📍
Indonesia
NORTH SUMATRA: DIVE SITES, MOUNTAINS AND TRIBAL CULTURE
Crystal-clear seabeds, tribal culture flourishing, mountains framing emerald valleys. Northern Sumatra, rich in diversity.
≈ 31
Days
472
Km
10
Stops
Discover Banda Aceh between spiritual fervor and rebuilt memory, where mosques and streets tell of deep resilience. Reach Pulau Weh to dive into clear waters with living reefs, then find the coolness of Berastagi between volcanoes and fruit orchards. Bukittinggi affirms Minangkabau culture through its traditional houses and lively markets.
- Pulau Weh: world-class diving
- Berastagi: highland fruit farms
- Bukittinggi: minangkabau culture
- Harau Valley: gorge trekking
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Baiturrahman Grand Mosque - symbol of Aceh's resilience
2
Banda Aceh Tsunami Museum - memorial of the 2004 tsunami
3
PLTD Apung Ship - ship transported inland by the tsunami
Activities
→
Exploration of local markets
→
Tasting of Acehnese coffee Kopi Aceh
→
Lampuuk Beach - relaxation on the beach
Next stop
Distance:
43.6 km
Travel time:
1h27
2
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Ferry from Banda Aceh to Pulau Weh - Balohan Ferry Terminal
Activities
→
Arrival at Pulau Weh and settling in
→
Exploration of the east coast - Sabang
3
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Kilometer Zero Monument - northernmost point of Indonesia
2
Japanese Bunkers - historic bunkers
Activities
→
Exploration of the east coast of Sabang
4
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Pulau Weh Lighthouse (Mercu Suar Ujong Asam) - panoramic views
Activities
→
Discovery of the east coast and preparation to move to the west coast
Next stop
Distance:
6.8 km
Travel time:
14min
5
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Settling in on the west coast - Iboih and Gapang
2
Rubiah Island - vibrant coral reefs
Activities
→
Diving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
→
Relaxation on the peaceful beaches of Iboih
6
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Gapang Beach - quiet beach
Activities
→
Snorkeling off Sumur Tiga Beach
→
Diving on colorful reefs
7
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Ferry back to Banda Aceh from Pulau Weh
Activities
→
Night bus or flight from Banda Aceh to Medan
8
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Maimun Palace - majestic palace
2
Great Mosque of Medan
3
Tjong A Fie Mansion - colonial history
Activities
→
Pos Bloc Medan - colonial architecture
→
Tasting traditional Medan cuisine
9
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
In-depth exploration of Medan - local markets
Activities
→
Visit to remaining attractions in Medan
→
Preparation for departure to Bukit Lawang
Next stop
Distance:
77.9 km
Travel time:
1h18
10
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Minivan from Medan to Bukit Lawang
Activities
→
Check-in and evening relaxation by the Bohorok river
11
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Bat Cave - fascinating limestone cave near the village
2
Friday Market - Friday market to discover local culture
Activities
→
Booking jungle trek for the next day
→
Exploration of Bukit Lawang village
12
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
One-day jungle trek in Gunung Leuser National Park - UNESCO site
Activities
→
Observation of wild orangutans in their natural habitat
→
Discovery of extraordinary fauna and flora
13
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Tubing on the Bohorok river - fun and relaxing experience
Activities
→
Swimming in the river
→
Relaxation along the river and local restaurants
→
Support for conservation projects
Next stop
Distance:
75 km
Travel time:
1h15
14
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Minivan from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi
Activities
→
Installation in Berastagi - mountain town at 1300m altitude
→
Initial exploration of the city and fruit markets
15
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Sunrise trek to Mount Sibayak - epic panoramic views
Activities
→
Relaxation in natural hot springs after the trek
→
Visit to fruit markets - passion fruit and marquisa
16
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Sipiso-Piso Waterfall - one of the most spectacular in North Sumatra
2
Traditional Karo villages - authentic local culture experience
3
Taman Alam Lumbini - Buddhist temple with golden pagoda
Activities
→
Exploration of Mount Sinabung (check volcanic activity)
Next stop
Distance:
92.5 km
Travel time:
1h33
17
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Minivan from Berastagi to Lake Toba
2
Ferry from Parapat to Samosir Island
Activities
→
Settling in Tuk Tuk on Samosir Island
→
First exploration of Lake Toba - the world's largest volcanic crater lake
18
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Traditional Batak villages - discovery of architecture and culture
2
Stone chairs of Ambarita - where Batak kings held trials
Activities
→
Exploration of Tuk Tuk and neighboring villages
→
Discovery of traditional Batak music and dances
19
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Bukit Holbung - green hills with panoramic views
2
Bukit Sibeabea - spectacular viewpoint
Activities
→
Scooter rental to explore the island
→
Efrata Waterfall and Bukit Sipira - scenic stops
20
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Pusuk Buhit - sacred Batak mountain with panoramic views
Activities
→
Swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding in the calm waters of the lake
→
Tuk Tuk coastal trail hike
→
Relaxation and water activities
21
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Night bus from Parapat to Bukittinggi
Activities
→
Arrival and settling in Bukittinggi
22
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Jam Gadang Clock Tower - iconic monument of West Sumatra
2
Fort de Kock - Dutch colonial fort with panoramic views
3
Japanese tunnels - World War II history
Activities
→
Exploration of Bukittinggi city
→
Tasting of Minangkabau cuisine
23
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Sianok Canyon - spectacular canyon
2
Great Wall of Koto Gadang - local historical remnant
Activities
→
Lively traditional markets
24
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Exploration of the Bukittinggi surroundings
Activities
→
Immersion in Minangkabau architecture and culture
Next stop
Distance:
50.9 km
Travel time:
51min
25
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Journey to Harau Valley - the Yosemite of Indonesia
2
Air Terjun Lembah Harau - famous waterfall
Activities
→
Settlement and local walk in the valley
→
Discovery of imposing cliffs and rice fields
26
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Panorama Kayu Kolek - views over the rice fields of Sikabu
2
Traditional Minangkabau villages
Activities
→
Hiking on hidden trails through lush forests
→
Climbing on limestone cliffs
27
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Exploration of the spectacular waterfalls of Harau Valley
Activities
→
Swimming and diving in crystal-clear waters
→
Experience of local culture and hospitality
→
Cooking classes available
Next stop
Distance:
125.3 km
Travel time:
2h05
28
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Journey to Padang - capital of West Sumatra
2
Padang's Chinatown - historic buildings and street art
3
Dutch Old Quarter - colonial era architecture
Activities
→
Arrival in Padang
→
Tasting nasi padang - famous spicy dish
29
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Air Manis Beach - beautiful coast with mountain views
2
Museum Adityawarman - local history and Minangkabau culture
3
Pantai Padang - main beach of the city
Activities
→
Sunset at Pantai Padang
→
In-depth exploration of Padang
30
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Last day in Padang - final visits
Activities
→
Souvenir shopping
🗺️ Itinerary map
🗺️ Nearby itineraries
🛡️ Travel advice - Indonesia
Check official recommendations
❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Dry Season (May-September): Perfect weather, minimal rainfall, ideal temperatures, clear skies, peak tourist season, best diving conditions, advance booking recommended.
Shoulder Season (April & October): Good weather, fewer crowds, moderate rainfall, reasonable prices, excellent conditions, transitional seasons, good value.
Wet Season (November-March): Heavy rainfall, lush landscapes, tropical storms, humidity high, lowest prices, fewer tourists, challenging conditions.
Regional Variations: Diverse climates, equatorial zones, monsoon patterns, altitude differences, island variations, weather monitoring essential, seasonal planning.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 25 and 37 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Indonesia?
World's largest archipelago with incredible diversity, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Experience Bali's temples, Java's volcanoes, and authentic Indonesian culture. The country offers natural wonders with cultural depth and culinary excellence. Indonesia provides diverse experiences with cultural authenticity and natural beauty.