Sumatra is by size the sixth largest island on the planet. It is located inside the Indonesian Archipelago, south of Malaysia, from which it is separated from the Strait of Malacca, and north-west of the island of Java and east of Borneo.
To understand the story of Sumatra it is necessary to take the start from its geographical position, strategic for the commercial traffics between India and China which, as known, also favoured exchanges of ideas, so still today Sumatra contains deep cultural diversity and religious inside. Visit Sumatra means immersing yourself in a wild, untouched nature, where ancient traditions and cultures survive protected by boundless forests of tek, ebony and bamboo, inhabited by thousands of species of different animals.
Throughout its length the island is crossed by the Barisan Mountains, which on the eastern side gently degrade towards the sea creating low and sandy coasts, while on the western side, descend over the Indian Ocean. In the hinterland, crossed by many navigable rivers, ridden by big boats, are located about a hundred volcanoes, many of which are still active, which also exceed 3000 meters of height and which represent the real natural reserves unique to the world.
The capital Medan, founded by the Dutch in the 19th century a few kilometers from the north-east coast, is a young city. In addition to some major mosques, the city is located at the center of the major plantations of rubber and tobacco of Sumatra, and thanks also to the port, it is a center of primary importance for the national economy. About 200 km south of Medan is Prapat, a small town on the shores of Lake Toba, a large water mirror of volcanic origin and oasis of peace and tranquility.
At the centre of the lake, the island Samosir, reachable by boat from Prapat, dotted with villages in typical Batak style, and where you can admire some of the oldest popular traditions such as the sigalegal, the original dance of the marionettes inscenata during the wedding celebrations. Among the many atolls scattered around the island, is the island of Nias. famous for the beauty of white beaches and crystal clear waters. To reach the island the most convenient means is surely the plane, Medan is connected daily with Jakarta
