6 Day North Sumatra Highlights - Jungles Orangutans Lakes and Volcanoes

Medan , Indonesia

6 Day North Sumatra Highlights - Jungles Orangutans Lakes and Volcanoes

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About this experience

6 Day North Sumatra Highlights - Jungles, Orangutans, Lakes and Volcanoes

Bukit Lawang - Lake Toba - Berestagi

Highlights - 3 hour orangutan jungle trek - wildlife spotting - Sipiso Sipiso waterfall - Lake Toba Samosir Island - Batak king's residence - stone chairs - Berestagi volcanoes - Fruit and Flower markets - Buddhist Temple - Gundaling lookout - hot spring baths

Available options

6 Day North Sumatra Highlights - Jungles Orangutans Lakes and Volcanoes

What's included

Accommodation included is Sumatran standard guest houses twin share, with western toilet and either shower or mandi (traditional wash with bucket and scoop, cold water only at all guest houses)

Local guide

National Park fees

Tour escort/host

5 nights accommodation twin share

Driver

Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

What you'll see

Bukit Lawang, Berestagi and Lake Toba – Sumatra Orangutans Lakes Volcanoes

DAY 1. Pick up from Medan accommodation at 9am. 5 hour drive in private car to Samosir Island on Lake Toba. Accommodation at Lake Toba twin share (standard accommodation)

DAY 2. Today visit local Batak king’s residence (Raja Siallagan). Choose what you would like to do for the rest of the day (at your cost) walk around the local village or lake, hire a bicycle, visit museum and markets or just chill out by the lake. Car & driver available for your use. Optional activities include traditional dancing and Tomok markets. Accommodation at Lake Toba twin share (standard accommodation)

DAY 3. In the morning to drive to Berestagi in morning stopping at the magnificent Sipiso Piso waterfall and a traditional Batak house and village on the way (Raja Kerajaan Purba). Visit to the Berestagi fruit and flower markets Gundaling Lookout and hotsprings when you arrive at Berestagi if there is enough time. Accommodation Berestagi Hotel twin share. (standard accommodation).

DAY 4. Optional visit to Buddhist temple in morning. Drive by private car to Bukit Lawang (slow drive, some roads with potholes 7 hours). Bukit Lawang Guesthouse twin share (standard option).

DAY 5. In the morning head off on half day (3 hour) orangutan jungle trek in Gunung Leuser National Park via rubber plantation for wildlife & orangutan spotting. Return via On the Rocks to buy a cool drink and lunch if you like. Come back through the village to have a look at the shops and souvenirs,Bukit Lawang Guesthouse twin share (standard option).

Day 6. Leave today to drive to Medan airport or your Medan Hotel (5 hours drive. Medan hotel at your cost). Visit Grand Mosque and Summer Palace on the way if enough time.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Minimum age is 18 years

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Important notes

• Minimum age is 18 years
• Good level of fitness required, able to walk for 2 to 3 hours some days
• Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 backpack and 1 carry-on bag, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
• Itinerary includes all accommodation twin share, car, driver, English speaking guide, activities & park entrance fees. Please note this is a suggested itinerary. Activities may be moved to suit days certain activities operate
• All meals are extra except where specified. You can pay a porter to carry your pack on the walks for 150.000 IDR a day. Allow approximately 100,000 IDR per person per meal (approx $10per meal) and 100.000 IDR per day for tipping, spending on souvenirs extra ($50AUS a day is normally plenty). It is good practice to tip your guides and driver at the end of the tour. It is up to you what you think is appropriate for your guides and driver at the end of your tour. 50.000 - 100.000 IDR ($5 - $10) per guide per day is a good guide.
• Please ensure you have travel insurance to cover accident loss and the activities for this tour
• Please see your travel doctor for the latest advice on vaccinations for Sumatra
• Please check your country's visa requirements on entry into Indonesia

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