The less travelled region that provides a very different view of Indonesia. It’s home to Indonesia’s third biggest city, one of its most distinctive and interesting ethnic groups, and opportunities to see rare and beautiful wildlife in their natural jungle setting. Plus Lake Toba, a natural attraction of international standing as the world’s largest crater lake and the site of an ancient event that shook and shaped early humanity.
It’s no wonder Medan attracts so many foodies from Malaysia, Singapore, Java, other Indonesian provinces as well as distant countries. Medan’s wide mix of ethnicities, each with traditional foods and cooking styles, has resulted in rich fusion cuisines. Like Jakarta, it offers a true culinary…
A word you will hear often around Lake Toba is “HORAS” It is the traditional catch-all Batak word of greeting loosely meaning ‘hello and welcome.’ But it is also used to toast ‘good health’ when having a drink with a friend, or ‘goodbye’ (and ‘bless…
Lake Toba in North Sumatra is stunningly beautiful and ranks as one of the world’s great natural wonders. But it comes with a bonus as the heartland of Indonesia’s uniquely different Batak people – you will get to see and appreciate their fascinating traditions and…
As you descend through calm beauty and spellbinding views into the small township of Parapat, it’s hard to imagine this was the epicentre of a violent upheaval that literally rocked the world around 74,000 years ago. Some scientists believe it even threatened the beginnings of…
If you are ready for a relaxing break from your Sumatra travels in pleasant and interesting surroundings, then check out Berastagi in the Karo Highlands. This is where the Dutch colonial well-to-do spent weekends and holidays, taking the cool mountain air, away from the heat…
The critically endangered orangutans of the Indonesian forests have long been recognized as one of the world’s truly fascinating animals. And the jungles of North Sumatra and Borneo are the only places in the world where you can see them living in their natural habitat.…
A place of gleaming resort hotels and souvenir shops for tourists it is NOT. But the city of Medan, capital of North Sumatra, is steeped in history with truly interesting places to see for those who do their homework and take the time to explore.…
Unless you are a surfer chasing classic Indian Ocean breaks, or a trader, or an inveterate wanderer, or someone based just across the water in Malaysia, you probably will know very little about North Sumatra. Unlike Bali or Java, it is likely to be no…
When the world isn’t being crushed by pandemics, millions of people from all over visit Bali each year. They usually have a wonderful holiday. But they are missing out, BIG TIME. And they don’t even know it! Quick Access YOU WON’T GET TO SEE an…
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