Many of us have spent our lockdown period thinking and planning for the next travel adventure. To be honest this is the only thing that kept us going in these difficult times. We both have decided to adopt to slow travelling for a longer period now.
“Bali” the only name that comes to anyone one’s mind when we talk about Indonesia. Bali has such allure, it’s almost easy to forget that it is one of about 17,000 islands in the archipelago that makes up Indonesia. But this time we are determined to uncover more of the natural beauty beyond Bali. We’ll be the first to admit how much we adore the Balinese paradise; however, we are also a fan of fewer crowds (the two no longer go hand in hand). So, this trip will be all about lesser-known destination within Indonesia.
Sharing new Indonesian destination on our radar, and we’re incredibly excited to explore it soon.
Sumatra Island: Indonesia’s adventure paradise you haven’t discovered yet
It is one of the largest islands in Indonesia and 6th largest in the world. It is also known as the “Land of the Largest Volcanic Lake”. Here, you’ll find more adventure than you’ll know what to do with, wildlife in abundance, and the opportunity to take it all in. Oh, and did we mention the orangutans? Sumatra is one of the only places in Indonesia where you can see wild orangutans. There’s also tigers, elephant and rhinos all over. And landscapes that range from deserted beaches to active volcanoes to dense jungle. Pure magic.
Still not Tempted enough? We bet you will be after reading the details. Let’s share some of the spots we have shortlisted so far, and we couldn’t stop ourselves from dreaming about it every day. Here are some essential trip information and everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
1. Medan: It’s the capital of northern Sumatra and will be the entry and exit point for our trip. We will not spend too much time but will surely explore and appreciate its unique blend of Islamic and European architecture, as well as splendid Chinese merchant’s houses.
2. Bukit Lawang: A bumpy three-hour drive west of Medan, Bukit Lawang will be our second stop. This peaceful riverside village is the base for treks into Gunung Leuser National Park and one of the best places to see orangutans in Sumatra. When not trekking or ape-ogling, you can take a cycle rickshaw ride or visit a village home for an Indonesian cookery demonstration and homemade lunch.
3. Gunung Leuser National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is home to one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems yet has blissfully slipped under the radars of travelers. There’s a variety of monkeys, a whole load of bird species, and, most importantly, orangutans. (It’s actually one of the last places on Earth where the endangered orangutan lives freely).
4. Lake Toba: It is an extraordinary natural wonder of the world. This enormous crater lake consists of an island almost the size of Singapore in its center. At over 1,145 square km, and a depth of 450 meters, Lake Toba is more like an ocean. This is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest lakes in the world.
5. Sibayak Volcano: This one is for all the adventure lovers. Who doesn’t want to hike up a volcano at least once in their life? Although its last eruption was more than a century ago, geothermal activity in the form of steam vents and hot springs remains high on and around the volcano.
6. Sipiso-piso Waterfall: It is Indonesia’s highest waterfall. The water here drops 120 meters (390 feet) from a cave in the side of the Lake Toba Caldera. We can’t wait to see it from our own eyes to believe it! The best time to visit Sumatra: May to September is when the days are sunny and there is less rain. As frequent heavy downpours can make hiking unpleasant. Sumatra for Foodies: The most famous dishes are undoubtably- Rendang (is a kind of curry but comes with a brown or dark brown sauce), Soto (is a traditional Sumatran curry noodle soup with coconut milk and spices), Sambal or Gulai (a dish with a thick curry-like sauce, it is mostly served with poultry, beef, fish and also vegetables). What should you pack for your trip to Sumatra? We always prefer lightweight, quick-drying long pants and long sleeve tops. Plus, breathable hiking boots or shoes with a good grip for trekking. And trekking sandals are a handy extra. Also, we have read somewhere that insect repellent and sunscreen are both musts, and raincoat and a torch are also important to bring. It’s also worth noting that Gunung Leuser National Park is located in Aceh province, which is governed by Sharia Law (meaning there’s certain laws to abide by). So, some conservative dress is required for these days.
We are all set to explore this beautiful island and you can also book your trip with Thomas cook, they are offering some amazing and easily customized itineraries to Indonesia. You can go and check their website for all the details.
Responsible Tourism: We are also planning to spend time in rural villages, ensuring that tourism income reaches people that need it – and hopefully encouraging them to protect their island’s fragile environment too.
