Things to see and do Sumatra

It offers beautiful Prospectus country brochures, very well done and precise. Can also organize tours in the region.

Welcoming staff. A wide choice of brochures and maps, we will guide you to the best things to do or see in Padang.

The advice is good and in good English, they also distribute maps of the region.

Pangururan is famous for its hot springs, fed by the 1,982-metre-high Mount Belirang. You're sure to pass over the bright red Aek Tano Ponggol bridge, originally built in 1913 and rebuilt in 2022, the only bridge linking the island of Sumatra to the island of Samosir. From Pangururan, buses leave for Medan and Berastagi, but patience is required. Nearby, discover the Hobon stone, apparently ordinary, but very special to the Batak people, who believe it holds the treasure and legacy of Saribu Raja.

Permits are issued to visit the national park. Not the trouble to go elsewhere. 

If you want to immerse yourself in the peaceful natural splendor of West Sumatra, Tabiang Takuruang is the ideal destination for a nature getaway. The hill's distinctive silhouette, nestled in the heart of the river valley, makes it an enchanting place to discover. Tabiang Takuruang can be reached by crossing the lush rice fields of Bukittinggi. A number of quaint cafés and restaurants can be found nearby. This escapade can be combined with a visit to the Koto Gadang Great Wall and Japanese tunnels.

The first place to include in your itinerary for a trip to Batam is undoubtedly the spectacular Barelang Bridge. Built in 1997 and linking three islands at once, the Barelang stands for Batam, Rempang and Galang. It comprises a total of six bridges, the most important of which is the first, which stands tall and proud with its magnificent structure. Unforgettable panoramic views of the sea and surrounding islands. Nicknamed the "Golden Bridge", it has become an iconic tourist attraction.

Inaugurated in 2019, this splendid mosque is distinguished by its artistic details and contemporary Islamic architecture. It was designed by local architect Rizal Muslimin, for whom this project has become a major achievement, not least thanks to its attractive traditional roof. His unique concept for a mosque won him a competition in 2007, beating out more than 300 innovative proposals from international architects. A must-see!

The Taman Alam Lumbini, inspired by the splendid Shwedagon pagoda in Myanmar, stands proudly with its impressive dimensions of 46.8 m in height and 68 m in length and width. This replica is the second-tallest pagoda outside the Federated Republic of Myanmar. Like the Shwedagon Pagoda, it contains relics of the Buddha, Arahat and hundreds of Buddha statues from around the world.

Featuring a modern interior design on three levels and showcasing Gorga sculpture, the museum offers a captivating dive into the region's history and culture. The exhibition unveils the treasures of the Batak tribe, TB Silalahi's personal effects, while the Batak Balige museum displays traditional artifacts. Explore TB Silalahi's life, ancestral weapons, and contemplate a miniature Huta Batak (traditional house), followed by an authentic Huta Batak.

Completely distinct from the 500 Lohan temple, the Sun Te Kong stands out for its liveliness, displaying a much richer palette of colors. It features a multitude of statues representing various Hindu and Buddhist deities such as Shiva, Buddha, Hanuman, Krishna, Lakshmi and other bodhisattvas. These monumental sculptures, all painstakingly painted, are set in picturesque gardens surrounded by lush greenery. Although the entrance is open to the public, access to the ritual and prayer area is restricted, except by invitation.

Discover the mangroves on the educational tours offered by this park. The facilities, including a wooden platform at the end of the forest, offer a charming setting. Various lookouts and rest areas dot the route. The active involvement of the local community in the park's management enhances the experience. The site is adorned with beautiful bamboo sculptures. It's one of the best places on the island to connect with nature.

In Kijang, south of Bintan, just a short drive from Tanjung Pinang, visitors can enjoy a unique spectacle featuring 500 life-size statues of Lohan, Buddhist spiritual or religious figures. The show is grandiose: all the statues have been meticulously crafted in China before being shipped off to enrich the heritage of the local Chinese community. It's awe-inspiring to discover that each statue has its own unique expression and meaning.

This immense natural tourism park covers an area of 260 ha, offering total immersion in nature and adapting to all ages with its different zones and quality activities. It represents a veritable sanctuary for Riau's endemic flora and fauna, showcasing specimens such as the pelawan tree. The park offers an educational experience thanks to its hiking trails, ecopark and restaurant. It also features a variety of animals, including peacocks, deer, rabbits, macaws and koi.

Explore a replica of the Great Wall of China to reach a charming goldsmith's village. You'll need to climb about 330 steps. Opt for a half-day visit. Koto Gadang was the home of notable figures in the struggle for independence. It is also a goldsmith's center renowned for its intricate Minangkabau silver models. The village is also home to a large mosque built in the traditional Minangkabau style.

Nestled in the hills around 800 m above sea level, surrounded by quiet pine forests, Sipiso Piso offers an impressive view at 120 m high. There are many panoramic viewpoints along the way, but the most amazing is to see the waterfall up close. Its tumultuous waters rush forcefully into Lake Toba, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. Although often referred to as Indonesia's highest waterfall, this distinction actually belongs to the Sigura Gura waterfall, which rises to over 250 m.

Just a few minutes from Tuktuk, Tomok boasts a quay where you can take the ferry to Parapat or explore other picturesque corners of the lake. In Tomok, discover the tomb of King Sidabutar, decorated with atypical traditional Batak sculptures. Charming souvenir stores offer items to take home. Don't miss a visit to the traditional houses of Pertunjukan Tari Sigale Gale and the Batak Museum: lovers of wooden sculptures and masks will be delighted, as there are some absolutely remarkable pieces to admire.