The natural beauty of Sumatra

Medan

Day 1: Welcome to Sumatra

Welcome to the Indonesian island of Sumatra! After your arrival into the airport, transfer to Medan - capital of the North Sumatra province. Check into your accommodation here and rest after your travels, with some free time to set out and explore your surroundings before retiring for the night.

Medan - Bukit Lawang

Day 2: Eco-lodge stay surrounded by nature

From Medan, you'll transfer to the small tourist village of Bukit Lawang, located less than three hours' drive away. Upon arrival, check into your cosy eco-lodge accommodation and settle down after your journey. If you have enough energy to spare, head out to explore the local area.

Bukit Lawang is most famous for its jungle-trekking opportunities and abundant flora and fauna, owing to its prime position right by the UNESCO-listed Gunung Leuser National Park. Enjoy an overnight stay in your cottage here, surrounded by the immersive sounds of nature.

Bukit Lawang

Day 3: Into the heart of nature

Wake up to a wonderful day of jungle-trekking in Bukit Lawang, setting out to explore the trails and wildlife of Gunung Leuser National Park. A beautifully biodiverse space, this rainforest is home to around 750 species of animals, with splendid opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts and spotting the much-loved orangutan. Head back to Bukit Lawang afterwards, for an overnight stay at your eco-lodge.

Bukit Lawang - Berastagi

Day 4: A culture-packed journey to Berastagi

Bid farewell to your eco-lodge and leave Bukit Lawang behind as you make for your next stop, Berastagi, about four hours' drive away.

Stop to meet the locals across traditional Batak villages - there is so much culture in these traditional villages, offering you a glimpse into the daily life of the inhabitants of Sumatra. Then, stroll through a colourful fruit market - there, you could taste your way across succulent rambutans, mangosteens, dragonfruits, crunchy rose apples and the divisive durian, amongst others.

Continue on with a visit to the replica of Myanmar's Shwedagon Pagoda in Lumbini Natural Park, and as you reach Berastagi in the Karo highlands, marvel at the views of Mounts Sinabung and Sibayak.

Berastagi - Parapat - Samosir Island

Day 5: Volcanic peaks & islands

Why not start the day with a morning climb of Mount Sibayak? The volcano is high in geothermal activity, with fuming vents spewing out crystalline sulfur, and features a heart-shaped crater lake. Witness the sunrise as it casts its magical glow upon the stratovolcano's rugged surface, and reach the summit after a two- to thee-hour trek. Even if you choose to skip the climb, you'll have ample opportunities to explore the rich volcanic landscape and soak up panoramic views at every turn.

Leave Berastagi behind, journeying to iconic sights that include Batak Karo traditional villages, Sipiso Piso Waterfall, bolon houses showcasing typical North Sumatran architecture, and Jalan Simarjarunjung with its views over Lake Toba, the largest crater lake in the world. You'll end at Parapat's harbour, where you'll board a local ferry to Samosir Island and check into your accommodation.

Samosir Island

Day 6: Explore the riches of Samosir

A full day on the island of Samosir awaits! Fill your itinerary with rich local experiences, to truly understand the day-to-day lives of the island's locals. Watch a traditional dance performance from the Toba Batak people, visit the Lumban Suhi Suhi Museum to learn about daily life in one of the island's settlements, and visit the old tombs of the Sidabutar Kings.

Samosir Island - Parapat - Sipirok

Day 7: Journey southbound to Sipirok

Today, take the ferry back from Samosir Island to Parapat. There, prepare for a long drive to Bukittinggi over the next two days, with a stop mid-way in Sipirok to unwind for the night.

Along the way to Sipirok, you'll visit the traditional market at Balige Sigur-Gur as well as the Sipoholon Hot Springs. Before you arrive at your destination and check into your accommodation, take a moment to enjoy the stunning nature of this region by walking along the banks of the Sarulla River and the surrounding rice terraces.

Sipirok - Bukittinggi

Day 8: Continue your drive to Bukittinggi

The second leg of your long drive to Bukittinggi continues this morning. Along the way, you'll visit Sihepeng to see how the monkeys harvest coconuts and admire the exotic plantations of peppers, vanilla, cardamom, and cinnamon. You'll also take a moment to soak up the riches of the Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve, and cross the Equator line at Bonjol. In the early evening you'll reach Bukittinggi, where you'll have time to explore the city sights at leisure, before settling down in your accommodation for the night.

Bukittinggi

Day 9: Historic draws & far-reaching views

After breakfast, set off to the city of Batusangkar, about an hour's drive away. On the way, you'll stop at Rao-Rao to visit a traditional Minangkabau village and see the local coffee milling process. Then, from Batusangkar, you'll take a short drive to visit the Pagaruyung Palace, built in the 17th century in the traditional style of the Minangkabau people.

In the afternoon, return to Bukittinggi via Padang Panjang and embark on a scenic, two- to four-hour walk of Ngarai Sianok, soaking up panoramic valley and volcano views for as far as the eye can see.

Bukittinggi - Harau Valley

Day 10: The immersive beauty of the Harau Valley

Today, leave Bukittinggi behind as you make tracks for the Harau Valley - a wildlife-rich expanse that's affectionately known as the Yosemite of Indonesia. You'll drive for approximately three hours before reaching the valley, where you'll begin to journey across fertile land, soaking up the natural beauty that encircles you and immersing yourself in the reserve's tranquil atmosphere. Head to your accommodation for check-in, and relax for the night amidst splendid surroundings.

Harau Valley

Day 11: Into the heart of the valley

Continue exploring the many delights of the Harau Valley today, after only just scratching the surface yesterday. Stop to explore a traditional local village, then set off on an invigorating waterfall hike through lush terrain, before heading back to your accommodation for a restful night's sleep.

Harau Valley - Padang

Day 12: Journey to Padang

From the Harau Valley, it's on to the beautiful city of Padang, a former Dutch colony that showcases a unique architectural and cultural heritage.

Along the way, you'll stop at a traditional market to experience the bustle of daily life, and visit the Minangkabau Museum to learn about matrilineal Muslim culture. On your arrival into Padang, explore the port and mingle with traders from all over the world, then head out in search of flavourful local cuisine, before turning in for the night. It's your last full day exploring Sumatra's many draws, so be sure to get your fill!

Padang

Day 13: Goodbye, Sumatra

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Check out of your accommodation today, then prepare to transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Safe travels!