Sumatra Travel Guide

Plan a trip to Sumatra with our comprehensive guide featuring cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodation, local customs, safety and health, transportation, nearby destinations, and more.


Introduction to Sumatra

Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world, located in Indonesia and home to a vast array of incredible natural wonders. From the stunning white sand beaches of Lake Toba and Nias Island to its dense jungles and massive volcanoes, there is no shortage of sights to see in Sumatra.

Sumatra is also rich in history and culture, with many museums, temples, and historical monuments to explore. The island is home to multiple ethnic groups, with the largest being the Batak people.

List of Places to Visit in Sumatra

When planning a trip to Sumatra, there are many attractions and destinations to consider. We’ve compiled a list of must-visit places in Sumatra:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Maimun Palace - Medan
  2. Tjong A Fie Mansion - Medan
  3. Museum Negeri Provinsi Sumatera Utara - Medan
  4. Museum Huta Balon Simanindo - Lake Toba
  5. Istana Pagaruyung - Bukittinggi
  6. Museum Rumah Kelahiran Buya Hamka - Agam

Natural Attractions of Sumatra: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lake Toba
  2. Mount Sibayak
  3. Mount Sinabung
  4. Bukit Lawang - Orangutan Viewing
  5. Nias Island
  6. Sipiso Piso Waterfall

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sumatra

Sumatra is a hiker’s and biker’s paradise with plenty of trails and routes boasting diverse wildlife and landscapes. The following are some of the best places to go hiking or biking in Sumatra:

  1. Mount Sibayak Trek - Berastagi
  2. Mount Sinabung Trek - Karo Highlands
  3. Tangkahan Jungle Trek - Langkat
  4. Lake Toba Biking - Samosir Island
  5. Bukit Barisan Selatan Trek - Bengkulu

Best Things to Do in Sumatra: Activities and Tours

  1. Whitewater rafting - Asahan or Bohorok River
  2. Surfing - Mentawai or Nias Island
  3. Scuba diving - Pulau Weh
  4. Volcano trekking - Mount Sinabung or Mount Sibayak
  5. Jungle trekking - Tangkahan or Bukit Lawang
  6. Orangutan viewing - Bukit Lawang
  7. Cave exploration - Padang or Bukittinggi

Week-Long Itinerary for Sumatra

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long Sumatra trip:

Day Destination Activities
Day 1 Medan Maimun Palace, Tjong A Fie Mansion, and Museum Negeri Provinsi Sumatera Utara
Day 2 Berastagi Mount Sibayak Trek
Day 3 Lake Toba Biking Tour around Samosir Island
Day 4 Bukittinggi Istana Pagaruyung and Museum Rumah Kelahiran Buya Hamka
Day 5 Padang Surfing or Cave Exploration
Day 6 Bengkulu Bukit Barisan Selatan Trek
Day 7 Jakarta Flight back home

Food and Drink Scene of Sumatra

Sumatra is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, influenced by its different ethnic groups and regional dishes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Sumatra:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Rendang - Beef or Chicken Curry
  2. Nasi Padang - Rice with Meat, Vegetables, and Curry
  3. Sate Padang - Beef or Chicken Satay with Spicy Sauce
  4. Mie Aceh - Spicy Noodle Soup
  5. Soto Medan - Chicken Soup with Noodles and Spices

Local Beverages

  1. Bajigur - Sweet Coconut Milk with Palm Sugar
  2. Teh Talua - Tea with Egg and Milk
  3. Kopi Luwak - Coffee made with Civet Beans

Where to Stay in Sumatra: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sumatra offers many accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. Here are some recommended places to stay in Sumatra:

  1. Tabo Cottages - Lake Toba
  2. La Casa Homestay - Bukittinggi
  3. Eden 136 - Padang
  4. Kama Hotel - Medan

What to Buy in Sumatra: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sumatra is known for its unique and authentic souvenirs and local products. Here are some ideas for souvenirs to bring back home:

  1. Songket - Traditional Woven Textiles
  2. Ulos - Handwoven Cloths
  3. Batik - Hand-drawn Printed Clothing
  4. Wooden Handicrafts - Furniture, Carvings, and Masks

Local Culture and Customs of Sumatra

Sumatra has a rich and diverse culture, shaped by its many ethnic groups and religious traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind when interacting with locals in Sumatra:

  • Respect local customs and dress modestly
  • Remove shoes when entering mosques and temples
  • Avoid public displays of affection
  • Avoid touching someone’s head, as it is considered sacred

Best Time to Visit Sumatra

The best time to visit Sumatra is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is more pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sumatra

Do:

  • Try local food and drinks
  • Learn some basic Indonesian phrases
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Bring mosquito repellant

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local culture or religion
  • Take photos of people without asking for their permission
  • Litter or damage natural attractions
  • Travel alone in remote areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Sumatra

While Sumatra is generally safe for tourists, it is always important to take basic safety precautions, like avoiding solo travel and being aware of your surroundings. In some remote areas, it is recommended to hire a local guide for added safety.

Health in Sumatra

Visitors to Sumatra should be up to date on routine vaccinations and consider additional vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. It is also important to bring insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of diseases like dengue and malaria.

Getting to Sumatra: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sumatra is accessible by air and sea, with many domestic airlines operating flights from Jakarta, Bali, and other major Indonesian cities to Medan, Padang, and other major Sumatran cities.

Airports Near Sumatra

  • Medan Kualanamu International Airport (KNO)
  • Padang Minangkabau International Airport (PDG)
  • Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport (PLM)

Bus Stations Near Sumatra

For those travelling by land, there are also buses, taxis, and private cars available, with many popular routes connecting major Sumatran cities like Medan and Padang.

Other Options

Ferry services operate between Sumatra and other Indonesian islands, like Java and Bali. However, these services can be unreliable and affected by weather conditions.

How to Get Around in Sumatra

Sumatra has many transportation options, including taxis, motorcycles, private cars, and local buses. It is recommended to hire a private car or join a tour if travelling to remote destinations.

Where to Go Next from Sumatra: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sumatra is a great starting point for exploring other parts of Indonesia, with many nearby destinations and excursions available:

  1. Jakarta - Capital of Indonesia
  2. Bali - Island of the Gods
  3. Komodo Island - Home of the Komodo Dragon
  4. Yogyakarta - Cultural Capital of Java

Conclusion

Sumatra is a truly unique destination, offering stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor adventures. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Sumatra is fast becoming a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia. Use this guide to plan your trip and experience the best that Sumatra has to offer.

An endemic Sumatran Orangutan at Bukit Lawang An endemic Sumatran Orangutan at Bukit Lawang Lake Toba, or rather a very small part of it Lake Toba, or rather a very small part of it


    Aceh
    Bangka-Belitung
    Bengkulu (province)
    Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park
    Jambi (province)
    Lampung
    North Sumatra
    Riau
    Riau Islands
    South Sumatra
    West Sumatra