Sumatra Pictures: My Photo Highlights

The island of Sumatra stands for rainforest and unfortunately also for its destruction by humans. The sixth largest island in the world lies exactly on the equator and is 1700 km long and up to 370 kilometers wide. Only 20% of the original rainforest is said to be intact. The greatest threat is the transformation of forests into oil palmPlantations and fast growing tree species for pulp production. But the island still has a lot of culture and traditions, wonderful landscapes and a unique flora and fauna to offer.

With the orangutans of Bukit Lawang

Upon arrival in the island's capital Medan is about to start. Of course, a visit to the Bohorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center should not be missing on any trip to Sumatra Bukit Lawang. The sight of this red-brown, half tame, partly again wild apes is truly an unforgettable experience for magnificent Sumatra pictures. One of my most special pictures was also successful here: The little baby orangutan in the canopy of the Sumatra rainforest. With a little luck you can also get gibbons or a pretty one Thomas Langur (English also Thomas Leaf Monkey) to face.

Elephant trekking near Tangkahan

After a long drive on miserable slopes through seemingly endless palm oil plantations, we arrive Tangkahan, an up-and-coming ecotourism location on the edge of the Gunung Leuser rainforest. The reason for our visit is this Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary about trekking with the small subspecies of the Asian elephant. The Sumatran elephants are used for jungle patrols in the area to stop illegal poaching and logging and now serves as a tourist attraction. Today tourists can book a controversial elephant ride or an elephant bath and wash, which benefits the local population and the preservation of the elephants.

Cultural heritage at Lake Toba

At the 80m high, narrow waterfall Sipiso piso you get a first view of the huge Toba Lake. The volcanic lake Danau Toba is considered the largest crater lake on earth and is due to the eruption of the Toba super volcano originated thousands of years ago.

Before we get to the Samosir island translate we visit the village Permatang Purba with the Royal Palace and other houses of the former ruling dynasty of Simalungun. The world's largest lake island has been a popular destination for backpackers since the 1970s. So is especially in Tuk tuk an extensive tourist infrastructure with a variety of accommodations and restaurants was created.

In addition to markets, the island of Samosir has all kinds of other Batak culture and architecture to offer. Like that, for example Simanindo museum village, the Royal tombs in Tomok and the so-called Ambarita cannibal village. Besides the traditional Longhouses here are stone chairs, offering tables and one Dance performances to see. In 1901 a prisoner of war is said to have been executed here and the blood and some organs to have been eaten by the king. 

Gunung Leuser - refuge for rhinos, elephants and tigers

The mountainous and often inaccessible Gunung Leuser National park ranks around UNESCO World Heritage and is one of the last refuge of the endangered Sumatran orangutans, of Sumatran tigers and the practically extinct Sumatran rhinoceros, of Sumatran elephants, masked tapirs and other rare species. The world's largest flower also thrives in the rainforest: the Giant rafflesia (Rafflesia arnoldii).

In Ketambe we can two-day jungle trekking, to get an authentic rainforest feeling. Here we also get to see a wild orangutan, which is less pleased about our presence and throws branches at us. 

From Ketambe let's go north through that Gayo highlands and get an impression of rural life. Rice terraces and water buffalo shape the landscape and offer some wonderful photo opportunities. 

North through Aceh 

Aceh, the semi-autonomous province on the north-western tip of the island, is home to some of the last untouched rainforests in Sumatra. Sharia Islamic law prevails in the province. 

Aceh and especially its capital Banda Aceh probably most people mainly because of the tsunami December 26, 2004, in which, according to authorities, up to 300,000 people died. This catastrophe is still omnipresent and much is still being rebuilt. The most famous building in Banda Aceh and also a memorial is the Great Mosque Masjid Raya Baiturrahmanwhich miraculously withstood the masses of water.

Pulau woe 

The small volcanic island Pulau woe is a 45-minute speedboat ride north of Sumatra in the biodiverse area Andaman Sea. Most of the locals visit the island Sabang called, as the island's capital is actually called. The island is especially known in diving circles for its large fish and biodiversity. The island offers beautiful beaches with crystal clear turquoise sea. A real beach paradise for wonderful Sumatra pictures. So also directly at the hotel Freddie's Santai Simurtiga.

In addition, it impresses with its untouched jungle and a unique underwater world. Pulau Weh is a true paradise for divers and snorkelers, but also for all those who not overwhelmed by tourist crowds want to become. 

My Sumatra pictures for your home

My best Sumatra pictures can be found in this photo highlight gallery. You are welcome to me to contact for your personal wall pictures on canvas, aluminum dibond, posters, acrylic glass, etc. as a creative gift or for decorating your home.