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DESTINATIONS |
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OTHER INFO |
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DOWNLOADS |
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SPONSORED
BY |

YEL
Sponsor of Tangkahan &
Bukit Lawang

Sumatra Savages
Sponsor of Tongging

YPB
Sponsor of Pulau Banyak
Sponsors for Pulau Weh, Pulo Aceh, Lhoknga & Lampuuk, Kuala Baru, Singkil and Simeulue needed.
Pulau Weh and Pulo Aceh:
Diving photos by courtesy of
Rubiah Tirta Divers,
Lumba Lumba Diving Centre, and Aaron Callander and their
friends. Most photos on land by Mahmud Bangkaru. Banda Aceh:
Photos by Mahmud Bangkaru, Nispu Syahputra, Aceh Adventure, and
Aceh Explorer. Lampuuk and
Lhoknga: Photos by Dave Kilpatrick, Luke Swainson, Yudi
Andika, and Mahmud Bangkaru. Tangkahan:
Photos by Mahmud Bangkaru and Ian Singleton. Bukit Lawang:
Photos by Abdul Halim, Mrs. Sita, Perry van Duinhoven, Mahmud
Bangkaru, Charlotte, Peter Jaeggi, and Saraswati. Pulau Banyak:
Photos by Mahmud Bangkaru, Maggie Muurmans, Ben Tapley, Müffel
Gaberthüel, Jennifer Cord, Peter Biver, Lukmanul Hakim, Bangkaru
Patrol Staff. Tongging: Photos by Halim, Dickson Palawi, Adam
Nainggolan, and Mahmud Bangkaru. Simeulue: Photos by Akil
Rozha, PODSI Simeulue and Mahmud Bangkaru. Singkil and Kuala
Baru: Photos by Mahmud Bangkaru, Müffel Gabertüel,
Joko Guntoro,
bazandbev@yahoo.com, Senne Vliegen.
Text and maps by Mahmud Bangkaru.
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The people of Sumatra have in general strong traditions and
religions. They very much appreciate visitors that respect their way
of life. Small changes in your western behavior can make a big
difference. Here are some tips for you on how to "behave":
- Placing hands on the hips is a sign of anger or arrogance.
- It is rude to place one's feet in a way that the soles are facing
another person.
- Don't throw things to anyone. It is more polite to hand it over
directly, even if it involves moving yourself a bit.
- Men touching men and women touching women are common and
completely normal; but touching between the sexes is rarely done
in public.
- Western style swimsuits are considered outrageous in less touristy
areas. Near villages and when locals are around, please be modest.
You can always ask a local if you are unsure.
- When visiting a home, don't forget to take off your shoes.
- Avoid visiting Muslim homes at prayer times.
- Always use your right hand when receiving and giving things.
- Use only the right hand to eat food.
- In Indonesia you will be treated according to how you dress.
- If you visit a Government office, "dress up". Use long trousers,
shirt with a collar and shoes. You will gain a lot in respect and
service.
A FEW USEFUL TIPS
- The meaning of "just a moment" can be frustrating when waiting for
buses for hours. It is just a way to talk. Have a coffee instead.
- After having been asked, "Where do you come from?" "Where are you
going?", "How old are you?", "Are you married?" etc. about ten times
a day it is easy to get irritated. Just remember it is only an
expression of friendliness.
- Often in the countryside locals ask for presents or souvenirs.
Don’t take it too seriously and don't become embarrassed. It is more
just a way of talking.
- When asking for the way, you will always get help, even if they
don't know! Always ask several people in order to get an average
direction.
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