The Great Sumatran Traverse: North to West

📍 Kuala Namu International Airport - Medan city center (30 km): 1 hr 15 mins.

After arriving at Kuala Namu International Airport, meet with the Sumatran tour guide outside the main building for the start of the program. 

Proceed to Merdeka square in the center of the city for a walk in the old colonial part of the town which has retained its Dutch colonial architecture: the old Post office and Medan city hall and passing by Kesawan Street.

End your walk at Tip Top restaurant which history dates back to the time of Dutch colonization and where you will enjoy lunch.

Check in at your hotel and time for refreshing 

Around 3 PM your tour guide will pick you up at the hotel for continuing your city tour of Medan 

Visit to Maimoon Sultan’s Deli Palace, built in 1888. In former times the Palace was considered as the center of the town administration before the city of Medan developed. The sultan himself has a symbolic function for the Malay community.

The tour continues to the Great Mosque (built in 1906 by the first sultan and still considered as one the most beautiful mosques in the country. (Visit not possible during praying time and appropriate dress code is required)

End you visit of Medan with the impressive Vihara Gunung Timur, a beautiful Chinese temple

Afterwards, return to the hotel and spend the rest of the evening either relaxing or heading out for some independent exploration.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Medan
 

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

📍 Medan city center - Tangkahan via Binjai & Stabat (100km): 4 hrs 30 mins

After an early breakfast and check out, depart for Tangkahan via Binjai and Stabat: the last portion of the journey is along a dirt road -so be prepared for a bumpy ride! (For about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes) 

Upon arrival in Tangkahan, register at the “Gunung Leuser National Park” visitor center before walking to the lodge located on the other side of the river: Access to the lodge is through an impressive suspension bridge (15 minutes safe walk).

Check in at the lodge in Tangkahan and, after settling in, enjoy lunch.  

Upon arrival at the National Park's elephant rehabilitation center, we'll begin with an introductory briefing on the camp's history and vital conservation mission. Following the briefing, mahouts (elephant caretakers) will lead a short walk down to the river. Here, visitors will have the unique opportunity to observe the intimate bathing and feeding routine, as the mahout assists the elephants. For the elephants' well-being, our guest activity is limited to observation during this interaction. The experience culminates as we join the mahouts and follow from behind as they take on their daily forest patrol.

The patrol is a part of a conservation effort to monitor the jungle, prevent illegal logging and protect the habitat of endangered species in the Leuser Ecosystem. This "Ngangon Gajah" (elephant herding) is an hour-long gentle walk through the jungle before they are returned safely to the camp

The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can walk around the lodge and have plenty of opportunity to observe the cheeky Thomas Leaf Monkey in their natural surroundings. 
Or take a refreshing dip in the clear river. (Ask the hotel staff where in the river is the hidden hot spring as that is the best spot for a swim). 

Dinner is served in the hotel.

Notes:
- Please take a light bag with you only for tonight, the accommodation is basic with no hot water or AC. The driver will proceed with your main luggage to Bukit Lawang.
- On Friday, the elephant bath cannot be done because all elephants are on patrol in the park with the rangers. Advance booking is needed as only 5 elephants operate. 
- We do recommend participants to wear short pants, Tee Shirt and sandals for the activity and bring a change with you for changing when returning to the lodge
- Elephants walk should be booked at least 1 week prior to arrival in Tangkahan

Overnight in Tangkahan
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Tangkahan – Bukit Lawang (45km): 2 hrs 30 mins by local jeep

After breakfast at the lodge, cross back to the other side of the river using the suspension bridge.  A local jeep will be waiting on the other side for the off-road trip to Bukit Lawang (approximately 2 hours - 2 hours 30 minutes), passing through rubber plantations and beautiful jungle and mountain landscapes at the horizon.

Before arriving in Bukit Lawang, take a short stop to stretch and enjoy a fresh coconut drink at Coconut Park.

Upon arrival at Bukit Lawang, cross the impressive wooden suspension bridge over Bohorok River  on foot to arrive at the reception of the Eco Lodge. 

Check-in at the lodge in Bukit Lawang and enjoy a lunch of Sumatran specialties.

After lunch we cross the bridge again where we are picked by a becak for the visit to the TimbangLawang eco farm. This motorized sidecar will drive us through the local village to the eco farm which we first visit and afterwards to some more places where we can see such things as the making of brown sugar, rubber 

Afterwards, return to the hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure while enjoying the tropical surroundings.

Dinner at Leisure

Overnight in Bukit Lawang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Bukit Lawang - Berastagi (130 km via Medan): 4 hrs 30 mins approximately

Breakfast at the lodge.

Bukit Lawang is at the entrance to Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the last sanctuaries of the Sumatran orangutan. 

Start an unforgettable trek early in the morning at 08:00 Head out behind Eco Lodge (with an additional local English-speaking jungle guide). 

The first part of the hike is an easy climb to the forest for about 30 to 45 minutes –the local guide always sends a tracker ahead to check where the orangutans are. If some are seen in first part of the trek, the guide will suggest people who have difficulty walking to return to the lodge with the tracker while accompanying other participants all the way (total trekking time is two and a half to three hours up and down in the jungle -it’s a bit more challenging and can be slippery, so good shoes are required). 

After observing orangutans continue down to the OrangUtan Information Centre on the bank of the Bohorok River (30 minutes). Walk back to Eco Lodge along the river bank and main village of Bukit Lawang (30mn).

After returning back to the lodge, take some time to shower and change before checking out. Lunch is served at the lodge restaurant.

In the afternoon, leave Bukit Lawang to Berastagi in the Karo Highlands along a scenic route driving southwards via Sembahe and Sibolangit. In the late afternoon, arrive at Berastagi, a climate station located at some 1,400 meters above sea-level. 

Check in at the hotel late afternoon/early evening.

Dinner at leisure.

Note:  Camera fee is not included and must be paid locally IDR 50,000/camera (around USD 5) and IDR 150,000/video (around USD 15)  each time client enter the Gunung Leuser National Park

Overnight in Berastagi
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Berastagi - Parapat – via Dokan, Sipiso-Piso, Pematang Purba (130 km): 4 hrs 30 mins / Parapat – Tomok in Samosir Island by local Ferry: 1 hr

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart around 08:00 for a short city tour of Berastagi: the tour includes a visit to the St. Francis Catholic Church, with its unique Batak architecture and, in the background, a perfect view over Mount Sibayak. Continue with a walk through the local fruit market which is swarming with activity and scenes from traditional Karo life. 

Leave Berastagi around 09:30 and proceed to Lake Toba, stopping after Berastagi to take pictures of Mount Sinabung (2,460m).

Stop for a visit to Dokan, a village home to the Batak Karo, people who have unusual wedding and funeral ceremonies which can last for days, and dozens of other unique traditions and rituals which are still in practice. Then, meet with a family in a traditional longhouse where up to 6 families can be found living harmoniously together.

Continue south towards Lake Toba and make a stop to see the 120-meter tall Sipiso-Piso Waterfall in the Batak Highlands. The beautiful fall is formed by an underground river that then plunges from a cave into Lake Toba caldera. Here there will also be an impressive first-view of Toba Lake.

Continue the journey to Pematang Purba for a visit to Rumah Bolon, a 200-year old wooden house that used to be the dwelling of the ancient Batak Simalungun Kings.

A late lunch will be served enroute to Parapat at a local restaurant near Simar Jarunjung  

In the afternoon, drive along the eastern shore of Lake Toba to Parapat. 

Board a local ferry along with the private vehicle, driver and guide for a one hour boat trip between Parapat and Tomok on Samosir Island (Estimated departure from Parapat at 17:30 - subject to change).

The island of Samosir, which is roughly the size of Singapore, is located in the middle of Lake Toba. The caldera lake of Toba Volcano was formed over 75,000 years ago and is the largest volcanic lake in the world.

Take a direct transfer to the hotel on the Tuk Tuk Peninsula in Samosir Island (15-minute drive from Tomok) for check in. Take some time to freshen up, then spend the rest of the evening enjoying the unique atmosphere of the hotel. 

Dinner at leisure. 

Overnight in Samosir Island
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Tuk Tuk to Tele via Pangururan (60 km): 2 hr approximately each way

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today you will spend a full day exploring Samosir Island and Lake Toba. 

You‘ll leave Tuk Tuk with your private car and driver accompanied by your guide and proceed to Ambarita, Samosir’s most interesting Batak Toba village and known for its unique stone chairs tribunal and execution stones where enemies and criminals were slaughtered and parts of them eaten by this cannibalistic tribe. 

Drive to Simanindo where you’ll be treated to a performance of a traditional Batak Toba dance called Tor-Tor (once a day at 10:30 - 45 minutes) and visit the traditional village and its small Batak museum. 

From there we continue along the Eastern shore of Samosir Island to Pangururan, the small capital of Samosir.  

A picnic lunch has been prepared for you by the hotel and will be served onboard the ship while cruising towards Pangururan.

Your driver and vehicle will wait where your boat arrives and you will continue by car to Tele a rarely visited area located on the mainland in the Southern Shore of Lake Toba accessible after crossing a small bridge followed by a 30 minutes drive up the mountain: The view over Samosir Island and Lake Toba from the Observatory tower in Tele is simply breathtaking and the best one you can get over Lake Toba  

On the way back to Tuk Tuk via Pangururan stop alongside the road for observing the traditional weaving. 
 
You’ll return to your hotel in Tuk Tuk late in the afternoon. 

Dinner is at leisure.

Note:
For those who would like to enjoy a relaxing bath, there is a possibility to visit the hot springs after the visit to Tele.

Overnight in Samosir.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Parapat - Jangga Dolok - Balige (60 km): 2 hrs / Balige - Lintong coffee plantation - Taruntung (50km): 1 hr 40 mins / Taruntung - Padang Sidempuan (100km): 3 hrs 15 mins

Early wake-up call and breakfast before check out and transfer to nearby Tomok for boarding the local ferry from Samosir Island and Parapat (estimated departure time at 07:00 - subject to change) 

From Parapat you continue by car to Padang Sidempuan.

On the way there we make stops at Jangga Dolok, a typical Batak Toba village surrounded by rice fields. 

Also we go to Balige where you can walk around the daily local market and see all local products and maybe buy some snacks for on the road.

From here you continue the drive to Lintong district to visit a coffee plantation. You will get a chance to observe the drying and grinding process of the coffee bean before enjoying some freshly brewed coffee with the coffee tasting.

Next stop will be Tarutung town for a late lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. In Tarutung a Batak Protestant Church can be seen.
 
After lunch you continue the drive to Padang Sidempuan, the small capital of the Batak Mandheling regency.

Check in to your hotel and dinner is served in the hotel.
 
Overnight in Padang Sidempuan. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Padang Sidempuan - Sihepeng (40km): 1 hr 15 mins / Sihepeng - Kotanopan (71km): 2 hrs 15 mins / Kotanopan - Rimba Panti natural reserve (50 km): 1 hr 50 mins / Rimba Panti - Bonjol (45km): 1 hr 30 mins / Bonjol - Palupuh Raflesia sanctuary (33km): 1 hr / Palupuh - Bukittinggi (30km): 1 hr

Wake up early this morning and depart at 07:00 to Padang Sidempuan for a long day of driving to reach Bukittinggi in the West Sumatra Province, a 285 km drive passing through the winding roads of the Bukit Barisan Mountain range offering beautiful scenery of mountains, rivers, valleys and traditional villages.

We make a stop at Sihepeng, a small botanical garden where you can learn about all kinds of spices like pepper, saffron, lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaf… and also observe the local monkeys plucking coconut fruits before enjoying this refreshing natural drink.

We also make a photo-stop outside of Purba Baru where you can see the Musthafawiyah Islamic school, one of the oldest and largest boarding schools in Sumatra founded in 1912. 

Continue towards Kotanopan for an early lunch at a local restaurant.

Depart from Kotanopan and enter the province of West Sumatra and you will notice that the landscape is now changing into tropical rainforest. We take time to make a short 30 minute walk in the beautiful natural environment while stopping at the Rimba Panti Nature reserve. 

From here the drive takes you to Bonjol where you will pass the Equator and where a monument marks the imaginary Equator line. Urban legend says that crossing the line backwards will bring good luck, so give it a try.
 
Last stop today before reaching Bukittinggi is Palupuh Rafflesia sanctuary and if you are lucky this could be the most rewarding one of this day. 

The small 3.4 hectare conservation center is focused on conserving the rare giant Rafflesia flower. This unique flower is the largest in the world and is native to Sumatra. Palupuh is a sanctuary for three types of Rafflesia: Rafflesia Arnoldi, the largest species that can reach a diameter of 1,5 meters wide when blossoming, Raflesia Arizentis (15cm diameter) and Raflesia Oumor Pupolus Titanum. The generic name is Rafflesia and was given in honor of Sir Thomas Raffles 

Depart from the nearby village for a trekking of approximately 1 hour into the local rain forest where you have a chance to see and smell the famous giant Rafflesia flower. 

During this activity you will also see some tropical plants and local coffee plants. If possible you will also see local coffee processing.

Arrive in the evening in Bukittinggi and check in at your hotel. 

Note:
Be aware that the blooming of a Rafflesia is a rare and unpredicted event and depends on many specific factors. The flower usually blossoms during the wet season from mid to end of year (the best chances are between July and December) but since the Rafflesia is unisexual it also requires the vital proximity of male and female flowers for successful pollination. Also, the buds take many months to develop and the flower only lasts for just a few days. Therefore, whatever the season, there is no guarantee that you will see the Rafflesia but if you do, it really is a once in a lifetime experience. 

Overnight in Bukittinggi
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Bukittinggi - Payakumbuh - Harau Valley (45km): 1 hr 30 mins / Harau Valley - Payakumbuh - Tabek Path (40 km): 1 hr 20 mins / Tabek Patah - Rao Rao - Batusangkar - Pagaruyung palace (35 km): 1 hr 15 mins / Pagaruyung Palace - Bukittinggi via the Northern Shore Lake Singkarak (65 km): 2 hrs

After breakfast you depart from your hotel to the west passing the small town of Payakumbuh to reach the beautiful Harau Valley, where lush green rice fields are hemmed in between huge granite cliffs. 

Here enjoy a 1-hour walk through the village and rice fields to observe the daily life and activities of the villagers ending the walk at a local homestay for drinks and refreshments.

From Harau valley you continue your drive in the direction of Batusangkar with a stop at Tabek Patah for lunch at the charming Pondok Flora local restaurant serving traditional Minang food.

In the afternoon you continue to the nearby local village of Rao Rao known for its beautiful traditional Minangkabau houses, locally known as Rumah Gadang.

Next stop will be at Pagaruyung Palace located in the village of Tanjung Emas near Batusangkar: The palace is a replica of the original Pagaruyung royal palace which was set on fire by the nation’s Dutch colonists in 1804 and it has only recently been entirely restored using traditional materials with its 3 storeys and its 5 stacked sweeping roofs ending with eleven sharp horns and covered with over 26 tons of palm fibers. 

Pagarayung is the most beautiful example of the Traditional Minangkabau Architecture. Pagaruyung is the name of the Minangkabau kingdom that ruled the central region of Sumatra and was the seat of a large kingdom where the Minangkabau culture flourished. Return to Bukittinggi passing by the picturesque Lake Singkarak.

Return to the hotel. 

Notes: 
- The Minangkabau ethnic group, also known as Minang is indigenous to the Minangkabau Highlands of West Sumatra, in Indonesia. Their culture is matrilineal and patriarchal, with property and land passing down from mother to daughter, while religious and political affairs are the responsibility of men (although some women also play important roles in these areas. 

- The Rumah Gadang are large elegant houses built of solid wood and beautifully carved. They are easily recognizable by their sweeping roofs with pointed eaves. The Minang believe that the pointed roof is reminiscent of the legend of the water buffalo, who won for Sumatra in a fight against a large Javanese bull.

Overnight in Bukittinggi
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Bukittinggi - Puncak Lawang (20km): 45mins Lake Maninjau - Pandai Sikat (42 km): 1hr 30mins / Pandai Sikat - Kota Gadang – Maninjau (21Km): 1 hr

After breakfast you leave the hotel with your driver and tour guide to Puncak Lawang, located on the hills with great views over Maninjau Lake. Here you do short and soft trekking down to the lake. The trek goes down through the forest towards the mysterious Lake Maninjau. During the trek you will stop at the local coffee shop to rest while enjoying the beautiful scenery. 

Upon arrival in the lakeside village you will be picked up by the car and transferred to a local restaurant, named Zalino restaurant located on the shore of the lake for lunch.
 
After lunch you return to Bukittinggi via Kota Gadang, well-known for silver works and visit Pandai Sikat village to see Minangkabau traditional hand weaving and wood carving. 
You will spend the afternoon exploring Bukittinggi and its surroundings. The main town sites will be seen on foot, as Bukittinggi is very small and everything is located close together, with a car nearby to take you to the further locations. 

You will visit the impressive Sianok Canyon which is known for its network of underground bunkers and tunnels built by the Japanese during World War II. There is a two-story observation tower that overlooks the Sianok Canyon, which you may climb to the top for panoramic views of the area. 

Note: We advise to skip the Japanese tunnel due to security reason

You will also see Fort De Kock, built by the Dutch during the Padri Wars. Although little remains of the original fortifications, it provides fine views over the town from its hilltop position.

In town, you see the town’s large clock tower ‘Jam Gadang’ and walk around the Pasar Atas Market. The market is open daily but on Wednesdays and Saturdays it is especially busy with people coming from neighboring villages to buy and sell their wares. 

Back to your hotel and time for refreshing.

After that you go to local restaurants for dinner. At 20:15 transfer to town to enjoy a traditional Minangkabau dance performance at the center of Bukittinggi town. 

Overnight in Bukittinggi.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Bukittinggi - Padang Panjang (20km): 40 mins / Padang Panjang - Anai Valley and Waterfall (15km): 30 mins / Anai Valley - Padang (60km): 1 hr 30 mins / Padang - Bungus Island (37 km): 1 hr 15 mins by road + 45 mins by boat

After breakfast you depart to Padang via the Anai valley. 

On the way stop at Padang Panjang for a visit to the Minangkabau Documentation Centre housed in a large and beautiful “Rumah Gadang” that is used as a museum of cultural and historical documents of Minangkabau.

Continue to Padang passing through the beautiful Anai Valley with its green forest and valley with a crystal clear rocky river. Stop along the way for viewing the picturesque 30m high Anai Valley Waterfall. 

Arrive in Padang where lunch will be served in a restaurant called Nelayan.

After lunch we do a short sightseeing tour around the city of Padang with the Old Dutch colonial district located beside the Muaro River. Walk along the river banks with a row of Old Dutch colonial buildings ending at the historical harbor of Padang built by the Dutch full of colorful little boats. There’s also a beautiful bridge on the river, Sitti Nurbaya Bridge which at night is beautifully lit.

Your driver and guide will drop you at the representative office of Rimba Eco Lodge in Padang where you will first register before being transferred by the hotel representative. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes by road + 45 minutes by boat to Bungus island.  Check in for a 3 night stay in full board at Rimba Eco Lodge.

Overnight in Bungus Island
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Breakfast, lunch and dinner served at the resort.

There is no car or tour guide present during your stay.

Activities included at no extra charge are snorkeling, picnics to neighboring islands several times a week, canoeing and fun sailing.

Optional activities to be arranged locally and at extra charge are scuba diving, water skiing, wake or knee boarding.

Overnight in Bungus Island
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Breakfast, lunch and dinner served at the resort.

There is no car or tour guide present during your stay.

Activities included at no extra charge are snorkeling, picnics to neighboring islands several times a week, canoeing and fun sailing.

Optional activities to be arranged locally and at extra charge are scuba diving, water skiing, wake or knee boarding.

Overnight in Bungus Island
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Bungus Island - Minangkabau International Airport Padang (37 km): 1 hr 15 mins by road + 45 mins by boat

Breakfast and lunch are served at the resort.

Time at leisure until time for departure to Padang Airport for your domestic flight to your next destination in Indonesia.

Recommended flights (Not included and quoted separately- Tariffs and schedule subject to change without prior notice): Garuda Indonesia from Padang to Jakarta GA163, departing at 16:30 and arriving at 18:25.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast