Penang

Ups and Downs in Sumatra

---

March 14th 2016
After a few days in Penang, Malaysia, it was time to scuttle off to the huge Indonesian island of Sumatra which lies parallel to peninsular Malaysia, just over the straits of Malacca. I didn't know too much about Indonesia, let alone Sumatra. Most people only go to Bali and Lombok, so I knew I wouldn't see too many fellow travellers here. I had conjured visions of volcanoes, thick jungles, orang-u ... read more

Asia » Indonesia » Sumatra » Lake Toba

---

The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century; the islands were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hos... ... read more