Nature & Culture · Tour Code SH-BLKB-5D-EU27

Medan – Bukit Lawang – Karo – Batak 5D4N 2027

5 Days / 4 NightsSeason 2027Private tourMedan departure

Five days from the rainforest of Bukit Lawang to the Karo Highlands and Lake Toba: a 3-hour jungle trek, the fruit and flower market of Berastagi, Sipiso-piso Waterfall and the Batak villages of Samosir Island.

Tour highlights

Discovery of Bukit Lawang village, a peaceful haven ideal for reconnecting with nature.
Immersive 3-hour jungle trek through the tropical rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park, with a chance to encounter Sumatran orangutans, gibbons, Thomas’s leaf monkeys, macaques, tropical birds and exotic flora.
Berastagi, a cool highland town with a lively fruit and flower market and panoramic views from Gundaling Hill.
Exploration of Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake, with stops at Sipiso-piso Waterfall and iconic viewpoints such as Tele.
Immersion in Batak culture: the traditional villages of Dokan and Lumban Suhi-suhi (famous for ulos weaving), and a closer look at local architecture and customs.
Cultural excursion on Samosir Island: Ambarita and Tomok villages.

Detailed itinerary

DAY 1KUALANAMU AIRPORT – BUKIT LAWANG

Upon arrival at Kualanamu International Airport, you will be welcomed by our tour guide and begin your scenic journey to Bukit Lawang, the gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of lush countryside and stop at several plantations to see rubber and palm oil production, two of the region’s most important commodities. The journey continues through rural landscapes and local villages before reaching the edge of the rainforest.

Arrive in Bukit Lawang, a riverside village famous for its orangutans and jungle trekking. After check-in at your hotel, the rest of the day is free to relax, explore the village, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by the river in preparation for tomorrow’s jungle adventure.

Meals: None

DAY 2BUKIT LAWANG JUNGLE TREKKING – BERASTAGI

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we trek into the rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra. With luck, we may encounter Sumatran orangutans and other wildlife such as the vulnerable Thomas’s leaf monkey, long-tailed macaques and gibbons, along with the rich flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest. The trek takes about 3 hours.

After the trek, return to your hotel to freshen up. Later, continue by car to Berastagi, a charming highland town in the Karo Highlands. Upon arrival, explore the bustling fruit and flower market and enjoy the panoramic views from Gundaling Hill. After sightseeing, check in to your hotel and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3BERASTAGI – SAMOSIR ISLAND, LAKE TOBA

After breakfast, depart for the legendary Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake, with an island at its center about the size of Singapore. The journey includes several fascinating stops:

•Dokan Village: a traditional Karo Batak village with distinctive wooden houses.
•Sipiso-piso Waterfall: plunging dramatically from a height of 120 meters.
•Tele Viewpoint: a panoramic view of the lake from its western side.
•Lumban Suhi-suhi: watch women weave the colorful traditional ulos textile.

By mid-afternoon, arrive in Tuk-Tuk on Samosir Island, in the heart of Lake Toba, and check in to your lakeside hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4FULL-DAY EXCURSION ON SAMOSIR ISLAND

Spend a full day exploring the cultural treasures and natural beauty of Samosir Island by car:

•Ambarita Village: see the ancient stone chairs and execution tables of the Batak chieftains.
•Tomok Village: view the centuries-old stone sarcophagi of the Sidabutar kings and learn about Batak burial traditions.

In the afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere. Take a stroll along the shore, meet the locals, or simply relax by the water.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5SAMOSIR ISLAND – KUALANAMU AIRPORT

After breakfast, cross back to Parapat by public ferry, then continue the transfer to Kualanamu International Airport via Pematang Siantar, with stops at several plantations along the way. The drive takes about 4.5 hours, in time for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Included

4 nights’ accommodation in hotels on a twin/triple sharing basis
Private air-conditioned tour and transportation as per program
Jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang
Trekking safety equipment and first aid kit
Meals as per program
Entrance fees to tourist attractions
Driver who also serves as tour guide
Mineral water, 2 bottles of 600 ml per person per day during the tour
Welcome snack and ulos

Not included

International and domestic flight tickets
Travel insurance for tour participants
Donations at tourist attractions (if any)
Camera permit at Gunung Leuser National Park
Optional tours, and meals and drinks outside the program
Tips for the driver/tour guide
Personal expenses: minibar, laundry, room service, telephone, internet and others
High/peak season surcharge (school holidays, Eid al-Fitr, New Year, etc.)
VAT 1.1%
Any other fees or services not listed under Included

Terms and conditions

By making a booking, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully before booking.

Payment

A 30% deposit must be transferred to our account after you receive our confirmation and invoice.
Full payment must be settled no later than 15 days before arrival, unless otherwise agreed in advance.

Cancellation

Less than 7 days down to 72 hours before departure: 50% of the tour price.
Less than 72 hours before departure: 75% of the tour price.
On the day of arrival: 100% of the tour price.
Unused land arrangements are non-refundable.

Reservation

Reservations must be submitted in writing by email and include the itinerary, arrival/departure dates, flight details, facilities or services required, number of participants, rooming list (for groups) and preferred guide language (English, Dutch, German, French, etc.).
Earlier reservations will be confirmed sooner.

Confirmation

Nurasa Tours will send a confirmation as soon as we receive confirmation from the service providers (hotels, restaurants, etc.).
Nurasa Tours will arrange alternative facilities if a requested service cannot be provided.

Responsibility

Nurasa Tours and all of its representative offices organize tours with the comfort and safety of participants as their priority.
If conditions do not permit (for example civil unrest, landslides or natural disasters), the tour may be cancelled for the safety of participants.
If a tour must be cancelled, we will adjust the program after reaching an agreement with the client, confirmed in writing by both parties.
If no agreement can be reached, Nurasa Tours will charge for the portion of services already provided.

Hotels used

Subject to availability; an equivalent property may be arranged.

Bukit Lawang · 1 night

Ecolodge Bukit Lawang or Rindu Alam

Berastagi · 1 night

Mikie Holiday Resort or Sibayak Hotel

Samosir Island (Tuk-Tuk) · 2 nights

Samosir Villa Resort or Toledo Inn

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Anything else? Contact our team.

Is the orangutan trek in Bukit Lawang too difficult?

The trek is of moderate difficulty and takes about 3 hours through tropical rainforest. Our guide will adjust the pace to the physical condition of the group, so it is suitable for first-time trekkers who are in good physical shape.

What is the accommodation like in Bukit Lawang?

This program uses hotel accommodation, not tents. On the first night, guests stay at Ecolodge Bukit Lawang or Rindu Alam (2-star), which offer a village atmosphere at the edge of the forest.

How long is the drive from Bukit Lawang to Lake Toba?

The journey is split over two days: from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi on Day 2, then from Berastagi to Samosir Island on Day 3, with several interesting stops along the way, such as Sipiso-piso Waterfall for a rest and photos.

When is the best time to join this tour?

The best time is April to October (the dry season). During this period the weather tends to be clear, the trekking trails are safer, and the views of Lake Toba are exceptionally clear.

Can special meals be requested (vegetarian or allergies)?

Yes. Please inform our team of any dietary requirements or food allergies when booking so that we can prepare in advance, especially for meals during the jungle trek.

Prices and programs are subject to change at any time prior to booking confirmation.