The chief interest of Sumatra is the journey through it. Don't be put off by tales you hear of the Jambi-Palembang run, the country in between more than makes up for the suffering. One of the last true adventures, you could travel on a bus with gunny-sacked pigs, casks of coconut wine, and occupied coffins resting on the shoulders of relatives. warning: Beware of men who come up asking to share a smoke with you, then when you turn them on claim they are cops and demand a pay off or else they'll turn you in. Also, if you're holding, beware of searches on your way back from Aceh Province into North Sumatra Province.