S U M A T R A
Located in western Indonesia, it is the sixth largest island in the world. Tropical forests, paradise islands, expanses of rice paddies... Sumatra is full of natural wonders.
My 14-day itinerary
Bukit Lawang
A village located in northern Sumatra, it's the starting point for various jungle hikes. The ultimate goal: to observe orangutans in their natural habitat!
This critically endangered species is now only found in two places on the planet: Sumatra and Borneo.
3 days
"Orangutan" = "Man of the forest"
​On average, orangutans measure between 1.10 and 1.40 m and weigh between 40 to 80 kg. Males are significantly larger than females.
The Sumatran jungle is home to semi-wild and wild orangutans.
The semi-wild orangutans were rehabilitated a few years ago, so they are more used to the presence of humans.
We trekked through the jungle for 3 days in search of this specimen. We were lucky enough to see around ten of them.
An unforgettable experience!
Practical information
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There are very cheap local buses to Bukit Lawang from Medan
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The 3d2n trek costs 2,800,000IDR / person = 165€
The Harau Valley
Located in West Sumatra, in the centre of the island, this valley offers magnificent views of rice fields and cliffs.
With very few tourists, the locals are curious and surprised to see us, and the children are always smiling and happy to say hello - a pleasure!
6 days
We spent 6 days there exploring the surrounding area by scooter: waterfalls, rice fields, forests... we were even lucky enough to see white-handed gibbons!
The road to the Royal Palace Istano Pagaruyung Batusangkar is particularly pretty.
Practical information
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Scooter rental: 100,000IDR / day = €5.9
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Very little tourism and very few restaurants, there are still local stands with buffets (between 0.50 and 2€ / person)
The Mentawai Islands
Located off West Sumatra, the Mentawai Islands are numerous. We spent five days on Sipura Island, renowned for its surfing spots and surrounding islands.
We were there during the national holiday (August 17), the locals gathered in the main square of the village to participate in various activities, we attended a human mountain competition on an oiled palm tree, impressive!
5 days
The island's main beach, Madapegat, is very pretty and uncrowded, we swam there and were able to watch the fishermen. ​​
We spent a day on the three small islands near Sipura Island, offering heavenly beaches, white sand and palm trees as far as the eye can see: Pototoga Island, Siburu Island & Aloita Island.
