Travelling North Sumatra

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Welcome to incredible North Sumatra (known in Indonesian as Sumatera Utara).

This beautiful area has so much to offer travellers, from the exotic jungle of the sprawling Gunung Leuser National Park to the world’s largest crater lake, Lake Toba. 

Experience the Batak and Karonese cultures, climb active volcano Mount Sibayak, meet the orangutans at Bukit Lawang, and explore the unique food scene and rich history in the wonderfully chaotic city of Medan.

We have all the resources you need to plan your North Sumatra trip below – and more coming every week! Follow us on our social channels to stay updated.

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General North Sumatra

Medan

  • Medan is North Sumatra’s capital – and the largest city in Sumatra. Home to Kualanamu International Airport, this sprawling metropois is the main entry point for most visitors to Sumatra.
  • Granted, Medan is not the most attractive or organised city, and most tourists just spend a night there as they’re passing through.
  • But those who have a bit of time to explore will discover a city full of life, culture, and delicious food.
  • Visit unique attractions like Tjong A Fie Mansion, Maimun Palace and the Mesjid Raya Al Mashun (also known as the Grand Mosque).
  • Explore the diverse food scene – including a visit to Ucok Durian to try the famously pungent and much-loved fruit.

Lake Toba

  • Lake Toba is the biggest volcanic lake in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia.In the middle of this stunning lake lies Samosir Island, where tourists head to soak up the supremely peaceful vibes of the lake.
  • Samosir is the size of Singapore and is the home to the Batak Toba people. Throughout the island, you’ll see the gorgeous Batak architecture with its curved rooves and have a chance to learn about this unique culture.
  • This spectacular destination does come with a warning though: Lake Toba is highly addictive and you may find you never want to leave!
  • Ride a scooter around the quiet mountain roads, taking in those incredible vistas, immerse yourself in Batak culture, take a cooking or carving class, visit waterfalls or cruise across the lake – there are so many ways to enjoy this beautiful area.

Jungle Trekking in the Gunung Leuser National Park

  • North Sumatra is home to one of the world’s most biodiverse forest areas – the Gunung Leuser National Park (part of the wider Leuser Ecosystem).This is the last place on earth where rhinos, elephants, tigers and orangutans share the same habitat – and an incredibly beautiful place to explore.
  • Bukit Lawang is the most famous village for those wanting to trek in the National Park, but it’s not the only option; there are several gorgeous jungle-side rivers to explore.
  • Swim in pristine rivers, bathe under waterfalls, experience the abundance of wildlife as you trek through the rainforest, and witness some of Sumatra’s beautiful rare species.

Berastagi

  • Need somewhere to cool off from your jungle adventures? Visit the cool town of Berastagi and discover the picturesque Karo highlands surrounding it.
  • Here, you can see one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, Mount Sinabung. It’s not safe to hike directly up this mountain, but you can climb up nearby Mount Sibayak for some glorious views and minor volcanic activity.
  • Berastagi is the fruit and veggie basket of North Sumatra – its fertile soil creates the most delicious produce, which you can sample at the bustling fruit market in the middle of town.

See more of wonderful North Sumatra on our YouTube channel below.

Your Essential Sumatra Travel Toolkit

Please note that some of the following links may be affiliate links – this means if you click through and book using them, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our work!

TRAVEL INSURANCE: An absolute necessity whether you’re travelling for a week, a month or a year. For flexibility and affordability, we highly recommend SafetyWing.
Click here for SafetyWing plans and prices

MONEY MANAGEMENT: Grab a free Wise account to easily store and switch currencies, send money all over the world, and withdraw from ATMs throughout Indonesia. We would be LOST without this amazing tool.
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FLIGHT FINDER: Nothing beats Skyscanner for sourcing the best flights to, from, and around Sumatra. Filter your search according to the cheapest or fastest options. We use this every time we fly.
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BOOKING ACCOMMODATION: We always use Booking.com when we travel throughout Sumatra and beyond. Easily find your ideal guesthouse, hotel or resort.
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NEED HELP? Looking for guides, drivers, or any other travel advice? We’re always happy to help.
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