10D North Sumatra Explorer Tour

Join our 10D North Sumatra Explorer trip for an unforgettable encounter with nature. Visit the largest crater lake in Southeast Asia, visit the Sumatran elephant and orangutans in their natural homes, and see the mesmerizing Batak’s culture firsthand. Be an adventurous soul this once, by going through the thick and famous rain forest of Sumatra and meet the wildlife inside. It sure will be going to “one of your many unforgettable trip” list.

Route : Medan – Tangkahan – Bukit Lawang – Berastagi – Lake Toba – Samosir Island – Medan

Highlights : Tangkahan elephant sanctuary, Bukit Lawang orangutan sanctuary, one night camp in the jungle, Samosir Island (the home of Batak Tribe)

 

Day 1   Medan (No Meals)

Pick up at Kuala Namu International Airport or other agreed spot in Medan. After a warm welcome by our driver, then we will transfer to Medan. Medan is Indonesia’s third largest city which comprised of many different ethnic groups, contributing to a wide variety of mouth-watering foods. We will then do a city tour around Medan by visiting Maimoon Palace, the Great Mosque and remaining Dutch colonial building. Overnight stay in Medan.

Day 2   Medan – Tangkahan (B)

After breakfast and check out hotel, we will depart to Tangkahan, the elephant lodge, which will take around 4 hours. Arrive in Tangkahan, you will cross the Batang River by raft or by new bridge to your inn. Then we will visit the elephant camp where you can see the elephant bathing. You can also join in to wash the elephants. After that, you can start trekking with the elephants for 1 hour to explore part of the Leuser National Park. The rest of the day will be a free program for you. You can walk along the bank of the Buluh River to see thousands of beautiful butterflies by the river, visiting and bathing at the small waterfall inside the rain forest close to the river, or swimming in Buluh River itself. Overnight stay in Tangkahan.

Day 3   Tangkahan – Bukit Lawang (B)

After breakfast and check out hotel, we will head to Bukit Lawang, the observation point for the orangutans located in Gunung Leuser National Park, passing through the landscapes of palm oil, rubber, cacao plantation, and rural villages along the way. Overnight stay in Bukit Lawang.

Day 4   Bukit Lawang – Jungle Trekking (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will leave the comforts behind. Today, your trekking adventure starts the mountainous Leuser National Park with a steep incline, rewarded with spectacular views and stops as required. During the course of your trekking over the next couple of days, you will learn the medicinal purposes of the jungle plants – known for centuries to the local people, as well as gathering local plants for your jungle lunches and dinners. Learn how to set up your camp in the Sumatran jungle and assist in building a fire to cook your dinner. Your local guide is well versed in “camp cooking”, so the dine experience under the stars surrounded by the eerie sounds of the jungle will surely be memorable. Overnight at camp.

Day 5   Jungle Trekking – Bukit Lawang (B/L)

This morning you will be waken up by a chorus of wildlife, such as the shy gibbon or massive hornbills in search of fruit for breakfast. The sheer array of sounds will astound you. After breakfast, venture deeper into the jungle, in the hope of spotting some of the endemic wildlife – such as the magnificent orangutan. Other species such as the Sumatran striped rabbit and many birds and butterflies may also be seen. Today’s terrain is steady through lush jungles and towering trees and ferns. Your guide will keep an eye out for the tell tail signs of orangutans as you trek through the dense tropical jungle. Aside from Orangutans the plethora of birds and smaller jungle animals cna be seen in this jungle. At noon arrive at Aras Pinang, where you will tubing through the river back to Bukit Lawang. Upon arrival in Bukit Lawang, check in hotel.

Day 6   Bukit Lawang – Berastagi (B)

After breakfast and check out hotel, we will depart to Berastagi Highland for around 5 hours drive. Along with an impressive route through the jungle, you will also pass a fascinating route to the mountain village of Berastagi, located in the Karo Highlands. Upon arrival in Berastagi, visit the central fruit market to buy some seasonal tropical fruits, vegetables & flowers. Overnight stay in Berastagi.

Day 7   Berastagi – Lake Toba – Samosir Island (B)

After breakfast and check out hotel, we will visit the highland of Berastagi where you can view two active volcanoes, Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung from Gundaling Hill and Dokan village, a traditional Karo Batak village. Then we will drive to Lake Toba. A scenic drive through the Karo highlands, passing pineapple, clove and ginger plantations. Stops along the way at the tribal king’s house of the Simalungun Batak in Pematang Purba and at the magnificent 110 meters Sipiso Piso Waterfall with an extraordinary view of Lake Toba from the north side. In the afternoon you will arrive in Parapat on the borders of Lake Toba, where you will cross the lake by ferry to the island Samosir. The car goes with us to the island. Overnight by the lakeside in Samosir Island.

Day 8   Samosir Island (B)

After breakfast at hotel, it’s time to explore the magnificent island by visiting Tomok Village to see the ancient tomb of King Sidabutar, then visit Ambarita Village to see the famous stone chairs & execution place of King Siallagan. The last visit is Simanindo to enjoy the Batak’s traditional ritual dances of the Batak Tribe. The rest of the day is free program on your own, where you can have a beautiful walk or rent a bicycle to go around the island, or just take a rest at the hotel.

Day 9   Samosir Island – Medan (B)

After breakfast and check out hotel, we will take the ferry and cross back to Parapat, from where you will drive back to Medan. Today you will drive along endless array of palm tree, rubber and cacao plantations and through the historic city of Pematang Siantar. Upon arrival in Medan, transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 10   Medan (B)

Free program for the rest of the day, until agreed time when we will pick you up and drop you off to the airport for your next flight. End of tour.

  • Private air conditioned car with licensed driver (limited English proficiency)
  • Petrol, parking, and toll fees
  • 8 nights accommodation in a twin/double bedroom
  • 2D1N jungle trekking camp
  • Tour and entrance fees to all objects as listed in the itinerary
  • Permit to orangutan center in Bukit Lawang
  • Traditional tube rafting down the Bohorok River back to Bukit Lawang
  • Meals : daily breakfast, 2x lunch, 1x dinner
  • Daily mineral water
  • Return ferry from Parapat to Samosir vv
  • Treats of seasonal and exotic fruit if we find some along the way 🙂
  • Travel insurance
  • Air tickets
  • Licensed English speaking guide
  • Donation to national parks or traditional villages (if any)
  • Personal expenses (telephone, minibar, laundry, horseback ride, etc.)
  • Optional tours or additional meals
  • All kinds of alcoholic drinks (beer, Smirnoff, etc.) and exotic drinks
  • Tipping for driver and guide will be very much appreciated
  • Comfortable clothing (cotton preferred)
  • Comfortable running/trekking shoes and pair of flip flops
  • Dry bag for your camera and gadgets
  • Personal Medication (including mosquito repellent and sunblock)
  • Cameras and enough memory (no worries if you don’t have enough.. we can send you the pics through email!)
  • Small plastic bags (please be a responsible traveler by not littering on the objects..)
  • Lots of smile.. 🙂
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