Sumatran Splendours – A 7-Day Voyage 

Embark on a 7-day exploration of Sumatra, Indonesia’s hidden gem. Your adventure begins in Medan, the island’s vibrant core. Venture deep into the jungle for an overnight camp beneath the stars. Experience the untamed nature of Sumatra, listening to the sounds of the wilderness.

Journey to Berastagi, a verdant paradise, known for its fertile lands, agriculture, and panoramic views of Mount Sinabung. Immerse in its bustling Fruit & Flower market. Next, head to Lake Toba, an enchanting destination surrounded by lush plantations. Explore Samosir Island, known for its traditional Batak villages, majestic waterfalls, and unique natural beauty.

Your adventure concludes in Medan, the gateway to Sumatra. Explore the city’s cultural treasures, savour its diverse cuisine, and prepare for your journey home. We provide a seamless transfer to the airport for your return trip, ensuring a memorable expedition intertwining adventure, culture, and timeless memories.

Tour code SUMTJ 07

What to Expect:

Sunset at Gunung Leuser National Park

Day 1. Arrive in Medan with a morning flight

Welcome to Sumatra! You will be greeted by your driver at Kualanamu International Airport where you will then travel from Medan to your hotel in Bukit Lawang.

Medan is the capital city of North Sumatra province and is Indonesia’s fourth most populous. Known as the gateway to the cultural and natural wonders of Sumatra Island, the city is surrounded by tropical rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and waterfalls.

Bukit Lawang is nestled in Sumatra’s natural treasure, the Gunung (Mount) Leuser National Park, a village known for its incredible biodiversity and orangutang conservation efforts. This eco-tourism destination offers thrilling jungle trekking adventures, wildlife encounters, a chance to connect with nature and contribute towards orangutan conservation efforts.

The Leuser ecosystem is home to endangered species like orangutans, tigers, elephants, countless bird species, is teeming with unique flora and fauna, spanning over 7,500 square kilometres. With its dense vertical-rising rainforest, majestic mountains and pristine rivers, the National Park offers a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and vital habitat for the preservation of precious wildlife.

The drive to Bukit Lawang takes you from the bustling city to the tranquil rainforest. As you leave Medan behind, the road winds through picturesque countryside, passing by traditional villages and palm oil plantations. As you approach Bukit Lawang, the landscape becomes lush and green, with glimpses of the Gunung Leuser National Park. The drive offers a glimpse of the natural beauty that awaits in Bukit Lawang, building anticipation for the adventure ahead.

Your overnight accommodation will be nestled along the banks of the Bohorok River providing a tranquil setting where you can relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature. With comfortable rooms and river views, your accommodation will offer a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Sumatran Orangutan mother with her baby

Day 2. Bukit Lawang – Overnight jungle trek and camp* 

* Half (3-hours) or full day (6-hours) jungle treks are also available. Prices available upon application.

Summit views from Mount Sibayak

Day 3. Bukit Lawang – Berastagi

You will return from your overnight jungle camp with a river tubing* adventure. As you bid farewell to the serenity of the jungle, you will embark on an exhilarating ride down the river. Suitable for all ages, enjoy the rush of the currents, the refreshing splashes of water and the scenic beauty along the way. A perfect blend of excitement and nature, it will leave you with a sense of fulfilment and a desire to relive the adventure again.

From Bukit Lawang to Berastagi, you will travel through scenic landscapes as you leave the jungle behind. The road ascends into the highlands, offering unspoiled views of rolling hills, terraced plantations, and distant volcanoes of the Mount Barisan mountain range. The journey presents a mix of natural beauty and glimpses of rural life.

As you travel through the highlands, the majestic Mount Sinabung emerges on the horizon with its towering presence. The conical shape volcano creates a breathtaking backdrop that showcases the raw power and beauty of nature. On a clear day, with occasional plumes of smoke, add an element of both awe and respect to the scenic journey. On route, you will pass evacuated villages located within the now danger zones because of the 2014 and consequent eruptions.

As you approach the fertile highlands of Berastagi, you will encounter vast fields of fruits and vegetables. Strawberry farms, passion fruit orchards, coffee plantations and vegetable gardens showcase the agricultural richness of the area. Vibrant colours, and lush greenery offer a visual feast, while the aroma of fresh produce fills the air.

Berastagi is in the Karo highlands, at an elevation of approximately 1,300 metres (4,300 feet) and 66 kilometres from Medan. Known for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and vibrant markets, it offers a delightful retreat from the bustling city of Medan. The town is nestled between two active volcanoes, Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung, creating a picturesque backdrop.

* It is also possible to return to Bukit Lawang town through the jungle by foot rather than by river tubing. Please mention this with your enquiry submission.

Views of the mainland and Lake Toba from Samosir Island, Sumatra

Day 4. Berastagi – Samosir island, Lake Toba

You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture of Berastagi as you depart for Lake Toba. You can visit the Fruit & Flower market (Pasar Buah & Bunga) to explore the wide array of colourful fresh tropical fruits, including passion fruit, oranges, durians, various flowers, plants on display and handicrafts. The hilltop viewpoint of Gundaling Hill offers views with stunning vistas of Berastagi, active volcanoes, the Barisan Mountain range and vast plantations.

The scenic drive to Lake Toba takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Karo Highlands. As you approach Lake Toba, you can visit the impressive Sipiso-Piso Waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery with northern views of Lake Toba, the waterfall cascades from a height of around 120 meters (390 feet).

As you gradually descend from the Karo highlands to Parapat, the gateway to the largest volcanic crater lake in the world, you will witness the mesmerising shores of Lake Toba (Danau Toba). To reach your overnight accommodation, you will take a ferry from Parapat to Samosir Island, a volcanic island within Lake Toba.

The ferry ride takes approximately 1 hour and offers stunning views of the super-volcanic crater lake, with its vast expanse of water surrounded by mountains and green landscapes. The ferry allows you to soak in the beauty of Lake Toba, enjoy the tranquil surroundings and take in views of Samosir Island.

Day 5. Samosir – tour to Tomok and Ambarita

Traditional Batak Toba Dance, Samosir

A natural wonder Lake Toba covers an area of approximately 1,130 square kilometers. Formed by a super volcanic eruption that occurred around 75,000 years ago, leaving behind a caldera that eventually filled with water.

Samosir Island lies at the centre of Lake Toba, a popular tourist destination known for its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. The island is dotted with traditional Batak villages. You will experience the unique Batak culture, on weekends witness traditional dances and music performances, explore ancient stone tombs of Tomok, megalithic sites and traditional Batak architecture in Ambarita.

Ulos is the traditional textile of the Batak people in North Sumatra. You can appreciate the traditional craftsmanship of the skilled weavers that each use traditional techniques passed down through generations to create vibrant and intricate handwoven textiles.

Lake Toba and Samosir are home to several waterfalls. You will travel around lush green hills, Mount Pusuk Buhit and have magnificent views of the lake to reach these tranquil cascades.

Day 6. Samosir – Medan by the plantation route

You will embark on a journey from the shores of Tuk Tuk to the bustling city of Medan. You day begins with a ferry ride across with the crystal-waters of Lake Toba. Once you reach the mainland, you will drive through picturesque landscapes until you arrive at endless palm, rubber, and cacao plantations.

On route you will make a stop at the historic city of Pematang Siantar where you can savour the flavours of Sumatra’s culinary delights. Indulge in a beloved local delicacy, peanut cookies. Made from high-quality peanuts, take the opportunity to bring home a box as a delicious memento of your journey through this pleasant city.

Charming City Oasis, Hotel Deli River

As you approach Medan, the landscape will transform into a vibrant cityscape, with colourful architecture and energetic atmosphere. Medan is the capital city of North Sumatra province and is Indonesia’s fourth most populous. Rich with cultural heritage it is home to various ethnic communities which is evident in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and festivals.

Your overnight accommodation (subject to availability) is located 12kms outside of the city centre in a charming riverside hotel. A peaceful city oasis escape from the traffic and bustling metropolitan area of Medan.

Day 7. Medan