14 days northern Sumatra
Jungle, communities, volcanoes and pristine islands
Northern Sumatra offers an exceptional combination of tropical rainforests, volcanic landscapes and pristine islands in the Indian Ocean. In a relatively small area you will find orangutans in the wild, the largest volcanic lake in the world and an archipelago with no tourists.
This itinerary is a proven route that we customize for each client — based on fitness, interests and pace. The price is indicative and depends on the final program.
Suitable also for less experienced travelers. The program can be adapted for families with children and active couples.
Route overview
Medan → Bukit Lawang → Lake Toba → Pulau Banyak → Brastagi → Medan
GREEN LINE
Rainforest & orangutans
4 stops
IN LINE
Culture, volcanoes & lakes
3 stops
BLUE LINE
Pristine islands & Indian Ocean
2 stops
Three different worlds in a single journey.
Rainforest & orangutans
Five days on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park — one of the last preserved tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia. An area where you encounter orangutans in the wild, not behind a fence.
Bukit Lawang
Eco-lodge at the edge of the rainforest. Nature walks, bat caves, swimming in a crystal-clear river and motorcycle rides through rice paddies. Meeting the local community and the Jungle School project.
Two-day jungle trek
Trek deep into the tropical rainforest with an overnight in a jungle camp. Watching orangutans, gibbons and macaques in the wild. Wading through streams, waterfalls and sleeping to the sounds of the forest.
Tangkahan or Batu Katak
Tangkahan — a community project protecting nature and elephants in the heart of the jungle. Or a trek to see rafflesia, the largest flower on the planet. The choice depends on season and your preferences.
Return by rafting
Traditional tubing on the Bohorok River — called "jungle taxi" by locals. A pleasant end to the rainforest stay with fish grilling at sunset.
Culture, volcanoes & lakes
Journey to the largest volcanic lake in the world. Batak culture, traditional dances, thermal springs and the volcanic landscape of the Karo Highlands.
Lake Toba & Samosir Island
Lake Toba was formed 74,000 years ago after one of the most powerful eruptions in Earth’s history. On Samosir Island you’ll discover Batak culture — traditional dances in Simanindo, stone chairs in Ambarita and thermal springs. Dinner of freshly grilled fish by the lake.
Brastagi & Mount Sibayak
Early morning climb of active Mount Sibayak with sunrise over the mountain landscape. Hot springs on the descent and the traditional fruit market in Brastagi — one of the liveliest in the region.
Medan
Discovering Medan’s rich history, architecture and cuisine — a fitting end to a journey that also reveals the modern face of Sumatra.
Pristine islands & Indian Ocean
The Pulau Banyak archipelago — 99 islets in the Indian Ocean, only four permanently inhabited. White beaches, turquoise water and you’ll most likely have the entire island to yourselves.
Palambak Island
An uninhabited island with wooden bungalows right on the beach. Full board from fresh local ingredients. The generator turns off around 10 PM — then just silence, stars and occasionally bioluminescent plankton in the sea.
Island hopping
A full-day boat trip among the nearby islands. Snorkeling at coral reefs, a climb to the lighthouse overlooking the open Indian Ocean, and stops at places ordinary tourists never reach.
What’s included
Our goal is for you to focus on the experiences — you leave the logistics to us.
Included
Not included
Want to experience even more?
All modifications are handled individually. Prices are indicative.
Extended jungle stay
Deeper connection with nature — additional nights in the jungle camp or multi-day expeditions to remote parts of the park.
Asahan River — rafting
A full-day adventure on one of the wildest rivers in North Sumatra. Canyons, waterfalls and the crystal-clear water of the mountain river Asahan.
Crocodile expedition
Morning motorized canoe trip on the Gedang River through the Singkil wetlands. Observing crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Bangkaru Island — sea turtles
A night on an uninhabited island, one of the last sea turtle nesting sites in the world. Adult turtles lay eggs every night, hatchlings emerge every morning.
Vanilla farm
Visit our vanilla farm. From hand-pollinating flowers through pod ripening to processing. Availability depends on season.
Who is this trip for
Ideal for those who
Probably not ideal if
Frequently asked questions
Is the trip safe?
Yes. The program is prepared with long-term local partners and experienced guides. We operate in verified areas and you have our team’s support the entire time.
How physically demanding is the program?
Moderately demanding. It includes hiking treks, longer transfers and a volcano climb. The pace is always adapted to clients’ abilities.
Will we have internet access?
In cities and tourist areas, yes. In the jungle and on islands, connectivity is limited or none — many clients see this as a welcome part of the experience.
Can children travel with us?
Yes, families with children do travel with us. It always depends on the child’s age, fitness and travel experience.
We don’t speak Indonesian. Is that an issue?
Our guides are used to working with international clients, and you have coordinator support throughout the entire trip. The language barrier never becomes an obstacle.
Can the program be customized?
Of course. The itinerary on the website is a proven example — the final version is always adapted to your wishes, fitness and budget.
What if something goes wrong during the trip?
We are right there in Indonesia and in contact with you 24/7. We help arrange medical care, adjust the program and handle unexpected situations.
Let’s discuss your trip
This itinerary is an example of a proven route. We always customize the final program to your wishes, fitness and budget. Write to me and we’ll design a trip just for you.