The Highlights of North Sumatra

The landscape of this far-western province is entirely determinated by the mighty Bukit Barisan, a volcanic mountain range with several peaks higher than 2000 metres. Eastward, the mountain ranges slopes gradually towards the Malacca Strait. There are tribes present here that migrated peacefully from South China into the Sumatran highlands. After thousands of years in splendid isolation, they became a group of interconnected tribes, maintaining a culture and identity setting them apart from the rest of Indonesia. Natural beauty and a rich ethnic diversity are good reason to visit North Sumatra.

Your exploration kicks offs in Medan, a regional economic powerhouse with an outspoken Chinese presence. It is then off through some of the most fascinating landscape to the border of the rainforest. We visit a successful orang-utan rehabilitation centre, where feeding time is the highlight for visitors and residents alike! You end your trip with a few nights in the Karimunjawa archipelago staying in a stunning 5* resort.

Day 1: Departure

Today you will depart the UK on a direct flight with Singapore Airlines to Singapore.

Day 2: Arrive Sumatra

Land Singapore. Transit and board the flight to Medan, North Sumatra. Upon arrival you'll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

There is plenty of time to explore this bustling city and enjoy some of its highlights. The Sultan's Palace is now a museum, telling of former days when feudal lords ruled ancient kingdoms. A bit further down the same road, one of the largest mosques of Sumatra throws it call for prayer five times daily. It was built in an elegant pre-war Moroccan style and overlooks one of the busiest city intersections. Numerous klentengs or Chinese temples allude to a prominent Chinese community, the driving force behind most of the city's commerce. Few fine examples of colonial architecture are left over, bordering the wide lanes of Medan Merdeka, the city square right in the heart of town. While the city hall, the railway station and post office were all built in Dutch times, they are still in excellent condition. Overnight Medan.

Day 3: Bukit Lawang (B/L/D)

Todya you will drive through vast oil palm plantations to get to Bukit Lawang, a village bordering the rainforest of Gunung Leuser National park, located on the bank of the Bohorok River. Bukit Lawang is best known for its successful orang-utan rehabilitation centre, founded in the early 70's by two Swiss ladies. As one could imagine, the main objective of the centre is to rehabilitate primates for a new life of freedom in the nearby jungles after time in illegal captivity. It is possible to observe the feeding of the animals on a daily basis. You'll spend the night in basic accommodation in Bukit Lawang village.

Day 4: Bukit Lawang / Berastagi (B/L/D)

Today the trip travels on through the Karo-Batak Highlands to Berastagi. These highlands are a volcanic plateau, stretching some 5000 sq km from the northern rim of Lake Toba. It is home to some 200 Karo-Batak settlements and villages, of which Berastagi with its cool mountain climate and Kabanjahe with its large regional market, are the most important ones. You will visit one of these traditional villages enroute. Overnight in Berastagi.

Day 5: Berastagi / Lake Toba (B/L/D)

The road from Brastagi to Parapat leads through some exceptionally beautiful landscapes, with plenty of natural landmarks. At Sipisopiso, a screaming jet stream of water continuously thunders from the top edge of the cliff into a 120 m deep gorge. You'll be surrounded by lush green rice fields against the magnificent backdrop of Lake Toba which houses the grey-blue contours of Samosir Island. In the afternoon, you'll be in Parapat, on the shore of Lake Toba, which is one of the largest and deepest freshwater lakes in the world. Overnight in Prapat.

Day 6: Samosir / Lake Toba (B/L/D)

Today will be pleasantly spent cruising Lake Toba. You'll visit several places of interest on Samosir island. Tomok has the ancient sarcophagus covering the remains of Raja Sidabutar, the leader of the first Batak immigrants to Samosir. A Singa is carved into one end. This mytholigical beast, half-elephant, half-bufallo is an important mythological symbol for the Batak people. Once, carved sarcophagi dotted the landscape all over Samosir. Ambarita has a rather curious collection of stone chairs. Neither the meaning nor the true histories of these stone artifacts are clear, but locals are convinced these they are part of an old court of justice, dealing rather harsh punishments to those we were convicted. Simanando has some well-kept traditional houses. Dances performances take routinely place and can be enjoyed daily. Overnight Samosir.

Day 7: Medan / Semarang (B/L/-)

Via another route, we return to Medan. The road leads through plantation lands and through Pematang Siantar the second largest town of North Sumatra. From Tebingtinggi onwards the road bends to the north again. Around mid-afternoon you'll be back in Medan, ready to board a flight to Semarang via Jakarta.

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel for the night. Overnight Semarang.

Day 8: Karimunjawa Archipelago (B/-/-)

Today you will take the Resort charter flight across to the Kura Kura Resort on Pulau Menyawakan. The Karimunjawa Archipelago is a Marine National Park comprised of 27 islands and is still largely untouched by mass tourism. The Archipelago offers untouched white sand beaches and excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. Overnight Kura Kura Resort.

Days 9-11: Pulau Menyawakan at leisure (B/-/-)

The next few days you have the freedom to enjoy the Resort and all the leisure facilities. Accommodation: Kura Kura Resort.

Day 12: Pulau Menyawakan / Jakarta (B/-/-)

Today you will take the Resort charter flight back to Semarang and then a scheduled flight onwards to Jakarta. Here enjoy the evening at leisure to explore this busy metropolitan city. Overnight Jakarta.