Getting Around

Indonesia has a variety of airlines servicing domestic routes including Garuda Mandala Merpati and Bouraq. Each airline publishes a nationwide timetable which can be obtained from their respective head offices in Jakarta. On more popular routes book well in advance especially in the peak tourist season around July and August. Airport tax on domestic flights is usually between US$2.50 and US$4.

Sumatra's main roads are generally good although they get worse the farther you go from the major towns. Standards have fallen because of the current economic turmoil. Rail travel is is possible on Sumatra although the trains are pretty much a mixed bag: slow miserable and cheap or comfortable and expensive. It's advisable to buy train tickets a day in advance to assure a seat. You can rent cars motorbikes and bicycles in the main cities and tourist centres and there are regular ferries from Sumatra to surrounding islands.