Sunday, August 10, 2008

Treasures of Sumatera


The Fifth largest islands in the world and the second largest in Indonesia, Sumatera spans more than 1700 km. Rich in natural resources, it is home to several distinct ethnic groups, such as the devout Acehnese in the north, the Christian Batak tribes around Tapanuli and Lake Toba, and the Minangkabau in Bukittinggi and Padang in the west. In a spectacular setting, different customs and traditions create a fascinating cultural tapestry.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

From the north to the southern tip, the islands offers vast attractions to see and do. Sumatera's many mountains, volcanoes and forests are trekkers' paradise, such as in Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the largest parks in Asia. Covering more than 7750 km2, it protects more than 100 different mammals. There's also Mount Sibayak, Mount Sinabung, Mount Kerinci and Mount Merapi. Rising from the Sunda Strait, the child of Krakatau, Anak Krakatau, continues to smolder and grow.

It is possible to climb until the ridge in its semi dormant phases. Avid climbers are sure to find the 100 meter vertical cliff wall at Harau Canyon a challenge. There's also the unforgettable experience of mountain biking on Karimun Island west of Batam, which is mostly hilly and wooded. Along the coast, catch a whiff of fragrant cloves drying in the sun.

Whether seasoned or amateur, golfers are sure to find golfing in Bangka-Belitung and Batam memorable thanks to the imaginative courses and spectacular tropical setting by the sea. For an unforgettable experience, swim and fish the world's deepest lake, Toba, at 450 m. Or in the unspoiled and peaceful Lake Maninjau, a beautiful crater lake. Equally unforgettable is the journey from Bukittinggi to the lake which passes 44 hairpin bends.

For aquatic activities, Sumatera's coastlines are bordered by pristine beaches and clear waters, abundant with an amazing variety of marine life. There are a number fabulous diving and snorkeling spots that are fast becoming first-class surfing destinations, such as the Banyak Islands and Simeleu Islands near Aceh, a small coconut and clove producing island, located some 150 m off the shores of Tapaktuan, South Aceh. Sorake Beach on the island of Nias, is an ideal surfing spot. It stretches along a perfect horse shoe shape bay, Teluk Lagundri. Other locations to challenge the waves are around the islands of Mentawai, where waves reach a height of 3-4 meters. River rafting on Alas and Wampu Rivers is an exhilarating experience that offers the rare chance to see local wildlife.

Nature Reserves

Sumatera is also famous for its tigers and elephants. The largest concentration of elephants, today, is at Lebong Hitam and Sebokor, South Sumatera where, on the 75.000 hectares reserve, 200 and more of these species are protected. On January and February every year, Bengkaru Island in the province of Aceh is visited by a certain species a giant turtles, while grees turtles can be sighted year round.

Get up close to young and mature orangutans at the Bohorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Station near the village of Bukit Lawang in Medan. These orangutans have been rescued from illegal trade activities and are taught survival skills before being released back into the wild. The world famous giant flower, Rafflesia arnoldi, can be seen at Tebing Binjai, Bengkulu or at Pelupuh Village, 16 km north of Bukittinggi, West Sumatera. Its blooming period is between August and November. The biggest ever recorded had diameter of 120 cm.

The wealthy biodiversity and rich natural resources of Jambi are represented in four national parks contained in the province, of which one is the Kerinci-Seblat National Park, one of the most important wildlife parks in Southeast Asia and the beautiful Lake Kerinci.

No comments: