Sumatra Solo
 

Thinking of traveling in SE Asia for several weeks in October and, having never been to Sumatra and having been to peninsula Malaysia only a very long time ago, am considering those areas. I'm a woman interested in history and culture. Is Sumatra a worthwhile destination and would independent travel be safe, practical, and doable? ZZ

Sumatra is at the top of my list of places I want to see before my travelling days are over.

I have just bought the latest Rough Guides book on Indonesia and it devotes heaps of space to Sumatra. You could spend a fascinating six months there without any question.

My initial preference was for Lake Toba and Bukittingi, but there is much much more south of here that this book has alerted me to, which is possibly even more attractive. And the not-to-be-missed orang-utan sanctuary and retraining facility is up and running again after the disaster of last year, I believe.

Go for it.

Harzer: Thank you for responding to my query. Do you consider it safe now for a Caucasian American woman to travel in Sumatra? ZZ

I'm Indonesian and was live in Sumatra. Sumatra is a best place to visit. If you interested in culture and history you can visit The Island of Nias or Lake Toba and Samosir Island for the remains of megalithic culture. Their culture are good to see too. The West Sumatra is best to visit also, they have beautiful lanscape and culture. If you need more informations please don't hesitate to e-mail me [email protected].

Safe, yes as long as you stay out of Aceh and use common sense. Practical & doable, yes. I think you're aware that Sumatra isn't on the 5 star circuit and that things can move pretty slowly in Indonesia. One thing that you should consider is that Ramadhan starts around the middle of October and will be strictly observed in Sumatra and the more conservative parts of Malaysia. This may affect your trip somewhat -- e.g. restaurants not open during the day, cutural performances cancelled, people sleepy/grouchy.

Thank you for the latest posts. I'm still considering whether to go and, yes, the observance of Ramadan is a factor. ZZ