Example Itinerary

Exploring Sumatra's Exotic North

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Wildlife
Destinations
Indonesia

Explore the best of North Sumatra with this thrilling 6-day itinerary that takes you through an orangutan sanctuary in the expansive Gunung Leuser National Park, all the way to the picturesque Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. Here, where you’ll spend some time exploring Samosir Island, meeting local tribespeople, and observing ancient sites. Your accommodation will range from the luxurious Marriott to humble village lodges: it’s all part of the authentic Sumantran experience.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Sumatran Orangutan: Only found on the island of Sumatra, you can get up close with this critically endangered animal at a rehabilitation center and watch them feed.
  • Ancient Cultures: Visit a village where primitive practices once prevailed, including a stone court where Kings decreed life or death sentences for accused criminals.
  • Lake Toba: This incredibly scenic lake area was once a supervolcano whose massive eruption changes the face of the earth millions of years ago.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Medan

Arrive in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, and transfer to your luxury hotel - we recommend the JW Marriott Hotel, Medan. Get settled in and acquainted with your new surroundings, spending the rest of the day at your leisure.

Hotel Options
About

The first five-star hotel in Medan, the JW Marriott Hotel features 287 guest rooms with breathtaking views, contemporary furniture, flat-screen televisions, and plug-and-play connectivity for iPods and other portable media. The JW Marriott hosts a number of restaurants, including the all-day Marriott Café; Jade Chinese Restaurant, which serves Cantonese cuisine; Prime Steak House, a formal, upscale venue serving the finest steaks; and Marriott Gourmet, which serves coffee, cakes, and sandwiches to go.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Map

Gunung Leuser National Park

After a restful night’s sleep, you’ll embark on a three-hour drive today to Bukit Lawang, on the banks of the Bohorok River. This area, at the main entrance point to Gunung Leuser National Park, is known for its large orangutan population. Check in to your hotel room at the simple-yet-comfortable Bukit Lawang Lodge. The lodging is rustic - you’ll forgo air-conditioning and hot water in exchange for the magical setting. Enjoy a rare orangutan encounter trekking in the jungle where they forage for food.

Hotel Options
About

On the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park, surrounded by lush rainforest and on the bank of the Bohorok River, environmentally-savvy guests can relax in nature and comfort at the Bukit Lawang Eco-lodge. Run by YEL, the Foundation for a Sustainable Ecosystem, the profits from the tourism attracted by the lodge go straight back into the preservation of the environment and the community that cares for it.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Gunung Leuser National Park
Gunung Leuser National Park

Day 3

Map

Lake Toba

Rise bright and early today, to begin your 10-hour drive to Lake Toba. The ride may be lengthy, but the stunning panoramas make it well-worthwhile. Pass through Brastagi, home to an array of natural beauty that includes mountains and waterfalls, and take a break at the 400-foot-high Sipisopiso waterfall. Arrive in Parapat, on the shores of the immense volcanic Lake Toba, and transfer to a boat, which will whisk you away to Samosir Island. Check in to your humble room.

Hotel Options
About

Surrounded by rice fields and hills, Tabo Cottages is located on Lake Toba, which is the largest lake in Southeast Asia. The property is comprised of individual cottages with a laidback, airy design, and unique furniture.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Map

Lake Toba

Take your time this morning - there’s no long journey to take today. You’ll be exploring Samosir Island today, taking in its serene vistas, and learning about the exotic history and culture of the Batak. Get up-close and personal with the locals by visiting their traditional villages. In one such village, Ambarita, you’ll find the stone Court of Justice, where in ancient times, Kings would decide whether accused criminals would live or die. Watch folk dancing in Simanindo, and check out the sarcophagus of an ancient King in Tomok. Get back to your hotel before sunset to enjoy a leisurely swim in the pure waters of Lake Toba.

Lake Toba
Lake Toba

Day 5

Map

Medan

This morning, you’ll cross back to Parapat by boat, and begin your return journey to Medan (5 hours). You’ll pass through Pematangsiantar, the second-largest city in the province. The landscape here is made up of palm oil and rubber plantations. Upon reaching Medan, you’ll visit some of its tourist attractions, including Maimoon Palace, and the black-domed Grand Mosque. 

Hotel Options
About

The first five-star hotel in Medan, the JW Marriott Hotel features 287 guest rooms with breathtaking views, contemporary furniture, flat-screen televisions, and plug-and-play connectivity for iPods and other portable media. The JW Marriott hosts a number of restaurants, including the all-day Marriott Café; Jade Chinese Restaurant, which serves Cantonese cuisine; Prime Steak House, a formal, upscale venue serving the finest steaks; and Marriott Gourmet, which serves coffee, cakes, and sandwiches to go.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 6

Map

Departure

Say goodbye to Medan and Indonesia today. You’ll enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before transferring to the airport to check in for your international departure flight to your next destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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