Indonesia: Classic Sumatra

Discover the grand mansions, mosques, and palaces of Medan on this leisurely day tour of the city. Prepare to be awed by one of the most iconic landmarks of the city, the impressive Tjong A Fie Mansion built in the late 19th century. Admire the exquisite hand-painted ceilings, lovely dark wood furniture, exotic art pieces, grand ballroom and Taoist temple within the premises. The mansion was home to renowned Chinese merchant Tjong A Fie, considered to be the city’s founder, who is credited with building various public structures, mosques, temples, orphanages and a hospital for the city. Drop by the magnificent Maimoon Palace built by the Sultan of Deli. Part of the historic palace continues to be occupied by the Sultan’s family, but the rest of the grounds are open to the public. Stroll by the family’s signature collection of traditional artifacts, weapons, antique Dutch furniture, and family photographs displayed in the many rooms of this sprawling palace. End your delightful city tour with a visit to the Grand Mosque of Medan, which was originally part of the royal Maimoon estate. Note the rich amalgamation of Middle Eastern, Indian and Spanish design elements in the building. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

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).

Embark on a traditional ‘Becak’ or single-seat Tuktuk as you set off to uncover the well-kept culinary secrets of the Bukit Lawang region. Enjoy your ride through the surrounding plantations as you are greeted by friendly local children along the way. Drop by the village rice flour mill, visit a palm plantation and watch how fresh palm sugar is churned out. Learn all about the region’s food processing cottage industries and stop by local family homes for a tasting of delicious, freshly-made tofu. Accept the gracious hospitality of your local host as she invites you into her kitchen, joined here by your local guide. Make the most of your day, as your expert home cook shows you how to cook the island’s favorite dish, Beef Rendang, now popular across the globe. Relish a sumptuous luncheon of the rich Rendang curry before heading back to your hotel. ( Time of Day: Afternoon; Duration: 1.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Meals included: Lunch: Note: Please indicate dietary preferences before the trip).’

Enjoy a fun tubing trip down a fast flowing river at the little village of Bukit Lawang. The charming village stands beside the Bohorok River, bordered by the thick forests of the Gunung Leuser National Park famed for its orangutans. Take a leisurely ride in an inflated rubber tube, floating gently downstream as you lie back to enjoy a clear blue sky overlaid by an emerald green jungle canopy above you. Listen to the sound of flowing water, peaceful bird songs and overhead tree talk, as the wind rushes through the leaves and branches above. Drift downstream for about a few hours, rafting over a couple of gentle rapids to make sure you don’t fall asleep amid your tranquil surroundings! At the end of your trip, perfectly balanced with adventure and relaxation, return to your hotel at Bukit Lawang by car. (Early evening Activity; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Moderate; Note: Please carry sun hats, shades, sandals and waterproof pouches for all electronics and batteries).

Head out to explore the vibrant fruit market in the mountain town of Berastagi. Invigorate your senses with the varied aromas, sights, and sounds of the bustling market where traders showcase colorful displays of produce that has been cultivated in the rich volcanic soil found in the region. Weave your way among baskets overflowing with exotic passion fruit, juicy mangosteen, Terong Belanda or tamarillo, delicious oranges, and flowers of varied hues. Walk past a sprinkling of stalls selling non-fruit items such as t-shirts and local handicrafts as well as street food vendors hawking their tempting snacks before you start on your return journey. (Early evening activity ;Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)

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.)

After a delicious traditional Karo breakfast at Berastagi, head south past numerous farmlands to reach Dokan, a Karo-Batak village. Admire the giant communal longhouses built in vernacular heritage using wood and ijuk palm, featuring colorful motifs. Across the plateau, visit the spectacular Sipiso-Piso waterfall, an underground river plunging from a cliffside cave into a caldera. Get glimpses of Lake Toba’s expanse during your hike, and soak in the green surroundings. Shortly after, visit Rumah Bolon, an open-air museum in Pematang Purba village. Enter through an impressive stone passageway, and past an effigy of a medicine man into the magnificent palace complex. Marvel at the restored longhouses featuring ornate gables, belonging to the Simalungun Batak chiefs. See the main longhouse displaying artifacts of all the kings that ruled the region. Later, drive past scenic spice gardens and coffee plantations along sinuous roads to arrive at the bustling town of Parapat. From here, cross Lake Toba via ferry to Samosir Island. (Private Activity & Transfer)

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).