If Bali is the pearl of the orient, then the island of Sumatra is the opal. Complex, diverse and undeniably robust. An island borne out of fire and brimstone, and a region not without its controversies, Sumatra is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse places I have ever visited. Sadly, its reputation has been marred not only by mother nature’s forcefulness (earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions), the human footprint has not been without strife. However, none of this should be a deterrent. If you do venture here, a cultural and natural blend of ethnic groups, populations of highly endangered animal and plant species, pristine deserted beaches and frothing volcanoes await, so here…