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VISIT INDONESIA

 
 

Indonesia is the largest archipelago consists of 17.508 islands, that stretch across the equator for more than 5.000 miles. Indonesia lies between two ocean, the Pacific and the Hindia. The geographical figure creates the perfect tide for the surfer lovers and gorgeous mountaineers for the hiking addict. The five major islands are Sumatera. Kalimantan, Java, Sulawesi and Irian Jaya. Indonesia shares land borders with Malaysia and Brunei on the island of Kalimantan, Papua New Guinea on the island of Irian Jaya and Esat Timor on the island of Nusa Tenggara Timur.

Situated along the volcanic ring known as the “Pacific Ring of Fire”, Indonesia is the most volcanic country on earth with 128 volcanoes, which produce rich agricultural lands. Gold Rice terraces cover the loaming mountain and white sandy beaches stretch across the sea. Vast rain forest has made Indonesia the home for animal and plant species that are nowhere to be found, such as Orang Utan, Komodo, One-horned rhinoceros, anoa and babi rusa. Not to mention, bunga bangkai, the rare plant species which can only be found in Bengkulu.

Today, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. Within, live over 200 million people with more than 480 ethnic groups display a rich variety of culture, religions, and languages. The nation’s diversity built by the history and geographic position. Located on major international trade routes, all the world’s major cultures and religions have brought their influences into the archipelago.

Indonesian cuisine displays a mind-boggling variety of dishes that are characterized by the liberal use of aromatic spices and a variety of hot chili peppers, then cooked in a number of exciting ways, including baked or steamed in banana leaves. Rice is the nation's staple for most of the archipelago, but in the eastern islands, corn, sago, cassava and sweet potatoes are more common. An extensive assortment of tropical and sub-tropical fruit and vegetables can also be found year-round to tantalize your taste buds.

The map shown below will guide you to the some of the diversity among the five big islands.
 
 

SUMATERA

The fifth largest island in the world and the second largest in Indonesia, Sumatra spans more than 1700 km. Rich in natural resources, it is home to several distinct ethnic groups, such as the devout Acehnese in the north, the Christian Batak tribes around Tapanuli and Lake Toba, and the Minangkabau in Bukittinggi and Padang in the west. In a spectacular setting, different customs and traditions create a fascinating cultural tapestry.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

From the north to the southern tip, the island offers vast attractions to see and do. Sumatra's many mountains, volcanoes and forests are trekkers' paradise, such as in Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the largest parks in Asia. Covering more than 7750 km2, it protects more than 100 different mammals. There's also Mount Sibayak, Mount Sinabung, Mount Kerinci and Mount Merapi. Raising from Sunda Strait, the child of Krakatau, Anak Krakatau, continues to smolder and grow. Avid climbers are sure to find the 100 meter vertical cliff wall at Harau Canyon a challenge. There's also unforgettable experience of mountain biking on Karimun Island west of Batam, which is mostly hilly and wooded. Along the coast, catch a whiff or fragrant cloves drying in the sun.

Golfers are sure to find golfing in Bangka-Belitung and Batam memorable thanks to the imaginative courses and spectacular tropical setting by the sea.

For aquatic activities, Sumatra's coastlines are bordered by pristine beaches and clear waters, abundant with an amazing variety of marine life. There are a number of fabulous diving and snorkeling spots that are fast becoming first-class surfing destinations, such as the Banyak Islands and Simeuleu Island near Aceh, a small coconut and clove producing island, located come 150 m off to shores of tapaktuan, South Aceh. Sorake Beach on the island of Nias, is an ideal surfing spot. It stretches along a perfect horse shoe shape bay, Teluk Lagundri. Other locations to challenge the waves are around the islands of Mentawai, where waves reach a height of 3 - 4 meters. River rafting on Alas and Wampu Rivers is an exhilarating experience that offers the rare chance to see local wildlife. For the unforgettable experience, swim and fish the world's deepest lake, Toba, at 450 m. Or in the unspoiled and peaceful Lake Maninjau, a beautiful crater lake. Equally unforgettable is the journey from Bukittinggi to the lake which passes 44 hairpin bends.

Nature Reserves

Sumatra is also famous for its tigers and elephants. The largest concentration of elephants, today, is at Lebong Hitam and Sebokor, South Sumatra where on the 70,000 hectares reserve, 200 or more of these species are protected. On January or February every year, Bengkaru Island in the province of Aceh is visited by a certain species of giant turtles, while green turtles can be sighted year round. Get up close to young and mature orangutans at the Bohorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Station near the village of Bukit Lawang in Medan. These orangutans have been rescued from illegal trade activities and are taught survival skills before being released back into the wild.

The world famous giant flower, Rafflesia arnoldi, can be seen at Tebing Binjai, Bengkulu or at Pelupuh village, 16 km north of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra. Its blooming period is between August and November. The biggest ever recorded had a diameter of 120 cm.

The wealthy biodiversity and rich natural resources of Jambi are represented in four national parks contained in the province, of which one is the Kerinci-Seblat National Park, one of the most important wildlife parks in Southeast Asia and the beautiful Lake Kerinci.

Cuisine

If your taste buds tend towards rich, hot and very spicy food the Sumatra is a gastronomic paradise! The flavors continue in the variety of snacks available. There's cassava chips liberally smothered in hot and sweet sauce, and lemang, glutinous rice steamed or roasted in bamboo tubes.

Shopping


Most traditional markets carry interesting knick-knacks where bargaining is a must. Brastagi is the place to find luscious tropical fruits. North Sumatra's Batak people are famous for their boisterous nature, their gift for music, singing and Ulos, the tradistional cloth. One of the centers for weaving is at Samosir Island in the center of Lake Toba. In West Sumatra, Pandai Sikek village near Bukittinggi is renowned for songket weaving. These are beautiful cotton or silk cloths interwoven with silver or gold threads.
 
The Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia
19 Sadao Road, Muang District
Songkhla 90000
Phone : (074) 311544, 312219, 441867
Fax :     (074) 441094, 441470
E-mail : webmaster@indo-songkhla.org