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Sumatra

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

A majestic Sumatran tiger, a rare and beautiful big cat species.

Sumatra

Sumatra is a big island in Indonesia. It is the largest island that is completely part of Indonesia and the sixth-largest island in the whole world. Sumatra stretches from northwest to southeast and is surrounded by many seas and islands.

The west side of Sumatra has tall mountains called the Bukit Barisan, while the east is made up of flat, swampy lands. The closest Indonesian island to Asia, Sumatra is also near the Indian Ocean, the Strait of Malacca, and the Sunda Strait.

Sumatra is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. Special animals include the Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, Sumatran elephant, and Sumatran orangutan. These animals are very special but face challenges because their homes are disappearing.

The island has many national parks to help protect nature, such as the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra World Heritage Site. Sadly, many forests have been cut down, which harms the animals and the environment.

Sumatra’s largest city is Medan, a busy and developed place. Other big cities include Palembang, Bandar Lampung, and Padang.

Sumatra also has old railway lines that were built a long time ago. These railways connect places like Banda Aceh to Medan, Padang to Bukittinggi, and Bandar Lampung to Palembang. Some parts of these railways closed long ago but are now being rebuilt.

Images

A traditional Batak Simalungun house in North Sumatra, showcasing the unique architecture of the local culture.
A detailed topographic map of the island of Sumatra, showing its mountains, valleys, and coastal regions.
Traditional Minangkabau women carrying food platters during a ceremony in West Sumatra, Indonesia
Map showing the location of volcanoes on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.
A view of the high-rise buildings in Medan, a city on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.
A large, striking flower known as Rafflesia arnoldii, found in the wilds of Indonesia.
Ruins of Candi Tinggi, an ancient temple in Indonesia, showing its historical brick architecture and foundation.
An ancient temple structure known as Candi Gumpung in Muaro Jambi, Indonesia.
An ancient stone inscription from 683 AD found in South Sumatra, Indonesia, showing early writing from the region.
The Grand Mosque of Banda Aceh, Indonesia, also known as Baiturrahman Mosque, is an important religious and cultural landmark.

Related articles

Medan
Indonesia
List of islands by area
Barisan Mountains
Indian Ocean
Strait of Malacca

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Sumatra, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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