Sumatra Culture
Sumatra is rich in history and culture. You can explore old war tunnels from world war 2 where the island was occupied by the Japanese in Bukittinggi. Traditional houses can be visited around Sumatra including long houses that were lived in by kings. There are two main tribes, the Minangkabau and the Batak. Both tribes continue with historic traditions such as ceremonies and dances. Agriculture is an important part of the lives of Sumatrans, they export a great number of products around the world daily helping bring in valuable income.
Highlights
Rumah Bolon (Long House)
A great example of a traditional house in North Sumatra, that once housed 13 kings. You can tour this house and watch dance performances.
Agriculture
↓
↑
Sumatra grows a lot of products for export, such as; rubber, tobacco, tea, coffee, palm oil, ramie fiber, sisal, copra, betel nuts, kapok, peanuts, and pepper. Subsistence crops include corn (maize), root crops, vegetables, and rice are also grown for export in the highland areas of North Sumatra
Bukittinggi
↓
↑
This is a very interesting town in the highlands of west Sumatra. It has a lot of history having been a Japanese military base in the past. You can visit the famous Japanese war tunnels. This area is home to the indigenous Minangkabau tribe, you can visit them to hear the story of this fascinating place. A must visit while there is the emerald Lake Maninjau with its fantastic views.
Simanindo
↓
↑
A traditional village near Lake Toba, the original house structures remain allowing you to look at traditional village life. You can also see the food storage houses on stilts called a sopo. The house of the chief is more colourful, you can have a look around as it has been turned into a museum.
Minangkabau Tribe
The Minangkabau live near Bukittinggi in the South, are Muslims and practise matriarchy. The women in the family manage the wealth and property passes from mother to daughter.
Batak Tribe
↓
↑
The Batak people live on and around Lake Toba and have their own unique style and traditions. The Batak people are Christians unlike most of Sumatra’s population, who are Muslim. You can see a lot of churches in the area.
Coffee
↓
↑
Coffee has been grown in Indonesia since 1696. Sumatran coffee is enjoyed all around the world. It has a unique taste with a full bodied flavour that is so good even Starbucks sell it. The coffee is said to be big and bold with a distinctive earthy aroma and lingering low notes. The heavy, full body and concentrated herbal spice notes are typical of Sumatran beans.