What to do on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia?

Let yourself be enchanted by this dream destination located in the confines of Southeast Asia. And discover the big paradise island of Sumatra. Here are a few highly recommended points of passage.

1. Take a tour through the jungle, discover the village of Bukit Lawang and a stop in the Gunung Leuser National Park.

Get to know one of the magnificent creatures of the jungle: the orangutan. If you visit the jungle of Bukit Lawang, you will discover the daily life of these great apes at the rehabilitation centre. You will have the chance to find out how orangutans live in semi-liberty on the island of Sumatra. The Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the few sanctuaries where Orangutans live. A place where they are protected from poaching and deforestation.

Onboard an inflatable boat, and you can get even closer to these animals.

Keep in mind that your chances of seeing them are significantly reduced during the rainy season, as they don’t need to come to the platform when the fruits are plentiful in the jungle.

How to get to Gunung leuser Park

This park is a little less than ninety kilometres from the island’s capital. And it is easily accessible by the local bus network.

Address: Kong Paluh, Kutapanjang, Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh 24653.

Focus on the Orangutangs

These daytime great apes measure between 1 metre and 1.4 metres in length and weigh between 40 and 80 kilos. They generally live for about 40 years. A

2. Expedition to the Banyak Islands, one of the things to do on the island

Why not have a good time on these beautiful deserted beaches. Beaches that make you feel like you own a tropical island all to yourself. With the Banyak Islands, we are talking about an archipelago of 99 mostly uninhabited islands. This archipelago is located west of Singkil.

Apart from the fact that this is where you will find the most beautiful beaches in Sumatra, there are also some perfect surfing spots. Places that are popular with many surf enthusiasts.

After the beach, why not dive into the heart of Sumatra’s colourful underwater coral forests during a snorkelling experience. You can access these islands of paradise by going to Pulau Balai.

3. Discovery of Pulau Weh

Pulau Weh is a tropical island consisting of a beach and a jungle. It is a must-see island paradise that winds its way through North Sumatra. The beauty of this island has aroused the curiosity of many travellers and other tourists passing through. One would call this island, moreover, the island of happiness.

Lovers of diving or snorkelling will be delighted to discover the extensive reefs of undulating gorgonians all hidden at the bottom of the sea. Not to mention the fascinating marine creatures you will meet. On the programme are probably some moray eels, stingrays and other scorpionfish, etc.

At certain times, especially when plankton is hatching, you will have the chance to see whale sharks come out of hiding for the occasion.

Don’t miss the beautiful tourist beaches of Weh: Gapang and Iboih. Don’t forget to visit the port city of Sabang, which is located in the northeast of Sumatra.

4. Visit the Kerinci Seblat National Park.

Why not set off to discover Sumatra’s largest national park. A place made up of a large forest of almost 14,000 square kilometres spread over four provinces of Sumatra.

Too protected, this area is home to a large population of Sumatran tigers or Harimau. This species is also unfortunately threatened with extinction. In addition to the exceptional fauna of the park, you will immediately notice the unique beauty of the flora growing in the forest. On the programme, you will find edelweiss, orchids and refined wines. There are also titan arums and many other high-altitude flowers. Further south, you will have the unique chance to meet the elephants of Sumatra.

5. Visit the Gunung Leuser National Park

This park is home to some of the most endangered animals on the planet. There are tigers, elephants, rhinos and orangutans.

Except for the orangutans, you are unlikely to see any of these wild animals. That said, other primates such as Thomas’ Semnopithecus will be much more cooperative during your visit.

Afterwards, you can always spend a night or two in the heart of the Alas Valley in one of the guesthouses at the Ketambe tourist centre.

6. The discovery of the magical Mentawai Archipelago

Separated from Sumatra, this archipelago benefits from a unique flora and fauna that deserves your full attention. One finds there particularly, the siamang kerdil or gibbon of Kloss which is part of the endemic primates of the planet met on these islands.

The Siberut National Park protects a sumptuous tropical forest with an undeniable biological richness.

Otherwise, Mentawai is the Mecca of surfing. Moreover, access to the island is regulated to avoid over frequentation.

7. Hiking in the Bengkulu region

Take a trip through Sumatra’s most landlocked province. A chance to discover the relatively modest daily life of the Indonesian villagers. There’s nothing to stop you from interacting with the people in Sumatra’s most remote villages.

In addition to the beautiful scenery, you will have the opportunity to practice a multitude of exciting activities: climbing, water sports, trekking on volcanoes, swimming in a hot spring, etc. Do not forget to participate in the protection of elephants.

8. Climbing an active volcano

Experience a unique sensation when climbing Gunung Sibayak, an active volcano. The climb is possible via three different routes depending on your physical ability.

Only the route through the jungle must be done in the presence of a guide. It is also advisable to leave as early as possible, bearing in mind that you will have five hours to drive there and back.

If you have to choose the easiest route, take the one that starts northwest of Berastagi.

If you’re one of those reckless adventurers, you’ll probably choose the longest route starting from Air Terjun Panorama five kilometres north of Berastagi. In any case, avoid venturing onto the volcano during the rainy season. This is a time when the trails are very slippery.

9. Cultural expedition to the city of Medan

The city is full of cultural and historical attractions. The Great Mosque, which is a legacy of the Sultan of Deli dating from 1906, deserves special attention. Its fascinating tiled arch and royal cemetery are well worth a visit.

Besides, you have Sultan Maimoon’s palace with its residential quarters which were built in 1888 to house the sultan’s families. Finish your visit with a stroll through the Pajak Ikan Lama Market where a selection of contemporary textiles such as batik is sold.

10. Discover the Sipiso-Piso waterfall

Discover one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia. A waterfall that plunges into the Batak highlands of Sumatra. The Sipiso-Piso waterfall comes from a small underground river on the Karo Plateau. The water flows down to a cave near Lake Toba, from where it empties into the void. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local cuisine of Batak by visiting the village of Tongging.