Explore the Rainforest of Sumatra
Itinerary
Days 1 and 2 – Medan
Upon arrival, you’ll discover that Sumatra is not just jungle. Honking, traffic jams and a crossover motor taxi ‘becaks’ take over the bustling capital city. We have picked a small hotel just outside the city centre in a peaceful Kampung area with a swimming pool so you can relax and unwind after your international flight. You’ll be staying in Medan for just one night, to acclimatise and relax ready for your family adventure. If you do wish to stay in Medan longer – just let us know.
Days 2-4 – Orangutans in the rainforest
After you’ve had a day to rest, you’ll begin your journey into the Sumatran jungle. Your journey today will take between 3 to 4 hours.
Bukit Lawang is a small village in Northern Sumatra, a popular destination for families who want to immerse themselves in the wild green jungle. The rainforest here is part of the Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the richest and diverse tropical forest ecosystems on the planet, where you’ll spend the next few days exploring. The orangutans are the most famous residents that people come to see, but if you’re lucky you may even spot leopards, baboons, monkeys as well as other wildlife. To reach our furry ginger friends, you’ll head on a trek. It can get hilly here but the climb is easy for young children and not too far to walk. Grab your cameras and be ready for the moments that will leave a smile on all of your faces for days.
Days 4-6 – Venture to the heart of the jungle
From Bukit Lawang, you’ll be transferred to Tangkahan – a four hour journey.
Leave civilisation behind to dive into the fascinating world of Sumatran wilderness at one of the National Parks protected by UNESCO. Here, your family will stay in a rustic jungle lodge, wake up to the symphony of the jungle, tube down the river to a sparkling waterfall and enjoy a small picnic by the river bank. In your free time you can explore the rainforest teeming with wildlife and full of exotic plants. Keep your eyes peeled for wild orangutans that can be seen in the jungle of North Sumatra!
Days 6-10 – Batak houses on the lake
Next, you’ll travel to Berstagi to begin your journey to Samosir Island.
Today you’ll head to Berastagi, it is a lot cooler here and home to some of Sumatra’s most breathtaking scenery. The city is surrounded by green fields of the Karo highlands and two volcanoes that dominate the landscape. After spending a night in Berastagi and visiting the local markets, you’ll head back onto the road for a further six hours to the stunning Lake Toba. In addition to jungle and wildlife, Sumatra also has plenty of cultures. The Bataks are a unique group of people who live around the fairy-tale Lake Toba. Take a stroll around the houses and meet some of the local families that live together in this small village.
You’ll then head onwards to board the ferry to Samosir Island. The fog that hangs above creates a magical atmosphere of the lake that’s surrounded by densely wooded mountains, with traditional Batak houses sticking out above the green treetops. With uninterrupted views across the lake, densely wooded jungles as the backdrop and a lush family hotel, it’s a beautiful, unusual and welcoming place to take the family.
Days 10-11 – Medan
You will then take a ferry back to the mainland, where your driver will pick you up and drop you at your hotel in Medan.
You’ll spend one more night in the bustling capital before saying goodbye to Sumatran life and heading to the airport for your flight back home.
Accommodation
