Home to exotic wildlife including orangutans, and the unique, traditional Batak culture, the island of Sumatra has a host of offerings. You will find pristine tropical islands and dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the largest crater lake in the world, Lake Toba, which was formed by a massive eruption of a now dormant volcano. You can get good (Sumatran) coffee and find German bakeries in Lake Toba and enjoy the relaxed vibe and forested trails around the lake. Take a boat trip across the lake, and in about 2 hours you will arrive at a spectacular thundering waterfall that cascades off a clifftop into the warm lake water. You can swim right under it. Meet the local Batak people in small traditional villages, where you can find the women working away, using traditional ikat weaving processes, right next to the tombs of ancient Batak kings.

A trek in the Gunung Leuser National Park lands you in orangutan country. If wildlife is your thing, you can trek through Sumatran elephant and tiger country. The remote Mentawai Islands and nearby Nias Island attract keen surfers. The beautiful Weh Island, which lies at the top of Sumatra, in Aceh Province, is one of the best-kept secrets in Indonesia. It offers some of the finest diving and snorkelling in the region and is far less crowded than many other dive locations. Put Bukittinggi on the list, as it’s the gateway to the gorgeous Lake Maninjau, a pristine lake even more spectacular than Lake Toba. The fascinating Minangkabau live under a matriarchal system, hosting elaborate dances and building distinctive traditional homes. Sumatra is simply fascinating.