Why should you holiday in Sumatra?

Indonesia’s largest island, Sumatra is synonymous with unique experiences involving nature and wildlife.

A tour to Sumatra offers true adventure: tropical rainforests, lush volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife. Meet, for example, the charming and beautiful Sumatra orangutan, which originates from the island, and which is not found in many other corners of the world.

Our holidays to Sumatra

On a tour to Sumatra, you can experience the exciting highlights of the island. It is also possible to round off the tour with a fantastic tour to Bali, where you can relax on the beautiful beaches in Sanur.

Below you can read about some of the highlights you can experience on the tours.

Bukit Lawang

In northern part Sumatra is the small town of Bukit Lawang. The town is on the border of Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sumatra’s main attractions.

The National Park is known for its dense rainforest with a variety of ecosystems, including rivers, volcanoes and lakes. The forest is home to more than 700 different species, including the rare Sumatran tiger and elephant, but also one of the last orangutan populations on Sumatra.

“Orangutan” means “the man of the forest” and Sumatra’s jungle is one of the few places in the world where you can see the beautiful animal. Get right up close to the orangutans and watch them being fed – an unforgettable experience.

On a hiking tour of the park, you experience the lush flora and fauna of the rainforest. A ranger will also help you locate the orangutans, so you can see them up close.

Lake Toba and Samosir

In northern Sumatra lies the world’s largest crater lake, Toba.

Situated like a gem in the middle of the lake is the island of Samosir. On the island, you can, for example, visit Tomok, the ancient Sidabutar kings’ tomb, and Ambarita, whose inhabitants are famous for making stone tables and chairs.

You also visit the Huta Bolon Simanindo Museum, which once was home to Rajah Simalungun, a Batak king with 14 wives.

Visit traditional Batak Karo villages.

In the Batak Karo villages, you’ll experience  Siwaluh Jabo, the traditional longhouses where many families live together.

The roofs of the houses are almost boat-shaped, with buffalo horns hanging at each, originally to protect the occupants from evil spirits and to demonstrate status.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about Sumatra, our other holidays to Indonesia or the rest of the Far East, please contact our travel specialists.

We look forward to helping you on your holiday of a lifetime.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller