Sumatra Adventure
Sumatra Adventure
Sumatra Adventure
10 Days Starting and ending in Medan
Visiting: Medan, Bukit Lawang, Gunung Leuser National Park, Gunung Leuser National Park/Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, Mt. Sibayak/Berastagi, Lake Toba
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TIST
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
12-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Steamy Sumatra is a rugged jungle paradise for all types of adventurers. The world’s sixth largest island is teeming with untamed nature and is home to many endangered species, including the Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros, elephants and the acclaimed orangutan. On this ten-day Sumatran expedition, travel from Medan to Bukit Lawang and explore Gunung Leuser National Park. Head to Berastagi and hike up the steaming active volcano Sibayak, basking in the glory of misty panoramas from the summit. Finish in Samonsir on Lake Toba, where the colourfully dressed Christian Batak people welcome you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Medan
Location: Medan
Accommodation: Hotel
Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia. The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you happen to arrive early, perhaps check out Maimun Palace – designed by a Dutch Architect and built in the 19th century, it combines architecture from Malay, Indian and Islamic cultures and is now a museum. Alternatively, buy a ticket and take a guided tour of the museum at Tjong A Fie Mansion – known as ‘the historical jewel in Medan’, the Tjong A Fie was built in 1895 by a hakka merchant and is modelled on the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion in Penang. After your meeting, maybe grab some street food at one of the night markets in town.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Bukit Lawang
Location: Bukit Lawang
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
Jump aboard a private vehicle and drive to Bukit Lawang. The first part of the journey involves quite heavy traffic, but the roads are nice and smooth. Closer to Bukit Lawang it gets bumpy and windy, so brace yourself for a bit of an adventure. The reward for the journey is Bukit Lawang – a peaceful village on the banks of the Bohorok river, right next to the Gunung Leuser National Park. In the afternoon you can take an optional tour in the countryside by becak (cycle rickshaw) or cool off with a refreshing swim in the river. There will be also be plenty of time to prepare for your jungle trek.
Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Gunung Leuser National Park
Location: Gunung Leuser National Park
Accommodation: Camping (with no facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Set off on your trekking adventure through the Gunung Leuser National Park with an experienced guide. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans 7927 sq km and is one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. It's the home of many endangered species, including the Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros and elephants. These animals are extremely rare, but you’ll get the chance to go in search for wild orangutans. There used to be an orangutan rehabilitation centre here, but now these creatures have all been returned to their natural habitat, so this is your best chance in Indonesia to see orangutans in the wild. There are also 300 species of birds and many rare plants and flowers. Along the way, your guides will point out orangutan nests, edible plants for you to try, monkeys and birds. Tonight you’ll camp in the jungle – enjoy the atmosphere of the wild as the sun goes down and the guides cook dinner for the group.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Gunung Leuser National Park/Bukit Lawang
Location: Gunung Leuser National Park/Bukit Lawang
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Today, your adventure takes you deeper into the heart of Gunung Leuser National Park. Following a hearty breakfast, head out on another invigorating trek, this time in a new direction, promising even more opportunities to encounter the park's incredible wildlife. Let the lush surroundings envelop you in a natural symphony of sights and sounds, then return to the guesthouse in Bukit Lawang to unwind in the afternoon. Settle in for a restful evening, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Berastagi
Location: Berastagi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to the jungle this morning and head out for Berastagi – the home of the Karo people, a Batak sub-group with traditional villages (long houses) and your destination for the next two nights. Arrive after lunch, then enjoy the free time to explore at your own pace or take the opportunity to rest and recharge after two long days of trekking.
Day 6: Mt. Sibayak/Berastagi
Location: Mt. Sibayak/Berastagi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Your day starts with a short drive to the starting point of today's hike, which will bring you to the top of the Sibayak Volcano (2094 m). The trail can be quite steep, muddy and slippery, especially in the wet season. You’ll follow a shady jungle path which, towards the top, opens into an alpine setting. Long pants are essential to protect you from poisonous plants, and a trekking stick will also come in handy! From the summit, you can see (and hear) the steaming vapours escaping from the fumaroles of this active volcano. After the descent, sit down for a traditional bungkus lunch just in time to reward your hardwork on the hike and enjoy the views. You’ll then head back for a relax. You may also choose to go to the nearby hot springs for a soothing soak – after a few days of trekking, relaxing in these pools, which are all naturally heated by the volcano, will be a welcome relief.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Lake Toba
Location: Lake Toba
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, head to Lake Toba – surrounded by mountains, this spot is a peaceful place to relax. Formed by a huge volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago, a second eruption 50,000 years later created an island the size of Singapore in the middle of the lake (Samosir Island). Stop at Dokan Village along the way, where you'll find the traditional homes of local Batak families. From here, take a ferry across the glistening waters to Samosir Island, then drive to your lakeside accommodation. You have a free night to unwind and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance – your accommodation is right next to the lake and there’s nice views of the water, mountains and rice fields.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Lake Toba
Location: Lake Toba
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Embark on a day tour in Samosir today. Visit the Stone Chairs and the Simanindo Museum (in a traditional house). You’ll also travel up to a viewpoint on the island which gives you a panoramic vista of Lake Toba and the surrounding Sumatran countryside. Walk through nearby rice fields and stop by a local Batak house for a traditional lunch. Toba Island is dotted with many ancient and modern grave sites, several of which you’ll see today. You’ll also have the chance to attend a traditional Batak dance performance!
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Medan
Location: Medan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to Lake Toba, then drive to the Lake Port. Hop aboard a rustic wooden boat and glide to Tiga Raja Port. Take a moment to peruse the stalls of the weekly market nearby, then head on to Medan. This is a bit of a travel day, but the passing landscapes are perfect to pass the time if you can grab a window seat! Arrive in Medan in the late afternoon, then maybe head out for a farewell dinner with your group and local leader, celebrating an amazing adventure.
Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Medan
Location: Medan
Meals Included: breaksfast
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end in Medan this morning after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (4 nts), Camping (1 nt), Guesthouse (4 nts) -
Gunung Leuser NP - Jungle Wildlife Trek
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Gunung Leuser NP - Trekking Lunch
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Gunung Leuser NP - Campsite Dinner
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Mt Sibayak - Picnic lunch
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Mt Sibayak - Volcano climb
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Berastagi - Hot springs
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Lake Toba - Sipiso-Piso Waterfall
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Dokan Village - Batak longhouse visit
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Lake Toba - Samosir Island day tour
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Lake Toba - Stone Chairs
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
- Gunung Leuser NP - Jungle Wildlife Trek
- Gunung Leuser NP - Trekking Lunch
- Gunung Leuser NP - Campsite Dinner
- Mt Sibayak - Picnic lunch
- Mt Sibayak - Volcano climb
- Berastagi - Hot springs
- Lake Toba - Sipiso-Piso Waterfall
- Dokan Village - Batak longhouse visit
- Lake Toba - Samosir Island day tour
- Lake Toba - Stone Chairs
- Lake Toba - Simanindo Museum
- Lake Toba - Batak Dance Performance
Transport
- Ferry , Private vehicle
Accommodation
- Hotel (4 nts), Camping (1 nt), Guesthouse (4 nts)
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (Camping) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
- Ferry , Private vehicle
Accommodation
- Hotel (4 nts), Camping (1 nt), Guesthouse (3 nts)
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Sumatra is less developed than other islands of the Indonesian archipelago. Due to limited tourism infrastructure, expect there to be more bumpy and windy roads, some longer drives and more basic hotels. On the plus side, you’ll feel like you’re off the beaten track!
This trip involves either a partial or full camping experience, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, and the joy of camping in the wilderness. This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates and group leader a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own! Keep in mind this is jungle camping with twin share tents and no facilities.
Some of the best scenery on Sumatra is found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities.
You may also want to check out our Best of Indonesia (TISSC) if you have longer time to explore in the country.
You may also want to check out our Best of Indonesia (TISSC) if you have longer time to explore in the country. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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