Private Tour: Karo Highlands and Lake Toba from Medan

Medan , Indonesia

Private Tour: Karo Highlands and Lake Toba from Medan

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(45 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Experience a full-day sightseeing on this private tour from Medan. You will visit Brastagi in the Karo Highlands which has two active volcanoes being Sinabung and Sibayak. Visit the fruit market and traditional Karo Batak Village with authentic houses which are still occupied by 8 families before continuing onto Sipisopiso waterfall where you can enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Toba.

Available options

Private Tour: Karo Highlands and Lake Toba from Medan

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Air-conditioned vehicle

Experienced Private Driver

Detailed itinerary

You will enjoy the spectacular view of the northern part of Lake Toba after 3 hours driving from Medan. The Sipiso piso waterfall is at the right side of lake Toba.
You can enjoy the view of this waterfall. If you walk about 1 hour you can go down and reach the waterfall.

When we reach Brastagi and the weather is clear you can view the Sibayak volcano from Gundaling Hill

You will visit the authentic Karo Batak houses with its unique architecture and see how the local lives

Brastagi highland which is 1400 meters above see level has a nice subtropical climate. Surrounded by two active volcanoes.
Very fertile region is North Sumatra

What's not included

Food and drinks

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Available languages

Written guide

EN NL

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.9

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

38 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Children must be accompanied by an adult

This is a private tour with a minimum of 2 participants

If you require a pick up from the Kualanamu Airport please note your flight must arrive before 8am.

About Medan

Medan, the bustling capital of North Sumatra, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse architecture, and delicious cuisine. As the largest city in Sumatra, it serves as a gateway to the region's stunning natural wonders, including the famous Lake Toba and the lush rainforests of Gunung Leuser National Park.

Top Attractions

Maimun Palace

A stunning example of colonial architecture, the Maimun Palace was built in 1891 and served as the residence of the Sultan of Deli. It is known for its intricate design and historical significance.

Historical 1-2 hours IDR 10,000

Great Mosque of Medan

One of the largest mosques in Indonesia, the Great Mosque of Medan is an architectural marvel with a unique design that combines traditional and modern elements.

Religious 1 hour Free

Vihara Gunung Timur

One of the largest Buddhist temples in Indonesia, Vihara Gunung Timur is a beautiful example of Chinese architecture and a place of worship for the local Chinese community.

Religious 1 hour Free

Taman Alisah

A popular park in the heart of Medan, Taman Alisah is a great place to relax and enjoy the greenery. It features a lake, walking paths, and a variety of plants and flowers.

Park 1-2 hours Free

Lake Toba

One of the largest volcanic lakes in the world, Lake Toba is a stunning natural wonder located about 4 hours from Medan. It offers breathtaking views, water activities, and a glimpse into the local Batak culture.

Nature Full day or overnight Varies by activity

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bika Ambon

A popular cake made from tapioca flour, coconut milk, and sugar, baked in layers to create a spongy and sweet treat.

Snack Contains gluten (tapioca flour)

Lontong Medan

A dish made with compressed rice cakes in banana leaves, served with spicy peanut sauce, shredded chicken, and boiled eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian option available (without chicken)

Sate Medan

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically chicken or beef, served with a rich and flavorful sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, vegetarian options may be available

Nasi Goreng Medan

Fried rice cooked with a variety of ingredients, including spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat, served with a fried egg on top.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian option available (without meat)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Gunung Leuser National Park Tubing in Bukit Lawang Boat tours on Lake Toba Visiting Taman Alisah Enjoying a massage at a local spa Relaxing at a lakeside resort Exploring Maimun Palace Visiting the Great Mosque of Medan

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This period offers the most pleasant weather with slightly lower rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings.

24-32°C 75-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Indonesian
Widely spoken: English, Malay, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Medan is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, particularly in crowded areas. Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings
• Keep your belongings secure
• Use reputable taxis and tour operators

Getting there

By air

Kuala Namu International Airport • 24 km from city center

By train

Medan Railway Station

By bus

Pinang Baris, Pematang Siantar

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Medan. They are affordable but can be crowded and slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Petisah Graha Maria Titi Papan

Day trips

Lake Toba

180 km from Medan • Full day or overnight

One of the largest volcanic lakes in the world, Lake Toba offers stunning views, water activities, and a glimpse into the local Batak culture.

Gunung Leuser National Park

100 km from Medan • Full day or overnight

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gunung Leuser National Park is a biodiversity hotspot featuring lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and stunning waterfalls.

Bukit Lawang

90 km from Medan • Full day or overnight

A popular eco-tourism destination, Bukit Lawang is known for its stunning rainforests, diverse wildlife, and the opportunity to see orangutans in the wild.

Festivals

Eid al-Fitr • Varies by lunar calendar (typically June or July) Eid al-Adha • Varies by lunar calendar (typically August or September) Chinese New Year • Varies by lunar calendar (typically January or February)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Indonesian to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Try the local cuisine, including Bika Ambon, Lontong Medan, and Sate Medan
Visit the historic sites, such as Maimun Palace and the Great Mosque of Medan, for a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture
Explore the vibrant coffee scene and try the local blends, often served with sweetened condensed milk
Take a day trip to Lake Toba or Gunung Leuser National Park for a stunning natural experience