The worlds sixth largest island and Indonesia'a biggest , Sumatra is a veritable playground consisting of rugged mountains, fertile valleys and untamed jungles. On this 8-day Best of Sumatra tour come face to face with the islands famed Orangutans, encounter a world of exotic fruits and immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the Batak Karo people.

On this Indonesia tour you will venture out to Samosir, an island located within the volcanic lake Toba that was formed over 75,000 years ago. En-route stop at the cascading Sipiso-piso Waterfall in the Batak highlands and Rumah Bolon, the former Royal Palace where magnificent views await. Cruise the waters of the lake, visit traditional villages on the shores including Tomok, and enjoy a performance by the Batak Toba a traditional dance called Tor-Tor.

Bask in the warm waters of the Sipoholon ho up t springs, before taking a relaxed stroll along the banks of the Sarulla River and soak up the beautiful views of the surrounding rice terraces. On the last stretch of this Sumatra tour drive through the interior of the island and watch as the landscape changes from farm lands to tropical rainforest before arriving in Bukittinggi; this charming town is surrounded by volcanoes, lakes and villages of the Minangkabau people

Spend the last day of this Indonesia tour exploring the fascinating and extremely beautiful town of Bukittinggi where you will visit the impressive Sianok Canyon, Fort De Kock and a local Pasar Atas Market. This 8-day Best of the Sumatra tour has been specially designed with the intrepid traveler in mind and offers little in the way of relaxation. Consider extending your trip with a beach break somewhere in the archipelago.

This morning your guide and private car will meet you at Polonia Airport or your hotel in Medan and transfer you to Bohorok. (3.5 hours, 90 kilometers) Along the way you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant and at Asam Kumbang Village. This village is famous for its palm oil and rubber plantations, soy farms and its crocodile farm. 

Arrive mid-afternoon in Bohorok and check in to your hotel.

Depart for a walk into the jungle and a chance to see Sumatra's famed Orangutans at the Bohorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Station. Inaugurated in 1973, the center has rehabilitated and released more than 200 orangutans of Sumatra and Kalimantan origin who were either rescued from poachers or who have been born in the center. These orangutans are taught how to survive before they are release into the remote areas of Mount Leuser National Park.

First you'll cross the river with traditional canoe, then trek to the feeding site of Orangutans. You are almost certain to see several of these amazing animals in their semi-wild habitat as they gather to feed at 1500.

After feeding time return to your hotel for dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Bohorok.

This morning after breakfast you'll drive to Brastagi in the Karo highlands. You'll pass through Medan (3.5) then continue southwards via Sembahe and Sibolangit to Brastagi (2 hours, 67 km) stopping for lunch en-route.

Reach Brastagi this afternoon. The area is known for its cool climate, orchids, flowers, vegetables and fruits and the most famous of which is the "Marquisa" or known as passion fruit which is commonly made into a refreshing drink. It is also home to the Batak Karo people, who have unusual wedding and funeral ceremonies which can last for days.

Take a short tour of the town to visit a traditional village at Peceren and see the fruit market which is swarming with activity and scenes from traditional Karo life.

Then continue to your hotel for check in. Dinner is at your leisure this evening.

Overnight in Brastagi.

Today's journey takes you to Samosir Island, (an island within a volcanic lake) via the town of Parapat. 

The drive to Parapat takes 5 hours and you'll set off after breakfast. Along the way you will stop at to see the 120 meter Sipiso-piso Waterfall which is located in the Batak highlands. The beautiful fall is formed by an underground river that then plunges from a cave into Lake Toba caldera. You'll also visit Rumah Bolon, the former Royal Palace, which has great views over the lake.

After lunch you will reach Parapat, a small town on the eastern shore of Lake Toba, where you will cross to Samosir Island by ferry boat (45 minutes). This small island is located in the middle of Lake Toba, the caldera lake of the Toba Volcano, which was formed over 75000 years ago.

Check in to your hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Overnight on Samosir Island.

Today you will spend a full day exploring Lake Toba and its shores by boat (0800-1500)

Surrounded by towering volcanic walls, you will cruise along the calm waters of this 100 kilometer long lake. Visit traditional villages on the shores including Tomok, where you will see the tombs of former Sidabutar Kings. Also, visit Ambarita whose villagers are known for making chairs and tables out of stone. Finally, stop at Simanindo where you'll be treated to a performance of Batak Toba, a traditional dance called Tor-Tor and visit the fascinating museum.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant en route and you'll return to your hotel mid-afternoon. The remainder of today is at your leisure.

Overnight on Samosir Island.

Catch an early morning ferry (0700) to cross back to Parapat and then continue by road to Sipirok.

On the way several stops will be made in this picturesque corner of the island. You'll see clove and pineapple plantations, stop to visit Balige- a charming fishing and farming village- and the Sipoholon Hot springs. Take a walk along the banks of the Sarulla River for a chance to stretch your legs and see beautiful views of rice terraces that surround you. Lunch will be at a local restaurant along the way. 

Around 1700 you'll reach Sipirok and check in to your hotel. Dinner is at leisure this evening.

Overnight in Sipirok.

Today is another long day of driving across Sumatra.You'll start early today - around 0730- to reach Bukittinggi by 1800.

Stop in Sihepeng village, a small village filled with coconuts, pepper fields and vanilla and cardamom gardens. The landscape then changes to tropical rain forest at Rimba Panti.

Later this morning, the drive takes you over the equator where you can stop and take photos. Urban legend says that crossing the line backwards will bring good luck, so give it a try!

Lunch is served en-route and late this afternoon you'll arrive in Bukittinggi.

The long drive is rewarding: this charming town is surrounded by volcanoes, lakes and villages of the Minangkabau people. The town is situated at 930 meters above sea level on the Agam plateau and generally has cooler air compared to the rest of the island.

Check in to your hotel and dinner is at leisure this evening.

Overnight in Bukittinggi.

Spend today exploring Bukittinggi and its surroundings. The main town sites will be seen on foot, as Bukittinggi is very small and everything is located close together, with a car to take you to the further locations.

During the day you will visit the impressive Sianok Canyon.  The canyon is noted for its network of underground bunkers and tunnels built by the Japanese during World War II. There is a two-story observation tower that overlooks the Sianok Canyon, which you may climb to the top of for panoramic views of the area.

You will also see Fort De Kock, built by the Dutch during Padri Wars. Although little remains of the original fortifications, it provides fine views over the town from its hilltop position.

In town, you will visit Minangkabau Museum which houses an impressive collection of traditional costumes, weapons, sculptures and wood carvings from the Minangkabau people. Nearby you will also see the town's large clock tour 'Jam Gadang' and the Pasar Atas Market. The market is open daily but on Wednesdays and Saturdays it is especially busy with people coming from neighboring villages to buy and sell their wares.

Take a short drive out of town to Batusangkar stopping en route at Tabek Patah, where you will have fantastic views of the rice terraces. Stop at the village of Baso, where you will see traditional weaving. In Batusangakar you'll visit Pagaruyung, the former palace of the Minangkabau Kingdom before returning to Bukittinggi via Lake Singkarak.

You'll reach your hotel around 1600 and the remainder of this evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Bukittinggi.

After breakfast drive to Padang Airport (approximately 2 hours) on Sumatra's west coast for your departure flight.

Along the way a stop will be made at the Anai valley waterfall.