MEDAN

Arrive in Medan, North Sumatra’s bustling capital, and meet your guide. Direct flights to Medan operate via major Asian hubs, so booking early is recommended. Drive around 3.5 hours to Gunung Leuser National Park, watching the scenery shift from city streets to jungle-lined rivers and rainforest hills. Arrive in Bukit Lawang and check into your eco-lodge on the edge of the forest. Settle in with time to relax in tropical surroundings, listening for gibbons and spotting monkeys near the riverbank. If you prefer a more personalised experience, a private guide can be arranged for tomorrow’s jungle trek.

MEDAN

Start early for a guided orangutan trekking experience in Gunung Leuser National Park, one of Indonesia’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. Walk through dense rainforest, crossing streams and following jungle trails as your guide explains the park’s biodiversity. With luck, you’ll see endangered Sumatran orangutans moving through the canopy, alongside macaques and a variety of birdlife. Return for lunch, then travel back to Medan by road and check into the JW Marriott Hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure: explore Medan’s colonial-era buildings and temples, or simply unwind after your jungle adventure. Enjoy included meals and a comfortable night before heading to Lake Toba.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

LAKE TOBA

After breakfast, travel through Sumatra’s highland scenery towards Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake and one of Indonesia’s great natural wonders. Along the way, pause at roadside markets and traditional villages for a glimpse of daily life, and stop at viewpoints or waterfalls as the landscape opens into wide volcanic panoramas. On arrival at the lakeshore, take a short boat ride across the water to Samosir Island, set in the centre of Lake Toba. Check in at Toledo Inn and enjoy peaceful lake views. Meet the welcoming Batak Toba community and sample authentic local Batak food, a highlight of the region’s distinctive culture.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

LAKE TOBA

Today is dedicated to Batak Toba culture on Samosir Island. Begin at Ambarita Village to see the ancient stone chairs and the traditional courtroom where elders once gathered to settle disputes. Continue to Simanindo for a lively Batak dance performance in colourful traditional dress, accompanied by music and storytelling. Finish at Tomok Village to visit the tombs of Batak kings and learn how local customs have been preserved across generations. Between visits, enjoy time to explore lakeside scenes and village life. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon with a deeper appreciation of this proud culture, and enjoy another taste of traditional Batak food.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SIPIROK

Travel south on a full-day drive to Sipirok, with varied scenery and local stops along the way. The route passes through the Bukit Barisan mountains, terraced hillsides and small farms, offering a strong sense of Sumatra’s rural character. Visit a traditional Batak village, meet farmers at a pineapple plantation, and browse a bustling local market filled with spices, produce and seasonal fruit. Stop at natural hot springs where steam rises from the ground before continuing onward. Arrive in Sipirok and check into Torsibohi Hotel, set in cool, peaceful surroundings. Settle in, enjoy the mountain air, and rest ahead of tomorrow’s long journey into West Sumatra.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

BUKITTINGGI

Travel deeper into West Sumatra on a scenic full-day journey to Bukittinggi (around 10 hours). The road winds through forested valleys, rivers and highland villages, revealing Sumatra’s lush landscapes and changing terrain. Break the drive with stops at a waterfall and a botanical garden, and visit a rural school for a friendly community encounter. If available, meet a local family and sample authentic Padang food, known for rich flavours and vibrant spice blends. A landmark near the equator provides a memorable photo stop. Arrive in Bukittinggi by evening and check in at Royal Denai or Pusako Hotel for a well-earned rest.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

BUKITTINGGI

Begin the day with a three-hour hike through Sianok Canyon, a dramatic landscape of cliffs, rice fields and dense greenery. The walk ends in Koto Gadang, a quiet village known for traditional silverwork and crafts. Return to Bukittinggi for a flexible afternoon. You may explore colonial-era buildings, browse local street markets, or visit a family home for conversation and a deeper look at Padang cuisine. Whichever option you choose, the focus remains on authentic local life and flavours. As evening approaches, relax at your hotel or take a gentle stroll through town, reflecting on West Sumatra’s culture, scenery and warm hospitality.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

BUKITTINGGI

Take a scenic drive to Lake Maninjau, a beautiful volcanic lake surrounded by hills and villages. For active travellers, an optional hike from Puncak Lawang descends towards the water, rewarding you with wide views across the lake and surrounding highlands. Alternatively, travel by minivan for a more relaxed approach. Spend time walking along the lakeshore, enjoying the calm atmosphere and fresh air, or simply relax in nature. Pause for lunch at a lakeside café or restaurant and sample authentic Sumatra cuisine with lake views. Return to Bukittinggi in the late afternoon for a quiet evening, with time to rest before your coastal journey to Padang.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

PADANG

Travel to Padang via a scenic coastal road, stopping at Artha Beach for sea breezes and open views. En route, pass waterfalls where rivers tumble through lush landscapes framed by tall trees. Arrive in Padang and explore the city’s cultural and colonial heritage, including the beach and the old Chinatown district. Notice historic buildings that reflect Padang’s trading past and diverse influences. Check into the Pangeran Beach Hotel and settle in for a comfortable stay by the ocean. In the evening, sample authentic Padang food—famous across Indonesia for bold flavours and variety—and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of the coast as you prepare for the highlands.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

KERSIK TUO

Drive around seven hours into the highlands towards Kersik Tuo, a quiet village near Kerinci Seblat National Park. Along the way, stop at Lake Diatas and Lake Dibawah—the Twin Lakes—set among green hills and cool mountain air. Visit a waterfall and a tea plantation to learn how leaves are processed, with opportunities to meet local workers and see production methods. As you climb, the landscape becomes increasingly lush and dramatic, hinting at the biodiversity of the surrounding national park. Arrive in Kersik Tuo and check into Subandi Homestay, a simple and welcoming base in misty mountain scenery. Enjoy home-cooked local food made with fresh ingredients.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

MT KERINCI

Begin your Mt Kerinci ascent early, aiming to maximise daylight on Indonesia’s highest volcano. The trek typically takes six to eight hours, moving through dense jungle, bamboo forest and higher alpine vegetation as temperatures drop with altitude. Your guide sets a steady pace, with regular breaks for water, snacks and views across the valley. As you climb, the air grows cooler and the sense of remoteness increases. By late afternoon or early evening, reach your high camp at over 10,000 feet. Settle in, enjoy a warm meal prepared at altitude, and rest under clear skies. Tomorrow brings the summit push and the most dramatic views.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

KERSIK TUO

Wake well before dawn for the final summit push on Mt Kerinci. The last three to four hours are steep and challenging, but sunrise views and volcanic panoramas make the effort worthwhile. On a clear day, you may see surrounding peaks and, in the distance, the ocean. After celebrating at the top, begin the long descent—often around six hours—back through changing vegetation zones. Return to Subandi Homestay by late afternoon for a shower, rest and a well-earned sense of achievement. Enjoy a hearty meal featuring local food to replenish your energy and share stories from the climb. Time permitting, unwind afterwards and enjoy a gentle, relaxed evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

PADANG

Start with a local tour of Sungai Penuh, visiting a hot spring, an old mosque and Lake Kerinci, framed by forested hills and volcanic landscapes. Then begin the return drive to Padang (around eight hours). Break the journey with a stop at Bungus Beach for a swim or a quiet walk along the shore, enjoying coastal views after days in the highlands. Arrive back in Padang and return to the Pangeran Beach Hotel. The evening is free to relax by the sea and reflect on your journey through Sumatra’s rainforests, villages and volcanoes. Enjoy a farewell dinner of authentic Padang food, renowned for rich flavours and variety.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

PADANG - DEPARTURE

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Padang. Take a last beach walk, browse for small souvenirs, or unwind at your hotel before your transfer to the airport. Flights from Padang connect to several domestic and international routes, often via regional hubs such as Kuala Lumpur, so it’s worth comparing dates and connections when booking. As your Sumatra adventure ends, depart with vivid memories of Gunung Leuser’s rainforest, Lake Toba’s volcanic landscapes, Batak traditions, West Sumatra’s highlands, and the achievement of Mt Kerinci. Whether you are heading home or continuing onwards, this journey offers experiences and stories that stay with you for years. Start planning your unforgettable Sumatra holiday.

Meals Included: Breakfast