Ruins of ancient temples and stunning beaches with dark sand, unspoiled nature and palaces - those are main attractions of Sumatra. Each city of the island cherishes historical monuments; the most interesting attractions are located in Medan. There is Masjid Raya mosque, which is very unusual in terms of architecture; its main decoration is the black dome. The mosque was built in 1906 and is one of the main symbols of Sumatra. A historical monument of earlier period is Maimoun Palace (Istana Maimun), the residence of the rulers founded in 1888. Several rooms of the palace are open to public access, so vacationers could estimate its luxurious decoration. There is a very interesting military museum in Medan founded in 1971. It holds a rich collection of weapons including ancient artifacts and weapons of the 20th century. Bukittinggi is famous for its natural attractions; there are fantastically beautiful lakes called Maninjau and Singkarak. In the vicinity of the city lies a lot of attractive reserves; they will appeal to those who want to explore local flora and fauna. The second largest settlement of the island is the town of Palembang. It will delight curious tourists with its museums and cultural centers. Balaputra Dewa Museum and the Museum of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin, which is famous for the variety of precious exhibits, are situated there. The majestic Krakatoa volcano is also among the main symbols of the island. Travelers who wish to walk on the slopes of the
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