The 2nd-largest
island in Indonesia is Sumatra straddles
the Equator, with a volcanic mountain range, hot springs, unfamiliar
jungles and vast plantations. There are dozens of reserves established
to protect the native wildlife from extinction. Gedung Wani,
Bengkulu and Mount Loeser Reserve
organises safaris enabling visitors to see elephants, tigers, tapirs
and rhinos at close hand.
Once a volcanic crater, Lake Toba is 900 metres
or 3,000 feet above sea level and has an inhabited island in the
middle. Lingga village near Medan is a traditional
Karonese settlement with stilted
wooden homes that have not changed much at all over the centuries.
Bukittinggi is the old fortress of Fort
de Kock and nearby a market, zoo, a renovated rice barn
and the Bundo Kandung Museum. The more popular
and best beaches are on the east coast. |
