What shape is the island of Sumatra? Sumatra in Indonesia: interesting places and useful information. Entertainment and attractions of Sumatra

Traveling to Sumatra, which is the third largest island of Indonesia, attracts tourists with its incredible exoticism, picturesque natural landscapes and the possibility of solitude on numerous deserted beaches, mostly covered with black volcanic sand. Also, the island of Sumatra is home to crystal clear mountain lakes, numerous ruins of ancient temples and majestic palaces.

The capital of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, which is not only a historical but also a cultural center: the most valuable and unique architectural monuments, stunning Buddhist temples, mosques, and palaces are located here. However, it is not a popular tourist city; rather, it is a real “transshipment base”, from where travelers go on holiday to the island of Penang, or to Berastagi, to Lake Toba, located in the crater of a volcano.

- the main building of the Muslim denomination of the city of Medan, notable for its black domes. The building itself is gray and white, built in Moroccan style in 1906. Entering inside, tourists see high ceilings, which are decorated with magnificent carved ornaments, the windows are amazing Chinese stained glass, and the interior decoration is Italian marble.

- an absolutely luxurious building built in the nineties of the nineteenth century for the Delhi Sultan. The architecture of the building reflects the trends of the Italian and Malaysian schools of architecture. There are thirty rooms, but you can only visit the main hall, where there is a luxurious throne for the inauguration procedure, and the back wing of this luxurious palace is still occupied by members of the Sultan's family.

- is the largest Buddhist temple in South Asia. It stands in the city of Medan, on Semara Street. This building is terracotta in color, has a wide façade, but is quite modest in height. Behind the temple there is a beautiful bird pond where you can admire nature and sit alone with your thoughts. There is a vegetarian canteen at the temple, which anyone can visit.

- the largest volcanic lake in the world, in the middle of which is the island of Samosir, whose area is one thousand seven hundred square kilometers. This lake appeared almost seventy thousand years ago, but even today it looks no less beautiful and majestic. Among Russians, a trip to this lake has not yet become so popular, but during the Chinese New Year celebrations, thousands of tourists from China come here. To get to the island in the middle of the lake, you need to walk along a lintel - a bridge thrown to it from the shore. Samosir Island is the cultural center of the local Batak tribe. If you want to get to Lake Toba from Medan yourself, you can do this by rented car in four hours, or by bus, then the journey will take five to six hours. The journey can also be done by train; even with stops, it will take you no more than four hours, and the road will be much more picturesque and interesting. Nature lovers will probably say that traveling around the island of Sumatra is very exciting; there are incredibly beautiful landscapes and a rich flora and fauna.

It stands on the shores of Lake Toba and delights vacationers with picturesque places: wonderful foothills, amazing waterfalls, majestic pine groves, excellent sandy beaches with developed infrastructure, green coffee plantations, fresh air and, of course, numerous thermal springs. This balneological resort is a very fashionable holiday destination in Sumatra, where the hotels are palaces, and the local boarding houses are no less magnificent, there are many very expensive restaurants, the most modern entertainment centers, and a lot of opportunities for water activities.

- another famous lake in Sumatra, located in the crater of a long-extinct volcano. Travelers who come here on vacation. expect excellent conditions for a beach holiday and all kinds of entertainment: from health tourism to active hikes. Near this lake there are healing thermal springs, for which, in fact, tourists come here.

- one of the most attractive places on the island of Sumatra, attracting surf lovers. He also became famous for the famous landscapes created by nature. In 2005, a powerful earthquake occurred here, which changed the structure of the coastal area. Since then, the conditions for sports training for surfers have softened here and the island has become incredibly attractive in this regard.

– a favorite training place for professional surfers. It is very beautiful here, and the waves off the coast of this island are considered one of the largest in all of Indonesia, which is why athletes from all over the world come here to hone their skills and tricks. This island is often filmed for documentaries and feature films dedicated to the art of surfing.

– located in the northern part of the island of Sumatra. It was created to protect the original habitats of the endangered Sumatran rhinoceros and the equally rare orangutan. Having visited the surroundings of the highest peak of northern Sumatra - Mount Leser, you will get acquainted with the picturesque mountain landscapes and admire the Krakatoa volcano, which became famous after its powerful eruption that occurred in 1883, when thirty-six thousand people died. The island was completely destroyed after this tragedy, but time passed and nature gradually recovered. Today, a unique ecosystem of the Sumatran jungle has formed here, where very rare plants grow, for example, giant rafflesia, and also very rare animals live - tigers, rhinoceroses, elephants, orangutans, wild bulls. You can get to this park from the Bukit Lawang Nature Reserve, from the village of Tangkahan, from Ketambe. Guide services will cost twenty-five dollars per day. You have the opportunity to choose a trek that is suitable for you in terms of difficulty: it can be a few hours of travel or a five-day hike along the interesting route “Ketambe - Bukit Lawang”, as well as a two-week conquest of the highest mountain peak of this park - Gunung Leser, whose height is three thousand three hundred eighty one meters.

- the largest city in western Sumatra, which is a rather noisy market settlement with a unique colorful atmosphere. Here you will find charming narrow streets, ancient monuments concentrated close to each other, as well as nature reserves located in the surrounding area. Here you will see what the authentic houses of the islanders are like - these are dwellings with roofs that look more like horns. This is how they are now, and this is how they were many centuries ago. Bukittinggi is a place that is not on the popular tourist routes, but gives you a unique chance to experience the pristine beauty of Indonesia.

Or “Sianok Canyon” - the most beautiful natural attraction of the island of Sumatra, and you can admire the breathtaking local landscapes by climbing the two-story observation tower in Panorama Park.

Or "Japanese Caves"- This is a historical site in Sumatra, which is an intricate network of various underground bunkers and numerous tunnels that were built by the Japanese during the Second World War. The entrance to these tunnels is located next to Panorama Park.

Or "Fort de Kock"- a fortification at the foot of the Marapi volcano, which was erected by the Dutch to protect themselves from frequent attacks by local residents.

Or "Jam Gadang"– the old high clock tower of the city of Bukittinggi, which was erected by the Dutch. The roof of this tower is built in the traditional local style. This "Big Clock" is located in the central city square. This square has many stalls and shops where you can buy local food and souvenirs.

The beaches of the island of Sumatra are numerous and beautiful, and each of them is attractive in its own way. There is no point in listing all these beach holiday destinations on the Sumatra coast, since there are really a lot of them, and we will only talk about a couple of them.

If you are inclined to relax on traditional beaches, then focus on the Lampuk area, in the western part of the coast. This is a large beach, with soft and magnificent golden sand, the entrance to the water is gentle and the depth increases gradually. This beach will be a comfortable place for both adults and children to relax. It is worth warning that there is no well-developed infrastructure or any entertainment venues, cafes, or shops here, so take everything you need with you.

Or "Lagundri bay"- popular among surfers. It is located in a cozy and picturesque bay with the same name. This beach has been one of the best in all of Indonesia for forty years. The most prestigious surf schools are located next to it.

Traveling around the island of Sumatra gives a lot of vivid emotions, here you can get acquainted with the diverse and colorful Indonesian culture, interesting national cuisine, centuries-old traditions, architecture and history, admire the pristine nature or just relax on one of the wonderful volcanic beaches, enjoying the rays of the hot sun under the quiet whisper of the waves.

Known for its long dark sand beaches, ruins of ancient temple complexes and palaces and untouched nature. Along the western coast of Sumatra lie the Barisan Mountains, the highest peak of which is Mount Kerinci (3800 m). The eastern part of the island is mostly occupied by a swampy plain.

But this is unnecessary

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How to get there

Regular flights from Moscow fly to Denpasar (Bali), from where domestic flights easily reach Medan - the largest city in Sumatra and a convenient transit point on the way to Lake Toba.

Search for flights to Denpasar (the closest airport to Sumatra)

Story

The first European to set foot on Sumatra was Marco Polo in 1292. Colonizers appeared on the island later, in 1509 the Portuguese, and in 1596 the Dutch. As a result of clashes with the inhabitants of the island, the commander of the Dutch expedition, Cornelius van Houtman, was killed. A little later, the Portuguese tried to regain control of Sumatra, but the Dutch managed to repel the attack. At the beginning of the 17th century, the Sultanate of Aceh in Sumatra controlled the pepper trade (as we know, spices at that time were valued no less than gold today), and it was with this that the Dutch East India Company mainly had to fight. At the end of the 18th century. The Dutch on the island fought with the British, who settled in the Bengkulu fort, and at the end of the 19th century they unsuccessfully tried to suppress the uprising of the inhabitants of the Sultanate of Aceh.

In 1883, the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano near Sumatra, which ended with an explosion, plunged the entire island into the ocean depths.

During World War II, the island was occupied by Japan, and after that it became entirely part of Indonesia. Since then, demands have been regularly heard, if not for independence, then at least for a certain autonomy, which were satisfied in 2001. Wide autonomy gives the island the right to even establish Islamic laws. The infamous 2004 tsunami caused severe damage along the northern and western coasts of Sumatra.

Holidays in Sumatra

Popular hotels in Sumatra

Entertainment and attractions of Sumatra

There is plenty of entertainment and attractions on the island, including natural wonders, ruins of temple complexes, and all kinds of active recreation. Find guidelines for a quality holiday in Sumatra below.

Sights of Medan

The Paradise Mosque with black domes (1906) is one of the symbols of Sumatra; Maimun Palace (1888) - the residence of the brother of the current Sultan, only two rooms are open to the public; Military Museum - founded in 1971, a collection of weapons from ancient cannons to rifles and machine guns of the 20th century.

Lake Toba

The world's largest lake in the crater of a volcano, which appeared approximately 75 thousand years ago, attracts tourists from all over the world. The water surface of Lake Toba is frozen, surrounded by steep mountains, deep gorges and sandy beaches.

Sumatra, Lake Toba

Samosir Island

The best resort in Sumatra for lovers of a relaxing holiday. The most popular place is the Tuk-Tuk village. There are thermal springs on Mount Belirang. In the village of Simanido, you can visit the Huta Bolon Museum and watch the performance of the traditional local dance Toba Batak. In the village of Ambarita, tourists are shown a group of stone thrones, on which elders and judges still sit during important events. The village of Tomok is a good place to buy souvenirs; on the way to the shops you can stop by the museum of Raja Sidabatu with a tomb nearby.

Gunung Luser National Park

On the border of Aceh and North Sumatra is the largest national park in Southeast Asia, Gunung Luser, which is inhabited by hundreds of species of exotic birds, gibbons, macaques, and orangutans. The endangered Sumatran tigers, leopards, elephants, and Sumatran rhinoceroses are also found here, although they are not so often seen. There are hiking trails, you can go to conquer the mountains of Luser and Loser (the ascent will take at least 10 days) or rafting down the Whampoa River.

Kerinsi Seblat National Park

The park was founded in 1982 around the Kerisi volcano. The dense jungle is inhabited by rare animals, and amazing plants are also found here: the largest flower on Earth, Rafflesia, and the tallest, Amorphophallus. Searching for these foul-smelling flowers in the tropics and guiding curious tourists to them has long been a way of making money for the local population. Hiking routes in the park include a climb to the crater of the volcano (at least two days) and a walk to the high-mountain lake Gunung Tujukh. All necessary camping equipment can be rented in the town of Kersik-Toua.

On the border of Aceh and North Sumatra lies the largest national park in southeast Asia, Gunung Luser.

Bugittings

This city, with a cool climate that allows you to take a break from the sweltering tropical heat, offers tours of the surrounding area with a visit to a bullfight, excursions to lakes Singkarak and Maninjau, trekking through mountains and volcanoes. 15 km north of the city, near the village of Palupu, there is a rafflesia reserve; information about the buds that are about to bloom can be obtained from the tourist office.

Palembang

Sumatra's second largest city is on the Musi River, which hosts a regatta featuring traditional Indonesian racing boats during the annual Sriwijaya Harvest Festival (16-20 June). Attractions: Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Museum, Balaputra Deva Museum, a small zoo with crocodiles, orangutans, elephants and bears.

Volcano Krakatoa

In 1883, the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano, which ended with an explosion, plunged the entire island into the ocean depths. More than 36 thousand people died under the lava and as a result of the tsunami that hit the shores of neighboring islands. A boat excursion to the chain of islands left behind by the explosion includes a visit to the coral islands of Sebuku and Sebesi and Sertung Beach. The transit point for visiting Krakatoa is the city of Bandarlampung. From here you can also go to the Elephant Training Center in Wai Kambas National Park.

Bintan Island

Its proximity to Singapore makes Bintan Island one of the most popular islands in recent times. The resort is positioned as ultra-modern, with good beaches and decent service. Sights: the ruins of the palace of Raja Ali, his tomb, the ancient mosque of Raya Sultan Riau.

Sumatra... One of my favorite islands in Indonesia, if not the most! Sumatra is vast, diverse and unique. Now, if they asked me: “Where do you want to live, start a family, children, a house?” Then my answer would be “Sumatra!” Yes, Sumatra is mom. Sometimes you lie in hot springs under the open sky... To your right is the Sibayak volcano, and to your left is the jungle, from where the songs of siamangs can be heard and you understand how good it is to live and feel every moment with every cell of the body. Or you sit on the beach of a desert island in the Banyak archipelago and think: “Is there anyone else on this planet besides me? Or maybe I’m not there either... there is only the vast sea, sand, palm trees, waves...” Sumatra is my personal paradise, but it can become your paradise too...

Sumatra is divided into 10 provinces, I've been to half of them

Provinces of Sumatra

Aceh

The northernmost province of Sumatra, famous for its supposedly radical Muslims. Yes, Islam is strict here, but, of course, not as much as in Arab countries. Indonesia remains Indonesia in Aceh. I've been here several times while traveling around Sumatra on a motorbike. I really liked Aceh for its nature preserved in almost its original form, mountains, many kilometers of beaches on the west coast, wild people in remote villages. There are practically no tourists here, only foreigners regularly visit Veh Island. Meanwhile, there is something to see here and I still plan to return here. I visited the city of Takengon and Lake Laut Tawar, located at an altitude of 1100 meters at sea level, the capital of the province, the city of Banda Aceh, the village of Ketambe, from where you can go trekking in the Gunung Lesur National Park, the uninhabited islands of the Banyak archipelago, where a real tropical paradise!

Bengkulu

Bengkulu is a quiet and isolated province stretching along the west coast in the southern half of Sumatra. It has the lowest population density on the island of Sumatra, but few forests remain, only in the mountains of the Barisan range. In the lowlands, everything has been cut down for oil palm plantations. In the cities of Bengkulu province there are a lot of buildings without windows or doors specialized for growing nests of swiftlets. But the locals don’t know how to cook bird’s nests: everything goes straight to China. The capital of Bengkulu province, the city of the same name is very pleasant, clean and quiet, somewhat similar to provincial Thai cities, only without dogs and temples :) I lived here for several days while I extended my visa. There are practically no tourists. Although there is something to see and do in the province, the cat has run out of information on the RuNet. The most famous mountain in the province is Kaba Volcano. Very easy to climb: it takes less than 1 hour to walk along the short trail to the crater. The crater itself, or rather the craters, is very beautiful and active: they steam, smoke, there are mud geysers, large fumaroles, colored lakes, like those on Kelimutu that change color.

North Sumatra

North Sumatra is the most tourist region on the island, but only due to the largest caldera lake in the world, Toba, and the village of Bukit Lawang, where you can see orangutans. I've been here many times and in many places, so I have a lot of material on Sumatra Utara. In addition to the two above-mentioned points, I highly recommend visiting the city of Berastagi, located at an altitude of 1400 meters next to two active volcanoes: Sinabung and Sibayak. The latter is very easy to climb; if you drive up to it by car or motorbike as close as possible, the walk to the crater only takes half an hour, or even less. Also in the vicinity of Berastagi there is a unique two-color waterfall, with cold blue water, next to it there is a regular waterfall with warm water. The main arrival point to North Sumatra is Kuala Namu Airport, which opened in the summer of 2013. It is the second largest airport in Indonesia and very pleasant. The transport system in North Sumatra covers the entire province, getting somewhere is not a problem, but the buses are old, sometimes quite old. I have prepared several local guides to North Sumatra:

West Sumatra

West Sumatra is my favorite province on the island! I love the city of Bukittinggi, located in the mountains on the equator. For me, it’s the most ideal climate for living! Warm, but not cold or hot, humid, but not flooded or too dry, high (900 meters), but not particularly high. I've been here many times, alone and with friends and clients... I never get tired of coming back here and I hope to come back again and again. Just like in the province of Aceh in West Sumatra, the primary equatorial forest has been preserved. In general, the trekking possibilities for nature lovers here are limitless: the volcanoes Marapi, Singgalang, Thalang, Talamau... And there are so many lakes: Maninjau, Danau Bawah, Danau Atas. I didn’t like the capital of the Padang region, but there are some good islands nearby that are convenient to swim to from the Rimba Ecolodge.

Jambi

Jambi is a vast province in the southern half of Sumatra. I've only been here once, when I climbed the highest volcano in Indonesia, Kerinci. Its height is 3805 meters. The climb takes 2 days and is surprisingly easy for such a high mountain. During my ascent in July 2013, the weather was bad, everything was covered in clouds and I could see almost nothing from the top. In addition to the volcano, an interesting crater lake in the region is Danau Gunung Tujuh at an altitude of 2000 meters, where I also visited. Actually, these two mountains are next to each other. Elite varieties of tea are grown near these mountains and are directly exported to Holland and England. I didn’t manage to visit the factories: everything is serious there, entry requires passes and machine gunners are everywhere. I don’t know what kind of tea this must be if it is guarded so harshly. There are several large cities in the province, including the capital Jambi, but I have not been there and apparently they are not of particular interest.

Lampung

Lampung is the closest province of Sumatra to Java and as a result many Javanese live here. The cities here are more like Java. But in the province it’s still a wilderness. I have been here several times, spent almost a week exploring geothermal anomalies in the Suoh Valley, climbed the Krakatoa volcano twice, and looked at the Sumatran rhinoceros in Wai Kambas National Park. Lampung Province has quite a lot of potential tourist sites, but there are very few foreign tourists due to lack of information. I really liked Sebesi Island, where the cheapest option is to sail to the Krakatoa volcano. Mostly Javanese live on Sebesi, and if you want to look at a real Javanese sea village, this is the place for you. Traditional crafts, fishing and the endless attention and smiles of the locals await you there.

South Sumatra

A huge province with its capital in the city of Palembang with a population of two million. So far I have only been to the city of Pagaralam and its surroundings.

Realizing how little information there is about the sixth largest island on the planet, I have already written several dozen detailed articles on this island and continue to delight with something new every year. Below I have sorted the available articles into thematic categories for ease of searching. This page is regularly updated and updated with new material.

Indonesia, a large state in South-West Asia, is not for nothing called the Land of a Thousand Islands. It is spread over parts of New Guinea, the Maluku and Sunda Islands, the largest of which are Borneo, Sulawesi, Java, Sumatra, the islands of Timor, Flores, Sumbawa, Bali and others. The three islands of the Republic of Indonesia are among the six largest on the planet.
The islands of Indonesia are a motley carpet of a mixture of peoples, cultures, diverse landscapes, and natural and climatic zones.
One of the most amazing is Sumatra, which many call a continent in miniature. There are tropics and savannas, lowland swamps and high mountains. The island is home to rhinoceroses and elephants, tigers and leopards, bears and buffalos - large fauna not native to the islands.

Geographical position
The island of Sumatra is one of the largest islands of the Malay archipelago. It extends from northwest to southeast for 1800 km. The area of ​​the island is 421,000 km2.
It is formed by a system of mountain ranges extending far to the west. Their highest points are located at a distance of 30-50 km from the Indian Ocean. They don't have names. The southern areas are known as the Barisan Range, while the Batak Plateau rises in the northern part of the island.
Around the “mother” island there are smaller areas of land. On the Indian Ocean side, mountainous, sparsely populated territories line up parallel to Sumatra: Mentawai, Nias, Engano. Sinkep, Banka, and Belitung stretch along the eastern shore. Simalur (Simelue), an Indonesian island west of the island of Sumatra, has become infamous.
In 2004, a giant tsunami hit its coast. Very close, to the northeast, is the Malay Peninsula - part of the Asian continent. It is separated from Sumatra by the Strait of Malacca. The most important shipping routes pass here: rich cargo attracts real pirates of the 21st century, robbing ships. To the east, 420 km, is the “big brother” - the island of Borneo (Kalimantan).
Between the “relatives” lies the Karimata Strait. The most populous Indonesian island of Java is separated from Sumatra by the 25 km wide Sunda Strait. The question “where is Sumatra” can be answered simply: between Australia and Asia. More precisely, in the far west of the Malay Archipelago, in the triangle between Java, Kalimantan and the Malay Peninsula.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Sumatra (Indonian: Sumatra, Malay: Sumatera, Acehn: Ruja, Sumatra) is an island in the western part of the Malay archipelago, in the group of the Greater Sunda Islands, with adjacent small islands (the area of ​​which is about 30 thousand km²). It is part of Indonesia. Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world.
The name of the island comes from the Sanskrit word samudra - “ocean” or “sea”.
Sumatra is located in both hemispheres and is divided into almost equal parts by the equator. The area of ​​the island is about 473 thousand km².

The island stretches from northwest to southeast for approximately 1.8 thousand km, and reaches a width of 435 km. Sumatra is the westernmost of the main islands of the Indonesian archipelago.
The Strait of Malacca separates Malacca and Sumatra. Sumatra is separated from the island of Java by the Sunda Strait.
The coastline is slightly indented; coral reefs are found near the coast.
The largest lake in Sumatra is Toba.
Sumatra is characterized by high earthquake magnitudes (up to 7-8).

Relief
The relief of Sumatra on the southwestern coast of the island is mountainous - the Aceh and Batak plateaus, the Barisan ridge. The ridge is divided by a fault zone into two parallel chains, which are composed of Paleozoic rocks - limestones, quartzites, crystalline schists, with outcrops of granite intrusions. The island has many volcanoes, 12 of which are active.
The highest point of the island of Sumatra - the active volcano Kerinci, or Indrapura (3805 m) is located in the central part of the Barisan mountain range. Other largest volcanoes include Dempo (3159 m), Marapi (2891 m).
The northeastern part of the island is represented by a low-lying plain made up of river sediments.

Geology
The Sumatra Mountains were formed partly during the Hercynian, partly during the Mesozoic and later Paleogene folding; they also have young longitudinal faults. They are composed of quartzites, crystalline schists, limestones of Paleozoic age, and there are outcrops of granite intrusions.
The average height of the mountains is from 1500 to 3000 m. The Barisan ridge is divided into two parallel chains by a longitudinal zone of faults and grabens. The island is crowned with numerous cones of active and extinct volcanoes, among which the highest volcano in Sumatra, Kerinci (Indrapura), with a height of 3800 m, clearly stands out.
It is followed by Dempo (3159 m) and Marapi (2891 m). There are only twelve active giants. Between Sumatra and neighboring Java, in the Sunda Strait, lies the Krakatau stratovolcano (813 m). Its eruptions are rare, but cause catastrophic destruction. The last activity observed here was in 1999.
In 1927-1929 As a result of an underwater explosion, the island of Anak Krakatau was formed. And the eruption of 1883 actually destroyed the once high island - the blast wave was felt on all continents, circling the Earth three times.
In contrast to the southwestern mountain range, in the east of Sumatra lies a large swampy alluvial lowland. A special feature of the area is that its coastal part is flooded by sea tides.
The conditions here are favorable for extensive mangrove forests. Sumatra, the Banka and Belitung islands are rich in various types of minerals: oil, coal, gold, manganese, iron, nickel, tin.

Climate
The climate in Sumatra is equatorial, hot and humid. Average monthly temperatures range from 25 to 27 °C. From December to March, northeasterly winds predominate, and from July to September, southwest winds. Precipitation ranges from 1000 mm per year in the eastern regions of the island, to 4000 mm in the western regions; in mountainous areas - up to 6000 mm.

Water resources
Sumatra is rich in rivers. The main ones are: Rokan, Kampar, Inderagiri, Hari, Mushi. The largest of them flow from west to east.
The largest lake in Sumatra is Lake Toba, located in the caldera of an ancient volcano and is the largest and deepest lake in Southeast Asia. The length of the lake is 100 km, width is 40 km, area is 1145 km². The depth of the lake is about 450 m. In the center of the lake is the island of Samosir, with an area of ​​530 km².
On the island of Samosir itself there is another lake - Sidokhoni. At the northern end of the lake there is a 120-meter waterfall Sipiso-piso.
The surface of Lake Toba is located at an altitude of 906 m above sea level. The water level in the lake is gradually decreasing.


Dormant supervolcano
The island of Sumatra on the map is not much different from neighboring lands, but it was here that an epoch-making cataclysm occurred 73,000 years ago, changing the history of the Earth. The explosion of a supervolcano gave rise to the so-called volcanic winter, reminiscent of a nuclear one. In addition to 3,000 km3 of ash, a huge amount of anhydride entered the atmosphere, causing widespread acid rain.
For six years, the planet experienced unnaturally low temperatures, and acid rain destroyed vegetation. The next millennium is characterized by cooling and the advance of glaciers. As a result, from a large population of people, only the smartest survived - about 10,000 representatives of the species Homo sapiens in the heart of Africa.
In fact, a natural disaster contributed to the “explosive” development of intelligence among our distant ancestors.

Lake Toba
Sumatra is an island with amazing nature. The most striking geological and cultural attraction is the largest lake of volcanic origin on the planet, Toba, which filled the giant crater of that same supervolcano. Its dimensions (length - 100 km, width - 30 km, depth - 505 m) allowed the reservoir to become the largest in Indonesia and the second (after Lake Tonle Sap) in Southeast Asia.
The picturesque island of Samosir is located on Lake Toba. It is famous for its incredible landscapes, nature, and authentic culture. Not only Muslims live here, but also a people called Batak. They are Christians and have very unique folk traditions, art, and especially architecture.
Samosir is very small, the length of its coastline is 111 km. But this small territory organically accommodates developed tourist centers, an “untouched” natural landscape, and the daily life of Sumatran peasants. Although the water in Toba is fresh, its clarity, azure blue, surrounding landscapes and microclimate are reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast. The only thing that breaks this association is the absence of big waves, which is a big advantage for many tourists.

Nature
More than 30% of Sumatra's territory is covered by tropical forest. The moist equatorial forests of the island up to altitudes of 1500 m are dominated by ficus trees, various palm trees, giant bamboo, tree ferns, and lianas. In the mountains at altitudes of more than 1500 m, evergreen oaks and laurels, broad-leaved deciduous species, maple, chestnut, and coniferous trees predominate.
Above 3000 m, low-growing shrubs and grasses grow. In the intermountain plains there are areas of savannah in which alang-alang is common. Mangroves are common on the northeast coast.

Fauna
The fauna of the island of Sumatra is diverse. Sumatra is home to: 196 species of mammals, 194 species of reptiles, 62 species of amphibians, 272 species of fish and 456 species of birds, of which 9 species of mammals, 19 species of birds and 30 species of fish are endemic.
From the animal world there are the Sumatran rhinoceros, Indian elephant, buffalo, black-backed tapir, Sumatran tiger, Malayan bear, pig-tailed macaque, orangutan, gibbon, siamang, woolly wing, striped pig, leopard, island civet, various types of squirrels, bats. Reptiles include large snakes, a “flying dragon”, and a gharial crocodile. The world of birds and insects is no less diverse. Many of the flora and fauna species are endemic to the island.

Historical information
About 73 thousand years ago, a gigantic explosion of the Toba volcano occurred on the island of Sumatra. As a result, a crater with a diameter of about 100 km was formed at the site of the explosion, and 800 cubic kilometers of dust and ash entered the atmosphere. This event, according to scientists, had dramatic consequences for the human population (a bottleneck effect, as a result of which the Earth's population decreased to 2 thousand people), as it provoked an 1800-year ice age.
Two modern human teeth from the Lida Ajer cave, found by anthropologist Eugene Dubois, date back to between 63,000 and 73,000 years ago.
The eastern and southern regions of Sumatra and the adjacent small islands, where the formation of the Malay people took place, are traditionally classified by historians as areas of the earliest political genesis.
The most ancient Sumatran states were guided by sea routes that, skirting Sumatra from the north, went along the Strait of Malacca, along the eastern coast of Sumatra, then around South Malaya turned north to the Indochina Peninsula and the Chinese shores, or went to the island of Java and through the Java Sea - to Eastern Indonesia, to the Spice Islands. For the northern Sumatran regions, river and transshipment land routes through Northern Malaya to the Gulf of Thailand were also important.
In the basins of the Sumatran rivers Batang and Musi, which connected the island regions with foreign trade routes, there were initially conditions for rice growing and rich forest resources. Mentioned by Chinese sources in the middle of the 3rd century AD are identified with these lands (Jambi-Palembang region). e. the kingdom of Gein (Dyain) was one of the centers of intermediary trade that maintained connections with both China and Indian ports and existed until the 6th century AD. e.
Chinese source of the 3rd century AD. e. “Qian Han Shu” also mentions the kingdom of Pizong (Pisang), which lay on the sea route from India to China and occupied the Riou Ling Islands off the southeastern coast of Sumatra. The later state of Barus is also associated with North Sumatra.
In the 7th century, almost the entire island was occupied by the state of Srivijaya, and in the 13th-16th centuries. Sumatra was part of the Majapahit Empire. From 1496 to 1904, the Sultanate of Aceh was located on the island. From the 17th century until the mid-20th century, the island was a colony of the Netherlands. Indonesia gained independence on August 17, 1945, and Sumatra became part of it.
Brick Buddhist temples “biaro” built from the 11th to 14th centuries have been preserved on the island.

Experts say that the first people appeared on the island of Sumatra around the second millennium BC. A lot of evidence of this is currently being found during excavations on the island. At the same time, archaeologists identify at least three cultures, whose representatives replaced each other in different time periods.
In the period II-V centuries AD, the first states of the region began to form on the island of Sumatra; among the most famous and significant powers of that period, it is worth noting the kingdom of Srivijaya, with its capital in the modern city of Palembang. The kingdom of Srivijaya constantly waged wars of conquest and was able to subjugate the islands of Java and Kalimantan, as well as the Malacca Peninsula and part of the territory of the present state of Thailand.
At the beginning of the 10th century AD, the island of Sumatra began to be mentioned in ancient writings, and in the writings of the 11th century, the name “Island of Gold” was assigned to it, since gold mines began to function here.
In the 13th century The Srivijaya kingdom was weakened by civil strife, which led to its fragmentation. Against the general background of the disintegrated kingdom, the Principality of Pasay began to stand out, which at the end of the 14th century became one of the most powerful on the island of Sumatra and beyond.
In 1291, the famous Italian traveler Marco Polo visited the island of Sumatra, who described it quite colorfully in his writings.
Starting from the end of the 13th century, the island of Sumatra became part of the Majapahit Empire, which lasted until the middle of the 16th century. In the period 1496-1904, the Sultanate of Aceh was located on the island, which is considered a successor to the collapsed Majapahit Empire.
At the end of the 16th century, Dutch missionaries and merchants began to arrive in Sumatra and began to establish their settlements on the coast. By the end of the 17th century, Sumatra fell completely under the rule of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as did most of the islands of Indonesia.
The First World War bypasses Sumatra, since the Netherlands was officially a neutral state. But during the Second World War, Sumatra fell under occupation by Japanese troops.
After the surrender of Japan, the Netherlands decided not to fight to restore its power over Indonesia, and in 1945 the independence of the Republic of Indonesia was proclaimed, which territorially included the island of Sumatra.

Population
Sumatra has a population of 50.6 million (2010 estimate), the fourth most populous island in the world. The main cities are Medan (the largest city), Palembang, Padang. Population density is about 116 people/km². People of many nationalities live in Sumatra, about 90% profess Islam.

Tourism.
Local authorities have only recently begun to pay attention to the development of tourism on the island of Sumatra. The climate and natural conditions here are such that they create extraordinary prospects for the operation of tourist facilities for various purposes.
On the coast of Sumatra, only small areas do not have sandy beaches. In areas where rivers do not flow into the seas, the beaches are washed by the purest sea waters, especially the Indian Ocean. The sand on the beaches is dark brownish in color, due to its volcanic origin. In those parts of the coast where coral reefs are located, fabulous conditions are created for diving and snorkeling. In recent years, in bays and bays protected from strong winds, you can meet a large number of windsurfing fans.

For tourists who love wildlife, local tour operators organize eco-tours to the equatorial rainforest, where you can enjoy the view of pristine wildlife.
Lovers of sights and ancient monuments will be presented with architectural structures of the Middle Ages: the Great Mosque and the first urban railway on the island in the city of Medan.
It is worth noting that about 80,000 people visited the island of Sumatra on a tourism mission in 2012, which exceeded the similar figures of previously recognized leaders in the tourism business in different parts of the world.


Economy
The basis of Sumatra's economy is agriculture and mining.
The most common agricultural activities include the cultivation of rice, rubber, coconut palms, coffee, tea, tobacco, and spices.
Several large oil fields have been explored in Sumatra. Oil production in Sumatra accounts for 4/5 of Indonesia's total production.
Sumatra is rich in natural resources - oil, iron, coal, gold, nickel, tin. There are oil refining, textile and food processing plants.
Maritime transport is developed.
Main ports: Belawan (near Medan), Palembang, Padang.

ATTRACTIONS OF SUMATRA
Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park
Bukit Barisan Selatan is a national park on the island of Sumatra, with a total area of ​​3568 km². It is listed as a World Heritage Site and is also one of the protected natural sites on the island.
The park contains many endangered representatives of both flora and fauna. For example, Sumatran elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, and striped rabbits. It is also noteworthy that most of the total number of individuals living on Earth live here.
Despite the fact that this territory acquired the status of a national park only in 1982, it has been considered a protected area since 1935. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the park recently lost about 20% of its forests due to illegal farming. More than 450 km² of park land is currently used for coffee cultivation.
There are several small hotels within the park. And for adventure seekers, there are camping services located in the jungle. River cruises and canoeing are also available from here.

Bukit Barisan Mountains
Bukit Barisan is a densely jungled mountain range stretching across the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. The length of the mountains is 1700 kilometers. Bukit Barisan also includes three national reserves that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Bukit Barisan means "row of hills". In fact, this is a huge mountain range that includes many volcanoes (more than 35 of them are active). Also, it is in the Bukit Barisan Mountains that Kerinci Peak is located - the highest peak in Indonesia, whose height is 3800 meters.
This region is rich in picturesque alpine lakes, the most famous of which is Lake Toba, located in the caldera of an ancient supervolcano.
The Bukit Barisan mountain range is a very beautiful place. These are thousands of kilometers of pristine tropical forests, high mountains and beautiful lakes. And although we are not talking about comfortable admiring nature, the Bukit Barrisan mountain range still attracts many eco-tourists from all over the world.

Baiturrahman Great Mosque
Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is a mosque located in the center of the Indonesian city of Banda Aceh. For him, as for the province of the same name, it is of great importance. Residents perceive it as a symbol of religion and culture, especially after the mosque survived the 2004 tsunami.
Despite the fact that the mosque was designed by an Italian architect, its construction was carried out by the Dutch colonial administration as a sign of reconciliation with the local residents and compensation for the destruction of their previous mosque.
Construction began in 1879 and was completed in 1881. As already mentioned, the mosque survived the massive tsunami of 2004 with virtually no damage, while most of the city of Banda Aceh was destroyed.
Externally, the mosque building has experienced colonial and Indian influences. However, it is an example of the distinctive, unique and traditional architecture characteristic of the city of Banda Aceh.

Soeman H.S Library
Soeman H.S Library is one of the Indonesian national libraries. Its distinctive feature is the unique design of the building. Its modern and elegant forms attract attention and place this library in all tourist guides for the city of Pakanbaru.
One of the main achievements of this library is its contribution to the preservation of a layer of Malay literature. Its collections are regularly replenished with both new world literature and already recognized masterpieces.
In addition to archives and bookshelves, the library has a reading room, which has given it the status of a unique meeting place. The library also contains classrooms where lectures are held on various topics, an atrium, an Internet room, a cafe and a dining room.
A unique design was developed for this building, resembling the shape of an open book. In a short time, it has become an iconic landmark of the city of Pakanbaru, so many tourists and locals visit it every day.

Polonia International Airport
Polonia International Airport is located in the north of the island of Sumatra, approximately 2 km from the city center of Medan. This is the first international airport in the city. It serves local and international flights. In terms of passenger numbers, Polonia is the fourth largest airport in Indonesia.
The name of the airport comes from the Latin name of the homeland of the Polish baron who lived on these lands. In 1872 he received a concession from the Dutch East Indies to establish a tobacco plantation in Medan.
The first aircraft landed here in 1924, when Dutch test pilot Thomassen van der Hoop completed his pioneering flight from Holland here. Thus, the first runway appeared in Medan, although it was not ready in time. Following this event, the East Indies administration decided to provide the necessary funding to complete the airport. In 1928 it was officially opened.
The airport is located on an area of ​​144 hectares, however, the runway is 3000 m long and 45 m wide. Immediately outside are the richest residential buildings in the city. This is due to the superstition that loud airplane sounds drive away evil spirits.
Until recently, the airport consisted of international and domestic terminals. A fire in the international hall in 2006 caused severe damage, which led to the reduction of the baggage claim department. In this regard, the airport is experiencing enormous loads, serving 7.5 million passengers a year.


Minangkabau International Airport
The airport became operational in July 2005, replacing the old Tabing Airport. It is named after the local Minangkabau people. In addition to the runway, there is a terminal building for international and domestic flights on the airport premises. Inside there are 17 check-in counters, 5 baggage conveyors, and 9 ticket counters.
The influence of local culture is evident not only in the name of the airport, but also in the design of the terminal building, the spire on the roof of which resembles a traditional Minangkabau house.
Near the airport there is a large parking lot, a number of shops selling various goods, as well as hotel check-in counters. However, the departure lounge can be overcrowded due to the rapid growth in passenger numbers currently experienced in Indonesia.

Sipiso Piso Waterfall
The Sipiso Piso waterfall is located in the north of Lake Toba, on the Karo Plateau, on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. This is not just a fairly high (120 meters) waterfall, it is one of the most picturesque places in Indonesia, unique also in that its source is an underground river that flows under the plateau.
According to Batak legends, the waterfall was formed as a result of a battle between the dragon of an underground river and the spirits of Lake Toba. The unique natural site can be viewed from three viewing platforms: the first is located opposite the waterfall, the second is in the middle of the stairs that leads to the foot of the waterfall, and the third is located at the bottom of the gorge, very close to the waterfall.
The upper observation deck is of greatest interest, because from it you can simultaneously observe Sipiso-piso, the panorama of Lake Toba and the Sibayak volcano. Such a magnificent view simply cannot leave any nature lover or just a tourist indifferent.
Karo highlands, Sumatra island, Indonesia

Simalungun Royal Palace
In the town of Pematang Purba, which is located in Indonesia, or more precisely, on the island of Sumatra, you can take advantage of the unique opportunity to explore the ancient building - the royal palace of Simalungan. Despite its considerable age, the palace is maintained in excellent condition through regular and timely restoration.
Inside the building you can see richly decorated rooms, many of which contain an exhibition of various objects of historical value.
On the territory of the palace you can hire a guide, and nearby you can buy small souvenirs that, many years later, will help you remember this unusual place.
Jalan Pematang Purba - Prapat, Simalungun, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Saint Paul's Cathedral
St. Peter's Cathedral is a Catholic church in the city of Bandung. This cathedral is the cathedral for the city diocese. The design of the new church in the neo-Gothic style was developed by the Dutch architect Charles Wolf Schoemaker back in 1906, but the illumination of the present cathedral took place only on February 19, 1922.
Ten years later, the Holy See established the Apostolic Prefecture of Bandung and this church became the cathedral of the city's Catholic structure.
At first glance, neo-Gothic design may seem very standard, but a closer look reveals the subtlest signs of art deco. One of the most outstanding features of St. Peter's Basilica is the stunning stained glass window located above the altar.
The cathedral is surrounded by skyscrapers that interfere with the perception of its austere beauty. The expansion of modern architecture is currently the main problem of the city.
Jl. Merdeka 14, Bandung, Indonesia

Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Catholic church located on the island of Sumatra in the city of Medan, a center of Catholic pilgrimage in Indonesia. Its parishioners are mainly Tamils.
Construction of the Medan Church under the direction of James Bharaputra began in September 2001 and was completed in 2005. It is a two-story building with one main and two side domes, made in the Indonesian style.

The temple of the same name is located in India, named after a significant event in the life of believers and preachers of Christianity. According to legend, in this place the Virgin Mary appeared to two children, thereby illuminating the place and endowing it with mysterious power.
The architecture of this temple is completely different from the usual one. The building is decorated with several religious symbols, but they are in harmony with the structure of the temple and do not break the unity. Aesthetic and religious values ​​expressed in the exterior and interior harmoniously express the sublimity and great mystery of divine grandeur.

Lake Toba
Toba is the world's largest lake of volcanic origin; it was formed approximately 75 thousand years ago by the eruption of the volcano of the same name. Lake Toba is located on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, its shores are very picturesque, as they are overgrown with tropical pine forests, so a walk on the water by ferry or boat always leaves a lot of positive impressions on tourists.
Lake Toba is the largest in Indonesia, and its maximum depth is 505 meters. In its water there are various types of fish, for example, the well-known guppies, carps, as well as Asian pike, spotted gourami, rasbora and so on.
The water of the lake is clean and transparent, which allows you to sometimes see fish rising to the surface and even take photographs of them.

Aceh Tsunami Museum
Aceh Tsunami is a museum whose building is designed as a symbolic reminder of the 2004 earthquake and tsunami that hit Indonesia. It also houses a training center, as well as a shelter in case of another emergency.
The museum is a four-story building with an area of ​​2500 m2. From the facade, its unusual curved walls are covered with geometric reliefs. Visitors enter through a dark, narrow corridor between two high walls of water, which create the feeling of an impending tsunami. From above, the roof resembles a wave.
The walls of the museum are decorated with images of people performing the traditional Indonesian Saman dance, which is a symbol of strength, discipline and religious beliefs in Aceh. In addition, on one of the walls of the museum you can see the names of both those who died during the tsunami and those who survived it.
The museum exhibits are simulations of earthquakes and tsunamis. They include photographs of the dead and reports of survivors of the disaster.


Löser National Park
Gunung Löser is a national park in Indonesia, named after Mount Löser, which is located on its territory. The park itself stretches along the border of two Indonesian provinces for 150 kilometers. This park has attracted a large number of tourists since its establishment because it contains many ecosystems such as the Bukit Lawang Orangutan Sanctuary.
Gunung Leuser National Park, together with Bukit Barisan Setalan and Kerinci Seblat, forms a unique natural complex called the Virgin Tropical Rainforests of Sumatra. It is a World Heritage Site.
Tourists and researchers from all over the world are also attracted here by the fact that Gunung Löser is one of the habitats of Sumatran orangutans; there are only two such places on the planet. In addition to these rare animals, the park is home to the sambar, Sumatran rhinoceros, Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, siamang, Sumatran serow and Bengal cat.
Gunung Leuser National Park, Southeast Aceh Regency, Indonesia

Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport
Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport is located within the Indonesian city of Pakanbaru. It serves flights from neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, as well as from several Indonesian cities. From here there are direct flights to Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Medan and Batam.
The airport is a kind of historical relic from the time of the struggle for independence against the Dutch and Japanese colonialists. At that time it was used as a military base.
Major refurbishments were completed on July 16, 2012, when the new terminal was opened. It now serves 1.5 million passengers a year, and the airport's runway is suitable for Boeing 737-900ER and Boeing 747. The old terminal was demolished to make way for a new railway platform.
Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport offers passengers the following services: VIP rooms, souvenir shops, clothing stores, food courts, grocery stores and much more.

Buddhist temple Muaro Jambi
Muaro Jambi is a Buddhist temple in Jambi province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The temple complex was built by the inhabitants of the ancient kingdom of Melaya.
This ancient surviving temple and nearby ruins date back to around the 11th to 13th centuries AD. The archaeological site includes the Temple, covers approximately 12 square kilometers and extends for 7.5 km along the Hari Batang River. The territory is so vast that some parts still remain unexplored. In other words, it is one of the largest and best preserved ancient temple complexes in Southeast Asia.
The origin of the Melaya kingdom dates back to 1025, when the Indian Chola kingdom destroyed the capital of the maritime empire of Srivijaya. This allowed several small provinces in Sumatra to expand their political and economic influence. Among them was Melaya, which quickly became the most powerful state in Sumatra.
The Muaro Jambi temple complex spreads along the banks of the Hari Batang River, much of which is still covered in dense jungle. The temple itself is built of red brick, decorated with carvings and sculptures. Nearby you can see what remains of the wooden dwellings in which ordinary townspeople lived.

Istana Maimun Palace
The Istana Maimun Palace is a well-known landmark in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. It became so not only because of its more than a hundred years of age, but also because of its unique interior, combining elements of Malay, Arabic, Spanish, Indian and Italian styles.
This huge palace of 2772 m2 was built for Sultan Al Maqmoon in 1887-1891 by immigrants from Holland in exchange for permission to grow pepper and supply it to other countries. Another advantage for Europeans was that local residents did not have to pay much.
Today, the Indonesian sultans have no political power, and the palace is only a reminder of their former greatness. Only the throne room is open to the public, which can be explored in no more than 15 minutes. Here you will see a huge crystal chandelier, a beautiful and original interior, antique furniture and ancient portraits of the royal family.
All visitors are asked to remove their shoes before entering the palace. Since the palace is not properly monitored, tourists who have already been here are advised to take socks with them.

Simanindo Village
The village of Simanido is one of the many picturesque villages located in this piece of paradise on the island of Sumatra. The locals are faithful to traditions, which you can freely get acquainted with by visiting this ancient place. People live here in traditional houses, including the house of Raja Sidaruk. Currently, it houses a museum and also hosts various performances every day. There is a market, a boat station and several cozy cafes.
Opposite the village of Simanido, in Lake Toba, is the island of Pulau Dao with nice restaurants where you can try delicious local cuisine and enjoy amazing views of the surrounding nature. And if you decide to stay here, there will always be free space in a hotel, luxurious by local standards, located right here on the island. The village of Simanido is an exceptionally suitable place for a serene pastime, a break from the hustle and bustle of the world and city noise.
Simanido village, o. Sumatra, Indonesia.

Simalungun Highlands
The Simalungun highlands on the island of Sumatra in the vicinity of the city of Medan are considered a plantation region and are widely known in Indonesia. This is where the huge cocoa and palm oil management estate is located.
Also in the vicinity of the Simalngun highlands there are small settlements whose local residents honor the traditions of their people. You can get acquainted with these traditions, as well as the history of the region, while traveling around the island of Sumatra.
Travelers are often interested in the legends associated with these ancient places. There are many legends, and many travelers specifically come here to sit comfortably over a cup of aromatic tea or steaming broth and listen to stories about the intriguing and slightly frightening past of these ancient places.
Simalungun Highlands, o. Sumatra, Indonesia.

Buddhist temple Muara Takus
Muara Takus is a Buddhist temple dating back to the era of the Srivijaya kingdom - the 11th-12th centuries. It is located in the Riau province on the island of Sumatra. Today it is one of the largest and best preserved ancient temple complexes in Sumatra.
It is believed that the area was used as a religious and commercial center for Srivijaya. It was first discovered in 1860, and since then permanent excavations have been carried out here. The area is currently protected as a national monument.
The Muara Takus temple complex is surrounded by a 1 meter high stone wall around its perimeter. On the northern side it is pierced by locks. Within the walls are four stupas characteristic of Buddhist architecture. Initially, the stupa was a reliquary, and then became a monument erected in honor of some event in Buddhism. The most unusual of them is Mahligai. It is shaped like a lotus, which is considered a unique phenomenon in Indonesia.
The most amazing thing about this temple is that it was built from two different types of stone. One part is made of red stone and the other is made of sandstone. The height of the temple now reaches 6.20 meters. Like all temples, Muara Takus is minimally decorated. The most noticeable decorative elements are the figures of lions on the upper terraces.
Koto Kampar, Riau province, 120 km from the city of Pekanbaru, island. Sumatra, Indonesia

Ambarita village
The village of Ambarita is one of those villages on the island of Sumatra in which one of the Indonesian “Batak” peoples has lived for centuries. It is considered one of the best villages on the shores of Lake Toba with traditional Batak Toba houses. Ambarita is considered an excellent starting point for traveling around the island. There are many beautiful quiet places where you can relax your soul, there are many souvenir shops nearby, and there is also a pier with a small but sufficient number of boats for walks and direct communication with other residential areas of the island.
In addition, this place has important archaeological and historical significance. It was here that the Batak elders used to sit, and various rituals and weddings were held. Ancient megalithic structures, stone chairs and the famous “cannibal table” are also preserved here. Ambarita was an important meeting place for King Sialagan. It was he, being the king, who saved the village from destruction and devastation, and also brought order to all nearby villages.

Sultan's Palace
Istana Maimun (Sultan's Palace) is located in Medan, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Like the Masjid Raya (great mosque), it is a popular site for tourists and researchers, as well as an architectural and historical monument of the city. The palace was built in the Italian Rococo style in 1888.
The palace is considered the most pompous architectural structure of Medan and is a representative building of the colonial era. It is perfectly preserved and is periodically restored, so it has not only historical, but also aesthetic value, as a carrier of a combination of elements of different cultures.
In the palace souvenir shop there is a wide selection of costume jewelry from local manufacturers, where each visitor can choose a piece of jewelry that conveys all the richness of the local flavor. The jewelry is made in the traditional Indonesian style and can be a wonderful souvenir to remember your arrival in Medan.
Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia

During vacation, everyone strives for a change of scenery. And where to do this, if not in Southeast Asia? Of course, first of all, tourists flock to India, Thailand, the islands of Bali and Java. But there are no less interesting places in those parts. In this article we will talk about Sumatra - one of the largest islands on Earth.

Location and climate of Sumatra

It is the sixth largest island in the world in size.. It is located in the Indian Ocean and belongs to the group of Indonesian islands. To the south lies the island of Java, which is separated from Sumatra by the narrow Sunda Strait. To the east is the huge island of Kalimantan, and to the north, across the Gulf of Malacca, the elongated peninsula of the same name begins. It is home to Malaysia and Singapore.

Sumatra has a very interesting location relative to the entire globe. It lies in two hemispheres at once - the northern and southern, and the equator line divides it almost in half. The climate here is appropriate - Sumatra is very hot and humid. And it’s hard to forget that the Indonesian islands lie in an earthquake zone. Just a few years ago, a terrible tsunami caused serious damage to island nations and claimed many lives.

Since Sumatra is located in the equatorial climate zone, the climate here is not very diverse. From December to March the island is slightly cooler, with north-east winds blowing. From April to November they change direction to the southwest and it gets hotter. But the heat is easier to bear due to reduced humidity. Most precipitation falls from September to December. The driest months are January and March. Humidity also depends on the area. The driest area is located in the eastern part of the island; humidity increases towards the west coast. And most of the precipitation falls in mountainous areas.

Sights of the island of Sumatra

There are not too many cultural and historical attractions in Sumatra, as well as large cities. However, some of them are still worth visiting. The city of Medan is not much different from other cities on the Indonesian islands. However, this is a fairly large settlement with its own flavor and history. Here you will see a combination of dilapidated buildings and beautiful palaces, colonial and Indian architecture.

One of the most beautiful sights of the city is the Masjid Raya Mosque.. This beautiful white building is designed in Moroccan style. It is known for its black domes, graceful galleries with many arches and intricate Islamic-style designs. In the evening the mosque looks simply magical. The sunset colors the snow-white walls in all sorts of shades - from bright orange to soft lilac. And the black domes stand out against the background of the setting sun. Masjid Raya Mosque is considered a symbol of Medan's culture and religion. It was built in the 19th century, but is revered by local residents as a real antiquity.

Another attraction of Medan is Istana Maimun, which translated means “Palace of the Sultan”. This building is like a small copy of the city - a huge building, made in a slightly chaotic colorful style. The palace is surrounded by a spacious green lawn, reminiscent of English meadows. However, the rows of palm trees do not allow the imagination to run too wild and return us to reality. In the middle of the lawn stands a structure based on the Italian Rococo style. Here you can see the already familiar black domes and airy arches with complex patterns. But the color scheme is completely different from that of the Raya Mosque. The cheerful ocher-orange color is found throughout the decoration of the palace. Many arches, terraces, gazebos and turrets merge into a single intricate composition. This is Istana Maimun - another symbol of the island of Sumatra, just as colorful, chaotic and exotic.

These are the most striking sights of the city of Medan. Here you can also see the Protestant Church of Our Savior Emmanuel, the Catholic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Chinese Vihara Gunung Timur Temple. You can get a closer look at the history and culture of Medan at the Bukit Kubu Museum.

Nature of the island of Sumatra

As poor as Sumatra is in cultural and historical attractions, its nature is so rich. If you come to this island during an excursion, do not waste time on mosques and museums, the analogues of which you will find on any other island.

Head straight to the extinct supervolcano Toba. This is a legendary place that at one time played a role in the fate of the entire planet. Researchers report that the Toba volcano erupted about 70 thousand years ago. It was so strong that ash shrouded the entire planet, reducing the penetration of the sun's rays and triggering an ice age. At this time, the diversity of flora and fauna decreased sharply, many species simply became extinct.

Changes have affected every continent. Some scientists believe that before this time the population of the Earth numbered millions of people, after the eruption there remained from 3 to 10 thousand. Now this place is considered the most picturesque on the island. A beautiful lake has formed in the crater of the volcano, where tourists from all over the world flock. On the way to Lake Toba, it is worth stopping at the Sipiso-Piso waterfall. The view of the waterfall is truly grandiose. A stream of water rushes across the upper plateau, roars across a distance of 120 meters and falls into the bay. You can go down to the foot of the waterfall along a winding concrete staircase. But it is worth considering that the return climb under the scorching sun is not an easy task. In the middle of Lake Toba rises the island of Samosir. An island within an island is an amazing phenomenon in itself. But the local population is of even greater interest. The Bataks live at their own leisurely pace. It seems as if nothing has changed here for centuries. Adults work in the fields and gardens, feed livestock, mend nets and smoke fish right under the scorching sun. Dark-skinned children run wherever they please. Entire performances with traditional songs and dances are held here for tourists. Most of all Samosir is liked by photographers. Here you can take unique shots soaked in the sun and local flavor.

In the northern part of Sumatra there is a huge park called Gunung Luser. It is the largest national park in all of Southeast Asia. Thousands of different birds and monkeys live in the thickets of tropical forests - macaques, gibbons, orangutans and many others. If you're lucky, you might see leopards, Sumatran tigers, rhinoceroses or elephants. Fans of extreme sports can take a ten-day climb to Mount Lucer or Loser or kayak along the Whampoa River.

If you love everything unusual, visit the Kerinsi Seblat Park. In the middle of the dense jungle lies the formidable Kerisi volcano. To climb to its mouth, you will have to spend at least two days. But a guide can be found directly among the local population. Also, for a small fee, you can be taken to places where exotic plants grow. Rafflesia is the largest flower on the planet. And here the tallest flowers grow - Amorphophallus. There is only one thing that makes you admire the size and exotic colors of these flowers - their eerie smell, which they spread for meters around.

These places are just a small part of the beauty of the island of Sumatra that is worth exploring. Here you can relax in silence, go fishing by the lake, and make a whole trip to the wild and untouched corners of the island.