Tours through the beautiful North of Sumatra

2 weeks Sumatra

Bukit Lawang – Berastagi – Sipiso Piso Waterfall – Lake Toba – Banyak Islands

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Embark on a captivating 14-day journey with us, exploring the beautiful and diverse north of Sumatra. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the Karo and Batak people, and discover one of the world’s most diverse arrays of flora and fauna! Highlights range from orangutan encounters during jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang and climbing an active volcano at sunrise to a scenic ferry ride on the world’s largest crater lake. Marvel at the clear turquoise waters surrounding pristine white sandy beach islands and don’t miss the opportunity to witness sea turtles in their natural habitat amid the breathtaking blue paradise of the Banyak Islands.

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival Day ~ Travelling from Medan Airport (KNO) to Bukit Lawang

Upon arrival at Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) in Medan, you will be picked up by your private driver. The journey to Bukit Lawang takes around 3 to 4 hours, passing Medan and onwards along many palm oil plantations. On the way you can stop at anytime for having lunch/dinner (depending on your flight arrival time), for visiting an ATM as there is none in Bukit Lawang(!), or for buying a SIM card. Our driver will help you communicate with the locals. When you arrive in Bukit Lawang, our organiser Sandi will welcome you and take you to your accommodation. From now on it's time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the jungle village...

Day 2:
Enchanting Exploration ~ Unveiling Bukit Lawang's Surroundings

On this day, you can choose from a variety of activities in Bukit Lawang's surroundings. There's the impressive bat cave, the chance to search for the rare giant flowers Titan Arum and Rafflesia, the hidden paradise of Tangkahan where you can visit the rescued forest elephants, our village tour to discover the rural area behind Bukit Lawang where local farmers grow rice, produce tempeh and brown sugar or weave roofs, or some special activities like our ecorpinting workshop with local women or the jungle cooking class in Batu Kapal.

Day 3:
Embark on our 2-Day Jungle Trekking Adventure ~ Feel the Magic of Sumatra's Rainforest

Experience two exciting days and a magical night in the rainforest of Sumatra! Our jungle trek starts at 9am after breakfast at your accommodation. It gives you the unforgettable opportunity to go deeper into the rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park where our close relatives and many other wild animals will be waiting for you. During these two days of rainforest exploration with your jungle guide, you may encounter not only orangutans but also gibbons, up to 4 different species of monkeys, turtles, the great argus pheasant, monitor lizards and many more fascinating animals! Enjoy delicious home-cooked Indonesian meals during your trek and an evening full of interesting conversations and fun games. You will spend the night in our camp under the canopy of the impressive jungle giants, while being surrounded by the wonderful sounds of the jungle. A second day in the rainforest of North Sumatra awaits you...

Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent, a large bottle of water for each of you and some toilet paper 😉 As it's the rainforest, we also advise you to bring light rain capes and long clothing for the night. Please inform us about your state of health and any allergies/intolerances before the trek.

Day 4:
Exciting River Rafting ~ Fun-promising Return to Bukit Lawang

Wake up in the morning together with the wildlife of Gunung Leuser National Park. After a lovingly decorated breakfast, you can continue your jungle trek for a few hours to observe other inhabitants of the Indonesian rainforest, or relax at the camp and explore the surroundings. Between noon and 2 pm we return by the traditional rafting tour on our "jungle taxi" (large rubber tyres knotted together as a boat) to Bukit Lawang. Lots of fun is guaranteed! Back in the village your guide will take you to your accommodation. In the afternoon you can do more activities, go for a walk around Bukit Lawang, have a coffee or a fresh juice, admire the numerous wooden artworks and spend time by the river. Or just relax in a hammock and let the impressions of the last few days sink in...

Day 5:
Discovering North Sumatra's Volcanic Treasures ~ From Bukit Lawang to Berastagi

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your private driver who will be your guide through North Sumatra from now on. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours and leads through a lush, mountainous jungle landscape that offers many beautiful views! Along the way, we will make several stops: You can explore two volcanic ghost towns (abandoned villages due to volcanic eruptions), enjoy lunch with an impressive view of the mostly smoking volcano Mt Sinabung (the neighbouring volcano to Mount Sibayak) and visit a local Catholic church. Around 5 pm you will arrive at your accommodation in Berastagi.

Day 6:
Early Morning Expedition ~ Ascending Sibayak Volcano for Sunrise Spectacle

Early in the morning, at 4.30 am (!), you will travel with your local guide to the Sibayak volcano, where your hike begins around 1.5 hours on foot from the crater. With a bit of luck, you will witness a beautiful sunrise up there with a panoramic view over North Sumatra. But even on cloudy days, it is a very special experience to hike an active volcano with countless hot spots, steaming holes in the ground and the smell of sulphur all around you. As it is quite cold at the top of the volcano (please bring warm clothes!), you can warm up again afterwards in the volcano's natural hot springs. Later, you'll have a late breakfast at your accommodation and some time to rest before there's more to discover in the afternoon...

In the afternoon, your driver will show you the famous market of Berastagi, which is filled with the freshest fruits of the region, plants, clothes and accessories - it's really interesting to see and the best thing: you can try as many fruits as you want 😀 Afterwards, you will visit a museum about Karo culture and a famous church. In the evening, you have the opportunity to have dinner together with your driver at Berastagi's night market to get to know the lively night flair.

Day 7:
Journey to Lake Toba ~ Exploring Sipiso Piso Waterfall, traditional Villages & Lakeside Wonders

After breakfast you continue your tour to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic crater lake in the world. The drive from Berastagi to the port of Lake Toba takes about 5 to 6 hours. On the way we stop at Dokan village to learn about the traditional Karo and Batak culture of Berastagi and of course at Sipiso Piso waterfall - one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia! Here you have the opportunity to climb down to the bottom of the waterfall (one way takes about 40 minutes). Later, as we approach Lake Toba, breathtaking views of the lake will present themselves - you can stop as many times as you like. Time for lunch is planned as well, of course. At the harbour in Parapat, you will then take the ferry to Samosir Island (Tuktuk) in the late afternoon. The crossing takes around 45 minutes. Once on the island, your driver will take you to your guesthouse. The evening is now at your free disposal.

Day 8:
Venturing across Samosir Island~ Unveiling Cultural Treasures and the Majestic Beauty of Lake Toba

Today, prepare for an unforgettable exploration of Samosir Island. The tour begins around 10 am, post-breakfast, and winds down by 4 pm. Accompanied by your driver, you'll be taken away to a myriad of cultural sites: Step back in time at Huta Siallagan, once ruled by a legendary cannibalism king (whose descendants still live there today!), immerse yourself in the rhythms of the Batak dance - a vibrant celebration of local culture, continue your journey with a visit to an intriguing history museum and pay homage at the cemetery of the Sidabutar kings. Lastly, ascend to a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint, offering magnificent views of Lake Toba - a natural wonder formed around 75,000 years ago by a colossal supervolcanic explosion. Stretching approximately 100 kilometers in length, with a width of up to 30 kilometers and depths exceeding 500 meters, Lake Toba stands as a testament to the earth's awe-inspiring power. Enjoy the impressions!

If you woul like to spend an extra day on Samosir Island to slow down a bit, just let us know in your booking. You can rent motorbikes or kayaks to discover more of the beautiful island and lake landescape on your own.

Day 9:
Setting off towards Singkil~ From Mountain Landscapes to Coastal Paradises

At 8 am after breakfast, the journey continues towards Singkil, a small town at the west coast of Sumatra. It will be a long drive: after leaving Samosir Island via a small bridge and crossing over to the mainland, the journey takes about 7 to 8 hours. But you can always stop and discover something in between. Before you leave Samosir Island, your driver will show you other beautiful and interesting places, such as Lumban Suhi Suhi, where you can try your hand at traditional Ulos weaving, the impressive Efrata Waterfall and Holbung Hill, which offers marvellous views! Then it's time to say goodbye to the mountains and head for the beach! The stop for lunch is halfway along the route in the town of Sidikalang. Around 5 pm you will then arrive at your accommodation at Singkil, where you will sleep for one night before heading to the Banyak Islands by boat.

Day 10:
Journey to Paradise ~ Welcome to Tailana Island

In the morning, your driver will bring you to Singkil Harbour. From there, an experienced skipper will take you on a private (fast) boat directly to your accommodation on Tailana Island. The scenic boat tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours. Please note that this journey is weather-dependent and will be postponed in case of poor weather to ensure everyone's safety.

Tailana Island is a hidden gem, offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. You'll find yourself in a stunning blue paradise, perfect for exploring the underwater world, lounging on white sandy beaches, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of this remote archipelago. Now it's time to relax and enjoy your slice of tropical heaven! As you settle into the rhythm of island life, don't forget to take leisurely strolls along the shoreline, where you can witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Whether you're indulging in water sports, savoring fresh seafood, or simply basking in the warmth of the sun, Tailana Island promises an unforgettable escape into paradise.

Day 11:
Turtle Expedition ~ Discovering Bangkaro Island

Embark on an exciting turtle expedition, starting after lunch, as you journey to Bangkaro Island. Despite its rugged coastline and challenging swimming conditions, the island's allure lies in its dense forests and pristine wilderness, providing a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including nesting sea turtles. As night falls, prepare for an enchanting turtle-watching experience, a mesmerizing spectacle you won't soon forget! To reach the observation area, anticipate a half-hour walk through the jungle and along the beach, immersing yourself in the island's natural beauty along the way. Accommodations on the island are rustic, offering a chance to disconnect from modern comforts and embrace the simplicity of island life.

Day 12:
Relaxing Day ~ Returning to Tailana Island

After breakfast, bid farewell to Bangkaro Island and embark on a journey back to Tailana Island. Reflect on the captivating experiences and unforgettable moments you've had during your time on Bangkaro Island as you travel back to the comfort of Tailana Island. Once back on Tailana Island, immerse yourself in a day filled with snorkeling, swimming, and relaxation. Explore the crystal-clear waters surrounding Pulau Banyak, discovering hidden underwater wonders as you snorkel amidst vibrant coral reefs and tropical marine life.

Day 13:
Embracing Paradise ~ Last Day on the Maldives of Indonesia

Enjoy your last full day on the Maldives of Indonesia, as the islands are often called, and absorb the beauty of nature: White sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise-blue warm water, and green palm trees above you. The perfect place to escape and feel at peace. Consider booking additional boat trips to reach prime snorkeling or diving spots, or embark on an island-hopping excursion to explore the many beautiful islands that comprise the Pulau Banyak archipelago. Let each moment be a testament to the natural splendor of this remote paradise, offering endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

Day 14:
Farewell to Sumatra's Colorful Paradise ~ Heading back to Medan

We have reached the end of our tour through Sumatra, bidding farewell to the blue island paradise of Pulau Banyak. Today marks a long journey ahead as we make our way to Medan. For those seeking a more relaxed journey, consider breaking up the drive with a stopover at Sajjan Heritage Farm, located halfway between Pulau Banyak and Medan, near Lake Toba. From Singkil, it takes approximately 6 to 7 hours to reach this tranquil retreat. After a restful night at Sajjan Heritage Farm, continue your journey to Medan. The drive from the farm to the airport takes a minimum of 5 hours, ensuring you arrive at your hotel in Medan/at the airport in time. Whether you opt for a direct drive or choose to break up the journey with a stopover, your adventure through Sumatra concludes with memories of its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.

Day 15:
Coming Home ~ Return Flight

It's time to say goodbye to Sumatra...
Depending on which hotel you choose in Medan and when your return flight departs, you will have some time to relax in the morning before the airport shuttle takes you to Medan International Airport (KNO) from where you will fly back home or continue your journey to other parts of the world...

Price

per Person (Minimum 2 People)
from 1.000€
  • Airport pick up in Medan
  • 14x Accommodation (partly incl. breakfast)
  • 2-day Jungle Trek in Bukit Lawang
  • Another activity in Bukit Lawang
  • Private driver from Bukit Lawang to Singkil
  • Entrance & parking fees
  • Volcano hike with local mountain guide in Berastagi
  • Samosir Island Discovery Tour (Lake Toba)
  • Speed boat to & from Banyak Islands
  • Sea turtle tour on Banyak Islands
  • Private driver from Singkil to Medan

Accommodation options

  • Bukit Lawang:
    - Fido Dido Guesthouse from 250.000 IDR
    - Ecolodge from 500.000 IDR (incl. breakfast)
  • Berastagi:
    - Kaesa Homestay from 300.000 IDR
    - Smiley's Homestay from 300.000 IDR
    - Kalang Ulu Hotel from 400.000 IDR
  • Lake Toba:
    - Romlan Guesthouse from 300.000 IDR
    - Leokap Homestay from 300.000 IDR
    - Tabo Cottages from 650.000 IDR (incl. breakfast)
  • Banyak Islands:
    - Tailana Island Pulau Banyak from 800.000 IDR
    (full board for 250.000 IDR per person/day)
  • Singkil:
    - MB Camp Singkil from 500.000 IDR
  • Medan:
    - Prime Plaza Hotel from 650.000 IDR (incl. breakfast & airport shuttle)
Request

Note:

The price shown is a starting price. It includes all inclusive services listed. Higher prices apply especially in the high season from June to August and on Indonesian public holidays or depending on your chosen activites and accommodations.

We ask for your understanding to book all flights independently.

We are happy to adapt the tour to your individual wishes. Just inform us about your time schedule and what you would like to do. We are looking forward to plan your holiday in Sumatra together with you!

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