10 days in Sumatra: itinerary through the island’s main tourist sights

Sumatra is one of the most interesting islands in Indonesia for independent travel. Here you will find volcanoes, jungles with orangutans, the largest volcanic lake in the world, and some of the best places for trekking and diving. We have put together an optimal 10-day route around Sumatra with the main sights you should not miss.

Depositphotos

Medan - the main city of North Sumatra

The first city in Sumatra that tourists get to know is Medan. It has a major airport where most travelers arrive. Take a pause and use the opportunity to see this large trading city with the magnificent Istana Maimun Palace, built by an Italian architect. Visit the historic places of Medan and explore the colorful local markets filled with the aroma of spices. If you are traveling with children, head to Medan Zoo to see rare animals: Bengal tigers, Sumatran elephants, and orangutans.

Photo by Mike Panton on Pexels

Gunung Leuser National Park - a meeting with orangutans

Many tourists head to Sumatra with one single goal: to see the rare fiery orangutan. It is almost the only place in the world where such an encounter may await you. The best place in Sumatra to observe this species is Gunung Leuser National Park. It is a huge tropical reserve covering almost 8 thousand km².

The most convenient gateway to the park is the small village of Bukit Lawang. Semi-wild orangutans live here, already rehabilitated and familiar with humans. But be careful, you must not get too close to orangutans! These animals can easily get sick after contact with humans. Here you can also see Arnold's rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.

Depositphotos

Berastagi - the highland town of Sumatra

A small town in the Barisan Mountains is surrounded by two huge volcanoes, Sibayak and Sinabung. The Dutch built the town so they could escape the heat and relax in the highlands. It is located at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level, which makes Berastagi a popular destination among the residents of Medan.

Visit the city market of tropical fruits and climb Gundaling Hill to enjoy a stunning view of Sinabung and Sibayak. Explore the lively markets of Berastagi. By the way, the town's name means "City of Rice", and around it you will discover many green rice terraces. On the way to town, you can stop and visit one of the villages of the Batak people.

Depositphotos

Climbing Sibayak - a hike to a dormant volcano

On the outskirts of Berastagi stands Sibayak volcano, which has not erupted since the 19th century. It is considered one of the calmest and most accessible volcanoes in Sumatra. Set off on an exciting 3-hour journey to Mount Sibayak. It begins with a transfer to the foot of the stratovolcano, and then continues to the 2090-meter summit to see the sunrise. The route takes you through a geothermal landscape that looks lunar, with sulfur lakes and steaming vents, all the way to the crater rim. Enjoy the panoramic view at sunrise. On the way back you will come across hot springs, where you can relax after the climb. Set aside a full day for this hike, departing from Berastagi.

Depositphotos

Sinabung - an active volcano of Sumatra

One day can be devoted to the active volcano. After a 400-year pause, it woke up and during the last decade has erupted almost every year. Of course, visitors are not allowed close to the volcano, but it is still worth seeing it from a viewpoint. Find a taxi in Berastagi and ask to be taken to one of several villages: Tiga Pankur, Perteguhan, Tiga Kikat in Naman Teran, or the Gundaling hills. It is from there that an incredible view of the active volcano opens up.

Depositphotos

Pulau Weh: an underwater paradise for divers

Give yourself a day of rest off the northwestern coast of Sumatra. Pulau Weh Island is a wonderful option for discovering Sumatra's underwater beauty. Explore colorful coral reefs and, if you are lucky, watch manta rays and whale sharks.

Depositphotos

Sipiso-Piso - a breathtaking 100-meter waterfall

Sipiso-Piso Waterfall is a mesmerizing sight. Water cascades from a height of more than 100 meters! The source of the waterfall lies deep underground, in a subterranean river. The road to Sipiso-Piso runs through emerald jungles, and you can descend to its base by a winding staircase wrapped in evergreen tropical plants. The hike does not take much time, a few hours are quite enough.

Depositphotos

Toba: the largest volcanic lake in the world

Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world, created by a powerful volcanic eruption. It is one of the calling cards not only of Sumatra, but of all Indonesia. Its area is larger than the territory of Singapore! In the center of the lake lies Samosir Island. It is quite large and attracts tourists with its authenticity. It is the largest island in the world inside an island.

On Samosir, the ancient Batak people preserve their culture. Every evening, local cafes host Batak dance and music performances. This is a very popular tourist destination. Along the shores of Toba there are several popular towns with small hotels and hostels.

Toba is 4-5 hours by road from Medan. The best way to travel between them is by kijang. This is a public car service where you pay for one seat and share the ride with other passengers. A kijang will take you from the airport to the town of Parapat on the shore of the lake. From Parapat, ferries run every hour from morning until evening to Tuktuk on Samosir Island. The ferry crossing lasts 30 minutes and costs about one dollar.

Depositphotos

Climbing Mount Kerinci

Sumatra is home to the highest active volcano in Indonesia: almost 4 kilometers high! This is a full expedition, and definitely not for the faint-hearted: the ascent requires endurance and takes 2 days. If you have more time, extend your journey to Gunung Tujuh, a caldera lake among giant mountains. Visit the mysterious forests of Ladeh Panjang, where rare animals live. Such a trip will take at least a week.

The optimal route starts in Padang. From there, take a minibus to the Sungai Penuh region and ask to stop in the village of Kersik Tuo, which is the closest settlement to Mount Kerinci. Guesthouses are available in the village.

Depositphotos

Excursion to Mount Marapi

Or "Mountain of Fire". This volcano is less intimidating than Gunung Kerinci, but the climb along a steep trail and a fragile lava field near the summit still requires effort. The ascent of Gunung Marapi can be done in one day. The journey lasts about 8-10 hours. The crater's black sandy wastelands look mystical and carry a sulfur smell. A guide is not mandatory for experienced tourists and climbers, which makes the ascent accessible for more independent travelers.

The trail begins just 45 minutes by road from Bukittinggi.

Depositphotos

Mentawai Islands

Mentawai are the pearls of West Sumatra, consisting of four large and 70 small islands. The largest island, Siberut, is covered with dense equatorial rainforest. The other three larger islands are Sipora, North Pagai, and South Pagai. These places attract surfers from all over the world. Popular surf centers are the southern tip of Siberut, the Playgrounds area, the north and south of Sipora, and famous spots on North and South Pagai such as Macaronis.

There are many resorts offering surf camps and tours to different locations. Siberut's tropical forest is a great place for adventure and hiking. You can choose this direction to spend most of your journey. Head to Muara Siberut, the island's main town.

It is impossible to fully know Sumatra in 10 days. But you can choose the places that interest you most and include them in your route. Travel with us!

Depositphotos