Sumatra's climate is tropical but temperatures can often be lower than expected due to the highlands. The average daytime highs range from 72°F - 86°F (22°C - 30°C) while the rainfall differs from region to region and humidity levels are high in the lowlands. With two main seasons, the dry season runs from February to August and wet season from September to January. The best time of year to visit Sumatra is during the dry season.

Children on holiday in Sumatra should not expect water parks and arcades. Instead, this exotic island boasts plenty of fantastic outdoor activities to keep the little ones entertained and enthralled. Lake Toba is a perfect family resort town with plenty of water sports, scenic cycle rides and colourful local cultures to enjoy. Take a trip to the Orangutan Sanctuary in the Gunung Leuser National Park in northern Sumatra, or visit the Berbak Wildlife Reserve in Jambi for a great day out with the family where children will enjoy spotting hairy-nosed otters, Sumatran tigers, barking deer, crocodiles and gibbons. The King Palace in Bukittinggi is a magical experience for kids of all ages where they can learn about the Minangkabau Kingdom, while a trip to Belitung Island will reward with a day spent on one of its beautiful beaches which are safe for swimming and provide plenty of open space for kids to let off some steam. Many of the major hotels in Sumatra offer kids clubs where children can meet and play with other kids their age and it is often worth checking into a hotel with these facilities.

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but many dialects are spoken. English is widely understood in Jakarta and tourist resorts.

Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency and is divided into 100 sen. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, hotels and money changers in major tourist destinations; US dollars is the most accepted currency. Cash often yields a better exchange rate than travellers cheques, which are not always accepted. It is recommended that travellers cheques also be in US dollars. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and stores catering to the tourist trade. ATMs are available in main centres. Small change is often unavailable so keep small denomination notes and coins for items like bus fares, temple donations and cool drinks.

Sumatra's shopping is mostly centred round the larger towns and cities such as Padang, Berastagi, Medan and Bukittinggi. Most of Sumatra's towns have plenty of road-side stalls selling the usual tourist souvenirs such as fake designer goods and Bintang t-shirts. For a more western shopping experience, but head to places like Minang Plaza or Plaza Andalas in Padang. Fantastic bargains and buys can be found in Padang - with a bit of haggling. Head to Padang's Pasar Baru street market for great buys like leaf hats, batik silk fabrics and clothes. In Bukittinggi, make a stop at the bustling Pasar Atas market for souvenirs while the town itself boasts a plethora of craft, jewellery, and antique shops for visitors to peruse. For fresh produce, the nearby town of Berastagi is best known for its fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly passion fruit. Travellers wanting a real taste of Indonesia should try betel nuts from the market in Berastagi, which are chewed together with lime and tobacco, or pick up some local palm wine known as tuak.Another good buy is Sumatran coffee beans, which are prized by coffee connoisseurs the world over.

Sumatra may not be the first stop on most travellers' Indonesian itineraries, but this island is still a popular tourist destination and boasts some fantastic attractions and activities that will appeal to all kinds of people. Depending on your sport of choice, a trip to the Mentawi islands, Batu or Nias Island is a must as they are fantastic locations for surfing, windsurfing and scuba diving, while those wanting something a little more relaxing will love a cruise down the Siak River back in West Sumatra. The holiday resort of Lake Toba in the north makes the perfect location for a relaxing holiday break while the glistening Lake Maninjau offers retreat from the bustling tourist-packed beaches and frenetic outside world. A hike to the Mertua Waterfall in Pekanbaru is a must for all nature lovers, as is the Kerinci Valley and National Park which boasts the largest collection of Sumatran Rhinos, for a brush with orangutans, visit the Gunung Leuser National Park in the north, or for the ultimate wildlife experience, visit the Burbak Wildlife Reserve near the strait of Melaka to view clouded leopards, Malayan sunbears, otters and gibbons. Bukittinggi, which served as headquarters for the Japanese army during WWII, is worth exploring to visit the King Palace, Tuo Belimbing Mosque, or even Lake Singkarak. With all these great attractions and so much more, visitors will find there is more to this island than just its abundant natural beauty.

Indonesia spans three time zones. GMT +7 (West, including Java and Sumatra), GMT +8 (Central, including Bali, Sulawesi and Lombok), GMT +9 (East, including Irian Jaya).