“Few isles tempt the imagination with the lure of adventure quite like the wild land of Sumatra. An island of extraordinary beauty, it bubbles with life and vibrates under the power of nature. Eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are Sumatran headline-grabbers. Steaming volcanoes brew and bluster while standing guard over lakes that sleepily lap the edges of craters. Orang-utan-filled jungles host not only our red-haired cousins, but also tigers, rhinos and elephants. And down at sea level, idyllic deserted beaches are bombarded by clear barrels of surf.” – Lonely Planet
For more general information on traveling Indonesia such as visas, money, Covid updates and more, visit my Indonesia travel page.
Sumatra
Lake Toba is the world’s largest volcanic lake and this peaceful getaway reminds you why lake life is king.
Lake Toba
Step off the grid and into the rainforest to one of the only places in the world where you can see orangutans in the wild. You’ll need a licensed guide with proper permits to go into the jungle as it is protected land and make sure you do your research to choose a responsible company. You should never be touching, feeding or getting anywhere close to the orangutans for both their healthy and safety as well as your own. More information on how to choose a company provided in the links below.
Bukit Lawang
Travel Guide
Important things to know before heading to Bukit Lawang:
- There are no ATMs. And many places do not accept credit cards so make sure you have enough cash to cover your trip before you arrive. Worst case scenario you pay someone to take you out of town to the nearest ATM (about 10 km away) but it’ll obviously cost money
- Wifi is spotty, if at all existent. You’re in the jungle so don’t expect the amenities and infrastructure to necessarily be what you might be used to. Bask in the glory of disconnecting for a few days.
- Bring your own TP and hand sanitizer, just in case. Your accommodation will most likely have it but restaurants might not and the jungle definitely won’t.
