As the world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia comprises some 17,508 islands that stretch across the equator. There are five main islands and 30 smaller archipelagos. The main islands are Kalimantan(Borneo), Sumatra, Papua, Sulawesi and the most populated island, Java. More than 480 ethnic groups display a rich variety of customs, religious, languages (approximately 583) and dialects. Welcome to Indonesia and enjoy a wonderful journey of discovery. SUMATRA From the north to the southern tip, the island offers vast attractions to see and do. Go trekking at Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the largest parks in Asia and a trekker’s paradise in Sumatra, or try river rafting on the Alas and Wampu River, an exhilarating experience that offers the rare chance to see local wildlife. Avid climbers are sure to find the 100 meters vertical cliff wall at Harau Canyon a challenge. In its semi dormant phases, climb the child of Krakatau, right up to the ridge. Water lovers may experience the exhilarating feeling of swimming or fishing in famous Lake Toba, the world’s deepest lake, and lake Maninjau with warmer and cleaner water. For world professional surfers, look out for Sorake Beach on the island of Nias, which stretches along a perfect horse shoe shape bay, Teluk Lagundri, and offers the best surfing challenge. Other locations to challenge 3-4 meter waves are around the islands of Mentawai. See some of the island’s most famous inhabitants, the Sumatran tigers and elephants, at Lebong Hitam and Sebokor, South Sumatra. On January and February every year, see giant turtles in Bengkaru Island, Aceh. Get up close to orangutans at the Bohorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Station, Bukit Lawang village, North Sumatra. Admire the beauty of the world famous giant flower, Rafflesia arnoldi, blooming between August and November at Pelupuh Village, 16 km north of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra. The biggest ever recorder had a diameter of 120 cm.Sumatra is rich in cultural heritage. An animist religious ritual is still observed by a small group at Laguboti, in Balige, North Sumatra. Batak traditional houses and relics are still carefully preserved in the Siallagan village in Ambarita. On Mentawai islands, isolated communities still retain ancient customs and a megalithic way of life.