Bukit Lawang
Orangutan Trekking
Gunung Leuser National Park
Track wild orangutans through one of the few forests where you can observe them roaming free, just a few metres away.
The Expedition
The jungle, the volcanoes
and the largest lake
in the world
2Days of orangutan trekking
2,212mSibayak volcano summit
100kmLake Toba length
500mLake Toba depth
North Sumatra is one of the richest journeys you can experience in Southeast Asia. It begins in the jungle of Bukit Lawang, a sanctuary for wild orangutans where you can observe them just a few metres away in their natural habitat.
Then comes Berastagi and the ascent of Sibayak volcano, accessible to all, with its fumaroles at the summit and natural hot springs below. Finally, Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, and Samosir island, cradle of Batak culture. Intricately carved traditional houses, ancient music, and rituals still alive today.
Plan My Expedition
Highlights
What you will experience and feel
A private North Sumatra expedition built around wildlife, volcano landscapes, lake life and living Batak culture.
Berastagi
Sibayak Volcano
Fumaroles & Hot Springs
Accessible to all levels, fumaroles at the summit and natural hot springs on the way down: an unforgettable moment.
Lake Toba
Lake Toba & Samosir
The World's Largest Volcanic Lake
At the centre of this immense lake, Samosir island keeps Batak carved houses, rituals and traditional music alive.
Sample Itinerary
10 days of adventure
through North Sumatra
D1
Day 1
Arrival in Medan
Welcome at Kualanamu airport, installation and welcome dinner. First glimpse of Sumatran cuisine: spices, flavours and generosity.
D2
Day 2
Drive to Bukit Lawang
Early morning departure to Bukit Lawang, a village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park. Check-in at a riverside lodge. First walk into the jungle in the late afternoon.
D3-4
Days 3-4
Orangutan Trekking — Bukit Lawang
One to three days of jungle trekking with an expert local guide through Gunung Leuser National Park. Sumatran orangutans, a critically endangered endemic species, roam freely in this protected habitat. You may also spot gibbons, macaques and hornbills. Choose a single-day trek, or go deeper — spending one or two nights in a jungle camp, waking up to the sounds of the rainforest.
D5
Day 5
Berastagi & the Colourful Market
Drive up to the Berastagi highlands. Visit the local fruit and vegetable market: durians, markisa, rambutans. Spectacular views of the Sinabung and Sibayak volcanoes.
D6
Day 6
Ascent of Sibayak Volcano
3 to 4 hour trek to the Sibayak crater at 2,212 metres. Fumaroles, sulphur and an exceptional panoramic view at the summit. Descent to natural hot springs for a well-deserved rest.
D7
Day 7
Drive to Lake Toba
Drive down to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, 100 km long and 500 m deep. Ferry crossing to Samosir island. Check-in with views over the lake.
D8-9
Days 8-9
Batak Culture & Samosir Island
Visit the traditional Batak villages of Tomok and Ambarita. Intricately carved wooden houses, ancient tombs, Batak museum, Gondang music. Swimming in the lake, kayaking, sunsets over the water.
D10
Day 10
Return to Medan & Departure
Last morning on the lake. Ferry back to Parapat, then drive to Medan for your return flight. The end of an unforgettable expedition.
Your Itinerary, Your Schedule
Every departure is built around your actual flights. Share your arrival and departure times when you book — we'll adjust accordingly.
Day 1 — Early arrival
We head straight to Bukit Lawang and make the most of the day.
Day 1 — Afternoon arrival
A Medan city tour, dinner and overnight — then we leave for Bukit Lawang the next morning.
Day 10 — Morning flight
We leave Parapat the evening before. Parapat to Medan airport is approximately 3 hours — we don't take risks with your flight.
Day 10 — Afternoon flight
A relaxed last morning on the lake, then an early departure from Parapat gives us plenty of time.
Practical Information
What you need
to know before
you go
- Private journey — your group only. No strangers added, no shared departures.
- The jungle trek runs from a single day up to 3 days with nights in a jungle camp. A basic kit is recommended — see our practical packing guide.
- Best season: April to October, during the dry season. Possible year-round with adaptation.
- Recommended flight into Kualanamu airport (Medan), with or without a stopover in Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur.
- Accommodation in comfortable lodges and lakeside bungalows, handpicked by our team.
- Private vehicle and driver throughout — no shared buses or group transfers.
- Pricing on personalised quote based on your dates, duration and group size.
Duration
10 to 14 days
Extendable to suit your wishes
Group
Private Journey
Your group only — no strangers added
Transport
Private vehicle throughout
No shared buses or group transfers
Fitness Level
Moderate required
Trek up to 3 days — see our packing guide
Best Season
April to October
Possible year-round
Your Guide
Fred
French · English · Indonesian — based in Sumatra
Starting From
$XXX
per person · 10 days · based on 2 travelers
- Private vehicle & driver
- Accommodation (hotels & lodges)
- Meals as per itinerary
- French/English-speaking guide
- All transfers
- Flexible itinerary
Final price depends on dates, group size and accommodation preferences. Contact us for your personalised quote.
I spent fifteen days traveling between North and West Sumatra. Fred was great, very flexible. My favorite memory is the orangutans in Bukit Lawang — right in the middle of the rainy season! We got completely wet. These are memories I will never forget.
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Ready for the Adventure?
Book your
expedition
Share your dates, your wishes and your pace.
We'll build your custom journey.