Highlight :
Orangutan spotting
Trek through the Gunung Leuser National Park with a tracker to see these beautiful creatures
Discover Sumatran rainforest
Find Samosir Island, deep in the jungle at 900 meters above sea level, inside a volcanic lake
Elephant Rehabilitation Centre
Interact with these beautiful creatures and see them roam around in their natural habitat
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Medan ( Kuala Namu Airport ) – Parapat – Local Ferry to Samosir ( Recommended Morning flight )
Meet and greet with our staff then drive to Parapat approximately 5 hours via Pematangsiantar as the scenic road crosses magnificent estate plantations full of rubber and palm oil. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Pematangsiantar, after which the drive continues to Parapat, a small inland town and the gateway to Lake Toba. Board the local ferry in the late afternoon for a short transfer to Tomok, a village on Samosir island.
Samosir Island is in the middle of a volcanic lake, also known as a caldera – the crater that remains after a volcanic eruption. Formed over 75,000 years ago. It is the largest volcanic lake in the world.
Continue the journey from Tomok to the hotel of the day, which is about 15 minutes of driving down the road. After checking in and a refreshing shower, feel free to explore the island independently and have dinner at leisure. ( Approximately 150 km )
Day 2: Samosir Island
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and spend an entire day exploring Samosir Island and Lake Toba.
Leave Tuk Tuk with a private car and driver, along with the guide, and head for Ambarita, Samosir’s most interesting Toba village. Known for its unique Stone Chair Tribunal and execution stones that have inspired numerous adventure movies like Indiana Jones, Ambarita offers a glimpse into the island its ancient history.
Next, explore Simanindo village for a performance of a traditional Batak Toba dance called Tor-Tor and a visit to the traditional parts of the village and its small Batak museum.
From Simanindo, the journey continues to the Eastern shore of Samosir Island and Pangururan, the small capital of Samosir. lunch has been prepared by the hotel and will be served onboard the ship while cruising towards Pangururan.
After meeting up with the driver, proceed to Tele, a rarely visited area located on the mainland on the Southern Shore of Lake Toba. Accessible only after crossing a small bridge followed by a 30-minute drive up the mountain, Tele offers a breathtaking view from its observatory tower, revealing the entire lake and Samosir island. For a relaxing follow-up, there is the possibility of visiting the hot springs after seeing the Tele observatory tower. On the way back from Pangururan, make a stop at Lumban Suhi Suhi village to witness the women demonstrate traditional weaving techniques. Return to the hotel in Tuk Tuk late in the afternoon and spend the night on Samosir. ( Approximately 60km )
Day 3: Parapat – Berastagi via ( Pematang Purba & Sipiso-Piso) – Dokan
After enjoying breakfast, proceed to check out from the hotel, and transfer from Tuk Tuk to Tomok for a short visit to the tombs of the Sidabutar Kings. Cross the lake back to Tomok from Parapat with the same ferry as before, and meet up with the driver and guide on board. Upon landing in Parapat, continue along the northern shore of the majestic lake to the Berastagi district.
The sights along this road allow for numerous impressions of local life and the unique architecture of the residential buildings in the area. Lunch will be served en route at a local restaurant near Simarjarunjung.
Continue the journey to Pematang Purba for a visit to Rumah Bolon, a 200-year-old Bolon house, built on decorated poles and the historical home to ancient Batak Simalungun Kings. Continue onwards to towards Lake Toba and make a stop for the 120-meter Sipisopiso Waterfall located in the Batak highlands. This beautiful plunge waterfall comes from an underground river that makes its way from a cave into the Lake Toba caldera.
After this spectacular waterfall, proceed to Dokan, a village home to the Batak Karo people who have unusual weddings and funeral ceremonies, lasting for days on end. Encounter a local family in one of the longhouses where occasionally up to 6 families may live together. In the late afternoon, explore the climate station at Berastagi at 1,400 meters above sea level. After this experience, check-in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. ( Approximately 130km )
Day 4: Berastagi – Tangkahan ( Binjai & Stabat )
After breakfast and check out from the hotel, leave around 08:00 for a short city tour of Berastagi: the tour includes an outside visit to St. Franciscus Catholic Church, with its unique Batak architecture and a background view of Mount Sibayak. Continue with a walk in the local fruit market which is swarming with activity, offering a taste of traditional Karo life. Taste the many tropical fruits that are typical for this region, and discover the most famous of them all, the Marquis -more commonly known as passionfruit, it is usually processed into a refreshing drink.
Leave Berastagi in the morning and head for Tangkahan, one of the gateways to Gunung Leuser National Park, straddling the border of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces. Lunch will be served en route at a local restaurant in the city of Binjai. In the afternoon, continue to Tangkahan Village and prepare for an adventurous last segment of the road, which is largely unpaved.
Arriving in Tangkahan requires registration at the visitor center of Gunung Leuser National Park. After proper registration, proceed to the other side of the river towards the lodges, and marvel at the impressive suspension bridge. Check-in at the lodge and spend the night in Tangkahan under a blanket of soothing jungle sounds.
Day 5: Tangkahan – Bukit Lawang ( By Local Jeep max 3 Pax + Guide )
After breakfast at the lodge, start the day at 08:00 with a 30-minute walk towards the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, and get ready for a memorable day with the Sumatran Elephant, an endemic subspecies of the Asian Elephant.
Bathe these giant and gentle creatures in the Batang Serangan River, followed by a one-hour elephant experience between the rehabilitation center and the lodge along the river.*
End this unique tour at a platform near the river and make it back to the lodge for a shower and quick change. Feel free to enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure: Walk around the lodge and try to spot the strikingly beautiful Thomas Leaf Monkeys in their natural surrounding.
After lunch at the Jungle Lodge, cross the river using the suspension bridge, as a local jeep will be waiting at the other side for an off-road trip to Bukit Lawang. Expect to see beautiful jungle, interchanged with rubber plantations and mountainous landscapes on the horizon during this 3-hour drive.
Before to Bukit Lawang stop at Coconut Park will allow for some stretching time and the pleasure of a fresh coconut drink. Upon arrival at Bukit Lawang, cross the suspension bridge towards the reception of the peaceful Eco Lodges and spend the night there.
Bukit Lawang is situated at the entrance to Gunung Leuser National Park and is one of the last sanctuaries of the majestic Sumatran orangutan.
Note:
Access is not possible for vehicles bigger than ELF, as the last hour to 90 minutes part is a bad road and a bridge does not allow it to be crossed by bus so this can only be offered for FIT.
Please travel with a small bag containing some bare necessities this one night, as the accommodation is basic with no hot water or AC. The driver will take care of the main luggage and transport it safely to Bukit Lawang, the next stop. We recommend all participants wear shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals for this activity and bring a second set for a quick change when returning to the lodge.
The elephant ride cannot take place on Fridays as all elephants will be on patrol in the park with the rangers. Note that bookings are needed as only five elephants are available.
*Elephant rides can be skipped against a price reduction
Day 6: Bukit Lawang – Timbang Lawang Eco Farm – Medan
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge and start the trek early at 08:00 behind the Eco Lodge (with an English-speaking Jungle guide). The first part is an easy climb through the forest for about 45 minutes, with the local guide always sending a tracker ahead to see if any Orangutans are in the area. After observing more Orangutans, return to the hotel. Lunch is served at Eco Lodge restaurant.
In the afternoon, cross the Bohorok River and continue by motorized Becak to the innovative Timbang Lawan Eco Farm For an excursion in sustainable tourism.
Used for educational purposes, this organic farming center is located in the middle of a traditional farming community and serves as an example to the surrounding farms.
Check-in at the hotel upon arrival in Medan and enjoy some free time to wash off the travel dust. Make it out to Chinatown in the evening, and discover the joys of typical hawker food. Spend the night in the Medan hotel.
Day 7: Medan City Tour – Medan Airport ( Kuala Namu )
After breakfast and checking out, continue this morning with a short and fascinating tour of the highlights in Medan. Visit Maimoon Sultan’s Deli Palace, built in 1888 by the Sultan of Deli (the former name of Medan). This beautiful palace combines traditional elements of Malay, Islamic as well as Spanish and Indian architectural elements. Continue to the Great Mosque, built in 1906 by the first sultan, and still considered one the most beautiful mosques. After admiring this architectural masterpiece, prepare for an 11:30 transfer to Kualanamu International Airport for a departing flight.
Price Include:
- Hotel accommodation in a half-twin/ double room with daily breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles.
- English-speaking local guide (other language guides available and an additional charge may apply).
- All entrance fees and tours are as indicated in the itinerary.
- Our Services do not include:
- Visa arrangements.
- International and domestic flights.
- International and domestic departure tax
- Camera, video entrance fees. ( Per Camera IDR 50.000 / Around USD 5 ) & ( IDR 150.000 / Per video )
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips etc).
- Travel Insurance
- Other services not indicated in the package inclusions above