North Sumatra Essential
Between the planet's last orangutans and the smoking volcanoes of the world's largest crater lake.
Duration
9 days
From
€875/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Sumatra is a land rich in wildlife, notably hosting some of the last Asian elephants and orangutans on the planet. The world's fifth largest island also offers pristine nature, with an infinite variety of landscapes. Smoking volcanoes (some of which reach over 3,000 m) bristle along the backbone of this island (formed by the Mt Barisan mountain range). The famous Lake Toba, a true inland sea with blue-purple reflections, dominates this landscape and is moreover considered the world's largest crater lake.
Sumatra is also inhabited by a multitude of ethnic groups, the most famous being the Batak and Minangkabau, who reveal all their finesse along your itinerary.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Medan and its surroundings
In the morning, visit the Sultan's Palace, the Great Mosque and the Chinese temple.
Then you head northwest towards the village of Bukit Lawang,, famous for its orangutan rehabilitation centre.
You then cross numerous rubber tree plantations and take the opportunity to stretch your legs while discovering the methods of exploiting this precious sap.
Orangutans
Early in the morning, you hike to meet the orangutans, which are very numerous in the Gunung Leuser park. Then you continue through the tropical forest to further explore its thousand and one secrets.
With a bit of luck, you then have the possibility of observing some rare black gibbons.
Mt Leuser National Park
You continue your exploration of the Mt Leuser jungle and reach Bukit Lawang in early afternoon (by tubing on the Bahorok River).
Free afternoon.
Karo Batak Land
Morning transfer to Berastagi, the capital of the Karo Batak region, one of the most prosperous in the area. Visit the traditional market as well as the Buddhist pagoda of Lumbini.
Weather permitting, you will also approach the slopes of Sinabung volcano to discover a ghost village covered in ash.
Sibayak Volcano
Berastagi → Ile de Samosir
Early in the morning, you are dropped at the foot of Sibayak volcano, which overlooks the Karo plateau.
You begin the ascent along a path lined with thick, rustling jungle.
Picnic at the summit of the volcano, from where the panorama over the entire region is superb, then you begin the descent via an opposite route, which leads you to the Debuk-Debuk hot springs, where you have the opportunity to enjoy the healing properties of the water in the hot and sulfurous pools. (approximately 4 hours of hiking) (Note: possibility of doing the ascent at night to arrive at the summit just before sunrise).
Mid-morning, transfer to the famous Sipiso-Piso waterfalls, from where you get your first glimpse of Lake Toba, the largest crater lake in the world. Then, on the way to Parapat, you visit an old Simalunggung royal palace. You also take the opportunity to stretch your legs by walking through various plantations and traditional villages.
Samosir
The day is dedicated to discovering the island of Samosir, the heart of Batak Toba culture. You hike through villages and rice fields, and take the opportunity to stop in Ambarita to discover the remains (in stone) of a meeting place of the ancient Sialagan kings.
In Tomok, you visit the tombs of the Sidabutar kings, and you finish with the village of Simanindo, where you discover an interesting museum that depicts local culture, and attend some traditional dances.
Return to the hotel in late afternoon
Hot Springs of Pangururan
Morning transfer to the center of Samosir island, a little-visited destination. Isolated on a high-altitude plateau, you discover Lake Sidihoni (a lake on an island on a lake on an island!), which spans 1 km² and whose changing hues have inspired many legends.
You then embark on a beautiful hike towards Pangururan, on the western coast of the island, through lush vegetation and along a path that offers you breathtaking scenery.
You also encounter farmers, armed with their machetes, heading to the fields. In this region, oral tradition has preserved many legends.
At Pangururan, you have the opportunity to relax in hot spring baths.
See you very soon in Sumatra
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International & domestic flights
- Insurance & Assistance
- Visas & possible airport taxes
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- English-speaking guide
- Ground transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle
- Regular ferry transfers on lakes
- Bed & Breakfast Accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above
- Site entries, trek permits & donations
- Mineral water and energy supplement during trekking days
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sumatra
Photographe des volcans et sentiers indonésiens, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
