Location: North Sumatra
Top Things to do in North Sumatra
Countries
Things to do in North Sumatra, Sumatra: The Best Sightseeing Tours
North Sumatra (Indonesian: Sumatera Utara), is a province of Indonesia. It is located on the island of Sumatra, and its capital is Medan. North Sumatra is fourth most populous province in Indonesia after West Java, East Java and Central Java and the most populous Indonesian province outside Java, with over 13.5 million inhabitants in 2014.
Restaurants in North Sumatra
1. Private Full-Day Bukit Lawang Trekking Tour From Medan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Join this private, Guided trek to explore the small tourist village of Bukit Lawang. If you do not really like to stay overnight in the jungle, you still have a big chance to explore and search for wildlife such as orangutan, monkeys, gibbons, etc. Even just a one day trek it is still an a good experience for you to learn some things about the local flora and fauna. Return transportation is included from Medan
Inclusions: Return Transportation by Air Condition vehicle, Licensed Tour guide, Sightseeing as per Itinerary, Local Lunch , Fruits and water during trekking and tube rafting back to Bukit Lawang
Exclusions: Other Food or Drink, Other things not mentioned in the itinerary
Reviewed By nurulnisaulfa
this experience was so great we enjoyed it a lot we met inggrit, and she was friendly and told me everything about the animals, especially binturong
2. 4 Day Jungle Adventure including 2 day trek
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
4 Day Jungle Adventure including 2 day trek Bukit Lawang - Batu Kapal - Gunung Leuser National Park Highlights - overnight orangutan jungle trek - wildlife spotting
Inclusions: Accommodation included is Sumatran standard guest houses with western toilet and either shower or mandi (traditional wash with bucket and scoop, cold water only at all guest houses), National Park fees, Driver, Local guide, Tour escort/host, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, 3 nights accommodation twin share (including overnight jungle camp), Private transportation
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By sharkiegirl
We have just come back from an amazing adventure. We booked in for the 8 day northern Sumatra adventure and we were not disappointed. It started off with them picking us up at our hotel in Medan, my friend who i was travelling with has an accident and injured her knee on the flight over, the guys went above and beyond to make her feel comfortable.. even stopping so she could buy some crutches before we headed to our first stop Bukit Lawang. Our drive was full of some informative information, good laughs and some terrible singing (on our behalf... Jaka was fantastic). Once we arrived at Bukit Lawang..our accomation for the next 3 days. We were made very welcome. The rooms are basic, but with a fan, beds are comfortable and mozzie nets. To be honest i did not expect anything else.. after all you are in the jungle. People are very friendly, the food is amazing, and the beers are chilled (they must of known a few aussies were coming as extra beer arrived just after us ????) our afternoon was free so we soaked up the atmosphere, had a swim in the river with the locals and had once again a fablous meal. The following day was a half day trek to look for the orangutans. With my friends knee still out of action it was just Jaka (our guide) and myself. Once again he was amazing.. pointing out and explain the rubber plants as we past by them.. we also saw quite a few monkeys on the trek up. Now i am not the fittest person, but Jaka was happy to go at my pace. Within about a hour we came across a family of orangutans ( a male, 2 females and a baby).. it is apparently unusal to see the male with the females. When we arrived there were about 40 other people there enjoying this breathtaking sight. After about 20 mins, Jaka asked if i wished to move on to look for others.. i told him i was happy to stay here and enjoy the moment.. once again Jaka was happy to go with the flow.. within half an hour everyone else had gone and we were rewarded with the orangutans coming down closer. I can not describe how i felt, having these amazing animals within meters of me.. (see photos). After this experience it was a short trek back to our hotel (they are not always in the same spot so you may need to trek a little further). I will admit the trek was a little breath taking at times,but the experience was rewarding. The following day we went out in a tut-tut. We were shown some rice patties, how they make palm sugar, tofu and on the way back i mentioned i wanted to taste some duran fruit.... it smells aweful, but tastes not as offesive.. i dont think i would have it again, but it is something to try. Our afternoon was free.. so we were back to the river.The following day we were heading to Tangkahn... ok the roads were a little "bumpy", but sit back and embrace the "sumatran massage", trust me once you are there it is worth it. This place is amazing.. we had a room with a view of the river, once again the food was amazing, you also get the chance to try the famous kopi lawak (poop coffee).. oh and we had live music(in the middle of the jungle) on the night. Our afternoon was spent washing the elephants or you could visit the hot springs.. we took the elephants.. after washing them, they repaid us with a shower. The following day was a long drive, but we were advised of that before we booked it..it was a day of sight seeing.. having lunch while admiring a volcano..,and bad karako again.the day was finished with a smooth cruise across to Lake Toba. Wow this accomadation is stunning... breaktaking veiws (omg the sunsets).. the bed is comfortable... and for the first time in a few days.. hot water. We were spoilt here.. our guide (eino) and driver (tair)... sorry if they are spelt wrong. Were such gentlemen and the best hosts... we even woke up to freshly picked mangos.nothing was to much trouble... (i left my phone where we had lunch, and the boys were happy to get it for me). Learning the history of the area was very intresting (and suprising) i wont ruin it for you. Over the 8 days, we learnt alot about the people and the enviroment that makes up Sumatra. i felt we became more friends than tour guide and client. Once again i can not recommend these guys enough. I will however advise you to make sure you pack some toilet paper... as not every where you go has some, also the bed only have a fitted sheet, if you like to sleep with a flat sheet take one.. remember you are visiting anither country so be ooen Nd embrace their way of life and i am sure you will also have a ball...
3. 3 days Medan Orangutan Bukit Lawang
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Day 01. The tours starts from Kuala Namu Medan airport included transfer service to Hotel Deli River in Medan for an overnight stay. Day 02. Medan – Bukit Lawang (3 hours drive) The route to the village is scenic. Once you arrive in Bukit Lawang our driver will introduce you to the experienced local guide and you will start for 3 hours jungle trekking. You will be guided by an experienced local guide that will help you marvel at the magic of the magnificent rainforest. Throughout the trek you will be able to see the Orangutans, Siamang (arboreal black-furred gibbon native to the forests of Sumatra), Thomas Leaf Monkeys, long tail Macaques, 1 overnight stay in an Eco lodge Bukit Lawang Day 03 Bukit Lawang depart to Kuala Namu Airport which is about 3 hours drive. or we can drop you at your address in Medan End of our services We can reverse the itinerary according to your flight schedule.
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation + daily breakfast, transport in airconditioned car + fuel - driver, his meals and overnight accommodation costs, permit and local guide for 3 hours jungle trekking in Bohorok/Bukit Lawang
Exclusions: air tickets, personal expenses such as: drinks, souvenirs, lunch, dinner etc., donations and tips, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By Sita S
This is a place to proof that wild elephants, birds, apes can live wild and freely in a palm oil plantation. Enough is biased and baseless judgement on how bad palm oil plantation impact on wild life! You should see how elephants enjoy consuming palm oil leaves! It is a hidden gem with beautiful water fall and stunning lake. If you are lucky you can spot native rare birds. Nature lovers and wild life promoters should come and see by her/his own eyes how beautiful and harmonious is the live of these elephants family in Barumun Nagari! The guide, the driver and even the owner are absolutely amazing! One more thing, advance reservations is a must because this place is a sanctuary so they must limit number of visitors! This place is NOT touristy and definitely NOT for for big group of tourist who only carE for selfies! Only those who love nature and wild life would be rewarded by the beauty of this place!
4. Paket Tour Danau Toba Dan Simalem Resort
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Karena kamu akan mendapatkan program tour yang terbaik,pemandu tour yang berpengalama, transportasi yang membuat perjalanan tour kami nyaman
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch
Exclusions: TIPPING GUIDE, DRIVER & PERSONAL COST
Reviewed By AdiFarhann
It is a great place to escape and just enjoy the view of the lake. very windy and chill at night. All of the locals here are very friendly. No problems whatsoeveer
5. 2 Days 1 Night Jungle Trekking in Bukit Lawang
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) The flora and fauna of Bukit Lawang Mountain and lowland forests are breath taking. Both are vitally important genetic resource and wildlife habitat. The "green gold" Bukit Lawang is situated at the eastern side of Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL). This jungle is part of a larger section of jungle known as the Leuser Ecosystem. This region has an area of 2.6 million hectares which includes the area around TNGL which serves as a buffer zone.
Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch
Exclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Reviewed By bysiahaan
My First trekking in 2021 and feel so lucky, finally i can visit Mt. Leuser and see orangutan in their habitat. We only did one day trekking and not so easy to see wild animals in the jungle especially orangutan. But after 3 hours we met orangutan and she is ‘Mina’ with her 3yr old baby, just walking around and hanging on the tree. (This one an aggressive one, ‘mas heri’ (our guide) said). We can not come closer to see her, 1 meter distance to keep safe, but i feel so lucky finally can see orangutan. Our trek is amazing, bcs during pandemic there is no people who did trekking so there is some track blocked and we have to find another track. The jungle was slippery (it was raining one day before trekking) and there is a lot of leeches (i got 4 for those of my legs) and i recommend you to wearing trekking shoes, not trekking sandal. We had rest in middle of the jungle, enjoy the fruits and then had lunch after, near the small river and waterfall. End of our trekking we did traditional tubing. And that sooooooooo amazing . I love it. The river so fresh (for me is cold) but we enjoy it. Our guide mas heri & mas mbeng so helpfull, they explain everything and if you have a question don’t hesitate to ask them.
6. 3 Days Bukit Lawang Tour (Happy Jungle)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Lost in the depths of Sumatra, Bukit Lawang is a small riverside town built beside the rainforest of the vast Gunung Leuser National Park. Orangutan is one of the most endangered species in the world, found only in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Bukit Lawang (‘gateway to the mountain’) is situated just 96kms northwest of Medan, making it one of the easiest, most accessible places to start your jungle adventure.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, 2 nights stay in a deluxe bungalow, Air-conditioned vehicle, Traditional tube rafting back during the trek.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Kate L
WOW! We had such an incredible experience on the orangutan trek with Heri and Jojo as our guides. I never expected to see so much wildlife over the course of two days. From orangutans (babies too!), to Thomas monkeys, praying mantis, turtles, centipedes, many birds, and more- it was truly amazing! We were so lucky to have Heri and Jojo as our guides because they were so knowledgeable about the rain forest, and always made us feel safe and happy to be there. They even prepared us delicious meals everyday with fresh local fruits and veggies to meet our needs as vegans. I cannot recommend Orangutan Treks enough, and if I have the chance I will come back every year! Thanks again Heri and Jojo. Terima Kasih ????
7. 7 Days 6 Nights North Sumatra Tour (Bukit Lawang-Berastagi-Lake Toba)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
In this tour, trekking in the jungle, hiking volcano & relaxing in the biggest volcanic lake is combine in one package.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Kate L
WOW! We had such an incredible experience on the orangutan trek with Heri and Jojo as our guides. I never expected to see so much wildlife over the course of two days. From orangutans (babies too!), to Thomas monkeys, praying mantis, turtles, centipedes, many birds, and more- it was truly amazing! We were so lucky to have Heri and Jojo as our guides because they were so knowledgeable about the rain forest, and always made us feel safe and happy to be there. They even prepared us delicious meals everyday with fresh local fruits and veggies to meet our needs as vegans. I cannot recommend Orangutan Treks enough, and if I have the chance I will come back every year! Thanks again Heri and Jojo. Terima Kasih ????
8. Monkey Business 2 days - 1 night Jungle Trekking (including rafting)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Monkey Business tours are always fun, educational and very personalised. We adapt to our audience and ensure you feel comfortable and safe during our tours. Also, we value improvement of our nature a lot: with our tours we make people more consious how to contribute to a better environment. Next to our tours, we focus on projects to support the education of the local children and ecofarming. Profits being made with our business are being used to support these projects!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, jungle shoes, mosquito spray, water, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By ronjamoore
I had an amazing time with the guys! I saw so many monkeys, orangutans and exotic birds. The guys kept us safe and we had some amazing viewpoints as well. Incredible that these guys know their way around the jungle so well! I am definitely coming back and I have recommended this tour to family and friends already. You cannot go wrong with Bukit Lawang monkey business tours!!!! I had so much fun!
9. Private Tour: Karo Highlands and Lake Toba from Medan
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 25 reviews
Experience a full-day sightseeing on this private tour from Medan. You will visit Brastagi in the Karo Highlands which has two active volcanoes being Sinabung and Sibayak. Visit the fruit market and traditional Karo Batak Village with authentic houses which are still occupied by 8 families before continuing onto Sipisopiso waterfall where you can enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Toba.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By Sita S
This is a place to proof that wild elephants, birds, apes can live wild and freely in a palm oil plantation. Enough is biased and baseless judgement on how bad palm oil plantation impact on wild life! You should see how elephants enjoy consuming palm oil leaves! It is a hidden gem with beautiful water fall and stunning lake. If you are lucky you can spot native rare birds. Nature lovers and wild life promoters should come and see by her/his own eyes how beautiful and harmonious is the live of these elephants family in Barumun Nagari! The guide, the driver and even the owner are absolutely amazing! One more thing, advance reservations is a must because this place is a sanctuary so they must limit number of visitors! This place is NOT touristy and definitely NOT for for big group of tourist who only carE for selfies! Only those who love nature and wild life would be rewarded by the beauty of this place!
10. 6 Day North Sumatra Highlights - Jungles Orangutans Lakes and Volcanoes
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
6 Day North Sumatra Highlights - Jungles, Orangutans, Lakes and Volcanoes Bukit Lawang - Lake Toba - Berestagi Highlights - 3 hour orangutan jungle trek - wildlife spotting - Sipiso Sipiso waterfall - Lake Toba Samosir Island - Batak king's residence - stone chairs - Berestagi volcanoes - Fruit and Flower markets - Buddhist Temple - Gundaling lookout - hot spring baths
Inclusions: Accommodation included is Sumatran standard guest houses twin share, with western toilet and either shower or mandi (traditional wash with bucket and scoop, cold water only at all guest houses), National Park fees, Driver, Local guide, Tour escort/host, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, 5 nights accommodation twin share
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By sharkiegirl
We have just come back from an amazing adventure. We booked in for the 8 day northern Sumatra adventure and we were not disappointed. It started off with them picking us up at our hotel in Medan, my friend who i was travelling with has an accident and injured her knee on the flight over, the guys went above and beyond to make her feel comfortable.. even stopping so she could buy some crutches before we headed to our first stop Bukit Lawang. Our drive was full of some informative information, good laughs and some terrible singing (on our behalf... Jaka was fantastic). Once we arrived at Bukit Lawang..our accomation for the next 3 days. We were made very welcome. The rooms are basic, but with a fan, beds are comfortable and mozzie nets. To be honest i did not expect anything else.. after all you are in the jungle. People are very friendly, the food is amazing, and the beers are chilled (they must of known a few aussies were coming as extra beer arrived just after us ????) our afternoon was free so we soaked up the atmosphere, had a swim in the river with the locals and had once again a fablous meal. The following day was a half day trek to look for the orangutans. With my friends knee still out of action it was just Jaka (our guide) and myself. Once again he was amazing.. pointing out and explain the rubber plants as we past by them.. we also saw quite a few monkeys on the trek up. Now i am not the fittest person, but Jaka was happy to go at my pace. Within about a hour we came across a family of orangutans ( a male, 2 females and a baby).. it is apparently unusal to see the male with the females. When we arrived there were about 40 other people there enjoying this breathtaking sight. After about 20 mins, Jaka asked if i wished to move on to look for others.. i told him i was happy to stay here and enjoy the moment.. once again Jaka was happy to go with the flow.. within half an hour everyone else had gone and we were rewarded with the orangutans coming down closer. I can not describe how i felt, having these amazing animals within meters of me.. (see photos). After this experience it was a short trek back to our hotel (they are not always in the same spot so you may need to trek a little further). I will admit the trek was a little breath taking at times,but the experience was rewarding. The following day we went out in a tut-tut. We were shown some rice patties, how they make palm sugar, tofu and on the way back i mentioned i wanted to taste some duran fruit.... it smells aweful, but tastes not as offesive.. i dont think i would have it again, but it is something to try. Our afternoon was free.. so we were back to the river.The following day we were heading to Tangkahn... ok the roads were a little "bumpy", but sit back and embrace the "sumatran massage", trust me once you are there it is worth it. This place is amazing.. we had a room with a view of the river, once again the food was amazing, you also get the chance to try the famous kopi lawak (poop coffee).. oh and we had live music(in the middle of the jungle) on the night. Our afternoon was spent washing the elephants or you could visit the hot springs.. we took the elephants.. after washing them, they repaid us with a shower. The following day was a long drive, but we were advised of that before we booked it..it was a day of sight seeing.. having lunch while admiring a volcano..,and bad karako again.the day was finished with a smooth cruise across to Lake Toba. Wow this accomadation is stunning... breaktaking veiws (omg the sunsets).. the bed is comfortable... and for the first time in a few days.. hot water. We were spoilt here.. our guide (eino) and driver (tair)... sorry if they are spelt wrong. Were such gentlemen and the best hosts... we even woke up to freshly picked mangos.nothing was to much trouble... (i left my phone where we had lunch, and the boys were happy to get it for me). Learning the history of the area was very intresting (and suprising) i wont ruin it for you. Over the 8 days, we learnt alot about the people and the enviroment that makes up Sumatra. i felt we became more friends than tour guide and client. Once again i can not recommend these guys enough. I will however advise you to make sure you pack some toilet paper... as not every where you go has some, also the bed only have a fitted sheet, if you like to sleep with a flat sheet take one.. remember you are visiting anither country so be ooen Nd embrace their way of life and i am sure you will also have a ball...
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