Hidden Wonders of Sumatra

Meet your English-speaking tour-guide at Medan international airport and transfer to your hotel.

In the morning, visit the Sultan's Palace, the Great Mosque and the Chinese temple.

You then head north-west towards Tangkahan. You will pass through a number of rubber tree plantations, where you can stretch your legs and learn about the methods used to extract this precious sap.

Early in the morning, you’ll hike following orangutans' footprints, numerous in the Gunung Leuser park.

Then, you’ll continue your trek through a lush tropical forest, to further explore its many hidden secrets.

With a bit of luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive black gibbons.

You continue your exploration of the Mt Leuser jungle and reach Bukit Lawang in the early afternoon (by tubing on the Bahorok river).

Afternoon at leisure.

Transfers in the morning towards Berastagi, the capital city of the Batak Karo country, one of the most prosperous of the region.

Visit the traditional market as well as the Lumbini Buddhist Pagoda.

Weather permitting, you’ll also get closer to the slopes of Mount Sinabung to explore a ghost village buried under volcanic ash.

Early in the morning, you’ll be dropped off at the foot of Mount Sibayak, towering over the Karo Highlands. The ascent begins along a jungle-clad trail, alive with the sounds of nature. At the summit, enjoy a picnic while soaking in the breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscapes. The descent follows a different path, leading you to the Debuk-Debuk hot springs, where you can unwind in naturally heated, sulfur-rich waters.

       *Optional: a pre-dawn ascent to witness the sunrise from the summit.*

You then continue towards Parapat, stopping along the way, at the traditional village of Doka and the spectacular Sipiso-Piso waterfall, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of lac Toba, the world’s largest crater lake. A visit to an old Simalungun royal palace follows, before a scenic walk through plantations and traditional villages. In Parapat, you board a regular ferry to Samosir Island, nestled in the heart of the lake.

The day is dedicated to exploring Samosir Island , the heart of Batak Toba culture.

You'll trek through villages and rice fields, stopping in Ambarita to discover the ancient stone meeting place of the Sialagan kings.

In Tomok, you'll visit the tombs of the Sidabutar kings before heading to the village of Simanindo, where an insightful museum showcases local traditions.

Here, you'll also witness a performance of traditional Batak dances.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Early morning transfer to the heart of Samosir Island, an off-the-beaten-path area.

Nestled on a high plateau, you'll discover Lake Sidihoni—a lake on an island on a lake on an island! Spanning 1 km², its ever-changing hues have inspired many local legends. From here, a scenic trek leads you to Pangururan on the island’s western coast, winding through lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes.

Along the way, you’ll pass farmers with machetes heading to their fields, a glimpse into daily life shaped by oral traditions and folklore.

In Pangururan, you’ll have the option to unwind in natural hot springs.

In the early morning, you take the ferry back to Parapat and then the road to Medan, via the large towns of Pematang Siantar and Tebing Tinggi, surrounded by huge rubber and oil palm plantations.

Transfer to Medan airport and flight (around 2pm) to Padang, the capital of Minangkabau country.

Welcome, then transfer to the formidable Harau Valley .

A day’s trek through lush forests and scenic rice fields, offering an immersive glimpse into nature and the traditional life of Minang farmers.

Explore nearby villages by becak (local transport), enjoy a refreshing dip in a waterfall, and savor a picnic in the heart of nature.

You’ll have the chance to hike up a hill for breathtaking valley views or try your hand at eel fishing in the river. Along the way, discover cascading waterfalls, vibrant birdlife, and a variety of exotic flowers

In the morning, you set off for Batusangkar, the former capital of Minang country, to visit the Pagaruyung Palace, now a museum showcasing local culture.

Along the way, enjoy several scenic stops, including the breathtaking Tabek Patah panorama. In Sungai Tarab, explore a traditional coffee processing factory, where you’ll learn about local production methods.

As you approach lake Singkarak, visit artisanal weaving and wood-carving workshops, where skilled craftsmen keep centuries-old traditions alive.

In the morning, enjoy a walk around the hotel and explore the charming town of Bukittinggi, located 930 meters above sea level and framed by two active volcanoes: Mount Singgalang and Mount Merapi. Visit the central square with its local version of Big Ben, the Jam Gadang, take in the stunning views from the Sianok Canyon, discover the Japanese tunnel— a wartime relic— and wander through the town’s two bustling markets (Pasar Atas and Pasar Bawah), bursting with life and color.

You’ll also get a taste of Minang cuisine and sample the famous rendang, a (very) spicy beef dish slow-cooked in coconut milk and aromatic spices.

If you're visiting during the blooming season, you might take a short trek to Palupuh in hopes of spotting the world’s largest flower : the Rafflesia Arnoldii—or even try the famous Luwak coffee, prepared in a rather unique way.

In the early morning, you will head first for some traditional villages, then to Puncak Lawang, a high point overlooking the sumptuous lake Maninjau and exuding a very romantic atmosphere.

You then embark on a lovely walk through the tropical forest towards the shores of the lake.

You spend the afternoon by the lake, where the silhouettes of fishermen gathering their nets are reflected in the mauve waters.

Return to Batusangkar in the late afternoon.

Drive to Padang in the morning, where you will discover the old town and its lovely port. Visit the Adityawarman Museum, the great mosque with its Minangkabau architecture, and a stroll up Padang Hill from where you will have a magnificent view over the whole city and the ocean as the sun sets. .

Dinner in a fish restaurant overlooking the ocean.