Batak house, with characteristic pointed roof, Lake Toba, northern Sumatra
However fevered your dreams of the jungle, Sumatra will surpass them.
Sumatra is as rugged as it gets. Thick rainforests cascade like water down towering peaks. Jungle treks are a struggle with gravity and mud. But rewards are plentiful: the world's largest flower, one of the last remaining enclaves of orang-utans, or the sulfur-spouting crater of a resting volcano.
Sumatra is rich in natural resources (timber, gas and oil), but very little of the profits are reinvested in the island's economy. The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and earthquake in 2005 levelled large parts of Aceh and Nias, respectively, and rebuilding infrastructure and livelihoods is slow going.
Orangutan, an endangered species, at Bohorok Orangutan Viewing Centre
Small mountains of fruit for sale at market stall, Bukittinggi, west Sumatra
Ferry on Danau Toba, largest lake in Southeast Asia, northern Sumatra
Mentawai tribal medicine man making beads, Siberut Island, western Sumatra
Surfers find some of world's best breaking waves at Teluk Lagundri, Pulau Nias
Spicy Padang dishes, including rendang buffalo in coconut milk
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