Sumatra Beyond the Ordinary

Welcome at the international airport of Medan by your English speaking tour-guide and transfers to your hotel.

In the morning, visit the Sultan's Palace*, the Great Mosque as well as the Chinese temple. Afterwards you’ll head towards the heights of Berastagi, , the capital city of the land of Batak Karo, famous for its vibrant fruit market. Stop, along the way at Sikulikap waterfall.

At the break of dawn, you will be dropped off at the foot of Mount Sibayak, overlooking the Karo plateau. Your ascent begins along a jungle-covered trail, alive with the sounds of nature. Enjoy a picnic at the volcano’s summit, where breathtaking panoramic views of the region await.

The descent takes you along a different route, leading to the Debuk-Debuk hot springs, where you can relax in sulfur-rich thermal waters known for their healing properties. [ Note: You may opt for a nighttime ascent to reach the summit just before sunrise] .In the afternoon, visit the golden Lumbini Buddhist pagoda.

 Note : Weather permitting, you will also approach the slopes of Mount Sinabung to explore a ghost village, eerily blanketed in volcanic ash.

4 hours of trekking

Early morning transfer to the village of Ketambe, located on the edge of Mount Leuser National Park. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the Pusaka Karo Museum and explore the traditional village of Lingga.

Three days are dedicated primarily to encountering orangutans, but you will also have the chance to spot other animal, bird, and plant species.

Your trek (easy level) begins with a walk through a labyrinth of jungle trails, where you may come face to face with your first orangutans. You will spend the first night camping by the river, where you can also enjoy a refreshing swim.

On the second day, the trail features gentle ascents and descents, crosses a rocky area, and then dives deeper into the jungle. The third day starts with an uphill section before quickly descending toward natural hot springs near a river, offering a perfect moment of relaxation. You will then return to Ketambe at a leisurely pace.

Over these three days, you will have had plenty of opportunities to observe orangutans as well as other wildlife such as siamangs, wild boars, squirrels, hornbills, and more.

3 to 4 hours of trekking per day

Transfers day towards the shores of Toba lake. You will reach the traditional village of Dokan by mid-afternoon.

You continue your journey towards Parapat, stopping along the way to visit the famous Sipiso-Piso waterfalls, where you'll get your first glimpse of Lake Toba, the world's largest crater lake. You will also explore an old Simalungun royal palace and take the opportunity to stretch your legs with a walk through plantations and traditional villages. In Parapat, you board a regular ferry to Samosir Island, which lies in the heart of the lake.

3 hours of trekking

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.

3 hours of walk

Morning transfer to the southern shores of Lake Toba. First, you take the ferry back to Parapat, then follow the lake’s eastern coastline, making a stop at the "Paradise Park," where you’ll get a chance to discover andaliman, a unique lemony pepper native to the region. Further along, near Balige, enjoy a break at Sipinsur Park, where a stunning panoramic view of Lake Toba’s southern expanse unfolds before you.

Later, you reach the remarkable Sipoholong hot springs, whose sulfur-rich waters are known for their skin benefits. The journey then continues through forested areas and geothermal sites before arriving in the small town of Padang Sidempuan.

Continuation of your journey to Bukittinggi, with several stops along the way to soak in the authenticity of this lesser-known region of Sumatra.

You’ll pause in Bonjol, a small town uniquely positioned on the equator, before heading into the Palupuh jungle for a scenic hike in search of the world’s largest flower, the rare and magnificent Rafflesia Arnoldi.

You’ll also visit a traditional organic farm, offering insight into local agricultural practices.

2 hours of walk

In the morning, take a walk around the hotel and explore the charming town of Bukittinggi, located 930m above sea level and framed by the region’s two active volcanoes: Singgalang and Merapi.

Visit the central square with its local Big Ben (Jam Gadang), the Sianok canyon with its breathtaking views of the volcanoes, the Japanese tunnel—a wartime relic—and the town’s two bustling markets (pasar atas and pasar bawah), alive with color and energy.

Don’t miss the chance to experience Minang cuisine and taste the famous rendang, a (very) spicy beef dish slow-cooked in coconut milk and an array of fragrant spices.

2 hours of walk

Early morning transfer to the Harau Valley, where you will enjoy three days of walks through forests and rice fields, immersing yourself in nature and the traditional life of the Minang farmers.

Explore nearby villages by becak, the local transport, swim in waterfalls, and enjoy a picnic. You’ll have the chance to climb to the top of a hill for a breathtaking view over the valley or try your hand at eel fishing in the river. Along the way, you’ll not only discover stunning waterfalls but also a variety of bird species and flowers.

If you're there on a Saturday, you might even witness the thrilling buffalo races!

3 to 4 hours of trekking

Morning transfer to Padang. On the way, you will visit Batusangkar, the former capital of Minang country, and explore the Pagaruyung Palace, now a museum showcasing local culture.

Early in the morning, you head to Padang's port and board a speedboat bound for ** Siberut Island **. Around midday, the boat makes a stop in Sikabaluan for a lunch break before continuing at 1 pm. You arrive in Maileppet at around 2pm , where you meet your guide, who will take you to his village. This is your first opportunity to connect with the locals while your guide arranges supplies and necessary formalities for your stay.

From Rokdok Village, a motorized canoe takes you to the Buttui region (1.5 hours), where you begin a short 1-hour trek through the jungle to reach the "uma" (traditional longhouse), where you will immerse yourself in the daily life of the Mentawai people, also known as the "Flower Men." This is the perfect moment to settle in and get acquainted with your host family.

For three days, you will immerse yourself in the daily life of the Mentawai people, sharing their traditions and routines. You'll witness and even take part in the preparation of sago, their staple food, and learn how to find sago worms, a local delicacy. You will observe the crafting of traditional loincloths, known as kabit, and discover the preparation of poison for their hunting arrows.

You'll also have the chance to go fishing in the river alongside the women of the clan or take forest walks in search of wild fruits and neighboring uma (traditional longhouses). Evenings will be a special time to connect with the shamans (Sikerei) of the clan and gain deeper insight into their way of life. While we cannot guarantee a shamanic ceremony or a hunting expedition, as these events are rare, you will still have the opportunity to visit another family, Aman Ipai, located just an hour’s walk away.

After a difficult farewell, you begin your journey back on foot and by canoe (4 hours) towards Muntai, where the fast boat to Padang awaits you.

Arrival in Padang around 6-7 PM and transfer to your hotel.

Transfer to the Lake Kerinci and Kayu Aro region. En route, stop at the charming traditional village of Saribu Rumah Gadang, renowned for its ancient Minang houses.

In the early morning, you begin your trek through a traditional farming area where cinnamon, bamboo, and rattan are sustainably harvested by the villagers. As you cross the shallow Manjuto River, you reach the primary forest, marking the boundary of Kerinci Seblat National Park.

3 to 4 hours of trekking

You continue your trek through lush, untouched jungle until you reach Lake Kaco, whose waters glow in an almost phosphorescent blue! It’s a true aquarium in the heart of the forest. A well-deserved swim awaits, surrounded by exotic fish and a few freshwater crabs. This natural pool is fed by a spring. You will set up camp by the lake. In the evening, take a night walk to spot civets, flying squirrels, and tree frogs.

In the early morning, you set off for about three hours of trekking, searching for birds and wildlife while making your way back to civilization.

Along the way, you'll take a break at the Siluang Bersisik Emas waterfall before completing your trek through stunning rice fields and reaching the valley. In the afternoon, transfer to Pelompek, with visits to cinnamon and tea plantations along the way.

Long journey to go back to Padang.

In the morning, transfers to the Mandeh region, specifically to the island of the same name, where you can relax with activities such as swimming and snorkeling. Return to Padang in the late afternoon.