Overview
This 13-day itinerary takes you on a journey to discover the natural and cultural treasures of northern and western Sumatra. Starting from Medan, you will head to Tangkahan, a small ecotourism village where you will enjoy a unique experience with elephants, go river tubing, and explore the tropical rainforest. In Bukit Lawang, you will hike through Leuser National Park to encounter wild orangutans in their natural habitat. Next, you will travel to Berastagi, renowned for its spectacular volcanic landscapes and Batak Karo culture.
You will then continue to the magnificent Lake Toba and Samosir Island, the heart of Batak Toba culture, where you will discover traditional villages and royal heritage sites. Finally, via Padang Sidempuan, you will reach Bukittinggi in the heart of Minangkabau country, known for its traditional palaces, vibrant markets, local handicrafts, and breathtaking scenery. A journey rich in nature, culture, and authentic encounters.
13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS EXPLORE SUMATRA
MEDAN – TANGKAHAN – BUKIT LAWANG – LAKE TOBA –BUKITTINGGI TOUR PLUS
TOUR CODE – RVL-13D-EXSUM
Tour Itinerary
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN MEDAN
Welcome to Sumatra! Upon arrival at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, you will be warmly greeted by your personal tour guide. A comfortable private transfer will take you to your hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to relax at the hotel, enjoy the facilities, or take a leisurely stroll to get your first impression of Medan, one of Indonesia’s most vibrant and diverse cities. The afternoon and evening are free for your own activities.
Accommodation: Emerald Garden Hotel / Le Polonia Hotel or similar hotel
Meals: None
DAY 02: MEDAN CITY TOUR – JOURNEY TO TANGKAHAN
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided city tour of Medan, a bustling metropolis where colonial, Malay, Chinese, and modern influences blend. Highlights include:
- A Chinese temple, reflecting the strong cultural presence of the Chinese community.
- The magnificent Great Mosque (Masjid Raya), one of Medan’s most important religious landmarks.
- The Sultan’s Palace of Deli (Maimun Palace), with its grand architecture blending Malay, Moghul, and Italian styles.
Afterwards, leave the city behind and begin the scenic drive to Tangkahan, often referred to as the “hidden paradise” of Sumatra. The route passes through Stabat and Batang Serangan, offering picturesque landscapes of countryside, rubber plantations, and small villages.
Arrive in Tangkahan in the afternoon and check into a simple but welcoming jungle lodge surrounded by pristine rainforest. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remote eco-destination.
Accommodation: Mega Inn or similar accommodation
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 03: ELEPHANT WASHING & RIVER SAFARI IN TANGKAHAN
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle before heading out on today’s extraordinary adventure. A short walk takes you to the Tangkahan Elephant Camp, where you will meet the mahouts (elephant keepers). Here, you can:
- Participate in the morning bathing ritual, joining the mahouts in washing the elephants in the river.
- Help with feeding the elephants, learning more about their daily care and habits.
- After this heartwarming experience, continue with a river tubing safari. Float gently downstream on inner tubes, surrounded by dense jungle and serenaded by the calls of tropical birds. Midway, stop at a waterfall to swim, take a refreshing “jungle shower,” sunbathe on the rocks, or simply relax. A Picnic lunch will be served on the riverbank. You may also choose to visit nearby natural hot springs for a rejuvenating dip.
In the afternoon, return by foot through a local village, where you will have the chance to interact with villagers and observe their daily routines, before heading back to your lodge.
*Optional: Instead of the elephant program, enjoy a 3-hour guided trek through Tangkahan’s lush rainforest. Spot fascinating flora and fauna, including Thomas leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, gibbons, and a variety of tropical plants.
(Note: Elephant activities are not available on Fridays or during Idul Fitri holidays)
Accommodation: Mega Inn Lodge or similar lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic lunch
DAY 04: TANGKAHAN – BUKIT LAWANG BY JEEP ADVENTURE
This morning, bid farewell to Tangkahan and embark on an adventurous overland journey to Bukit Lawang, traveling by rugged 4×4 jeep. The ride takes you through plantations, dense jungle trails, and remote villages, offering a glimpse of everyday rural life in Sumatra. Stops will be made along the way at:
- A local plantation, to see the crops that sustain the region.
- A village school, where you can observe the lives of local children.
- The exterior of a palm-oil factory, a major industry in Sumatra. (it’s outside only)
- Scenic viewpoints to admire the natural landscape and capture photographs.
By late afternoon, arrive in Bukit Lawang, the gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the last strongholds of the endangered orangutan. Check into your riverside accommodation, where the rushing sound of the Bahorok River and the jungle atmosphere create a magical backdrop for your stay.
Accommodation: Ecolodge Bukit Lawang Cottage / Rindu Alam Hotel / Wisma Sibayak or similar accommodation
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 05: JUNGLE TREKKING IN GUNUNG LEUSER NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, set out on a guided jungle trek deep into the Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the richest ecosystems in the world. Trek for about 3 hours through dense rainforest, keeping an eye out for:
- Semi-wild orangutans swinging gracefully through the trees.
- Other primates such as Thomas leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, gibbons, and black gibbons.
- Exotic bird species, tropical butterflies, and fascinating flora.
Your knowledgeable guide will explain the ecology of the rainforest, medicinal plants, and the importance of conservation in this UNESCO-listed ecosystem. After the trek, return to your lodge for a leisurely afternoon. You may relax by the river, explore nearby villages, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Accommodation: Ecolodge Bukit Lawang Cottage / Rindu Alam Hotel / Wisma Sibayak or similar accommodation
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 06: BUKIT LAWANG – BERASTAGI
This morning, travel from Bukit Lawang to the highland town of Berastagi, famous for its cool climate, fruit plantations, and views of surrounding volcanoes. The scenic route passes through villages such as Namu Ukur, Rumah Galuh, and Simpang Kuta Buluh, and offers dramatic views of Mount Sinabung, an active volcano.
Upon arrival in Berastagi, visit the following highlights:
- Lhumbini Park, featuring a golden replica of Myanmar’s famous Shwedagon Pagoda.
- The lively fruit and flower market, bursting with colorful produce and tropical flowers.
- Gundaling Hill, a viewpoint offering spectacular panoramas of Mt. Sibayak and Mt. Sinabung.
Later, check into your highland hotel and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Accommodation: Mikie Holiday Resort / Sibayak International Hotel or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 07: BERASTAGI – SAMOSIR ISLAND, LAKE TOBA
After breakfast depart for the legendary Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake, with an island the size of Singapore at its center. The journey includes several fascinating stops:
- Dokan Village (a traditional Batak Karo settlement with distinctive wooden houses)
- Sipisopiso Waterfall (plunging dramatically from a height of 90 meters into a gorge, with sweeping views over Lake Toba)
- Tele Viewpoint (offering a panoramic perspective of the lake from its western side)
- Efrata Waterfall (another beautiful cascade nestled in the hills)
- Lumban Suhi-suhi (where you can observe women weaving colorful traditional ulos textile)
By mid-afternoon, arrive in Tuk-Tuk on Samosir Island, set in the heart of Lake Toba, and check into
your lakeside hotel.
Accommodation: Tabo Cottages / Toledo Inn / Samosir Villa Resort
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 08: FULL-DAY EXCURSION ON SAMOSIR ISLAND
Spend a full day exploring the cultural treasures and natural beauty of Samosir Island by car:
- Ambarita Village, where ancient stone chairs and execution tables of the Batak tribal chieftains can still be seen.
- Tomok Village, where you can view the centuries-old stone sarcophagi of the Sidabutar kings and learn about Batak burial traditions.
In the afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy the tranquil lakeside atmosphere. You may take a
stroll along the shore, interact with locals, or relax by the water.
Accommodation: Tabo Cottages / Toledo Inn / Samosir Villa Resort
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 09: SAMOSIR ISLAND – PADANG SIDEMPUAN
After breakfast, cross by ferry back to Parapat and continue the overland drive southward to Padang Sidempuan. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops at:
- Plantations of pineapple, clove, and coffee garden, where the air is filled with natural aromas.
- Balige traditional market, a lively spot showcasing local produce and crafts.
- Sipoholon hot springs, with steaming pools set amidst volcanic landscapes.
Before reaching Padang Sidempuan, take a short walk along the Sarulla River, bordered by terraced rice fields, offering one of Sumatra’s most picturesque rural views. On arrival, check into your hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Mega Permata Hotel or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: PADANG SIDEMPUAN – BUKITTINGGI
After breakfast, continue the journey to Bukittinggi, a charming town in the Minangkabau Highlands. The road passes through the lush Rimba Panti tropical rainforest, home to unique flora and fauna. Along the way, visit plantations of pepper, vanilla, cardamom, and cinnamon, learning about the spices that have made Sumatra famous. A special moment awaits at Bonjol village, where you will cross the equator line, a unique photo opportunity. Arrive in Bukittinggi in the late
afternoon and check into your hotel.
Accommodation: Santika Hotel Bukittinggi or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: MINANGKABAU HIGHLANDS TOUR
Today’s tour reveals the fascinating heritage of the Minangkabau people, renowned for their matrilineal society and unique pointed-roof architecture. Highlights include:
- A scenic drive to Batusangkar via Tabek Patah, with a stop at Rao-Rao village to see a traditional settlement.
- A visit to a traditional coffee milling site, where coffee is still processed using old techniques.
- Pagaruyung Palace, an impressive replica of the royal palace of the Minangkabau Kingdom, richly decorated with carvings.
- A stop at Pandai Sikek, a village known for its exquisite hand-woven songket textiles and fine woodcarvings.
Back in Bukittinggi, enjoy a city tour including Panorama Sianok Canyon, Big Ben “land mark of Bukittinggi”, Fort de Kock, a local museum, and the bustling traditional market.
Accommodation: Santika Hotel Bukittinggi or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: VILLAGE EXPLORATION BY BICYCLE
This morning, drive about 30 minutes to Panampuang village. Begin with a visit to a traditional embroidery workshop, then set off on a gentle cycling excursion through the countryside. Along the way, you will:
- Pass through rice fields and, depending on the season, see farmers planting or harvesting. You may also join in for a hands-on experience.
- Visit a local school and interact with the children.
- Stop in villagers’ homes to see traditional crafts and snack-making.
- Pause at a village coffee shop, an important social hub, where you can taste authentic Minangkabau coffee and chat with the locals.
Return to Bukittinggi in the afternoon with lasting memories of this authentic cultural experience.
Accommodation: Santika Hotel Bukittinggi or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13: BUKITTINGGI – PADANG / AIRPORT
After breakfast drive to Padang via Anai Valley, on the way stop at Anai Waterfall, arrival at Padang directly transfer to airport. It will take about 2,5 hours driving to airport to catch the flight to next destination.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusion:
- Tours and transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle
- Local jeep for transfer from Tangkahan to Bukit Lawang
- Ferry crossing from Samosir Island to Parapat
- Accommodation based on twin / triple sharing room
- Daily breakfast
- English speaking tour guide
- Elephant washing + elephant feeding at Tangkahan
- Tubing at Tangkahan + Picnic lunch
- Jungle trekking at Bukit Lawang (03 hours) included: local guide and permit
- Bicycle trip at Bukittinggi
- Entrance fee as per itinerary as per itinerary
Exclusion:
- Airfares
- Airport taxes
- Insurance
- Donations
- Tips
- Porter service
- Lunch / dinner (which is not indicated on itinerary)
- Elephant walking at Tangkahan
- Camera permit at Leuser national park
- Personal expenses and gratuities.
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle before heading out on today’s extraordinary adventure. A short walk takes you to the Tangkahan Elephant Camp, where you will meet the mahouts (elephant keepers). Here, you can:
traveling by rugged 4×4 jeep. The ride takes you through plantations, dense jungle trails, and remote villages, offering a glimpse of everyday rural life in Sumatra. Stops will be made along the way at:
After breakfast, set out on a guided jungle trek deep into the Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the richest ecosystems in the world. Trek for about 3 hours through dense rainforest, keeping an eye out for:
plantations, and views of surrounding volcanoes. The scenic route passes through villages such as Namu Ukur, Rumah Galuh, and Simpang Kuta Buluh, and offers dramatic views of Mount Sinabung, an active volcano.
After breakfast depart for the legendary Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake, with an island the size of Singapore at its center. The journey includes several fascinating stops:
and unique pointed-roof architecture. Highlights include:
This morning, drive about 30 minutes to Panampuang village. Begin with a visit to a traditional embroidery workshop, then set off on a gentle cycling excursion through the countryside. Along the way, you will:
