Since I was there during the "Crisis monitor" I didn't see many tourists at all. Other than the usual transport touts that congregate around bus and taxi stations worldwide "jaded" tourist help was not a problem.
Unique Suggestions: Remember when shopping in markets bargaining is expected of you. It's an acquired form for most BULE but also a necessity if you want your funds to stretch farther.
Written Apr 16, 2003
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Reviews and photos of Sumatra attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Sumatra sightseeing.

Since I was there during the "Crisis monitor" I didn't see many tourists at all. Other than the usual transport touts that congregate around bus and taxi...

Q: Hi all, Need advice and help, I am travelling to Padang of Sumatra next month from KL. I want to travel alone by land from...

A: I had done the trip Medan to Jakarta and it took 48 hours including the Sunda Sea Crossing by ferry, the road conditions are a lot better in Java and more comfortable, I...
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To me the most striking thing about Sumatra were the people. A egalitarian sense pervades the society. People always went out of their way to say hello to this BULE!!! Sumatra is an island with an......
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The Wild and Marvelous Land of Sumatra

Sumatra is the world’s sixth-largest island (pop., 2000 including adjoining islands: 43,309,707). It is in western Indonesia, one of the Greater Sunda Islands and the second largest island of...
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Land of monkies and nasi goreng

Sumatra is breathtaking in landscape and fascinating in what you can see. Make sure you don't miss Lake Toba when you're here.
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Just in front of Sibolga there are the Nias islands this could be a good place to visit, not very crowded but it is better visited in winter when there is no monzoon season.
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For a long time I have been wanting to go to Indonesia. Being dutch, and from Bovensmilde (a village with a large indonesian population) I learned about these islands when I was a kid. I learned how...
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