Sumatra Adventure
Sumatra Adventure
Sumatra Adventure
9 Days Starting and ending in Medan
Visiting: Medan, Bukit Lawang, Gunung Leuser National Park, Gunung Leuser National Park - Berastagi, Mt Sibayak - Berastagi, Lake Toba
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TIST
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Medium, Medium
Age range:
12-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$1330
$1164 (USD)
Operator discount: -$133
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$33
-12%
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 nine-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 are happy to have your company. Venture off the beaten track and learn a thing or two about Sumatra.
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 important welcome meeting, you could head to grab some street food with your group at one of the night markets in town, or go to a local restaurant – your group leader will know of some good spots.
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 (approximately 5 hours). 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 the destination – Bukit Lawang a peaceful village located 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 (approximately 5–6 hours). The night will be spent camping out in the jungle. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed park spans 7927 square kilometres 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 to see but you will 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. Today's hike is hilly and can be muddy. The paths are mostly clear, but there are some sections where you’ll have to climb over large fallen logs. You may stop and rest while the guides go in search for orangutans. Along the way, guides point out orangutan nests, edible plants for you to try, monkeys, birds, and wild orangutan. You will carry your own lunch and break for lunch along the way then continue trekking to the camp site, where the guides set up and cook dinner for the group.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Gunung Leuser National Park - Berastagi
Location: Gunung Leuser National Park - Berastagi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
You will wake early to the sound of gibbons and continue the trek down river (approximately 2 hours). Your feet may get wet, so strap-on sandals, booties or local rubber shoes are recommended to pack. Head back to Bukit Lawang, where day rooms will be made available for a freshen up and shower before you get on the bus. It's also a good chance to stock up on some tropical fruit for the road. Depart early afternoon for Berastagi (approximately 5.5 hours). Berastagi is the home of the Karo people, a Batak sub-group with traditional villages (long houses), and is your destination for the night.
Day 5: Mt Sibayak - Berastagi
Location: Mt Sibayak - Berastagi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Drive for approximately 30 minutes to the starting point of today's hike. The hike (approximately 2-3 hours) brings you to the top of Sibayak Volcano (2094 m). It's quite steep, muddy and slippery, especially in the wet season. Follow a shady jungle path which, towards the top, opens up into a more alpine setting. Long pants are essential to protect you from poisonous plants, and a trekking stick will also come in handy. After reaching the top, sit down to a traditional bungkus lunch and enjoy the views. From the summit you can see (and hear) the steaming vapours escaping from the fumaroles of this active volcano. Then it's time for the descent (approximately 1 hour). Afterwards, head straight to the nearby hot springs for a soothing soak – after a few days of trekking, you deserve to relax in these pools, which are all naturally heated by the volcano.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Lake Toba
Location: Lake Toba
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, head to Tongging Village by private vehicle, on the banks of Lake Toba (2 hours). The road from Berastagi to Lake Toba is a nice, smooth road. Then, continue on and stop at Sipiso-Piso waterfall, which was formed by a small underground river of the Karo plateau. Watch as water cascades from a cave in the side of the Lake Toba caldera some 120 metres (360 feet) down to lake level – forming Indonesia's highest waterfall. Lake Toba itself, surrounded by mountains, is a peaceful spot to relax. It was 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. Your accommodation tonight is right next to the lake and boasts nice views of the water, mountains and rice fields.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Lake Toba
Location: Lake Toba
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Embark on a day tour in Samosir. 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 the below 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 on today's tour. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a traditional Batak dance performance. The Toba Bataks have a unique religion, architecture and culture. Although they are predominantly Christian, they also practice animism. The most distinctive element of their culture is the traditional architecture – extraordinary boat-like houses with roofs resembling buffalo horns.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Medan
Location: Medan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Drive back to Simanindo (approximately 45 minutes). From there, take a boat back over Lake Toba to Tigaras (approximately 45 minutes). Make a stop at a traditional Dokan Village where you'll find a handful of traditional houses which are still the homes of local Batak families. Afterwards, continue back to Medan (approximately 3.5 hours).
Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Medan
Location: Medan
Meals Included: breaksfast
With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at any time. If you would like to spend more time in Medan, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability).
What's Included
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Lake Toba - Batak Dance Performance
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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 - Volcano climb
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Mt Sibayak - Picnic lunch
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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
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
Accommodation
- Hotel (4 nts), Camping (1 nt), Guesthouse (3 nts)
Transport
- Ferry , Private vehicle
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.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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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. -
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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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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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
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