Sumatra is one of the great green lungs of Inonesia. The major cities of Medan, Padang, Palembang and Banda Aceh are a relief compared to, for example, Jakarta or Surabaya.

Sumatra extends from Aceh province in the north to more than 2,200 km further Lampung in the south.

Highlights include Pualu Weh and Banda Aceh, Gunung Leuser National Park (jungle, orangutans and elephants), Lake Toba, the city of Bukittinggi and the surrounding area, the islands of Nias and Siberut, the extensive Kerinci Sablat park, the Way Kambas reserve and the island of Belitung.

A frequently made trip goes from Medan, via the Gunung Leuser park to Lake Toba. Especially nostalgic tourists then travel to Padang. Others return to Medan after Toba to continue the journey in Java.

Sumatran cuisine is known for its spicy dishes. Martabak is a typical Sumatran dish. It is a spiced omelette, filled with whatever you want, or whatever the restaurant's specialty is. Across the island you will find Warung Martabak, mobile restaurants that specialize in this dish. Rendang Padang can also be found all over the island (and far beyond). It is a braised or braised, very spicy beef dish.

The rainy season is on Sumatra somewhat less marked than in the rest of Indonesia. Particularly in West Sumatra (jungle and lakeToba) rainfall is spread throughout the year, although the wettest months are October-December.
During the period February-September the weather is in general drier, with occasional showers.