adminSumatra, Indonesia, just west of Malaysia, is full of treasures just waiting to be found. Out of Indonesia it is one of the less traveled places for reasons that are beyond me. It has such a rich ecosystem that balances on the down right freaky to almost the most stunning sights you have ever seen. Lush jungles, pristine ocean beaches, and marvelous volcanoes, litter the island. Though all life must balance out, Sumatra has been rattled by major earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions in the last number of years that have devastated villages and cities.
I came here for a few reasons: It is less traveled, Diving has been claimed to be amazing, and aside from Borneo, this is the only place my favorite Orange friends live.
I signed up for another jungle trek, this one promising encounters with plenty of monkeys including Orangutans. It didn’t disappoint. This experience dropped my view of the Thailand trek to a 2/10. This is Jungle. Like George of the Jungle, Jungle. Big Canopy trees, Vines, Jungle bugs that seem like mutants due to size, Oh and animals. Thailand all I saw were elephants, in a camp. NOTHING in the “jungle” which I would consider a thinning forest. Here in Sumatra you actually have the chance to run into a wild Sumatra Tiger, Rhinos, and plenty more animals. It’s quite rare, but you can.
I got to see my monkeys, and not like far away, like arms lengths away. Fed some as well. Wicked cool. Was going to check out the somewhat nearby volcano after the trek but after 400 year it just had to erupt 3 days before I arrived. Geez Wait a week well ya? Or at least do it when I can watch and take photos before deadly gasses kill me.
After it was off to Pulau Weh, never have I in one day taken so many different means of transportation. To get to my destination it took 4 taxis, a bus, a plane, a ferry, and 14 hours. Oh what I do for diving. The beach is straight from a movie. Turquoise water, white powder sand, forested hills lining the background, truly a sight to see. The diving was good, not world class as stated but still really quite good. Beats a day at work anytime! Ahahah suckers.
Hehehe your intro sounds like the opening to a travelguide. That monkey has fangs?! I like the hairdo on the grey one hehehe. That water in Pulau Weh is sooo clear. Find me a seashell!
monkey .. *shudder* the little ones are cute though… that beach is beautiful! no wonder you were in such a great mood when i spoke to you! have a good day! love you!
Sumatra looks absolutely amazing! Another one to add to my list! Have you been eating lots of nasi goreng? Enjoy your time in Indo!!