Why did the Polos stay on Sumatra for five months during their return voyage?

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Marco Polo Marco Polo, undated coloured woodcut.

The Polos and their traveling party stayed on the island of Sumatra for five months during their return voyage specifically to avoid dangerous monsoon storms.1

While traveling with a Mongol princess destined for Persia, the fleet of 14 ships made this extended stop to wait out the inclement weather before continuing their journey toward Sri Lanka and eventually Hormuz.1