Sumatra Adventure





Venture to Indonesia’s rugged wilderness in steamy Sumatra.
Steamy Sumatra is a rugged jungle paradise for all types of adventurers. The world’s sixth largest island is teeming with untamed nature and is home to many endangered species, including the Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros, elephants and the acclaimed orangutan. On this ten-day Sumatran expedition, travel from Medan to Bukit Lawang and explore Gunung Leuser National Park. Head to Berastagi and hike up the steaming active volcano Sibayak, basking in the glory of misty panoramas from the summit. Finish in Samonsir on Lake Toba, where the colourfully dressed Christian Batak people welcome you.
4.8
69 reviewsStart: Medan, Indonesia
End: Medan, Indonesia
- Duration
- 10 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Try to spot wild orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park during not one, but two hikes through the jungle – home to some 300 bird species and the endangered Sumatran tiger. Spend the night in the jungle soaking up the wild ambience and falling asleep to the sounds of nature.
- Climb the Sibayak Volcano to enjoy panoramic views at its spectacular summit, then head to local hot springs for some well-earned rest and relaxation after the descent.
- Explore Lake Toba and the villages on Samosir Island. Check out Indonesia’s highest waterfall and a take a cultural tour that includes a traditional Batak dance performance
- Begin and end your adventure in Sumatra’s largest city – Medan. Explore the mix of Asian cultures, which can be seen in the colourful architecture and within the delicious mix of cuisines.
- Let your knowledgeable group leader guide you through the thickets of the jungle, past small cultural villages and to the best places to eat around northern Sumatra.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia. The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you happen to arrive early, perhaps check out Maimun Palace – designed by a Dutch Architect and built in the 19th century, it combines architecture from Malay, Indian and Islamic cultures and is now a museum. Alternatively, buy a ticket and take a guided tour of the museum at Tjong A Fie Mansion – known as ‘the historical jewel in Medan’, the Tjong A Fie was built in 1895 by a hakka merchant and is modelled on the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion in Penang. After your meeting, maybe grab some street food at one of the night markets in town.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Medan - Maimun Palace - IDR10000
- Medan Grand Mosque - IDR5000
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Jump aboard a private vehicle and drive to Bukit Lawang. The first part of the journey involves quite heavy traffic, but the roads are nice and smooth. Closer to Bukit Lawang it gets bumpy and windy, so brace yourself for a bit of an adventure. The reward for the journey is Bukit Lawang – a peaceful village on the banks of the Bohorok river, right next to the Gunung Leuser National Park. In the afternoon you can take an optional tour in the countryside by becak (cycle rickshaw) or cool off with a refreshing swim in the river. There will be also be plenty of time to prepare for your jungle trek.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bukit Lawang - Countryside tour - IDR200000
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Set off on your trekking adventure through the Gunung Leuser National Park with an experienced guide. This UNESCO World Heritage site and Wildlife Heritage Area spans 7927 sq km and is one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. It's the home of many endangered species, including the Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros and elephants. These animals are extremely rare, but you’ll get the chance to go in search for wild orangutans. There used to be an orangutan rehabilitation centre here, but now these creatures have all been returned to their natural habitat, so this is your best chance in Indonesia to see orangutans in the wild. There are also 300 species of birds and many rare plants and flowers. Along the way, your guides will point out orangutan nests, edible plants for you to try, monkeys and birds. Tonight you’ll camp in the jungle – enjoy the atmosphere of the wild as the sun goes down and the guides cook dinner for the group.
- Camping (with no facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Gunung Leuser NP - Jungle Wildlife Trek
- Gunung Leuser NP - Trekking Lunch
- Gunung Leuser NP - Campsite Dinner
Your trekking time today will be approximately 6 hours. Today's hike is hilly and can be muddy. The paths are mostly clear, but there are some sections where you’ll have to climb over large fallen logs.
Variations to this trek are uncommon, but possible due to varying weather conditions (in the rainy season you will try to reach camp earlier, as it normally rains in the late afternoon) and timing depends on the group’s physical condition. The leader gives the hike a 6 to 10 difficulty in the dry season and an 8 to 10 in the wet season. It's a wild, remote spot, which means maximum adventure and zero facilities! Twin share tents and boiled stream water refills are provided. You may want to bring your own water purification tablets for tonight.
You will need to prepare an overnight bag for your trek, and we will leave our large bags at the hotel. It’s advised to wear long-sleeved lightweight clothing, as this will keep the sun and mosquitoes away and help in the year-round hot and very humid weather. We suggest you bring a spare set of clothes for the evening, a sleep sheet, biodegradable soap or shower gel, insect repellent, a pack towel or sarong and rain jacket. At night, the temperatures do drop slightly but still stay mild. Please refer to packing for information about clothing suitable footwear. A sleeping bag will be provided but you may want to bring your own sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet for extra comfort. Porters are available at a cost of 150,000 IDR per day. Please inform your leader in advance if you would like to hire a porter.
Today, your adventure takes you deeper into the heart of Gunung Leuser National Park. Following a hearty breakfast, head out on another invigorating trek, this time in a new direction, promising even more opportunities to encounter the park's incredible wildlife. Let the lush surroundings envelop you in a natural symphony of sights and sounds, then return to the guesthouse in Bukit Lawang to unwind in the afternoon. Settle in for a restful evening, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Gunung Leuser NP - Jungle Wildlife Trek
Your trekking distance today will be approximately 7 km.
Say goodbye to the jungle this morning and head out for Berastagi – the home of the Karo people, a Batak sub-group with traditional villages (long houses) and your destination for the next two nights. Arrive after lunch, then enjoy the free time to explore at your own pace or take the opportunity to rest and recharge after two long days of trekking.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
The route to Berastagi goes as high as 1300 m above sea level. During the day, temperatures usually rise over 25 C (77 F) but can become quite cold overnight and in the morning, especially in the wet season.
Your day starts with a short drive to the starting point of today's hike, which will bring you to the top of the Sibayak Volcano (2094 m). The trail can be quite steep, muddy and slippery, especially in the wet season. You’ll follow a shady jungle path which, towards the top, opens into an alpine setting. Long pants are essential to protect you from poisonous plants, and a trekking stick will also come in handy! From the summit, you can see (and hear) the steaming vapours escaping from the fumaroles of this active volcano. After the descent, sit down for a traditional bungkus lunch just in time to reward your hardwork on the hike and enjoy the views. You’ll then head back for a relax. You may also choose to go to the nearby hot springs for a soothing soak – after a few days of trekking, relaxing in these pools, which are all naturally heated by the volcano, will be a welcome relief.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Mt Sibayak - Picnic lunch
- Mt Sibayak - Volcano climb
- Berastagi - Hot springs - IDR20000
Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours.
This morning, head to Lake Toba – surrounded by mountains, this spot is a peaceful place to relax. Formed by a huge volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago, a second eruption 50,000 years later created an island the size of Singapore in the middle of the lake (Samosir Island). Stop at Dokan Village along the way, where you'll find the traditional homes of local Batak families. From here, take a ferry across the glistening waters to Samosir Island, then drive to your lakeside accommodation. You have a free night to unwind and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance – your accommodation is right next to the lake and there’s nice views of the water, mountains and rice fields.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dokan Village - Batak longhouse visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Embark on a day tour in Samosir today. Visit the Stone Chairs and the Simanindo Museum (in a traditional house). You’ll also travel up to a viewpoint on the island which gives you a panoramic vista of Lake Toba and the surrounding Sumatran countryside. Walk through nearby rice fields and stop by a local Batak house for a traditional lunch. Toba Island is dotted with many ancient and modern grave sites, several of which you’ll see today. You’ll also have the chance to attend a traditional Batak dance performance!
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Lake Toba - Samosir Island day tour
- Lake Toba - Stone Chairs
- Lake Toba - Simanindo Museum
- Lake Toba - Batak Dance Performance
Say goodbye to Lake Toba, then drive to the Lake Port. Hop aboard a rustic wooden boat and glide to Tiga Raja Port. Take a moment to peruse the stalls of the weekly market nearby if it happens today, then head on to Medan. This is a bit of a travel day, but the passing landscapes are perfect to pass the time if you can grab a window seat! Arrive in Medan in the late afternoon, then maybe head out for a farewell dinner with your group and local leader, celebrating an amazing adventure.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Medan - Maimun Palace - IDR10000
- Medan Grand Mosque - IDR5000
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end in Medan this morning after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
Ferry, Private vehicle
Hotel (4 nts), Camping (1 nt), Guesthouse (4 nts)
- Gunung Leuser NP - Jungle Wildlife Trek
- Gunung Leuser NP - Trekking Lunch
- Gunung Leuser NP - Campsite Dinner
- Mt Sibayak - Picnic lunch
- Mt Sibayak - Volcano climb
- Dokan Village - Batak longhouse visit
- Lake Toba - Samosir Island day tour
- Lake Toba - Stone Chairs
- Lake Toba - Simanindo Museum
- Lake Toba - Batak Dance Performance
- Medan - Maimun Palace - IDR10000
- Medan Grand Mosque - IDR5000
- Bukit Lawang - Countryside tour - IDR200000
- Berastagi - Hot springs - IDR20000
This trip generates 48 kg of CO2-e per person per day
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Before you book you should know
- Sumatra is less developed than other islands of the Indonesian archipelago. Due to limited tourism infrastructure, expect there to be more bumpy and windy roads, some longer drives and more basic hotels. On the plus side, you’ll feel like you’re off the beaten track!
- This trip involves either a partial or full camping experience, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, and the joy of camping in the wilderness. This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates and group leader a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own! Keep in mind this is jungle camping with twin share tents and no facilities.
- Some of the best scenery on Sumatra is found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities.
- You may also want to check out our Best of Indonesia (TISSC) if you have longer time to explore in the country.
- You may also want to check out our Best of Indonesia (TISSC) if you have longer time to explore in the country.
Swiss-Belinn Medan
Jalan Surabaya 88
Medan
INDONESIA
Phone: +62 6141077777
Fax: +62 614520505
Description
The Swiss-Belinn Medan is located in the central business district, within walking distance to shops and very close to the famous Selat Panjang food stalls. The hotel is approximately 30km (18.6 mi) away from Kualanamu International Airport, approximately 1 hours drive (depending on local traffic conditions).
The Swiss-Belinn Medan offers 24 hour reception, arestaurant, fitness centre, spa with massage services. Free Wi-Fi in public areas, and laundry services are also available.
Rooms are come equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, a flat-screen cable TV, internet access, safety deposit box and tea/coffee making facilities Private bathrooms have a hot-water showers. Please note that not all rooms have windows and although we will endeavour to book our travellers into rooms with windows we can not guarantee this.
http://www.swiss-belhotel.com/en-gb/swiss-belinn-medan
Instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you have booked an airport transfer your driver will be waiting for you, holding an intrepid travel sign, inside the arrival hall after you have collected your baggage. If you are unable to find the driver please call our local supplier on their 24 hour number +62 853 7072 0018 (Phone/Whats App) The journey time is dependant on traffic but can take up to 2- 2.5 hours.
If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer, to avoid using unlicensed taxis and/or being overcharged, we strongly recommend you purchase a taxi voucher to your hotel which can be purchased at the taxi counter inside the airport after clearing customs. Taxi transfers will cost approximately IDR200,000 per car. The journey from airport to hotel can take 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic.
The quickest way to get to central Medan is by using the high speed rail link. The cost is 50,000 IDR, it departs every 1 hour and takes around 50 mins. Follow the signs once you have collected your baggage in Medan. Upon arrival into Medan you will need to either walk for around 15 minutes (note the pavements are not very even or well defined on some streets in Medan) or take a taxi – the approx cost from the train station to the hotel will be around 30,000 IDR.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (Camping) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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