Journey through the spectacular landscapes of Northern Sumatra, from the lush rainforests of Gunung Leuser National Park to the volcanic highlands of Berastagi and the tranquil waters of Lake Toba. Search for wild orangutans in one of the world's most important rainforest ecosystems. Climb the steaming crater of Mount Sibayak at sunrise and discover the rich traditions of the Batak people. Along the way, learn about local conservation initiatives, explore vibrant markets and experience the warmth of Sumatran hospitality on this rewarding cultural and wildlife adventure.
Breakfast: 7
Dinner: 1
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Local Guide(s)
Bus
Boat
On Foot
7 nights comfortable hotel
Moderate
Trip maximum 16 Explore average 11
Expect chance encounters!
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Arrive in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra and Indonesia's third largest city. A vibrant trading hub, the city has been shaped by centuries of migration and commerce, creating a fascinating mix of Malay, Batak, Chinese, Indian and Dutch influences. This rich cultural heritage is reflected in Medan's architecture and, perhaps most famously, its diverse food scene, where street food stalls sit alongside traditional coffee shops and local restaurants.
For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to meet your fellow travellers over dinner at the hotel's restaurant. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Medan Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), a one-hour hour drive from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information over breakfast on day two.
If you'd like to beat the jetlag by adding an extra night or two to the beginning of your tour, contact us to book accommodation.
Hotel Santika Premiere Dyandra (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
First thing in the morning we discover two of Medan's most significant landmarks. We begin at Maimun Palace, the former royal residence of the Sultanate of Deli, whose striking architecture blends Malay, Islamic and European influences. We then visit the magnificent Great Mosque (Masjid Raya Al Mashun), one of Indonesia's finest mosques. Subject to prayer times, we hope to step inside to admire its ornate interior and learn about its importance to the local community.
After our visit, we leave the city behind and drive for approximately three hours to Bukit Lawang, our gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park. Along the way, we'll pass villages, rice paddies and extensive oil palm plantations. Palm oil remains an important part of Indonesia's economy despite its well-known environmental challenges, and our tour leader will provide balanced local insight into this complex issue.
On arrival, we'll check-in into our accommodation which is located on the edge of the national park. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with en suite facilities and fans. As this is a remote rainforest location, air conditioning is not available and hot water can occasionally be limited.
After an early dinner, we'll meet our local guide and head into Gunung Leuser National Park for a guided night walk. Following a different trail from tomorrow's trek, we explore beneath the rainforest canopy at a relaxed pace, discovering how the forest transforms after dark. As daylight fades, our focus shifts to the park's nocturnal wildlife, and with luck we may encounter insects, frogs, geckos, civets, sleeping birds and, occasionally, the elusive slow loris, while listening to the sounds of the rainforest at night. This walk offers a fascinating introduction to the diversity of life within Gunung Leuser National Park ahead of tomorrow's longer rainforest trek.
The walk covers up to 2 kilometres/1.2 miles on mainly flat forest trails and takes around three to four hours, allowing plenty of time for wildlife observation.
Our overall driving time today is around three hours.
Ecolodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)
This morning we venture once more into the rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park, accompanied by our tour leader and an experienced local wildlife guide. We follow narrow jungle trails beneath the dense forest canopy in search of one of Sumatra's most iconic residents - the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan. Bukit Lawang was once home to an orangutan rehabilitation centre, but today the animals here live freely within the national park. Although sightings can never be guaranteed, this remains one of the best places in the world to observe wild orangutans behaving naturally in their forest habitat.
The rainforest supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife and, with luck, we may also encounter endemic birds and a variety of reptiles, while the forest itself teems with butterflies, insects and tropical birdlife. Gunung Leuser National Park also provides a vital refuge for elusive Sumatran tigers, elephants and rhinoceroses, although these are very rarely seen.
Today's walk covers approximately 5 kilometres/3 miles and takes up to four hours, including time spent observing wildlife. The trails are uneven and can be muddy or slippery, with exposed tree roots, with some short but very steep sections and around 225 metres/738 feet of ascent and descent. While the distance is relatively modest, the tropical heat and humidity make the walk considerably more demanding than it may appear, so a good level of fitness and confidence walking on uneven terrain are essential.
Later this afternoon we visit Project Wings, an inspiring community-led recycling project working to tackle plastic pollution while supporting rainforest conservation and local livelihoods. During our visit we'll learn how discarded PET bottles are transformed into eco-bricks by filling them with cleaned plastic waste, creating durable building blocks used throughout the village. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the project, watch an eco-brick making demonstration and visit the e-gallery to learn more about the organisation's environmental work and the positive impact it is having on local communities.
We round off the visit with dinner at the project before returning to our accommodation.
Leaving the rainforest behind, today's full day scenic drive takes us into the cool highlands of North Sumatra. As we climb through the mountains, dense tropical forest gradually gives way to fertile farmland, pine trees and small villages surrounded by fruit and vegetable plantations.
We'll make several stops along the route, including opportunities to sample seasonal tropical fruits from roadside stalls before arriving in Berastagi, a bustling market town sitting at around 1,300 metres/4,265 feet above sea level. The cooler climate provides a welcome contrast to the humidity of the rainforest.
Late this afternoon we visit Berastagi's colourful fruit and vegetable market, where local farmers sell everything from sweet passionfruit and avocados to fragrant spices and seasonal produce grown on the surrounding volcanic soils.
We recommend getting an early night tonight as we'll be heading out early to catch the sunrise.
Our overall driving time today will be around seven hours.
Sinabung Hill Berastagi (or similar)
A very early start rewards us with cooler temperatures as we set out to climb Mount Sibayak (2,100 metres/6,890 feet) with an experienced local mountain guide.
Although only relatively short in length, today's walk is one of the most physically demanding of the trip. After leaving our vehicles, we climb approximately 400 metres/1,315 feet on rocky volcanic paths, uneven steps and loose gravel before reaching the steaming crater. Sulphur vents hiss and, on a clear morning, the summit offers superb views across the surrounding volcanic landscape.
The ascent usually takes around two hours at a steady pace. The route can be slippery after rain, and the combination of steep gradients, uneven ground and volcanic terrain requires good balance and fitness. Using walking poles may be beneficial for additional support.
After descending, we return to the hotel for breakfast and a chance to freshen up before continuing our journey towards the vast caldera of Lake Toba. Along the way we stop at Dokan, a traditional Karo Batak village where distinctive wooden houses provide an insight into local life and customs, before visiting the spectacular Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, which plunges over 100 metres into the ancient volcanic crater below.
Continuing to Parapat, we board the ferry across Lake Toba to Samosir Island, our base for the next two nights.
Our total drive today is around four hours, followed by a half-hour public ferry.
Toledo Inn (or similar)
Today we explore Samosir Island, situated in the heart of Lake Toba, the world's largest volcanic lake. This water-filled giant caldera was formed following one of the largest volcanic eruptions in Earth's history around 74,000 years ago. The lake dominates the surrounding landscape and remains the cultural heartland of the Batak people.
Travelling by boat and road, we visit several traditional Batak villages including Tomok, Ambarita and Simanindo. Along the way we learn about Batak history, architecture and customs, visiting ancient stone chairs once used for village meetings and justice, elaborately carved ancestral tombs and beautifully preserved traditional houses with their distinctive soaring roofs.
At Simanindo we gain further insight into Batak culture hopefully through displays of traditional music and dance, depending on local schedules.
Returning to our lakeside hotel during the afternoon, the remainder of the day is free to relax, enjoy the peaceful surroundings or perhaps take a refreshing swim in the lake.
After breakfast we leave Samosir Island by the same public ferry before beginning the four-to-five-hour drive back to Medan, passing fertile farmland, plantations and mountain scenery along the way.
On arrival in the city we explore the historic Kesawan district on foot. Once the commercial heart of colonial Medan, the area is home to beautifully preserved heritage buildings, Chinese shophouses and bustling local businesses that reflect the city's multicultural past.
The remainder of the afternoon is free for last-minute shopping, relaxing at the hotel or sampling some of Medan's renowned local cuisine before our final evening together.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Medan.
There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Sumatra at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you\ d like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Medan Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), which is just under a one-hour drive from the hotel.
Lying on the equator, Indonesia stays hot all year round, with daytime temperatures in the 80's (26°-28°C). Humidity is usually high. The wet seasons are roughly: Java- October to April; Bali- November to May; starting later the further east you travel. Nights are much cooler in the mountains than on the plains. Sea breezes normally keep the coastal strips of the islands from becoming too uncomfortable.
+7
2 Pin Round
Islam, Christian, Hindu
Indonesian (official), numerous regional dialects, Sundanese, Javanese and some English.
The region is tropical (humid) and days can be very hot. Casual clothes are the most practical, whilst tight fitting garments should be avoided. Please bring long skirts, trousers and shirts to cover yourself fully in order to respect local sensibilities, and to cover your arms and legs in the jungle. Bring some warmer clothing for the time spent at higher altitudes. Light rain gear and/or an umbrella is excellent in sticky, tropical conditions. A sunhat is essential.
Comfortable walking shoes or boots for jungle and volcano walks. Trainers and sandals for leisurely activities. WALKING INFO This is a wildlife and cultural discovery holiday, but there are three included walks that require a good level of ability and fitness. Although the distances are relatively short; high temperatures, humidity, uneven and steep terrain and occasional muddy or slippery conditions make them considerably more demanding than the distances alone suggest.[JA5.1][JA5.2] The rainforest walk in Gunung Leuser National Park lasts around four hours and follows narrow jungle trails with exposed tree roots, muddy sections and approximately 225 metres / 740 feet of ascent and descent. Wildlife sightings often involve periods of standing and waiting on uneven ground. The climb of Mount Sibayak is the most demanding walk of the trip. Although only a few kilometres, it involves around 400 metres / 1315 feet of ascent and descent on very steep volcanic trails with loose gravel, rocky sections and uneven steps. A good level of fitness, sturdy walking footwear and confidence on uneven terrain are essential.
20Kg
One main piece of baggage and a daysac. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage and cabin space is limited, so don't overload yourself.
Binoculars, torch, water bottle, insect repellent (tropical strength), high factor suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection. Although not mandatory, you may wish to bring walking poles for Mt Sibayak.
Bus, Boat, On Foot
Throughout this trip, we stay in comfortable hotels and locally-owned lodges, chosen for their character and location. In Medan, we stay in a comfortable, modern hotel. Facilities include a restaurant and swimming pool, making it a relaxing base to start and end our trip. In Bukit Lawang, our accommodation is located on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, giving us easy access to the rainforest. Rooms are simple, with en-suite facilities and fans. As this is a remote jungle location, air conditioning is not available and hot water can occasionally be limited. The peaceful riverside setting and surrounding rainforest more than make up for the simpler facilities. In Berastagi, we stay in a comfortable hotel in the cooler highlands, well positioned for our early morning ascent of Mount Sibayak. On Samosir Island in Lake Toba, we stay in a simple lakeside hotel. Facilities here are more basic than elsewhere on the trip, but rooms are en-suite and the peaceful setting offers a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery after several active days. Accommodation standards in parts of Sumatra may vary. While all properties have private bathroom facilities, occasional interruptions to electricity, Wi-Fi or hot water can occur in more remote areas.
Can you drink the water? The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Our price guarantee does not apply to Polar Voyages. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Indonesia: British nationals travelling to Indonesia for tourism purposes can apply for a visa on arrival at a cost of IDR 500,000. The visa application can also be done online - https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/. A custom declaration is required too on arrival. This can either be done online up to 3 days in advance of your arrival or on arrival - https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/. Other nationalities may require a visa or may travel visa free for up to 30 days. Please check your government advice. If travelling on a free visa you must also exit via one of the approved ports - including international airports in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali, Medan, Surabaya and Batam, and sea ports in Batam and Bintan. All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining after departure from Indonesia and have at least two blank pages. Travellers heading to Indonesia must now complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card, which replaces the separate immigration, customs, and health declaration forms. This online form can be filled in up to 72 hours before arrival at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id. Once submitted, a QR code will be issued, which must be shown-either on your phone or printed out-along with your passport when you arrive. To complete the form, select 'English' at the top right of the website, then choose 'Foreign Visitor.' You'll need to provide personal and travel details, including your passport number, travel dates, flight or ship details, accommodation address, and any health or customs declarations. Please note that this form does not replace a visa-you must still obtain the correct visa for your visit. Even if you're eligible for visa-free entry, you're still required to complete the Arrival Card before travelling. In response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of Monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14, 2024, the Indonesian Ministry of Health has implemented new measures to prevent the spread of Monkeypox within the country. Effective immediately, all travellers entering Indonesia via Jakarta and Bali are required to complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass (SSHP) before their arrival. The SSHP form can be filled out by clicking this link - https:/shp.kemkes.go.id/. Once the required information is submitted, you will receive a barcode, which must be presented to airport staff during the immigration process upon arrival in Indonesia.
For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation from 10 April 2026. This means that when you travel into, or depart from, the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK and transit through a EU country. Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, typhoid and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on Malaria and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Although not compulsory, travellers may wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.