Sumatra is the biggest island which belongs exculively to Indonesia. It is surrounded by a scattering of smaller islands, the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea. Sumatra is well known as the home of many rare endemic species which are protected but still endangered by the deforestation. Local people are mostly Muslims but some areas are Christian like around the Lake Toba for example. On the small surrounding islands, people still follow animist beliefs like on Sibeirut island.

It is very rare to find crowds of tourists on Sumatra, even when travelling in the most famous areas, a true wild experience remains. The Gunung Leuser National Park is a protected area where Orangutans can live peacefully in the jungle and where trekkers, accompanied by a local ranger, can meet them. There are a diverse range of activities available here from Elephant riding to climbing the Sibayak or Sinabung volcanoes. Samosir island, in the middle of Lake Toba, is full of ancient remnants of old Batak kingdoms. The architecture of local houses is very likeable and similar to the houses found in Toraja, Sulawesi.

A remote island of tropical forests, tigers and elephants where meeting orangutans and climbing volcanoes are equally possible... 

Discover Sumatra the Altaï way.