Barisan Mountains

The Barisan Mountains form the backbone of western Sumatra, a chain of forested ridges and volcanoes running close to the Indian Ocean coast. In the Minangkabau highlands, peaks such as Marapi rise above valleys and lakes. The great Sumatran fault follows the length of the island through this mountainous country. Rivers descend from the range towards both coasts, while the highland basins provide sheltered ground for villages and cultivation.