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Sumatra Adventure

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Sumatra Adventure

Was From $ 1,800 AUD
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Description

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.

Trip Name
Sumatra Adventure
Last Updated
2024-08-19
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Try to spot wild orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park during not one, but two hikes through the jungle – home to some 300 bird species and the endangered Sumatran tiger. Spend the night in the jungle soaking up the wild ambience and falling asleep to the sounds of nature.
  • Climb the Sibayak Volcano to enjoy panoramic views at its spectacular summit, then head to local hot springs for some well-earned rest and relaxation after the descent.
  • Explore Lake Toba and the villages on Samosir Island. Check out Indonesia’s highest waterfall and a take a cultural tour that includes a traditional Batak dance performance
  • Begin and end your adventure in Sumatra’s largest city – Medan. Explore the mix of Asian cultures, which can be seen in the colourful architecture and within the delicious mix of cuisines.
  • Let your knowledgeable group leader guide you through the thickets of the jungle, past small cultural villages and to the best places to eat around northern Sumatra.
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Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Medan
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.
Day 2 - Bukit Lawang
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.
Day 3 - Gunung Leuser National Park
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.
Day 4 - Gunung Leuser National Park/Bukit Lawang
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.
Day 5 - Berastagi
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
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.
Day 7 - Lake Toba
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.
Day 8 - Lake Toba
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!
Day 9 - Medan
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.
Day 10 - Medan
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-10-202427-10-2024AUD $ 1,710-
04-04-202513-04-2025AUD $ 1,745-
11-04-202520-04-2025AUD $ 1,745-
25-04-202504-05-2025AUD $ 1,745-
09-05-202518-05-2025AUD $ 1,745-
23-05-202501-06-2025AUD $ 1,815-
06-06-202515-06-2025AUD $ 1,815-
13-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 1,815-
27-06-202506-07-2025AUD $ 1,885-
04-07-202513-07-2025AUD $ 1,885-
11-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 1,885-
25-07-202503-08-2025AUD $ 1,885-
08-08-202517-08-2025AUD $ 1,885-
22-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 1,885-
05-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 1,815-
12-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 1,815-
26-09-202505-10-2025AUD $ 1,815-
10-10-202519-10-2025AUD $ 1,745-
24-10-202502-11-2025AUD $ 1,745-
03-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 1,745-
10-04-202619-04-2026AUD $ 1,745-
24-04-202603-05-2026AUD $ 1,745-
08-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 1,745-
22-05-202631-05-2026AUD $ 1,815-
05-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 1,815-
12-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 1,815-
26-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 1,885-
03-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 1,885-
10-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 1,885-
24-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 1,885-
07-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 1,885-
21-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 1,885-
04-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 1,815-
11-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 1,815-
25-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 1,815-
09-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 1,745-
23-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 1,745-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nts),Camping (1 nt),Guesthouse (4 nts)

Transport

Ferry,Private vehicle

Map