Beautiful views! Pity about not seeing more Orangutans.

How was the weather / temperature? Did you go exploring on smaller roads or stick to main ones?

I stuck to the main roads most of the time following Google maps.

Weather was a mix. Most of the time it didn't rain but there were a few occasions I had to break out the rain gear.

Great photos of the scenery and food
Glad the trip was good.

Wayne

19th January 2024

Takengon - Sigli

5 1/2 hour ride

Sigli is beside the sea so it's hot and humid.

I had the feeling that I was overcharged for food simply because I am not a local Indonesian.
I do speak Bahasa Malaysia which makes it possible to have a conversation with some dissimilarities but on the whole it is understandable both ways.

The Manager at the homestay I was staying at recommended a place for lunch and he said it would be around 30k IDR. I ended up paying 55K.
LOL

20th January 2024

Sigli - Banda Aceh

3 hour ride and Banda Aceh is also beside the sea and was badly devastated on Boxing Day 26th December 2004 tsunami.
I went to the museum and watched a 10 minute video presentation.
About 1/3 of the population perished. It was heart breaking to watch and I didn't feel like taking any pictures after that.

Also went to the boat PLTD Apung 1 (2600 ton) which is a famous landmark now as it was washed ashore 2 to 3km during the tsunami. They turned it into a so called museum and charge a fee to enter. I did not go in as I felt it wasn't a real museum per se and more to get tourists to pay to enter.

I also had a drink of soda and condensed milk. Yuck! Could not finish it as it was weird drinking soda with condensed milk. Way too sweet!

21st January 2024

Banda Aceh - Meulaboh

Another 5 hours plus ride.

I stopped to put on my rain gear for the first time in Sumatra but the rain stopped in 15 minutes so I stopped again to remove the rain jacket and pants! LOL

The ride was nice but I did not stop much as had a long ride ahead.

I went to the same place for dinner twice as I liked the nasi uduk.

23rd January 2024

Meulaboh - Tapak Tuan

Hugging the coastline since Sigli and today's ride to Tapak Tuan is another 5 hour ride.
The waters at Tapak Tuan are clear and beautiful.
This is a overnight stopover on the way to Lake Toba.
The dinner was nice!

24th January 2024

Tapak Tuan - Sidikalang

A long 6 hours ride to Sidikalang. Sidikalang is about 1,000m above sea level.
When I arrived st the homestay the clouds were dark and it started to rain. I did not have my lunch yet and the homestay owner was kind enough to take me out for lunch in his car as there was no food nearby the homestay.
He has a bird which speaks. Not sure of the species but I had a laugh when the bird spoke in the native Indonesian dialect.

Later in the evening, I sat down with the homestay owner and his friends and had a great chat. It was fun!

25th January 2024

Sidikalang - Tuktuk Siadong

A 3 hour plus ride and along the way I went to the still unfinished Christ the Redeemer statue at Samosir.
It is impressive and beautiful.
In this region the Batak ethnic group are predominantly Christians.

Google maps took me on a route which was a small windy road and steep descent.

Since I was on a scooter I had no engine braking and stopped a few times to cool down the brakes.

When I continued from Samosir to Tuktuk Google maps took me on another road which was much better!

:scooter:

26th to 28th January 2024

I stayed at Tuktuk for 4 nights. With an elevation of 900m the temperature is pleasant.

I went to the hot springs for a bath at Samosir but did not take any pictures. Rode a big loop around Lake Toba and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

Stayed at a hotel besides the lake and it is indeed peaceful.

:scooter:

One morning I had the urge to eat pancakes. Luckily I found it!

:mchappy:

One thing I noticed in Sumatra was crackers were provided in the meal irrespective if it's rice or noodles.

In Malaysia we hardly have that.

29th January 2024

Tuktuk - Parapat

Woke up early to catch a boat ride from Tuktuk to Parapat. The journey is about 45 minutes.
Felt concerned for the bike as it was in front of the boat and tied down by ropes. If it was a larger bike it would be safer to take the RORO ferry which takes vehicles and bikes.