GLOBE TREKKER

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Globe Trekker:Indonesia: Java and Sumatra

Presenter: Megan McCormick

Megan McCormick's journey of Indonesia takes her to two of the most fascinating and sophisticated countries in the South China Sea. She starts her adventure in Java's capital Jakarta where she tries her hand at Car Jockeying, the street people's response to the three in one car pooling system introduced by the Jakartan government. From there she Heads north of the city to Sunda Kelapa Harbor, a 800 year old port originally used by the Dutch.

After sampling the nightlife and the Jakartan answer to fast food Megan travels to the site of one of the most volcanically active places on the earth Krakatau. Megan climes Anak Krakatau the volcano that grew on the site of one of the most violet eruptions of all time. She also dives the seas around Krakatau which have some of the most wonderful sea life due to its undersea thermal springs keeping the water warm.

From here Megan takes a train ride to Yogyakarta, Java's old capital. On the way she stops off to take in the splendor of one of Indonesia's religious biggest attractions, the Buddhist temple of Borobudur. Heading north takes Megan to the Islamic center, Kudus, where she learns how to make the much loved Indonesian cigarette Kretek.

Sumatra is Megan's next destination and it's just a short flight to the Capital Medan, from there an hour bus journey to the travelers chill out resort of Danau Toba. After a visit to the witch doctor in Lake Tuba, Megan meets Solomon who tells her of the speculation surrounding the ancient tribe of this area the Batak. With stories of sacrifice and cannibalism behind her Megan heads north again to Sumatra's Gunauagleuser National park, and Bukit Lawang nature reserve to meet our closes ancestors the beautiful Orangutans.

After a 10 hour ferry ride Megan's last stop is the island of Pulau Nias, where she meets the Niasans, who are more willing to exhibit the traditions of life where war was a frequent occurrence. A more modern tribe to emerge from Nias is that of the surfers, who come to the island to experience the excellent conditions and tackle the legendary right hand wave. Here Megan ends her journey of this fascinating and diverse country.