Sumatra Overland Adventure 11D10N 2027 (Medan - Tangkahan - Bukit Lawang - Berastagi - Lake Toba - Bukittinggi)

Arrive at Kuala Namu International Airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore Medan at your leisure for a first impression of the city. Meals: None

After breakfast and hotel check-out, we set off on a Medan City Tour, visiting icons such as Gunung Timur Temple, the Grand Mosque and the Maimoon Palace of the Sultan of Deli, where you can take photos in traditional Malay costume. We then head to Tangkahan (the Secret Gem of North Sumatra), travelling via Stabat and Batang Serangan past rubber plantations and several village communities. We arrive in Tangkahan in the afternoon and check in to a jungle lodge, where we enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and fresh air. Meals: B, D

After breakfast in the natural jungle setting, we walk to Tangkahan Elephant Camp. Here we meet the mahouts (elephant keepers) and can take part in the morning ritual of bathing the elephants in the river, then help feed them and observe their daily life and habits. After this exhilarating experience, we continue with river rafting, floating leisurely on inner tubes along the river through the dense jungle to the sound of tropical birdsong. Midway along the rafting route we bathe under a waterfall and relax, followed by lunch (picnic box) on the riverbank.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we trek into the forest to explore Gunung Leuser National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its flora and fauna. With luck we may see Sumatran orangutans and other animals such as the vulnerable Thomas's leaf monkey, long-tailed macaques, black gibbons and other tropical rainforest flora and fauna. We have lunch (picnic box) and continue through the forest, observing wildlife and tropical birds (trekking takes about 3 hours). In the afternoon we return to our lodge beside the river, where the natural, relaxing surroundings are perfect for resting.

After breakfast and check-out, we head to the Karo Highlands in the town of Berastagi, famous for its cool air, fruit and vegetable gardens and views of volcanic mountains. Upon arrival in Tanah Karo Simalem, we visit Berastagi Fruit Market (sampling local fruits such as passion fruit, loquat, Japanese eggplant and oranges, all healthy and fresh), then continue to Gundaling Hill for a photo session overlooking the Karo Highlands. We then check in to our hotel and rest while enjoying the fresh air of Tanah Karo Simalem. Meals: B

After breakfast and check-out, we depart for Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, with Samosir Island at its centre. The journey includes several captivating stops, such as Kuta Dokan (a unique Karo traditional house with artistic value), Sipiso-piso Waterfall (more than 120 metres high) and Tele Viewpoint (a panorama of Lake Toba from the west), followed by Efrata Waterfall and, time permitting, Lumban Suhi-suhi (a village of ulos weavers). In the afternoon we arrive at Tuk-tuk on Samosir Island, the heart of Lake Toba, and check in to a beautiful lakeside hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we travel to Sigale-gale in Tomok and the traditional Batak houses of Huta Siallagan, then continue to the Jesus Saviour Statue at Sibea-bea Hill and have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we visit Holbung Hill. On the way back to the hotel we stop at Batu Hoda Beach. Dinner is at a local restaurant, after which we return to the hotel for a free program on Samosir Island. Meals: B

After breakfast and hotel check-out, we cross by ferry to Parapat and continue south toward Padang Sidempuan. Along the way we stop at several interesting sights such as a pineapple plantation, a coffee plantation with its natural air, Balige Traditional Market and the Sipoholon hot springs. Before entering Padang Sidempuan, we take a short walk along the Sarulla River beside rice fields with beautiful village scenery. We arrive in Padang Sidempuan, check in to the hotel and rest.

After breakfast and check-out, this morning we continue to Bukittinggi, a beautiful city in the Minangkabau region. Along the way we pass through the dense Rimba Panti forest, home to several unique plants and animals. As a special moment, we stop at Bonjol on the equator line for a unique photo opportunity. In the afternoon we arrive in Bukittinggi, check in to the hotel and rest. Meals: B

After breakfast, we set off for Harau Valley in Payakumbuh. Next we head to Koniko Coffee and have lunch at a local restaurant. We visit Istano Basa Pagaruyung, one of the cultural icons of Minangkabau, with its magnificent rumah gadang architecture and traditional carvings (optional: photos in Minangkabau traditional costume with a variety of attractive choices), then visit a center for typical Minangkabau crafts and souvenirs. Back in Bukittinggi, we head to Jam Gadang (Bukittinggi's landmark), then Pasar Atas and Fort De Kock, before checking in to the hotel and resting.

After breakfast and check-out, we prepare to end this tour package. We depart for Padang via Anai Valley for a photo opportunity, then head straight to Minangkabau International Airport in Ketaping, Padang Pariaman. Thank you for the memorable time together on this tour; see you again and stay healthy. Note: the program may change at any time depending on weather conditions during the tour. Package Options Starting From