Exploring Sumatra, with its lush rainforests, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, is an adventure unlike any other. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or planning your first visit, having the right guidebook can make all the difference. Here are the top 10 best Sumatra travel guides to help you navigate this magnificent island. From cultural insights to hidden gems, these books are your perfect travel companions.
By: Travel Expert
Traveling to Sumatra is an experience filled with beauty and discovery. As an avid traveler, I have found that having a great guidebook can not only help you avoid common tourist pitfalls but also uncover the island’s most breathtaking locations. In this article, I’m sharing my top picks for Sumatra travel guides to help you get the most out of your adventure. Let’s dive into the best resources for exploring this extraordinary destination.
10. Sumatra Travel Guide 2024: Discover Culture, Nature, and Adventure
Author: Jennifer James
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (16 ratings)
Category: Sumatra Travel Guides
Why We Choose It
This guide offers a comprehensive look into the island’s culture, nature, and adventurous activities. It’s a great resource for those looking to immerse themselves in Sumatra’s hidden corners while learning about its indigenous cultures.
Why You’ll Love It
Packed with insider tips and local stories, this guide is ideal for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. It’s not just about the popular attractions but also the remote areas where you’ll find the true heart of Sumatra.
Fun Fact
Jennifer James is an avid traveler and writer who spent over two years exploring Sumatra to ensure this guide is both accurate and insightful.
9. Sumatra & Medan Travel Map Fifth Edition (Periplus Travel Maps)
Author: Periplus Editors
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars (7 ratings)
Category: Sumatra Travel Guides
Why We Choose It
When it comes to navigating Sumatra, a map is essential. This updated edition offers detailed maps of Sumatra and Medan, helping travelers navigate through the island’s complex terrain with ease.
Why You’ll Love It
With its clear, easy-to-read layout and updated information, this map is a must-have for anyone traveling around Sumatra. It’s perfect for both seasoned explorers and first-time visitors.
Fun Fact
The Periplus travel maps are widely respected for their accuracy, making them a favorite among travelers to Southeast Asia for decades.
8. Sumatra Travel Reference Map 1:1,100,000 – 2025 Ed
Author: ITMB Publishing Ltd
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)
Category: Sumatra Travel Guides
Why We Choose It
For those who want a more in-depth reference map, this travel guide offers a detailed view of Sumatra, down to the streets and trails. It’s perfect for anyone looking to explore remote areas.
Why You’ll Love It
The scale of this map makes it incredibly easy to plan your travels. Plus, it offers information on roads, trails, and even hiking routes that are not covered in traditional guidebooks.
Fun Fact
This map includes elevation details, making it a great resource for trekkers heading to Sumatra’s mountainous regions like Bukit Lawang.
7. Sumatra Travel Guide 2024: Discover Culture, Nature, and Adventure
Author: Jennifer James
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars (33 ratings)
Category: Sumatra Travel Guides
Why We Choose It
This comprehensive travel guide is perfect for travelers who want to explore Sumatra’s beauty while learning about its cultural diversity and natural wonders. It’s one of the most detailed guides available.
Why You’ll Love It
If you’re a nature lover, this book will help you plan excursions to some of Sumatra’s most pristine environments, including its famous rainforests and volcanic regions.
Fun Fact
Jennifer James includes interviews with local guides and indigenous people, giving the reader an authentic view of Sumatra’s culture.
6. The Stormrider Surf Guide Indonesia: Surfing in Sumatra, Mentawai Islands, Nias, Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Sumba, Savu and Rote (Stormrider Surf Guides)
Author: Bruce Sutherland
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 out of 5 stars (10 ratings)
Category: Sumatra Travel Guides
Why We Choose It
For surfers, this guide is the ultimate resource for Sumatra’s world-class surf spots. It provides detailed information on the best waves, the conditions, and local surf culture.
Why You’ll Love It
This guide is a must-have for anyone looking to surf in Sumatra, with tips on the best spots, surf camps, and local tips to improve your experience.
Fun Fact
The Stormrider Surf Guide series is renowned for its depth and precision. Bruce Sutherland, a surf expert, has traveled extensively to compile the best surf destinations.
5. Sumatra Map Journal: Vintage 1899 Map of Sumatra Notebook (6″x9″ Blank Lined Journal, 200 Pages)
Author: Twin Spires
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars (15 ratings)
Category: Sumatra Travel Guides
Why We Choose It
This vintage-style map journal is perfect for those who want to capture their travel experiences while exploring Sumatra. It combines the beauty of historical maps with a modern journaling experience.
Why You’ll Love It
Whether you’re an avid traveler or just love to write, this journal lets you document your experiences with style, using a beautifully crafted map as inspiration.
Fun Fact
This 1899 map gives an old-world charm, showcasing Sumatra’s geography from over a century ago. It’s a great souvenir as well as a functional travel tool.
4. SUMATRA TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: Exploring Sumatra’s Rich Culture, Wildlife, and Culinary Adventures
Author: Nancy R. Lee
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars (22 ratings)
Category: Sumatra Travel Guides
Why We Choose It
This guide offers an enriching perspective of Sumatra, focusing on the island’s wildlife, culture, and food. It provides insights into some of Sumatra’s most famous attractions and the best culinary experiences.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect for travelers who want a holistic view of Sumatra, from its stunning natural beauty to its incredible food scene. It also includes valuable tips on where to stay and what to eat.
Fun Fact
Nancy R. Lee has spent years studying the cultural aspects of Sumatra and has made numerous trips to the island to ensure her guide is as informative and accurate as possible.
3. The Batak: Peoples of the Island of Sumatra (Living With Ancestors)
Author: Achim Sibeth
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars (7 ratings)
Category: Sumatra Travel Guides
Why We Choose It
This fascinating book dives deep into the history and culture of the Batak people, one of Sumatra’s indigenous tribes. It’s a unique exploration of the island’s rich cultural tapestry.
Why You’ll Love It
For those interested in learning more about Sumatra’s cultural heritage, this book provides an in-depth look at the Batak people’s traditions, rituals, and history.
Fun Fact
The Batak are known for their distinctive architecture and complex social structures, and Achim Sibeth’s book brings these fascinating aspects of Batak life to the forefront.
2. Indonesia 10 (Lonely Planet)
Author: Ryan Ver Berkmoes
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 out of 5 stars (143 ratings)
Category: Sumatra Travel Guides
Why We Choose It
This compact guide is perfect for those looking to visit Sumatra as part of a broader Indonesia adventure. It covers key highlights of Sumatra while also offering valuable insights into the rest of Indonesia.
Why You’ll Love It
Lonely Planet is known for its detailed and practical advice, and this guide is no exception. It’s perfect for the traveler looking for quick yet comprehensive tips.
Fun Fact
Lonely Planet’s Indonesia series is renowned for offering practical advice, and this particular edition is updated with the latest trends and travel tips.
1. Sumatra 1:1,000,000 Travel Map (Indonesia)
Author: ITM Canada
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.7 out of 5 stars (5 ratings)
Category: Sumatra Travel Guides
Why We Choose It
A top-rated map, this resource helps you explore Sumatra with precision and accuracy. Whether hiking through the jungle or navigating cities, this map will be your best friend.
Why You’ll Love It
Detailed and thorough, this map makes it easy to navigate Sumatra’s rugged landscape and bustling cities. It’s a must-have for serious travelers.
Fun Fact
ITM Canada is known for producing high-quality maps that are used by both tourists and professionals alike for travel across remote regions.
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