arabesque domes and crystal chandeliers. The Palace of the Sultan, a short walk away is
moderately interesting, with photographs and memorabilia of a faded throne, Belawan, harbor is a popular
sea link to Penang, Malaysia.
Medan also has the largest crocodile farm in Indonesia at Asam Kumbang, 5 km from the city centre, housing nearly 2000 crocodiles.
Most travelers start their Sumatran adventure in Medan. From there, it is a 3-hour road trip to the Bukit
Lawang Orang Hutan Rehabilitation Centre. There are excellent treks in the Gunung leauser National Park and the town itself is a
good place to kick up your heels and spend a few days.
Some travelers then make their way up North, passing briefly in Bandar Aceh to get to Pulau Weh. This horseshoe bay has crystal clear waters and pristine beaches.
Its then back for a long bus journey to Lake Toba. Berastagi is a good place to spend the night.
The cool climate, spectacular scenery, and fruit market provide a welcome change after the heat of the coast.
Berastagi is deservedly famous for the tart but sweet Marquisa passion fruit. The people are from the Karo tribe,
living in traditional high pitch roofs. The two volcanoes dominating the skyline are Mt Sinabung and Mt Sibayak.
There are great views from the lookout at Gundaling Hill.
There are a few Karo villages that are worth stopping along the way from Berastagi to Lake Toba.
These include Jangga Village and Lingga. Both have traditional houses although both communities are now relatively commercialized.
However, the weaving of the “kain ulos” is still practiced. Bargain hard.
Lake Toba and Parapat
Lake Toba is in the heart of Batak country. It is the largest lake in Southeast
Asia and the deepest lake in the world. The ugly town of Parapat lies on the shores of the lake.
The residents of Parapat are an easy going, friendly and musical people. It is a pity that the town has little charm.
Parapat is 4 hours by car from Medan. Most travelers stay long enough to just get their ferry tickets to lovely Samosir Island.
Samosir is accessible by regular ferries from Parapat. The original home of the warrior Toba Bataks,
the island has several sites with stone tombs and traditional villages. The villages of Tomok, Tuk-tuk,
Siallagan and Ambarita are all worth spending a few hours each. The lake is generally calm and a cool dip in the late
afternoon will give you spectacular views of the vertical crater wall.
Don’t miss the 360-foot high Sopiso- Piso waterfall. The falls are best visited on your way to Prapat from Medan.
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