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Sumatra — Jungles, volcanoes & wildlife
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Sumatra

Jungles, volcanoes & wildlife

Where to go

Sumatra

Sumatra is wild, green and gloriously off the beaten track. Trek into the rainforest in search of wild orangutans, sail across the immense Lake Toba and stand on the rim of a smoking volcano.

Indonesia's sixth-largest island is the wildest of them all. Sumatra is covered in dense rainforest, crossed by rivers and dotted with volcanoes — the perfect playground for travellers who love nature, adventure and meaningful encounters with local culture.

Most journeys start in Medan in the north, the gateway to the jungles of Bukit Lawang and the cool highlands around Berastagi. From there, an overland route winds south to Lake Toba — the largest volcanic lake in the world — where Batak villages, fresh mountain air and quiet beaches invite you to slow down for a few days.

Sumatra rewards the curious. Distances are big, roads are scenic and every stop has its own atmosphere. We design each route around your pace, with comfortable stays, private drivers and the right local guides at every key experience.

Highlights

  • Bukit Lawang & orangutan trekking
  • Lake Toba and Pulau Samosir
  • Berastagi highlands & active volcanoes
  • Traditional Batak culture

What to see

Pulau Weh

Pulau Weh

Pulau Weh is a tropical island with turquoise seas and white sandy beaches. Life moves slowly here, giving the island a relaxed and authentic charm. The island is best known for its incredible underwater world. Around Rubiah Island and Gapang Beach you can dive or snorkel among colorful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, turtles and sometimes even manta rays. Ride a scooter through jungle-clad hills, visit the impressive Zero Kilometer Monument or hike to the top of Cot Kulam, an ancient volcano offering breathtaking views. The beaches each have their own character, from the peaceful stretches of Sumur Tiga to the striking black volcanic sands of Anoi Itam.

Medan

Medan

Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, is a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity and rich culinary scene. The mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Batak influences is reflected in the city's architecture, traditions, and food. Historic landmarks such as Maimun Palace and the Grand Mosque showcase Medan's colonial and royal heritage, while lively neighborhoods offer a glimpse into daily city life. Medan is also famous for its street food, from the sweet Bika Ambon to the spicy Soto Medan, making it an ideal place to explore Indonesian flavors.

Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is a riverside village surrounded by jungle and is the perfect base for a trek into Gunung Leuser National Park. With a local guide, you can search for orangutans, gibbons, peacocks, and other wildlife on a one‑day trek or a multi‑day adventure with an overnight stay in the forest. After the hike, you can float back to the village by tubing down the river. The area is also great for exploring by bicycle or becak, passing rice fields, rubber and cacao plantations, and small villages where you can see local crafts and daily life. Bukit Lawang offers an authentic mix of nature and adventure.

Berastagi

Berastagi

The picturesque town of Berastagi in the beautiful Karo highlands, is 70 km from Medan on the way to Lake Toba. Situated at an altitude of 1,300 meters, the town has a cool climate, making a refreshing break from the heat of the city. The town developed in the 1920's as Dutch hill station. The landscape here is dominated by distant views of the smoking volcanoes Mt Sinabung and Mt Sibayak. On the western edge of the town, Gunaling Hill rises above the surrounding plateau to provide some spectacular views of these two towering volcanoes. Berastagi is famous for its flowers, vegetables and fruits and its markets constantly hum with activity.

Lake Toba

Lake Toba

Lake Toba is one of Sumatra's most iconic destinations and the largest volcanic lake in Southeast Asia. Set 1,400 meters above sea level, it offers a cool climate, clear waters, and sweeping mountain views. The Batak culture is a highlight, especially on Samosir Island, where you can visit traditional villages such as Ambarita with its historic stone chairs and Simanindo with its museum and Batak dance performances. Across the island, local communities still craft traditional Batak blankets. The surrounding Karo highlands, dominated by two volcanoes, are perfect for cycling through green fields and small villages, where friendly greetings from locals make the journey even more memorable.

Sidempuan

Sidempuan

Padang Sidempuan, often simply called Sidempuan, is a charming town in the highlands of South Tapanuli, surrounded by hills, rice fields, and forests. Known as the "City of Salak," the area is famous for its sweet salak fruit, grown in the fertile valleys around the town. Sidempuan offers a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into traditional Batak Angkola culture, with friendly communities, local markets, and small villages scattered through the countryside. The cooler climate makes it ideal for scenic walks or drives through the green landscape, passing rivers, plantations, and viewpoints overlooking the mountains. It's a calm and authentic destination.

Bukittinggi

Bukittinggi

Bukittinggi is a lively highland town in West Sumatra, surrounded by cool mountain air, green valleys, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The town is known for its rich Minangkabau culture, visible in traditional houses with their distinctive horn‑shaped roofs and in the warm hospitality of the local community. Bukittinggi's most famous landmark is the Jam Gadang clock tower, overlooking a bustling market filled with spices, textiles, and local snacks. Just outside the town lies the impressive Sianok Canyon, a deep valley of rice fields and towering cliffs that can be explored on foot or by bicycle.

Padang

Padang

Padang, the capital of West Sumatra, is a coastal city known for its lively atmosphere, long sandy beaches, and strong Minangkabau heritage. The city's waterfront is a popular place to enjoy sunset views over the Indian Ocean, while the old town features colonial buildings and colorful markets filled with spices, textiles, and local snacks. Padang is also the birthplace of the famous Padang cuisine, known for its rich flavors and dishes like rendang and sate Padang. Just outside the city, you'll find green hills, waterfalls, and small villages that offer a peaceful contrast to the urban energy.

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