North Sumatra: what to see and where to stay

North Sumatra - the most visited part of the island: it is home to rare fiery orangutans, volcanic Lake Toba and distinctive peoples who have preserved their authenticity. Despite its geographic proximity to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, the northern part of Sumatra remains wild and attractive for travelers who know that Indonesia is not only Bali.

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Gunung Leuser National Park: in search of orangutans

Bukit Lawang - a small village to the northwest of Medan - serves as a starting point for jungle hikes in Gunung Leuser National Park, recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's most important biodiversity reserves. Here you can see rehabilitated orangutans. You can also go on a one-day hike or choose a multi-day expedition. The park is also a refuge for many other endangered species, including tigers and elephants, whose habitat is shrinking because of the expansion of palm oil plantations. Giant rafflesia flowers also grow here. They reach more than one meter in diameter and up to 10 kilograms in weight.

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Lake Toba: swimming in a volcanic crater

Danau Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, was formed thousands of years ago as a result of a powerful eruption. Despite its impressive depth, reaching more than 500 meters in some places, the lake attracts tourists with its calm waters and beneficial minerals. In the center of Toba lies Samosir Island, where the hospitable Batak people live. Samosir impresses with its distinct character and ancient, slightly unsettling traditions. It was here that cannibalism was practiced just a few centuries ago.

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Climb Sibayak volcano

Gunung Sibayak - a volcano located on the outskirts of the town of Berastagi - has been "sleeping" since 1881. It is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in North Sumatra. Because of its relatively easy ascent, it became a tourist attraction back in colonial times. The trek can be done in 5-6 hours round trip, and on the way back you can relax in the hot springs.

Be prepared for sudden weather changes, and bring suitable clothing and supplies. You can do the hike without a guide, but the trails are not properly maintained, so do not forget maps so you do not get lost. Your effort will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Karo Highlands.

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Mount Sinabung

Gunung Sinabung - the highest volcano in North Sumatra - is active and closed to hiking. It woke up in 2010 after 400 years of inactivity and has been rumbling almost every year. In 2019, a strong eruption sent ash 7 kilometers into the sky. To enjoy a magnificent view of this unsafe volcano, ask a taxi driver to take you to Tiga Pancur village in Simpang Empat, Perteguhan village, Tiga Kicat in Naman Teran or the Gundaling hills.

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A trip through Medan

Most visitors come to North Sumatra through Medan, a large and crowded city. Once a swampy settlement, it turned into a trading city after the Dutch captured the Deli Sultanate in 1872, and a few years later it became the capital of the region.

• Architecture. On the southern edge of Medan's longest street, Jalan Sisingamangaraja, stands Istana Maimun, built by an Italian architect in Rococo style in 1888. It is still the official residence of the sultan's descendants, and it can be visited during the day. One block east of the palace is the impressive Mesjid Raya Mosque (Grand Mosque). It was built in 1906 to complement the architectural style of the palace, and it is the city's largest mosque.
• Cultural walk. In Medan, history lovers can visit Bukit Barisan Museum. This military museum, founded in 1971, holds weapons, paintings, archaeological exhibits and costumes of local tribes.
• Medan Zoo. Kebun Binatang Medan, Medan Zoo, is located about 10 kilometers from the city center and gives visitors the chance to see rare animals such as Bengal tigers, Sumatran elephants and orangutans.

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Berastagi and cultural heritage

The small town of Berastagi is located about 2 hours' drive from Medan. Surrounded by authentic villages and waterfalls, Berastagi is an excellent place to get acquainted with the culture of Sumatra.

• Karo villages. Immerse yourself in the daily life of one of the many Karo villages scattered across North Sumatra. Traditional longhouses with thatched roofs are decorated with buffalo horns. It is interesting to visit the villages of Peceren, Lingga and Dokan. Hire a guide who speaks the local dialect.
• The market in Berastagi. A huge variety of tropical fruits, many of which are unfamiliar to tourists. Passion fruit, known as mariska, is especially popular, particularly its yellow variety. Also note salak, or "snake fruit", and tamarillo, small tree tomatoes - another delicacy of Sumatra's fertile region.

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Bohorok River

Bohorok flows between Bukit Lawang and Gunung Leuser National Park. This place is ideal for water activities.

Tubes for rafting can be rented along the river or in the guesthouses of Bukit Lawang. Guides, for a small fee, carry the large tubes upstream and direct visitors back down. After heavy rain, go with a guide, but act carefully.

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Sipiso-Piso waterfall

Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, located in the Batak Highlands, is a major attraction of North Sumatra. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia, dropping 120 meters onto the rocks below. It is special because it begins from an underground river and falls continuously from the cliff.

Visitors can reach the foot of Sipiso-Piso by following a spiral staircase winding through dense forest. Near the waterfall there are souvenir and food stalls.

By the way, a few minutes by bus from Kabanjahe, north of Sidikalang, you will see a breathtaking viewpoint near the northern tip of Danau Toba, with a view over the distant Tongging valley and Sipiso-Piso waterfall.

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Bat cave

Just 2 kilometers from Bukit Lawang there is a cave filled with thousands of bats. Landowners may charge visitors a small fee. The ancient cave is about 500 meters long. It is best to go there with a guide and a flashlight. Ask about the lesser-known Swallow Cave and Ship Cave.

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Snow Beach

About 1.5 hours' drive from Medan lies Pantai Salju, or "Snow Beach" - a natural bathing spot with clear mountain water that looks like snow as it rushes quickly over the rocks. It is a popular place for recreation and swimming among locals and tourists.

Monaco Park for family holidays

Monaco Park in Namo Suro Baru village, about an hour's drive from Medan, offers family time in nature. There is a swimming pool, a beautiful garden, places for photo sessions and a quad bike track. Visitors pay a small fee, which helps keep the park in good condition. Costs rise a little on weekends and public holidays, when more people come.

Where to stay in North Sumatra

North Sumatra offers a variety of accommodation options to meet the needs of both budget travelers and those looking for more comfortable conditions.

• Medan. As a large city, Medan has developed infrastructure with a wide choice of restaurants, shops, banks and transport services. In the capital of North Sumatra, you will find international hotel chains offering a high level of service. There are also many mid-range hotels in Medan with good value for money. For budget travel, there are guesthouses and hostels where you can find simple rooms at affordable prices.
• Lake Toba and Samosir Island. On Samosir, the infrastructure is developed quite well, with restaurants, shops and transport services. Guesthouses and bungalows with cozy accommodation and lake views prevail. In the Tuk-Tuk area there are several hotels with a higher level of comfort and amenities.
• Bukit Lawang. In Bukit Lawang there is basic infrastructure, including restaurants, shops and travel agencies. The main accommodation options are guesthouses and lodges offering simple rooms with basic amenities. For those who want to combine comfort with care for the environment, there are eco-lodges, for example Ecolodge Bukit Lawang.
• Berastagi. There are necessary amenities, restaurants, shops and transport services. You can find both budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels.
• Ketambe and Kedah. In these remote areas, accommodation options are limited to simple guesthouses and lodges. Infrastructure is less developed, and the choice of services may be limited.
• Nias Island. There are both budget guesthouses and comfortable beachfront hotels.

If you are looking for comfort and a wide range of services, Medan and Samosir will be the best choice. If you prefer a more authentic experience and closeness to nature, pay attention to Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, Ketambe or Kedah.

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