Nature & Culture of Sumatra

Selamat Datang! Upon arrival at the airport, meet and greet then depart for Bohorok, located in Southern part of Leuser National Park in about 4,5 hours to see Orang Utan at Bukit Lawang in Bukit Lawang Village. En route passing through several small towns followed by a vast view of rubber and oil palm plantations with some countryside landscape. Stop to see palm oil plantation from outside. If it’s in season you can stop to see local “rambutan” and cacao garden, also stop to stretch your leg and visit the local market in Kuala. Arrive in Bohorok, immediate check in hotel. Dinner included

Hotel: Bohorok Ecolodge or Rindu Alam (Standard, No Aircon, No Hot Water – best available in National Park)

Morning starts on a 3 hours jungle trekking with a local ranger to see the semi or wild Orangutans as you will hike some steep slopes and dense vegetation will bring you to the excitement of the Sumatra rainforest. Here you have the opportunity to see several species of indigenous flora and fauna. If you are lucky you may encounter Orang Utan, leaf monkey, macaque, gibbons, siamang and abundant bird life. Walkers must be fit and have suitable, large profile shoes. Trekking pace will be adjusted with clients's stamina. After the trek back to the hotel for checking out, then depart to Medan. Check in hotel.

After breakfast leave for Brastagi, a highland resort with its refreshing weather and magnificent mountain scenery, drive through some lush tropical rain forest of Sumatra. Visit the fruit market of Brastagi before continuing to Parapat, a lovely lake resort lies on the east shore of Lake Toba. On the way, visit a traditional Batak Karo village. Stop at Sipisopiso with its 120m high waterfall and very scenic view over Lake Toba. Arrive in Parapat, leave for Samosir, a huge lovely island in the middle of Lake Toba, in one hour public ferry ride. Settled down in a comfortable hotel in Samosir

Hotel: Tabo Cottages (Batak Villa or Junior Suite)

A day of discovery to visit Samosir by private boat. Board a boat from hotel pier and stop at pier at Tomok village to see the Tomb of King Sidabutar and Batak Toba Village at Tomok. Then board the boat again and hop to Ambarita, a traditional village with ancient megalithic furniture in front of the traditional house. From Ambarita we walk back to the hotel on foot passing through villages and have a look at Batak people daily activities. The leisurely walk takes about one hour or more, depending on how many stops are made along the walk, let your guide help you explaining what’s on during the walk.

Hotel: Tabo Cottages (Batak Villa or Junior Suite)

After breakfast, return to Parapat by in one hour public ferry ride, then leave for transit town Padang Sidempuan.  On the way we stop at local pineapple, clove and coffee farms. In Balige Sigur-gur, you visit the local market and in Sipoholon the hot springs. Take a walk along the banks of the Sarulla river and the beautiful terraced rice fields. Arrive at this transit town to break this long journey across Sumatra.

Hotel: Mega Permata (Superior)

The journey today is rather long, but worthwhile. It exhibits the inner part of Sumatra. The scenery of mountains, rivers, valleys and traditional villages will relieve you from your weariness. Passing through Aek Sijornih waterfall and local villages, another moment when you  drive pass The Equator Monument should nonetheless be remarkable in your personal record. Then proceed to the most charming town, the heart of Minangkabau Highland, and the center of matrilineal society of Sumatra, Bukittinggi

Full day tour to explore the beauty and the cultural aspects of Minangkabau Highland, see the landmark of Bukittinggi – Jam Gadang (Clock Tower), the uniqueness of the local market, the museum, and Ngarai Sianok – a grand valley, visit also to Koto Gadang which is renowned for its silver works and hand embroidery Pandai Sikek Village for wood carving and weaving handicraft. See the view of Mount Merapi from afar before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Harau Valley in Payakumbuh & Pagaruyung Palace site of the ancient Minangkabau Kingdom in Batusangkar where the queen ruled a matrilineal society. Afterwards, continue the tour to visit Lake Maninjau. In late afternoon drive back to Bukittinggi.

After breakfast drive to Padang via Anai Valley in about 3 hours time. Arrive in Padang Airport to catch onward flight.