Indonesia · South East Asia
Trip code: SUMHighlights of Sumatra
From
$1,380
Prices and availability are confirmed by our regional travel experts.
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Highlights of Sumatra
Trip highlights
Why we love this trip
Bukit LawangTrek through the rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park with expert local guides, in search of wild Sumatran orangutans and other native wildlife.
Mount SibayakSet out on a sunrise climb to the steaming crater of an active volcano, taking in sweeping views across North Sumatra's volcanic landscape.
Lake TobaCruise across the world's largest volcanic lake to explore traditional Batak villages and discover the unique culture and history of Samosir Island.
Combine the Highlights of Sumatra with our Discover Bali, Flores and Komodo Islands tour on selected dates
Day by day
Itinerary
Select an option to view its itinerary. Contact us to confirm which itinerary applies to your departure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Route overview
Trip map
Activity information
Walking information
Walking
The rainforest walk in Gunung Leuser National Park lasts around four hours and follows narrow jungle trails with exposed tree roots, muddy sections and approximately 225 metres / 740 feet of ascent and descent. Wildlife sightings often involve periods of standing and waiting on uneven ground.
The climb of Mount Sibayak is the most demanding walk of the trip. Although only a few kilometres, it involves around 400 metres / 1315 feet of ascent and descent on very steep volcanic trails with loose gravel, rocky sections and uneven steps. A good level of fitness, sturdy walking footwear and confidence on uneven terrain are essential.
Included in your trip
What's included
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 1 dinners
Staff
- Local Guide(s), Driver(s), Explore Tour Leader
Transport
- Bus
- Boat
Accommodation
- 5 nights Comfortable Hotel
- 2 nights Simple Hotel
In Medan, we stay in a comfortable, modern hotel. Facilities include a restaurant and swimming pool, making it a relaxing base to start and end our trip.
In Bukit Lawang, our accommodation is located on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, giving us easy access to the rainforest. Rooms are simple, with en-suite facilities and fans. As this is a remote jungle location, air conditioning is not available and hot water can occasionally be limited. The peaceful riverside setting and surrounding rainforest more than make up for the simpler facilities.
In Berastagi, we stay in a comfortable hotel in the cooler highlands, well positioned for our early morning ascent of Mount Sibayak.
On Samosir Island in Lake Toba, we stay in a simple lakeside hotel. Facilities here are more basic than elsewhere on the trip, but rooms are en-suite and the peaceful setting offers a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery after several active days.
Accommodation standards in parts of Sumatra may vary. While all properties have private bathroom facilities, occasional interruptions to electricity, Wi-Fi or hot water can occur in more remote areas.
Suitability
Is this the trip for you?
- We've graded the walks on this tour as Moderate. While the distances are relatively short, the tropical heat and humidity, uneven rainforest trails and steep volcanic terrain make them more demanding than they may appear. A good level of fitness and confidence walking on uneven ground are essential.
- Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Bukit Lawang is one of the best places to search for wild Sumatran orangutans, but as the animals roam freely within Gunung Leuser National Park, all sightings depend on nature.
- We recommend bringing walking poles for the ascent and descent of Mount Sibayak, along with sturdy walking shoes or boots with good grip and support. Lightweight, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket are also recommended for walking in the rainforest.
- Accommodation in Bukit Lawang and on Samosir Island is simple, reflecting their remote locations. Facilities are more limited than in Medan, but the rainforest and lakeside settings are a real highlight of the trip.
- There are a few early starts, including our pre-dawn ascent of Mount Sibayak to enjoy sunrise from the crater, as well as some longer road journeys. We'll make regular comfort stops along the way.
Plan your departure
Dates & prices
Choose a date below, then contact our team to confirm the latest price, availability and booking details.
| Departure | Return | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 May 2027 | 30 May 2027 | $1,380 Solo room$320 | Call to book |
| 20 Jun 2027 | 27 Jun 2027 | $1,380 Solo room$320 | Call to book |
| 08 Aug 2027 | 15 Aug 2027 | $1,380 Solo room$320 | Call to book |
| 29 Aug 2027 | 05 Sept 2027 | $1,380 Solo room$320 | Call to book |
| 12 Sept 2027 | 19 Sept 2027 | $1,380 Solo room$320 | Call to book |
| 26 Sept 2027 | 03 Oct 2027 | $1,380 Solo room$320 | Call to book |
Departure
23 May 2027
Return 30 May 2027
From
$1,380
Departure
20 Jun 2027
Return 27 Jun 2027
From
$1,380
Departure
08 Aug 2027
Return 15 Aug 2027
From
$1,380
Departure
29 Aug 2027
Return 05 Sept 2027
From
$1,380
Departure
12 Sept 2027
Return 19 Sept 2027
From
$1,380
Departure
26 Sept 2027
Return 03 Oct 2027
From
$1,380
Practical information
Your questions answered
Local crew
Accordingly you should allow approx. £25 for gratuities for local staff.
Tour leader
Indonesia
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
GBP will often get the best rates, EUR and USD are also accepted
Where to change: Always check rates first. Banks and moneychangers usually have the best rates. Exchange is also possible at airports. Always keep receipts.
ATMs: In major towns.
Card notes: In major towns.
Credit cards accepted: No
Comfortable walking shoes or boots for jungle and volcano walks. Trainers and sandals for leisurely activities.
WALKING INFO
This is a wildlife and cultural discovery holiday, but there are three included walks that require a good level of ability and fitness. Although the distances are relatively short; high temperatures, humidity, uneven and steep terrain and occasional muddy or slippery conditions make them considerably more demanding than the distances alone suggest.
The rainforest walk in Gunung Leuser National Park lasts around four hours and follows narrow jungle trails with exposed tree roots, muddy sections and approximately 225 metres / 740 feet of ascent and descent. Wildlife sightings often involve periods of standing and waiting on uneven ground.
The climb of Mount Sibayak is the most demanding walk of the trip. Although only a few kilometres, it involves around 400 metres / 1315 feet of ascent and descent on very steep volcanic trails with loose gravel, rocky sections and uneven steps. A good level of fitness, sturdy walking footwear and confidence on uneven terrain are essential.
Luggage on tour
cabin space is limited, so don't overload yourself.
Luggage limit: 20KG
Indonesia
A single-room option is available for every night of this itinerary. Subject to availability for your departure. A single-room supplement applies.
Indonesia: British nationals travelling to Indonesia for tourism purposes can apply for a visa on arrival at a cost of IDR 500,000. The
visa application can also be done online - https://evisa. imigrasi. go. id/. A custom declaration is required too on arrival. This can either be done online up to 3 days in advance of your arrival or on arrival - https://ecd. beacukai. go. id/.
Other nationalities may require a visa or may travel visa free for up to 30 days. Please check your government advice. If travelling on a free visa you must also exit via one of the approved ports - including international airports in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali, Medan, Surabaya and Batam, and sea ports in Batam and Bintan.
All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining after departure from Indonesia and have at least two blank pages.
Travellers heading to Indonesia must now complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card, which replaces the separate immigration, customs, and health declaration forms. This online form can be filled in up to 72 hours before arrival at allindonesia. imigrasi. go. id. Once submitted, a QR code will be issued, which must be shown-either on your phone or printed out-along with your passport when you arrive. To complete the form, select 'English' at the top right of the website, then choose 'Foreign Visitor.' You'll need to provide personal and travel details, including your passport number, travel dates, flight or ship details, accommodation address, and any health or customs declarations.
Please note that this form does not replace a visa-you must still obtain the correct visa for your visit. Even if you're eligible for visa-free entry, you're still required to complete the Arrival Card before travelling.
In response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of Monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14, 2024, the Indonesian Ministry of Health has implemented new measures to prevent the spread of Monkeypox within the country. Effective immediately, all travellers entering Indonesia via Jakarta and Bali are required to complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass (SSHP) before their arrival. The SSHP form can be filled out by clicking this link - https:/shp. kemkes. go. id/. Once the required information is submitted, you will receive a barcode, which must be presented to airport staff during the immigration process upon arrival in Indonesia.