"Scenic Sumatra" Sumatra by daddygila

Sumatra Travel Guide: 18 reviews and 92 photos

Friendly people

To me the most striking thing about Sumatra were the people. A egalitarian sense pervades the society. People always went out of their way to say hello to this BULE!!!

Sumatra is an island with an extraordinary wealth of natural resources, abundant wildlife, astonishing architecture and massive rivers. It is also home to people of diverse cultures: the former head-hunters and cannibals of the Batak regions; the matrilineal Muslim Minangkabau; and the indigenous groups of the Mentawai islands who, until early this century, had little contact with the outside world.

Sumatra is almost four times the size of neighboring Java, but supports less than a quarter of the population. During Dutch rule it provided the world with large quantities of oil, rubber, pepper and coffee. Its seemingly inexhaustible resources continue to prop up the Indonesian economy today.

Gorgeous Scenery

Rice planting

Lush, tropical, volcanic the landscape of Sumatra is never boring.

Interesting Architecture

Family Masoleum

From the "Bull Horned" roof ornaments of government buildings and old palaces to the well maintained family gravesites some curiously interesting monuments abound.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Friendly people, interesting culture, scenic
Cons:Transportation is torture !!!
In a nutshell:A delightfully interesting place to visit

Last visit to Sumatra: Apr 1998
Intro Updated Apr 16, 2003
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Reviews (2)

Beautiful Entrance to Lake Toba - Sumatra

Lake Toba Things to Do (1)

This is the largest lake in South East Asia. Breathtaking views abound. more travel advice

Not too many tourists hence not too many traps. - Sumatra

Not too many tourists hence not too many... Tourist Traps (1)

Since I was there during the "Crisis monitor" I didn't see many tourists at all. Other than the usual transport touts... more travel advice

Comments (7)

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JuraidahJ Aug 5, 2004 at 8:24 PM

Do u koe tt in the olden days.. women with big breasts are believe to be prosperous and brings good luck by the locals.
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ukirsari Apr 12, 2004 at 7:51 AM

Brings back my memory about Danau Toba. I always love to stay there :)
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vesna04 Aug 16, 2003 at 3:27 AM

yep.. I always tought that what makes one place are people not the buildings.Nice page :)
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AndyRG Jun 27, 2003 at 9:08 AM

You are right, no many traps if there are no tourists, thanks!
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Bavavia May 26, 2003 at 3:36 PM

I like the picture of the little children greeting the visitors! the rice fields are nice too! its interesting to read about things on the other side of the world.......
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dabuwan Apr 30, 2003 at 5:24 PM

Great page, it brings back nice memories.
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jessicadf Apr 22, 2003 at 4:18 PM

A great start to an overview. More please!