AMONGST THE LARGEST islands in the world, Sumatra is full of forests, wildlife, hiking, lakes and more. It is hard going, with day long (ie 24 hr) bus rides through winding mountain roads, and a wet season which is simply wetter than the rest of the year.
Sumatra has long been popular for its natural attractions. There are excellent hiking opportunities, and wild animals like tiger, orang utan and tigers.
Lake Toba is a large, scenic lake in the mid-north of Sumatra, where these two girls sell fruit.
A long tail macacque leaps.
Masjid Raya Al Mashun, Medan, built from 1906-1909.
Agriculture and fishing are mainstays of Indonesia.
National parks and forests draw adventurous tourists to Sumatra, for hiking and wildlife opportunities.
Farming on the shores of Lake Takengon.
There are several large lakes in Sumatra for kicking back. Trouble is the long, bumpy bus rides to get there.
Yep. Bike, hills. All good. (Until it rains.)
The maginificent Masjid Raya in Banda Aceh was miraculously untouched by the 2004 tsunami.
The original Masjid Raya ("Grand Mosque") was built in 1612 during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda.
The Acehnese fought a long running war against Jakarta. The tsunami excelerated the peace process, leading to significant autonomy.8i
A mosque has been on the site since perhaps 1292, although this incarnation dates to 1881, and originally had just one dome and one minaret.
A colourful dance performance in Bukittingi.
Bukittingi is a major stop on the travel trail on the west coast.
A colourful lunch break for farmers near Bukittingi.
Besides dancing, and playing with fire, how about smashing some plates with your feet?
On a traditional house near Bukittingi.
A dance performance in Bukittingi began with some normal dance moves.