Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 27 October 2022
Last updated: [Today’s Date]

At Exploring Sumatra, your privacy matters. This Privacy Policy explains what kind of information we collect when you visit www.exploringsumatra.com, how we use it, and what your rights are. We’ve done our best to keep it clear, transparent, and as human as possible.

By using this site, you’re agreeing to the terms outlined here.

1. Who We Are

We’re a personal travel blog focused on exploring Sumatra and beyond. Our website address is: https://www.exploringsumatra.com.

2. The Information We Collect

Like most websites, we collect two types of information:

a) Non-personal data

We use tools like Google Analytics to understand how people are using the site — things like what browser you’re using, which pages you visit, and how long you stay. This helps us improve the site experience.

b) Personal data (only if you give it to us)

We may collect your name or email address if you:

  • Leave a comment on a blog post

  • Subscribe to updates

  • Contact us directly

We don’t collect sensitive personal info, and we’ll never sell your data. Ever.

3. Comments and IP Addresses

If you leave a comment, your IP address and browser user agent string may be collected to help with spam detection. This is standard practice on WordPress-based sites.

4. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to:

  • Remember your preferences

  • Serve relevant content or ads

  • Understand how people use the site

You can manage your cookie preferences anytime using the banner on our site.

We also embed third-party content like YouTube videos and Google Maps. These services may set their own cookies or track your interactions. You can read more in our Cookie Policy and the third-party privacy policies:

5. Advertising and Affiliate Links

This site includes affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through certain links — at no extra cost to you. These help support the site and our coffee fund ☕️.

We may also use ad networks that set cookies to deliver targeted ads. We don’t control the cookies set by advertisers, but we do our best to work only with reputable services.

6. Who We Share Your Data With

We only share your information when absolutely necessary — for example:

  • With services that help us run the site (like email delivery or analytics tools)

  • If required by law or to protect our rights

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

Some services may be based outside your country. By using the site, you consent to this transfer.

7. How We Keep Your Info Safe

We take reasonable steps to protect any data you share with us, but keep in mind that no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

8. Links to Other Sites

We sometimes link to other websites or platforms we love. Once you click over, their own privacy policies apply — we encourage you to review them.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request changes or deletion

  • Withdraw consent for cookies

  • Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority

You can contact us at any time to request this.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy occasionally to reflect changes to the site or new privacy regulations. When we do, we’ll update the “last modified” date at the top. Continued use of the site means you accept those changes.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or requests related to this Privacy Policy, feel free to get in touch:

📧 [Email us here] exploringsumatra@gmail.com
📍 Or reach us via the contact form on our site