Explore the incredible biodiversity of Sumatra
A natural paradise awaits you in Sumatra.
Come discover the hidden treasures of this exotic island.
Sumatra, an adventure between jungle and majestic volcanoes
Framed by the Malay Peninsula to the north, by the Java Sea and its namesake island to the east, and by the vast Indian Ocean to the southwest, Sumatra is the westernmost island of the Indonesian archipelago. Populated by nearly 51 million inhabitants, it is divided into 10 provinces. Approximately 400 km wide, it stretches over 1,700 km. With its 473,600 km², it is the sixth-largest island in the world (roughly the size of Iraq). It is crossed by the equator north of Bukittinggi. The island consists of a mountain range running along the west coast, with peaks reaching over 3,000 m.
We are on the ring of fire, and a hundred volcanoes, including about fifteen active ones, dot the chain. The highest peak, Gunung Kerinci, reaches 3,805 m. Sumatra is now universally regarded as one of the critical points for seismic activity on the planet. On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake, one of the largest ever recorded in human memory, shook the ocean off Sumatra, causing an enormous tsunami with destructive power never imagined before. It was then that televisions worldwide discovered the Aceh region, in the north of the island; a region where more than 170,000 deaths were mourned, swept away in seconds by the deadly wave. A few months later, another earthquake shook the island of Nias, causing new human and material disasters.
A breathtaking tropical exploration
Discover an exotic adventure on an island rich in natural and cultural wonders. Imagine yourself wandering through lush jungles where orangutans swing from tree to tree, or navigating rivers lined with breathtaking vegetation. Set out to encounter majestic volcanic landscapes and secluded sun-drenched beaches.
The cultural diversity of the island will enchant you, with its vibrant traditions and delicious cuisine that will awaken your taste buds. Each village tells a unique story, bearing witness to a rich past and captivating legends. Let yourself be charmed by the warm hospitality of the locals, always ready to share the secrets of their paradise island.
Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this destination promises you an unforgettable experience in the heart of wild and unspoiled nature. Get ready for a sensory journey that will transport you far from the everyday.
A journey between traditions and wild nature
The inhabitants of Sumatra, like all Indonesians, are accustomed to earthquakes, which are extremely frequent in this region of the world, but rarely as destructive. Caution is therefore advised when visiting the west coast of Sumatra, although no one can predict where and when an earthquake might occur.
The population of Sumatra is composed of a wide variety of ethnic groups with very diverse origins, reinforced by transmigration with Java: the Acehnese, the Bataks, the Minangkabaus, the Niassans, not to mention many others such as the Malays, Javanese, Bugis, and Chinese. No fewer than 49 languages are spoken. Its 51 million inhabitants, or a density of nearly 110 inhabitants per km² (very low compared to Java), live in a few large cities or are scattered in vast impenetrable forests.
Wild Escape in Tropical Lands
The east coast of Sumatra is a vast plain covered with jungle and swamps, gradually extending under a blanket of mangrove in the Strait of Malacca. Among the islands located to the east, off Sumatra, the most well-known are Pulau Nias and the Mentawai Islands. Sumatra enjoys a tropical climate. It is very hot and humid, with temperatures often around 30 °C. Fortunately, most tourist attractions are found in the mountains, where the temperature is milder. January, February, October, and December are the rainiest months.
Escape to the Heart of the Untamed Wilderness
During the time of the Dutch East Indies, the Dutch transformed vast tropical forests into rubber, coffee, and tobacco plantations. However, there remain a few immense stretches in the north, near Gunung Leuser National Park and in the central-west, which have not yet been tamed by human hands. But it is only a matter of time.
Sumatra is a fabulous and exuberant island where a fauna consisting of countless species lives, which have become very rare and often endangered, such as orangutans, the tiger, or the one-horned rhinoceros.
A Treasure of Natural and Cultural Resources
From an economic standpoint, Sumatra has experienced great wealth thanks to its natural resources such as pepper, camphor, benzoin resin, followed by cocoa, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, and rubber. The island is also rich in gold and silver. The Indians of Suvarnabhumi called Sumatra "the island of gold." Today, oil and natural gas have taken over as the main economic resources. The first oil well dates back to 1871 and Sumatra produces 60% of Indonesian oil, making it a key region for the archipelago.
Traditional productions such as rubber and palm oil remain prosperous. Northern Sumatra is renowned for its tourist sites like Lake Toba and the orangutans of Bukit Lawang. Although some regions are difficult to access, they offer beautiful landscapes and a rich culture. However, the province of Aceh remains unstable due to political and religious tensions.
A historic epic in the heart of a legendary island
At the beginning of our era, the island was already famous for its exports of spices and precious wood. Its reputation reached the Middle East and Europe. The history of Sumatra is influenced by that of the Strait of Malacca, a favored route between China and India. In the 7th century, the Sriwijaya empire, based near Palembang, dominated the region up to Indochina and Formosa. In 1025, it was attacked by King Ravendra Choladeva.
The region was then dominated by the neighboring kingdom of Malayu, whose capital was Jambi. In 1278, Javanese expeditions destroyed this kingdom. A new exchange emerged in Aceh with several Muslim sultanates where Islam took hold in the archipelago. The Portuguese took Malacca in 1511. The Dutch became interested in Sumatra in 1602. In 1942, the Japanese invaded Sumatra for its oil fields, remaining there until their capitulation.
Several famous personalities are from Sumatra, such as Mohammed Hatta. Aceh still poses problems today. Fundamentalist groups demand independence. In 2001, Aceh obtained special autonomy. A peace agreement was reached in 2005 between the Indonesian government and GAM (Gerakan Aceh Merdeka).
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