Best of Sulawesi and Sumatra

Set off on an early morning wildlife trek through the lush rainforest covered hills of the Gunung Leuser National Park in search of wild orangutans. The national park is one of the precious few natural habitats of these magnificent primates left on the planet today. Hike through the forested and rugged park in the company of a local forest guide as you take in the fantastic landscape all around. Spot a variety of exotic birds, butterflies, gibbons, monkeys, and if you are lucky, the endangered orangutan, as you make your way through the forest. Learn about the flora and fauna of the jungle as your guide enlightens you about the medicinal value of the plants found in the region and the purpose of the old Bohorok Orangutan Center, which was originally set up to help conserve and rehabilitate the fast dwindling population of the great apes. Although the center is no longer operational with all the orangutans released into the wild, forest rangers continue their watch over the fragile population. Be on a lookout for popular Orangutan, ‘Ucok’ or ‘Mina’, as well as Thomas Leaf Monkeys and the Sumatran Striped Rabbit. Return to your hotel for lunch after the jungle safari. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Note: Please carry bug spray. Comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate clothing is recommended).

Drive off early in the morning for a short trek to the high altitude Sibayak volcano, one of the most accessible of over 120 volcanoes in Indonesia. Walk for about an hour and a half to reach the crater of this dormant volcano, which has stayed calm for the past century. Scale the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the charming town of Berastagi and the surrounding landscape. You’ll be able to see right up to Mount Sinabung, an active volcano that has been erupting intermittently since 2010 after lying dormant for over four centuries. Gaze in awe at the steam and gases ooze out of the many fumaroles surrounding the crater lake – a unique and breathtaking natural phenomenon. The hissing noises can get as loud as the engine of a jet plane taking off! Explore the unique scenery at your own pace before making the descent back to your car. (Half Day; Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that while there is no fixed time for this trek, it is advisable to start early by 0500 hrs. Do wear trekking shoes and bring along a flashlight.)

Explore Samosir island in north Sumatra, the world’s largest island within an island, located on the volcanic Toba lake. Soak in the laidback vibe of the island as you walk past beautiful rice fields taking in the dramatic lakeside views and fresh air of this pristine region. Start from Tuk-Tuk and head towards Ambarita, an ancient Batak village known for its stone chairs and execution blocks used in trials of enemies and criminals. Learn about the culture and cannibalistic rituals of the Batak ethnic group that were practiced in ancient times. Continue onto Simanindo, walking around the traditional village as locals go about their daily life. Stop by the small museum that showcases cultural artifacts of the region and enjoy a traditional Batak Toba dance. Take a detour from the main road and walk through a scenic route crossing paddy fields, vegetable gardens and traditional homes that overlook spectacular views of the mountains and Toba lake to get an insight into the lives of the Toba people. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate; Dance performance at museum: Once a day at 10:30am, 45 minutes).

After breakfast, head to Palawa in the Sesean district where the village street is flanked by two rows of old Tongkonan (traditional houses) amid forest surroundings. Marvel at the ornate rising facades adorned with numerous buffalo horns. See the rice barns and granaries called 'Alang'. Here, try local food including eel meat and several dishes cooked inside soft bamboo. Back in Rantepao, admire the sacred designs and colorful motifs of traditional Toraja textiles at Sa'dang Weaving Center. Later, at a local restaurant, savor a home-cooked lunch complemented by cold beverages. Shortly after, set out for Marante on scenic hill roads. The main attraction here is a limestone hill with a traditional tombstone and many Tau-Tau statues spread across the grassland. Chat with the village folks and learn about their age-old customs. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch included)