The Great Adventure Trip in Sumatra is an exhilarating journey through some of Sumatra’s most stunning natural landscapes, covering Medan, Tangkahan, Bukit Lawang, Lake Toba, and Kerinci Seblat National Park. This trip is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers who want to experience Sumatra’s rich biodiversity, pristine rainforests, and cultural heritage.

Overland trips from Medan to Leuser National park ( Tangkahan, Bukit Lawang),Lake Toba, then to to Bukit Tinggi (West Sumatera) and then explore Kerinci Seblat National park, experience the nature, culture and enjoying adventure.

Highlights Great Adventure Trip in Sumatra:

1. Medan – The Gateway to Sumatra
   • Start your journey in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, where you can explore historical landmarks like Maimun Palace, Great Mosque of Medan, and sample delicious local cuisine.
2. Tangkahan – The Hidden Jungle Paradise
   • Known as the “Hidden Paradise of Sumatra,” Tangkahan is a serene eco-tourism destination.
   • Enjoy elephant trekking and bathe with elephants at the Tangkahan Elephant Conservation Center.
   • Trek through lush rainforests, cross suspension bridges, and relax in natural hot springs.
3. Bukit Lawang – Home of the Orangutans
   • Bukit Lawang is famous for its Orangutan Rehabilitation Center in Gunung Leuser National Park.
   • Experience thrilling jungle trekking to see Sumatran orangutans and other exotic wildlife.
   • Try tubing down the Bohorok River for an exciting adventure.
4. Lake Toba – The Largest Volcanic Lake in the World
   • Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Toba, formed from a massive volcanic eruption.
   • Visit Samosir Island, home to the Batak Toba culture, and explore traditional villages like Tomok and Ambarita.
   • Enjoy panoramic views, waterfalls, and the refreshing cool climate of this volcanic highland.
5. Kerinci Seblat National Park – A Wildlife Haven
   • Venture into Kerinci Seblat National Park, home to the elusive Sumatran tiger and diverse flora and fauna.
   • Trek to the summit of Mount Kerinci, the highest volcano in Indonesia.
   • Explore the dense rainforests, visit Lake Gunung Tujuh, and witness the stunning scenery of this UNESCO-listed park.

Location Map

16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS GREAT SUMATRA ADVENTURE TRIP
MEDAN – TANGKAHAN – BUKIT LAWANG – LAKE TOBA – PADANG –KERINCI SEBLAT NATIONAL PARK
TOUR CODE – RVL-16D-GRSUMADV

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, whereyou 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: BUKITTINGGI – KERINCI

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive from Bukittinggi to Kerinci, passing through some of West Sumatra’s most stunning landscapes. Along the way you will travel via Muara Labuh with stops at Lake Singkarak, famous for its crystal-clear waters and traditional fishing boats, and the Twin Lakes (Lake Diatas and Lake Dibawah), two serene volcanic lakes surrounded by green hills. The journey also includes a visit to a Minangkabau village, where you can admire the traditional architecture and learn more about the rich cultural heritage of West Sumatra. Another highlight is a stop at the beautiful Letter W Waterfall, a refreshing natural wonder nestled in the lush highlands.
By late afternoon, you will arrive in Kerinci, where you will check in at a simple but welcoming homestay.
Accommodation: Kerinci View Homestay or similar accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13: LAKE GUNUNG TUJUH TREKKING ADVENTURE

After breakfast, Lake Gunung Tujuh (Danau Gunung Tujuh) National Park, one of the highlights of Kerinci Seblat National Park. Located at 1,995 meters above sea level, this mystical crater lake is the highest in Southeast Asia and is surrounded by pristine primary rainforest and seven majestic peaks. Begin your trekking adventure through lush jungle trails, where you may encounter unique
flora and fauna. The area is home to rare wildlife including Sumatran tigers, elephants, primates, and endemic bird species, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Enjoy a Picnic lunch by the lakeside, while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. The rest of the day is spent exploring the surroundings, searching for exotic plants and listening to the calls of the forest. By late afternoon, return to your homestay.
Accommodation: Kerinci View Homestay or similar accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic lunch

DAY 14: KERINCI – ENJOYING THE ATMOSPHERE

After a leisurely breakfast, spend the day immersed in the serene beauty of Kerinci Seblat National Park. Begin with a visit to the Kayu Aro Tea Plantation, where the rolling green tea terraces offer perfect opportunities for landscape photography. Stroll along the nearby rivers, capturing reflections and the misty morning ambiance over the water. Explore the surrounding villages to witness local life in action. This relaxed day combines scenic landscapes, cultural encounters, and wildlife observation, making it a perfect day for both exploration and capturing memorable photographs.
Accommodation: Kerinci View Homestay or similar accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15: KERINCI – PADANG

After breakfast at your accommodation in Kerinci, the day begins with a visit to the Semurup Hot  Spring, a natural geothermal site where you can enjoy the warm mineral waters surrounded by lush greenery. Next, explore the historic mosque of Kerinci, famous for its impressive giant drum, an iconic relic of the region’s cultural heritage. Continue to Lake Kerinci, the largest volcanic lake in
Sumatra, where you can take in breathtaking panoramic views and capture memorable photographs of the serene waters framed by surrounding hills.
After leaving Lake Kerinci, begin the scenic drive to Padang via Painan, making a stop at Bungus Beach, a pristine coastal area where the Indian Ocean meets soft white sands, perfect for a relaxing stroll or quick photo session. Upon arrival in Padang, check in at Hotel in Padang, where you can unwind after a day of cultural and natural exploration.
Accommodation: Santika Premiere Hotel Padang or similar hotel
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 16: DEPARTURE FROM PADANG

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, spend your free day at leisure in Padang. You can take a relaxing stroll along the nearby streets, or simply unwind at the hotel while enjoying the city’s tropical ambiance. When the time comes, you will be transferred to Minangkabau International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Sumatra journey.
Meals: Breakfast

Included

• 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
• Fullday trekking at Kerinci Seblat national park included local guide, permit and Picnic lunch
• Entrance fee as per itinerary

Excluded

• Airfares
• Airport taxes
• Insurance
• Donations
• Tips
• Porter
• Lunch / dinner (which is not indicated on itinerary)
• Elephant walking at Tangkahan
• Camera permit at Bukit Lawang
• All personal gratuities