Sumatra is situated in Western Indonesia and at 470,000 square kilometers, is the sixth largest island in the world. The equator crosses through its center in West Sumatra and Riau provinces where visitors can see a monument marked with the equatorial line. The climate is tropical, hot and humid which propagates abundant lush tropical rain forests. It is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora and prominent among its native animals are the Sumatran tiger, rhino and the famous orangutan. No journey to Sumatra would be complete without trekking to see these marvelous primates swing through the trees above you.
Kalimantan offers travelers immersion in countless untouched natural scenery, exotic wildlife and mysterious villages home to remote tribes. Vast rivers cut through the pristine jungle, providing exceptional opportunities for boating and rafting, placing guests inside this natural world – able to touch, smell and feel the beauty of Kalimantan in its entirety.
The city of Medan offers travelers a more authentic Indonesian experience of everyday life. It is a quaint and peaceful destination that oozes plenty of raw charm. A number of Art Deco buildings are still standing from the Dutch colonial era, including the Great Mosque that emphatically expresses worldly charm. Spend an afternoon wandering around the gardens and impressive architectural landmarks that grace this colorful city.
Also known as Danau Toba, Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world and even contains an island – Samosir Island – within its waters. Covering an area greater in size than Singapore, the lake was formed by a volcanic eruption over 70,000 years ago and offers today – one of the most stunning settings to sit back and relax. The azure blue water appears ocean-like, expanding as far as the eye can see. Early risers can take a boat out on the water to watch the sunrise and discover an ancient Batak village close by to its shores.
The largest city in South Kalimantan sprawls across the confluence of many rivers, creating a patchwork of floating markets where traders and local farmers sell fresh produce. The rivers are also a venue for many boat races and local festivals. The architectural heritage of the Benjarese people is quite unique, with their houses built in harmony with nature. Other points of architectural interest include the Museum Waja Sampai Ka Putting and Masjid Sultan Surinsyah – the oldest mosque in South Kalimantan.
Located in Kalimantan, Tanjung Puting offers visitors the opportunity to see Borneo’s great ape. The National Park has excellent jungle river cruise options and owes much of its preservation to Leakey’s Angels – a trio of women trained by Louis Leakey to study primates in the wild. Since establishing Camp Leakey, the park has become home to 6000 orangutans and provides an exceptional experience for visitors. Cruise along the jungle waterways, trek through the rainforest in search of orangutans, dine under the lush canopy and retire to your camp amid the primordial sounds of Kalimantan.
