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Sumatra Island |
The Island at
the crossroads of Asia
Early man arrived in Sumatra more then a million years
ago. And you can be sure of a warm welcome when you
follow his lead.
The fifth largest island in the world , Sumatra like
Indonesia as a whole has an incredibly diverse range of
peoples and culture importantly, good roads now connect
most areas making traveling around this huge island
easier then before.
Vibrant hustling cities are cheek by jowl with vast
impenetrable jungle, advanced technology exists side by
side with primitive lifestyles. The result is a country
which evens the most jaded traveler finds totally
captivating.
Sumatra’s natural resources are vast, and despite its
long history of habitation. It’s a land where tigers,
elephants, and rhinos still roam, and where your wake up
call is the “ song of siaming “ the morning call of the
largest Gibbon of them.
In Sumatra you’ll be the following in the footsteps of
Marco Polo who stopped over in Aceh at the north western
end of Sumatra during his Journey from China to Persia.
Aceh, Mecca’s ‘ front verandah’
The name given to Banda Aceh reflect the Islamic culture
and region that were brought here in the 13th century.
Islam’s predominance in aceh is reflected in the number
of mosques, the grand mosque Baiturahaman being the most
impressive.
Aceh has other interesting landmark including the
Governor’s resident, the old Indra patra Fortress, and
the artifical mountain called Gunongan which was
constructed around the 16th century by Sultan Iskandar
Muda in memory of his beloved wife.
Then, when you finally run out of film you can relax on
one of the many beautiful and uncrowded Banda Aceh
beaches or stop by a traditional restaurant at Ujung
Batee and sampe some of the excellent Acenese cuisine
including giant crabs and succulent shrimp.
Ready for a real adventure?
Try a raft safari down the dramatic Alas River in the
heavily forested Karo highland, or a trek into the
Gunung Leuser National Park for a closer look at the
amazing wildlife. These are special adventures bound to
astound even the most experience travelers.
South of Banda Aceh lays the bustling city of Medan.
From here you can travel to one of the greatest natural
treasure in the archipelago, lake Toba, a vast crater
lake of glistening green water suspended in the Batak
highlands with the photogenic Samosir island (all 329
square miles of it) as it centerpiece. It’s a sublime
spot to swim, water ski, canoe or sail.
Samosir has many hotel, bungalows and rest houses and
the main villages of interest are Tomok, Tuk-Tuk,
siallagan and Ambarita.
This is the land of the Tapanuli people (called Batak by
outsiders) who still live in traditional multy-family
dwellings. The Bataks are superb craftsmen and have
beautifully singing voices. Watch for women weaving the
renowned Ulos cloth
Creatures great and small
With many of the world rarest animals under threat
(including the magnificent Sumatra tiger).the Baharok
reserve about 60 miles north from Medan is an
encouraging enclave for here the comparatively gentle
orangutans are being trained to return to their native
habitat, it’s a sight well worth seeing.
The exotic and lovely Riau Island
As a holiday destinations the island of Batam or Bintan
are a perfect choice.
Of the 1304 idyllic island which make up the Riau
Archipelago. Batam and bintan embody all the attractions
you’d expect of a tropical island including dazzling
white sand beaches, calm waters and swaying palms.
Batam, just 45 minutes by ferry from Singapore has
something for everyone from luxurious hotels to stunning
beach resorts swimming, boating, water skiing,
parasailing and snorkeling are just some of the
attractions. You can also enjoy a game of golf.
Bintan’s ancient port once welcomed Marco polo. Today’s
the island is fast becoming one of Indonesia’s most
exciting tourist destinations offering holidaymakers
miles of white sandy beaches close to bustling
Singapore.
Take sampan ride around the waterways, or explore some
of the many nearby island. There are beautiful beaches
with azure water and white sand, lush jungles rich with
plant and birdlife.
For a real Bintan experience, see the sights in a
vintage taxi. Or treat yourself to a magnificent seafood
meal for which both Batam and Bintan a famous.
An unusual rite of passage.
Off the coast of north Sumatra you’ll find the island of
Nias whose inhabitants were once enthusiastic head
hunter. This custom has happily disappeared but one that
remains is stone jumping which requires the young man of
Nias to hurl themselves over a stone monument more than
two meters high.
Formally a method of entering enemy villages at night,
this feat known as “Fahombe” is now performed as a test
of prowess it will certainly have you on your feet.
Nias has also become a Mecca for surfing enthusiast from
allover the world for the island beaches and crystal
waves are considered to be among the world’s best a
tropical paradise on every count. Nias will captivate
you, not only with its glorious beaches but with its
colorful flora, fauna and fascinating community culture.
Travel to the land of the friendly Minangkabaus
Sumatra’s rich tapestry of peoples and cultures inclide
the largest matriarchal society on earth, the
Minangkabaus of western Sumatra, who also happen to be
intensely Muslim
The Minangkabaus are skilled farmers and craftsmen and
you’ll be captivated by their architecture, fine silver
filigree work and exquisite embroidery. An added bonus
is beautiful scenery of the Minangkabau highlands and
the charming town of the bukit tinggi. A drive around 44
hairpin bends will reward you with the shimmering vision
of Lake Maninjau. It’s just the sight to work up an
appetite for the renowned Padang spicy cuisine.
South Sumatra, for those “in the know”
The southern provinces which include the two island of
Bangka and Belitung are still relatively unknown and
consequently a great escape for tourist escaping other
tourist.
Bangka’s splendid snow white beaches, cool mountain
resorts, natural hot spring and pepper plantation are
well worth a visit while the inland city of palembang
with its reputation as a great international bazzar and
spiritual centre certainly merits a stopover.
In Palembang, once the capital of the great Sriwijaya
Kingdom, the principal point of interest are the
“floating” houses and shop of the Musi River,the sungai
Gerong shell handicraft centre, and the kuto basak and
cinde markets.
Hop aboard an elephant
The southern Sumatra province of Lampung has many
intriguing attractions. A highlight is the way Kambas
elephant training centre, an international project
partly funded by the world wildlife fund.
Here you can see elephants being trained for many useful
services and you will also have the privilege of riding
an elephant or taking part in an elephant safari.
Believe it or not, that’s just stars for Sumatra.
Highlights
- Visiting the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh
- Visiting the island resorts of Bintan and Batam
- Spotting wildlife in Indonesia’s wildest park, the Leuser
National Park.
- Stopping by the stunning Sipisopiso waterfall in its
photogenic setting.
- Taking in the ravishing beauty of take Toba and listening
to the traditional ballads of the Batak People
- journeying down the Alas River on a Sobek raft
Transport& accommodations
- Direct from Europe to Medan and from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and
Penang to Medan, Pekanbaru, Padang and Banda
Aceh.
- Domestic flight from major cities
Sea
- Ferries from Singapore to Batam and Bintan and from Java to
Lampung
- Inter-island ships from Jakarta to Padang, Medan, Tanjung Pinang
and Banda Aceh.
- Cruises from Singapore.
Accommodation
- Four star hotels in cities and resorts, to simple guest houses. |
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"...The expedition is exhausting, no doubt, but the sheer size
and beauty be seen to be believed. This was definitely a life
altering experience ..."
Gerrard Neve, Rinjani 2004 |
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Descriptive day to day
tour itinerary, price, flight schedule, hotel/accommodation,
weather condition etc, Please do not hesitate to contact us at :
imronrosadi@hotmail.com
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MORE INFORMATION
CV. RINJANI CLUB Tour & Travel
Service
Jl. Raya Senggigi Km. 08, Senggigi
83355, lombok indonesia
Tel: +62 370 693 202, Fax: +62 370
693 860, Mobile/SMS: +62 81 7573 0415
Email:
imronrosadi@hotmail.com
Supported by:
RINJANI TREKKING CLUB
NO ROAD EXPEDITION -
AUSTRALIA |
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General Info
