Embark on an unforgettable 16-day adventure combining the wild heart of Sumatra with the serene charm of a tropical island escape. This journey takes you deep into the pristine jungles of Gunung Leuser National Park, home to the rare Sumatran orangutan, and ends with a relaxing retreat on the paradise shores of Pulau Weh, just off the northern tip of Sumatra.

Discover Sumatra Elephant, Sumatra Orang Utan and other kind of flora and fauna of National park, explore the Jungle of Sumatra and get amazing experience during your holiday in Leuser National park, enjoy the rewarding naturalist’s experience and exploring the pristine Leuser Ecosystem, Explore the beauty of Weh Island with its white sandy beach and great place for snorkeling & diving.

16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS EXPLORE LEUSER NATIONAL PARK + LEISURE AT PULAU WEH
NORTH SUMATRA & ACEH PROVINCE OVERLAND TOUR
TOUR CODE – RVL-16D-EXL-WEH

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: SUNRISE HIKING AT MOUNT SIBAYAK VOLCANO

Start the day early with a 03:30 am drive to the slopes of Mount Sibayak, one of North Sumatra’s most accessible volcanoes. From here, begin a rewarding trek of approximately three hours (round trip) to reach the summit. At the peak, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the volcanic landscape and, if weather permits, a breathtaking sunrise over the Karo Highlands. Mount Sibayak is famous for its geothermal activity, where steaming fumaroles release sulfur gases that form striking crystalline deposits. You’ll also find a small, heart-shaped crater lake surrounded by volcanic rock formations, where past visitors have left “love” messages using the stones. This is the perfect spot to capture memorable photos.
After exploring the summit and admiring the otherworldly scenery, descend the volcano via an alternate route. Reward yourself with a relaxing dip in one of the natural hot spring pools at the base, a soothing way to refresh after the climb.
Accommodation: Mikie Holiday Resort / Sibayak International Hotel or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 08: BERASTAGI – KETAMBE (GATEWAY TO THE JUNGLE OF GUNUNG LEUSER NATIONAL PARK)

After breakfast, the journey continues towards Ketambe (Gurah), a quiet and remote jungle village located in the Aceh region of the vast Gunung Leuser National Park. Along the way, you will stop at Lingga Village, a traditional Batak Karo settlement where visitors can admire the unique architecture and learn about the heritage of the Karo people. The scenic drive takes you across the dramatic Bukit Barisan Mountain range, with stops at several picturesque points for short breaks and photography.
Upon arrival in Ketambe, check in to a simple local guesthouse surrounded by rainforest. Ketambe has long been known as a basecamp for jungle trekking, attracting researchers, wildlife photographers, and adventurers seeking encounters with Sumatran wildlife in its natural habitat. The afternoon is free to relax, chat with fellow trekkers, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of this jungle outpost. There is an undeniable sense of adventure in the air, as tomorrow your journey into the rainforest begins.
Accommodation: Thousand Hill Guesthouse / Pondok Wisata or similar accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 09: KETAMBE – FULL DAY JUNGLE TREKKING ADVENTURE (WILD ORANGUTANS, GIBBONS, TROPICAL BIRDS & RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE)

After breakfast at your guesthouse, set out for an unforgettable full-day trekking adventure in the Gunung Leuser National Park rainforest. The trek begins with a short walk along the village road before entering narrow jungle trails, sometimes muddy and challenging, that lead you deep into the wilderness. This area is renowned for its abundant wildlife, and with some luck you may encounter wild orangutans swinging high in the canopy, playful gibbons, siamangs with their distinctive calls, Thomas leaf monkeys, and groups of macaques. The rainforest is also home to fascinating reptiles, small mammals, and a dazzling variety of tropical birds such as hornbills, eagles, and kingfishers.  As you move through the towering rainforest, your guide will share insights about the ecosystem, pointing out unique plants, medicinal herbs, giant trees, and colorful jungle flowers. Around
midday, enjoy a Picnic lunch in the forest, prepared by your local guide, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
In the afternoon, continue exploring deeper into the rainforest, searching for wildlife and soaking in the pristine atmosphere of one of the last great rainforests in Sumatra. Slowly trek back to Ketambe in the late afternoon, where the rest of the day is free to relax at your lodge or reflect on your jungle experience.
Accommodation: Thousand Hill Guesthouse / Pondok Wisata or similar accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic lunch

DAY 10: KETAMBE – TAKENGON SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH THE GAYO HIGHLANDS

After breakfast, begin a spectacular overland journey from Ketambe to Takengon, the heart of the Gayo Highlands. The road winds through hilly landscapes, offering endless scenic views of lush rainforests, flowing rivers, terraced rice fields, valleys, and traditional villages. Although the drive is long and challenging, it is one of the most rewarding routes in Sumatra, filled with natural beauty at every turn.
By afternoon, arrive in Takengon, a charming small town set at 1,200 meters above sea level. Takengon lies on the shores of Lake Lut Tawar, a stunning crater lake framed by rolling hills and coffee plantations. The region enjoys a cool climate and is world-famous for its Gayo coffee, one of Indonesia’s most prized Arabica varieties. Take some time to relax after the journey, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and soak in the peaceful highland atmosphere before checking in to your hotel.
Accommodation: Parkside Gayo Petro Hotel or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11: TAKENGON – FREE DAY TO EXPLORE THE GAYO HIGHLANDS

Today is a free day to enjoy the serene beauty of Takengon and the surrounding Gayo Highlands. This area is home to the Gayo people, an ethnic group with their own unique language, traditions, and culture. One of the highlights is the lively local market, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by friendly residents. The genuine hospitality of the Gayo community makes this visit a truly unforgettable cultural experience.
For early risers, a short drive takes you to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Lut Tawar, where you can witness a breathtaking sunrise over the crater lake and the highland town below. From there, enjoy a leisurely walk through lush coffee plantations, where some of Indonesia’s best Arabica coffee is grown. It is also possible to visit a nearby traditional fishing village, known for its examples of classic Acehnese wooden architecture. Here, you can enjoy a freshly prepared local lunch in a simple restaurant while soaking up the atmosphere of authentic highland life.
The rest of the day is yours to relax, explore, or simply take in the cool mountain air.
Accommodation: Parkside Gayo Petro Hotel or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12: TAKENGON – JOURNEY TO BANDA ACEH

After breakfast, we leave the cool highlands of Takengon and begin a scenic drive along winding mountain roads, gradually descending to the coast of Aceh. The journey offers countless beautiful views of valleys, rivers, and small rural villages before reaching Banda Aceh, the provincial capital, in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, you will immediately notice how well-kept and modern the city looks today. Following the devastating tsunami of December 26, 2004, Banda Aceh has been rebuilt with extensive support from the international community, blending modern structures with its rich cultural heritage. A highlight of the city is the magnificent Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman, an iconic mosque and symbol of Aceh’s resilience. The relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and mix of tradition with modernity make Banda Aceh a fascinating destination to explore.
Accommodation: Kyriad Muraya Hotel / Alhambra Hotel or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13: BANDA ACEH – WEH ISLAND

In the morning, take a short city transfer to Ulee Lheue Harbor in Banda Aceh. Standing here, it is almost impossible to imagine that the sea once reached more than five kilometers inland during the 2004 tsunami. From the harbor, board a fast boat for a scenic one-hour crossing to Weh Island (Pulau Weh), a tropical paradise located at the northern tip of Sumatra. * Transport and tour guide services ends upon arrival at the Ulee Lheue harbor.
Upon arrival at Balohan Harbor, you will be welcomed by our other local driver and transferred to your seaside accommodation. Your hotel is set on a quiet bay with direct access to a sandy beach, perfect for relaxing after your journey. From your room or terrace, enjoy sweeping ocean views and the sound of gentle waves, the perfect start to your island escape.
Accommodation: Pulau Weh Paradise / Casanemo Resort
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14: WEH ISLAND FREE DAY AT LEISURE

Enjoy a relaxing day on Weh Island, a mountainous tropical paradise known for its crystal-clear waters and laid-back atmosphere. The island is home to beautiful beaches such as Iboih Beach and Gapang Beach, offering plenty of activities. Or you can book optional experiences as follow:

• Snorkeling or scuba diving to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
• Joining a fishing trip with local fishermen.
• Taking a becak (motorized rickshaw) tour to explore the island’s scenic villages and viewpoints.

Or simply relaxing by the beach with stunning sea views.
Important note: For safety reasons, scuba diving should be avoided at least 24 hours before
your departure flight.
Accommodation: Pulau Weh Paradise / Casanemo Resort
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15: WEH ISLAND FREE DAY AT LEISURE

Enjoy a relaxing day on Weh Island, a mountainous tropical paradise known for its crystal-clear waters and laid-back atmosphere. The island is home to beautiful beaches such as Iboih Beach and Gapang Beach, offering plenty of activities. Or you can book optional experiences as follow:

• Snorkeling or scuba diving to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
• Joining a fishing trip with local fishermen.
• Taking a becak (motorized rickshaw) tour to explore the island’s scenic villages and viewpoints.

Or simply relaxing by the beach with stunning sea views.
Important note: For safety reasons, scuba diving should be avoided at least 24 hours before
your departure flight.
Accommodation: Pulau Weh Paradise / Casanemo Resort
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 16: WEH ISLAND – BANDA ACEH / AIRPORT

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Balohan Harbor at 07:00. Take the fast boat departing at 08:00 AM to Banda Aceh. Upon arrival at Ulee Lheue Harbor, you will be met by our driver and transferred directly to Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport for your onward flight to your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast

Inclusion:

• Tours and transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle from day 01 until day 13 (except during stay at Weh Island)
• Transfer from Balohan harbour Sabang to accommodation in Weh Island
• Transfer from accommodation in Weh Island to Balohan harbour Sabang
• Transfer from Ulee Lheue harbour Banda Aceh to airport
• Local jeep for transfer from Tangkahan to Bukit Lawang
• Return fast boat for crossing from Banda Aceh to Weh Island
• Accommodation based on twin / triple sharing room
• Daily breakfast
• English speaking tour guide from day 01 until day 13
• Elephant washing + elephant feeding at Tangkahan
• Tubing at Tangkahan + Picnic lunch
• Jungle trekking at Bukit Lawang (03 hours) included: local guide and permit
• Sibayak volcano climbing included: local guide and permit
• Fullday jungle trekking at Ketambe included: local guide, permit and Picnic lunch
• Entrance fee as per itinerary

Exclusion:

• Airfares
• Airport taxes
• Insurance
• Donations
• Tips
• Porter
• Lunch / dinner (which is not indicated on itinerary)
• Elephant walking at Tangkahan, camera permit at Leuser national park
• Tour guide and transport during stay at Weh Island
• Excursion at Weh Island
• All personal gratuities.