The second largest island in Indonesia – is in the fourth place in procuring total visits of foreign tourists following Jakarta, Bali and Batam. This region has a remarkable panorama, thick with virgin forests, lush vegetation, strong rivers, beautiful waterfalls, peaceful sandy beaches and large ancient lakes. The diversity of arts, people and culture literally make Sumatra a Garden of Eden for social scientists and culture seekers. Sumatra has indeed reliable nature and cultural tour objects:
Sea Gardens
Pulau Weh (Weh Island) – at the northwestern end of Sumatra – is a beautiful island of dense jungle, high hill-top views, palm-lined beaches and mysterious rocky coves. There is also a fresh water lake and a semi-active vulcano on the island. Near by Rubiah island is famous for its excellent coral reefs and spectacular array of tropical fish. A great place for snorkeling and diving. There are several licensed diving schools on the island.
Gunung Leuser National Park
This is one of the largest national parks in the world, containing over 800.000 ha. of virgin rainforest. The park is home to the Orang Utan, gibbons, tigers, elephants and among the last of the Sumatran rhino. There are research facilities for the study of primates, birds and insects.
Bukit Lawang
The Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center where formerly captive apes are re-introduced into the wild. One of the most popular tourist destinations in North-Sumatra. There was a worst flood happened on November 2003. This area is re-opened for tourist and for the time being we can only stay in one accommodation.
Tangkahan
Tangkahan is a part of the Gunung Leuser National Park (Leuser Mountain), found in North Sumatra and Aceh Province.This is one of the largest National Parks in the World, with over 7750 Km2 of mountains, rivers and rainforests stretching across Sumatra to the beaches of the Indian Ocean, presenting an incredibly diverse ecosystem. Tangkahan covers a 100 Km2 area.The National Park protects more than 120 different species of mammals, including the Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), elephant (Elephas maximus) and the orangutan (Pongo abelii). For the more fortunate who stay at Tangkahan you may see Rusa deer (Cervus unicolour), wild boar (Sus scrofa) or the clouded leopard cat (Neofelis nebulosa) whos tracks can be seen around the paths or even the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii).
Lake Toba
One of the largest and deepest lakes in Southeast Asia. In the middle Samosir island. Toba has developed into a full-featured highland resort while retaining the rustic charm and relaxed ambiance that define Toba’s attraction.
Bukittinggi
The heart of the highlands, Bukittinggi is a pleasant two-hour drive from the West-Sumatra provincial capital of Padang through the gorgeous Anai Valley up to the Agam Plateau. Located 930 meter above sea level, Bukittinggi (formerly called Fort De Kock by the Dutch) has a cool climate and is surrouned by three vulcanoes: Tandikat, Singgalang and Merapi. The central landmark is the town’s clock tower, referred to by the locals as Jam Gadang. It’s overlooks the market square, a beehive of activity. A fantastic place to do shopping in souvenir shops. Nearby Kota Gadang is renowned for its fine silver filigree and hand embroidery. On the outskirts of Bukittinggi there is a 150 meter deep canyon called Ngarai Sianok (Sianok Canyon). It is an incredibly winding through the bottom of the steep-walled canyon. West Sumatrans claim it is unrivalled for natural beauty in all of Indonesia.
Lake Maninjau
A crater lake, its scenery rivals Lake Toba on a smaller scale. One of West Sumatra’s most famous sights. There are facilities for swimming, water skiing and a good selection of hotels and restaurants. The village of Matur, overlooking the lake, arranges dance performances on request. Another ideal place for recreation – 36 km from Bukittinggi – is Lake Singkarak, the longest in West Sumatra.
Kerinci-Seblat National Park
Home to rhino’s, tigers, elephants, bears and orang-utans, the Kerinci sprawls across four provinces, making it Sumatra’s largest national park. The scenery is magnificent, dominated by volcanic cones including the highest peak in Western Indonesia Mount Kerici. Lake Kerinci is the best place to sight the park’s famous bird life.
Kubu Pimitive Tribe
Is a tribe inhabiting the foothill of Bukit Barisan in the central parts of Sumatra, Indonesia, in the vicinity of Palembang and Jambi. They are the last-known hunter-gatherers society in Southeast Asia. They are nomadic peoples living by constructing temporary wooden shelters in forested areas until game and resources dwindle. They live entirely in the forests in shelters of branches and leaves built on platforms. They have developed ingenious way to effectively use available resources to survive. For instance, they beat the stripped bark of a poisonous tree into the waters to catch fish. The fish are stunned by the poisionous bark and surface for easy catching. They have developed unique wooden traps for each type of game animal in their vicinity.
Fort Marlborough
Fort Marlborough was built by the East Indian Company under the leadership of Governor Joseph Callet. The fort constitutes the strong fort made by British in the far east after Fort George in Madras, India. Fort Marlborough stand facing south, and covers the area of 44,100 meter square.. The Fort is typical early eighteen century, turtle shaped fortification measuring 120.5 m in the width an overall lenght of 180 m in solid construction by bricks of various sizes, bound with cement and floored concrete or bricks and tiles. The main part and entrance of the fort is surrounded by a ditch which is crossed by three bridges. The interior chambers of the fort functioned as guard rooms or moury, magazine, prison and stores. It is said that there exist under ground tunnel which enabled the garnisun to attack the enemy from the rear.
Bung Karno’s House in Exile
In the Dutch time(1939-1942), Soekarno (later, he was the first President of the Republik Indonesia) was ever exiled in Bengkulu. During his exile Soekarno had stayed in a house located at Anggut Atas and now it is known as Jalan Soekarno-Hatta Some Soekarno’s utensils, bicycle, library, etc. are kept in this house. During his stay in Bengkulu, Soekarno had designed a mosque which now days known as Masjid Jamik (Jamik Mosque).
Raflessia Arnoldy Flower
During the British occupation priod. this flower was discovered for the first time by Sir Thomas Raffles and Dr. Arnoldy in Dusun Lubuk Tapi in 1818. It is the biggest flower in the world with its 100 cm of diameter. This flower needs 6 to 8 months for building and 15 day later for blossoming. The unique of this flower is the fact that it has no root, leaf, and trunk. It is a parasite since this flower has no chlorophyl and haustoria. This flower might be found in several locations in Bengkulu province :
The Musi River
Palembang straddles the broad Musi River, the two halves of the city linked by the Ampera Bridge. Any true ‘Palembang’ experience must include a river trip. Bustling floating markets and glimpses of traditional ways of life along the river will stay with you long after you return home. The annual Bidar Race is well worth including in your plans if you are in the area around Independence Day, August 17th. The boats over 24 meters long and ‘ only 3/4 of a meter wide, powered by as many as 50 oarsmen.
Bangka Island and Belitung Island
These are often known as the ‘tin’ islands, because of the huge reserves of this metal which have been mined here since the 18th century, but are home to some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia. 44 km north of Pangkal Pinang, Bangka’s capital, is the fine white sand beach of Matras, perfect for sun-bathing and relaxing. Nearby Parai Beach is a new resort area with bungalows, a swimming pool, shops, a disco and water sports. Adjacent to Bangka island is Belitung island, with equally fine beaches and recreational activities. The best Belitung beaches are on the north coast or to the southwest. The Belitung Tourism Development Corporation is in the midst of a huge tourism project at Tanjung Kelayang Beach, half an hour from the capital by car. You can stay at the Kelayang Beach Hotel, and other resort hotels are currently being developed.
Way Kambas Reserve and Way Wako River
Way Kambas is 2 hours drive from Bandar Lampung. 130,000 hectares of area on Lampung’s East coast Way Kambas is the best place to watch wild Sumatra elephants, tigers and many species of birds. Motorboats can be hired at Way Kanan for cruising around and up the river.
Elephant Training Centre
Way Kambas Elephanet training is an international project which is partly founded by the World Wildlife Found., The aim of training them is to make the captured elephant be useful to mankind.
Most visitor come to Way Kambas to see the training centre and to have an apportunity to ride on an elephant.
Simple tourist facilities are available at Way Kanan such as lodges, wooden houses on poles, river boats and observation centre. Way Kambas is accecible by car from Bandar Lampung. The activities and special interst are bird wacthing, jungle tracking, seasons of elephant safari, and river cruises.
Way Kanan River
Here can sail along Way Kanan and Way Kambas by canoe or boat to watch the surrounding flora and fauna while in the mouth of Way Kambas, we can do fishing and swimming in the morning, we can safari for 2 hours through the prepared track and listening wild animals roaring and birds singing.
Krakatau
Here can sail along Way Kanan and Way Kambas by canoe or boat to watch the surrounding flora and fauna while in the mouth of Way Kambas, we can do fishing and swimming in the morning, we can safari for 2 hours through the prepared track and listening wild animals roaring and birds singing.
Pugung Archaeological Site
Located in Pagung Raharjo village, 40 kms northeast of Bandar Lampung is a site of megalith and prehistoric relics, as well those of the classical Hindu-Buddhist period.
Merak Belantung Beach
Located 40 kms south of Bandar Lampung, on the way to the seaport of Bekauheni, the beach is ideal for swimming and wind surfing. Cottages are available.
Kuta, located in southern Bali, was a sleepy fishing village half a century ago, but it has slowly expanded since the 1960s after its long sandy beach was discovered by travellers from Asia and wandering surfers from nearby Australia.
Bali’s most prestigious resort area, Nusa Dua is where you’ll find international world – class luxury hotels elegantly lining beautiful white sands.
Tanjung Benoa, or the Benoa peninsula just north of Nusa Dua, is a scenic 5 kilometres of coconut palms and fine sand. The area is the almost exclusive home of luxury hotels, private villas, fine restaurants, open air cafes and water sports facilities.
