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North Sumatra, with
Medan as its capital city, is Indonesia's most
populous province outside of Java, stretches from
the Indian Ocean in the west to the Straits of
Malacca in the east, and from Aceh in the north
to the West Sumatra in the south. North Sumatra
is thick with virgin rainforests,
jungle-covered hills, terrace rice fields,
mountain rivers, beautiful waterfalls, volcanic
lakes and peaceful white beaches and the tourist
attractions in North Sumatra is one of the most
interesting in Indonesia.
 The people of the
region can be divided into five main ethnic
groups: The coastal Malays who lives along the
Straits of Malacca, the Bataks who consist of
the sub-tribes around Lake Toba and Samosir
Island, the Pesisirs along the Indian
Ocean, the Mandailing of the Southern Tapanuli
and finally the Nias Islanders off the western
coast of the province.
These groups each
have their own unique dialects, religious belief,
arts, custom and cultures. Several ethnic groups
live in big towns such as Medan and other towns
of North Sumatra, the largest of these being
Chinese and Indian. Other parts of the archipelago
are represented, notably the Acehnese, Photo: Masjid
Raya in Medan Minangkabau and Javanese.
The diversity of
arts and cultures make this region a treasure
chest for social scientists and cultures
seekers and these places of interest in North
Sumatra attracts travelers from all over the
globe to make their journey here. Ancient
carved-stone graves of Batak kings, the
megalithic culture of Nias, unique dances
ceremonies, arts and crafts are just waiting
for you to discover. North Sumatra is also
one of the richest provinces in Indonesia for
flora and fauna and not forgetting the jewel of
North Sumatra which is Lake Toba, the legendary
birthplace of the mountain-dwelling Bataks and
the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia. Some
of the more popular tourist attractions seen
here in North Sumatera include the Crocodile
Farm at Asam Kumbang, the pleasant tourist town
of Berastagi, Batak village at Jangga Village,
Batak Karo village at Lingga Village, Parapat
town, Samosir Island, Sipiso-piso Waterfall,
Great Bukit Barisan Forest Park, Bohorok
Orangutans Rehabilitation Centre and the
spectacular Pandaan Beach at Sibolga.
The region of North
Sumatra also produces more than thirty percent
of Indonesia's export commodities, making it a
vital cog in the Indonesian economy. Tobacco,
palm oil, tea and rubber are produced in large
quantities, particularly around Medan in the
northern section of the province. North Sumatera
is also a perfect travel destination for those
seeking adventure in its inland wilderness.
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