Places to Go
in North Sumatra
What a pity that Sumatra is often less-visited by tourists compared with some of the well-known places in Indonesia, such as Bali and Komodo Island. Yet, Sumatra in fact offers a completely different side of this unique and amazing country. Many attractions in the North Sumatra are worth visiting that you will never want to miss!
Bukit Lawang & Gunung Leuser National Park
Bukit Lawang is one of the main attractions in the North Sumatra. It is a small village that sits on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park, and is covered in gorgeous primary rainforest which numerous critically endangered animals such as Sumatran tigers, elephants, and orangutans still call home.
Trekking is a common pastime here and you can choose from day hikes or longer treks to up to 10 days. The campsites in the middle of the rainforest offer some delicious hot meals if you join in tour.
If you don’t fancy the downhill trek back into the village, tubing down the river that runs through the jungle will definitely be a perfect ending of the journey.
Berastagi
Take a short trip from Medan or Bukit Lawang to the lovely market town Berastagi. It is located in Karo Highland at an altitude of 1,300 meters. The average annual temperature is 19.2 °C between 17-20c, making a refreshing break from the heat of the city. The town was developed in the 1920’s as Dutch hill station. Today it has become a popular attraction for tourists from all over the world.
The famous fruit market selling a large diversity of exotic fruits is a must-see for the fruit gourmets. Berastagi is known for its plantations and various kinds of flowers, vegetables and fruit, especially the Marquisa passion fruit.
Berastagi is also home to two active volcanoes: Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak. Many visitors love to take a closer look to them and the nearby beautiful scenery, because the view from the volcano’s summit of Mount Sibayak is a must-do in Berastagi.
Lake Toba
Lake Toba is an extraordinary natural wonder of the world. Not only is Lake Toba the world’s largest volcanic lake covering an area of 1,707 km², it is also surrounded by stunning mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and many cultural villages.
There are many ways for you to enjoy Lake Toba’s breathtaking natural wonders. Kayaking in the gigantic lake is one of the must-dos. Lake Toba is also home to two ethnic groups of Tomok and Simanindo. The unique and authentic traditional wooden houses in the villages located on the island of Samosir is definitely suitable for the big fans of the exotic cultures.
Landak River & Bat Cave
Landak River, which runs close to Bukit Lawang, is undoubtedly a hidden gem of North Sumatra. Just take a short walk of around 2km through rubber and durian plantations, you will see the beautiful crystal-clear river lies between the greenery.
It is a perfect place for retreat. Beside swimming in the river lies in the middle of the primary rainforest, the adventurers would visit the bat cave which is just 45 minute walk away from the village. The cave is rather undeveloped and has been kept as it was found. Then enjoy a home-cooked Indonesian style dinner or barbecue by the Landak River, to end the day in a perfect way.
Mt Sinabung &
Mt Sibayak
Mount Sibayak & Mount Sinabung are two stratovolcanoes in the North of Sumatra Island.
With over 120 active volcanoes fuming around Indonesia, Mount Sibayak in Northern Sumatra is perhaps one of of most popular and accessible volcanoes to climb. Since its last eruption is more than a century ago, visitors are allowed to hike to the summit and have a glance of this massive active volcano.
Yet, Mount Sinabung is off-limits due to its frequent eruption patterns. Recently Mount Sinabung is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Indonesia, since its last eruption is in June 9th, 2019. So Mount Sibayak is the easier one of the two to climb and that you can still expect great views of Mount Sinabung’s perfect cone from Mount Sibayak on clear days.
Medan City
Medan(Kota Medan) is the capital of the North Sumatra province in Indonesia. Located on the northern coast, Medan is the fourth largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung. It is also the largest city in Sumatra Island and the economic hub and commercial center for the region.
You may get to the City by flying to the Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), which is located in the Deli Serdang Regency and about 1 hour drive from Medan City. It is the ideal entry point for a Sumatra adventure, as it’s within easy reach of Gunung Leuser National Park, Lake Toba and Berastagi.
Since the Dutch colonial government pronounced Medan a city in 1886, the City was left numerous historical sites which are definitely worth to visit. Maimun Palace, the royal seat of the Sultanate of Deli, the nearby Medan Grand Mosque with its Moroccan-style architecture, and the two-storey Hakka-Chinese-style Tjong A Fie Mansion are the must-see in Medan City.
Medan has a rich culinary scene, with influences from Batak, Chinese, Indian, Malay and Minang cultures. Soto, a Medan-style soup made with coconut milk; curry bihun, rice noodles in curry soup; and mie Aceh, a noodle dish from Aceh comes with a special spicy sauce, are famous street foods that you must try in this city.