📍
Indonesia
SUMATRA COMPLETE: RAINFORESTS, LAKES AND ISLAND ESCAPES
Orangutans swinging through canopy, volcanoes framing the vast lake, tribal traditions carried on. Sumatra, wild island.
≈ 25
Days
856
Km
16
Stops
Set out to meet Bukit Lawang's orangutans and watch them move through dense canopy, then follow the shores of Lake Toba, a vast volcanic expanse lined with island villages. The Mentawai Islands reveal tribal traditions that remain intact, while Padang asserts its port energy facing the ocean and anchors the western coast.
- Bukit Lawang: orangutan jungle
- Lake Toba: volcanic vastness
- Mentawai: tribal island traditions
- Padang: coastal gateway west
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Tjong A Fie Mansion - restored traditional Chinese residence of the wealthy merchant
2
Istana Maimoon - magnificent rococo-style palace built in 1888
3
Mesjid Raya (Grand Mosque) - largest mosque in the city built in 1906
Activities
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Exploration of historic buildings along Jalan Jendral A. Yani and Merdeka Square
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Discovery of Chinese shops on Jalan A. Yani
Next stop
Distance:
77.9 km
Travel time:
1h18
2
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
3-hour journey from Medan to Gunung Leuser National Park via the Alas River valley
2
Arrival at Bukit Lawang - magnificent destination in the heart of the park
Activities
→
Settlement and discovery of the orangutan sanctuary
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Visit to the information center with slideshows about local wildlife
3
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Gunung Leuser National Park - 8000 km² park covered with dense jungle, UNESCO site
2
Bohorok Orangutan Centre - one-hour hike to observe orangutans
Activities
→
Trek through lush tropical forests
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Observation of orangutans, elephants, rhinoceros, sun bears, tigers and 500 bird species
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Feeding of wild and semi-wild orangutans on the platforms
4
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Visit to nearby waterfalls
Activities
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White water rafting on the rivers
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Tubing - relaxing river descent
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Relaxation in the laid-back atmosphere with the welcoming local community
Next stop
Distance:
173.5 km
Travel time:
2h10
5
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
170 km journey from Bukit Lawang to Parapat on the eastern shore of Danau Toba
2
Parapat - tourist resort with luxury hotels, golf courses and water sports
Activities
→
Exploration of the shore of Danau Toba
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Favorite weekend getaway for Medan residents
Next stop
Distance:
12.2 km
Travel time:
24min
6
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Daily boat from Parapat to Samosir island - 1000 km² island in the lake
2
Samosir - original homeland of the Bataks and the purest Toba Batak tribe
3
Boat-shaped carved tomb of King Sidabutar
Activities
→
Observation of ritual buffalo sacrifice statues
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Immersion in traditional Batak culture
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Discovery of traditional Batak houses
7
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
2-hour journey from Padang through the lush tropical valley of Anai
2
Bukittinggi - picturesque hill at 930m altitude, heart of Minangkabau culture
Activities
→
Discovery of the relaxed atmosphere and fresh mountain air
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Walking tour in the pleasant town
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Observation of the volcanic peaks Gunung Agam, Gunung Singgalang and Gunung Merapi
8
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Rumah Gadang - traditional Minangkabau houses
2
Exploration of the surrounding Minang highlands
Activities
→
Immersion in the proud Minangkabau culture
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Tasting of fiery Minangkabau cuisine
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Meeting the friendly locals
Next stop
Distance:
93.1 km
Travel time:
1h33
9
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Padang - capital of West Sumatra, birthplace of Minang food
2
Restoran Sari Raso - restaurant for authentic Minang food
Activities
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Tasting spicy dishes with coconut milk - gulai (curry), lado (chilies) and rice
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Exploring the coastal city
Next stop
Distance:
196.8 km
Travel time:
2h28
10
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Ferry or fast boat from Padang to the Mentawai islands - 10-12 hour journey
2
Mentawai archipelago - tropical paradise with pristine beaches
Activities
→
Settling into a traditional homestay
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Discovery of the unique culture and indigenous Mentawai people
Next stop
Distance:
19.4 km
Travel time:
39min
11
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Sipora - island home to some of the world's best waves
Activities
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Surfing on world-renowned breaks
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Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
Next stop
Distance:
134.6 km
Travel time:
2h15
12
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Siberut - deep cultural experience with the Mentawai people in the jungle
Activities
→
Stay in traditional homestays
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Learning ancient local customs and traditions
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Experience of daily life of the Mentawai people
13
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Exploration of Siberut's lush jungle
2
Trek to picturesque waterfalls
Activities
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Observation of unique fauna and flora
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Observation of the Fahombo dance - men jumping over stone columns several meters high
14
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Nias Island - largest of the west coast islands, 100km x 50km
2
Traditional villages with unusual ancient culture centered on stone
Activities
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Tutotolo warrior dance with acrobatic combat
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Exploration of fortified villages with stone-paved central paths
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Surfing on world-class waves
15
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Southern Nias surf beaches - renowned surf spot
Activities
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Discovery of stilt houses in parallel rows on the hills
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Observation of stone sculptures and rituals
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Discovery of British colonial history - Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles was governor from 1818 to 1823
16
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Bengkulu - sleepy little coastal town founded by the British in 1685
2
Benteng Marlborough - fort built in 1713-19 and restored in the 1970s
3
Old English tombstones in the guardhouse
Activities
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Observation of the world's largest and most odorous flower
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Walk in the botanical gardens
17
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Dendam Tak Sudah Botanical Gardens - 8km southeast of Bengkulu near the lake of the same name
2
Rafflesia arnoldii - giant parasitic flower discovered by Raffles and Joseph Arnold
Activities
→
Observation of rocks carved as armed warriors riding elephants
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Discovery of figures fighting buffaloes or battling serpents
Next stop
Distance:
148.8 km
Travel time:
2h29
18
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Pagaralam - small town in the center of the Pasemah highlands
2
Pasemah region - mountainous plateau with carved megaliths
3
Megaliths, tombs, pillars and stone ruins dating from around 100 AD
Activities
→
View of the volcanic Gunung Dempo
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Demanding trek to the volcanic summit
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Magnificent mountain and jungle landscapes
19
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Ascent of the volcanic Gunung Dempo for experienced trekkers
Activities
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Observation of inhabitants living on floating rafts
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Discovery of the bustling central market
20
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Jambi - modern city, site of the ancient Melayu kingdom
2
Exploration along the Sungai Batanghari river with stilt houses
3
Pasar Raya (Central Market) - visit on foot or by dokar (horse-drawn cart)
Activities
→
One-hour drive or 30 minutes by speedboat
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Exploration of the ancient temple complex
21
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Muaro Jambi Hindu temple complex - 25 km northeast of the city
Activities
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Discovery of the history of the Melayu kingdom
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Lobster tasting with bumbu perancis (cheese sauce) or lada hitam (black pepper sauce)
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Tasting of the region's excellent coffee
22
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Sungai Penuh - town near Kerinci Seblat national park
2
Korintji Heritage - social enterprise serving delicious lobster dishes
Activities
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Ferries and hydrofoils from Singapore almost every hour
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Golf on the island's courses
23
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Batam Island - developed as a major industrial satellite of Singapore
Activities
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Beaches and relaxation
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Duty-free shopping
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Seafood tasting
+2 Optional activities
24
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Bintan - the largest of all the Riau islands
2
North coast with a series of upscale resorts
3
Tanjungpinang - bustling port city on the southeast coast
Activities
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Starting point to the neighboring small islands and the Lingga archipelago
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Visit to the Nurul Imam mosque - beautiful architecture
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Starting point to the neighboring small islands and the Lingga archipelago
+1 Optional activities
🗺️ 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 20 and 30 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.