Sumatra

Languid and enigmatic, the orangutan is the perfect symbol for Sumatra. Right on the edge of the often turbulent Indian Ocean, Sumatra combines some of Indonesia's most remote rain forests with just enough tourism infrastructure to make it accessible to the adventurous. The central mountains and valleys are a lush collection of rain-soaked wilds where creatures such as the iconic apes can be found. The center at Bukit Lawang is home to scores of these fascinating creatures. The national park at Gunung Leuser is renowned for its jungle trekking and mountain climbing. Elsewhere Sumatra is a land of farms and wilderness. The far north, Banda ...

Languid and enigmatic, the orangutan is the perfect symbol for Sumatra. Right on the edge of the often turbulent Indian Ocean, Sumatra combines some of Indonesia's most remote rain forests with just enough tourism infrastructure to make it accessible to the adventurous. The central mountains and valleys are a lush collection of rain-soaked wilds where creatures such as the iconic apes can be found. The center at Bukit Lawang is home to scores of these fascinating creatures. The national park at Gunung Leuser is renowned for its jungle trekking and mountain climbing. Elsewhere Sumatra is a land of farms and wilderness. The far north, Banda Aceh, is still recovering from the utter devastation of the 2004 tsunami. But not far away are some excellent and uncrowded surfing beaches. All around the coast you'll find simply fantastic and nearly untrammeled beaches backed by one or two simply fantastic homestays and huts. Sumatra defines natural adventure.

About the Expert

Ryan Ver Berkmoes has written many books for Lonely Planet, including Bali & Lombok and the Southeastern Alaska and Western Canada sections for LP's Canada guide.