Sumatra Holidays

Sumatra

The archetypal Indonesian island, Sumatra and its landscape is epic in both scale and grandeur.

Indonesia’s largest island has been crafted by mother nature, volcanic peaks and yawning craters riddle the interior and the rich soil supports an unparalleled variety and diversity of life – all of which can be experienced on our Sumatra holidays. Medan, in the north of Sumatra, is the main entry point to the island. Although a visit to this island is mostly about the wildlife and scenery, here it is possible to spend time learning about Sumatra’s distinct cultural traditions.

Highlights include the opulent Maimoon Palace and the hundred year old Great Mosque. Leaving civilisation behind, drive to Bukit Lawang, gateway to the vast Gunung Leuser National Park. Swathed in thick Sumatran rainforest, this landscape of jungle, palm, rubber and cacao plantations provides sanctuary to an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna including orang-utan, elephant and exceptionally rare Sumatran tiger and rhinoceros. From Gunung Leuser visit the remote villages of volcanic Samosir Island, mighty Sipiso-Piso waterfall and world’s largest volcanic lake, Lake Toba or head to southern Sumatra and Kerinci Seblat National Park – a reserve of exceptional biodiversity with five active volcanoes and home to Sumatra’s highest peak.

Holiday Ideas for Sumatra

18 DAYS

Treasures of Sumatra, Java and Bali

from £4050 - £4500
per person

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When to visit Sumatra

Sumatra is one of the largest of Indonesia’s islands but, despite the size of its landmass, it has a predominately homogenous weather pattern with only small regional variations. Similarly to other parts of Indonesia, Sumatra has a tropical climate and although there are recognisably dryer and wetter periods throughout the year it is worth keeping in mind that rain can occur at any time – particularly in Medan and northern Sumatra. The dry season runs from the end of April to the middle of October, however, if possible, the optimal time to explore Sumatra is either during May and June or between September and October, avoiding high summer when temperatures can soar up to 34°C. Monsoon rains break either in late October or early November and tend to last until the start of April with regular heavy downpours that can make roads, especially in rural areas, impassable. Wildlife such as orang-utan and elephant can be spotted at any time of year but tend to stay within the jungle during autumn when trees bear fruit which reduces the likelihood of viewings.

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BEST TIME

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This is a general overview suggesting when to travel in the country. Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

What to do in Sumatra

Located in western Indonesia, Sumatra is an island of lush rainforest, volcanic peaks and pristine beaches. Culturally Sumatra is equally diverse – an amalgamation of peoples and ideas from as far afield as India, China and the Islamic world. Highlights of a Sumatra tailor-made holiday include the island’s largest city, Medan, with its palace and century-old mosque, the spectacular Gunung Leuser National Park which harbours an incredible array of wildlife including close to 600 species of bird and an estimated 200 mammal species, Lake Toba which is the world’s largest volcanic lake and the remote indigenous villages on Samosir Island. In the south of Sumatra a visit can also be made to Kerinci Seblat National Park. This vast reserve is one of the finest places to view wildlife in Indonesia and supports a wide range of endangered and rare animals including Sumatran tiger, clouded leopard, elephant, Sumatran dhole, tapir and sun bear.