Swinging Through North Sumatra

After arriving at Medan Kuala Namu KNO airport, a driver will take you north-west, to Bohorok-Bukit Lawang, an orangutan center which is a part of Gunung Leuser National Park. Bukit Lawang is used to be a center where domesticated and sick orangutans were cared for before being released back in the wild but since the area is too much inhabited now, it became unsuitable place to release more orangutans thus it is no longer a rehabilitation center. However, it remains as a place for tourism and continues to offer the opportunity for visitors to see the orangutans in the wild. On route to the center, you pass through several small towns followed by vast views of rubber and oil palm plantations with some countryside landscape. Once you have arrive at Bukit Lawang village in Bohorok, you will have the time to relax and have the rest of the day to yourself.

Have your breakfast before heading out on a six-hour jungle treks, exploring through the stunning rain forest of Sumatra. These treks offer a chance to encounter semi-wild or wild orangutans in their natural habitat. The challenging terrain—steep slopes and dense vegetation—adds to the excitement of navigating one of the world's richest ecosystems. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to observe a variety of indigenous flora and fauna. If you're lucky, you may spot orangutans, leaf monkeys, macaques, gibbons, siamangs, and a wide array of bird life. This trek is suitable for those with a good level of fitness. Sturdy, large-profile trekking shoes are required. Conclude your adventure with a fun tubing ride down the river on a large rubber tube. After the trek walk back to your lodge for your rest.

After breakfast, set off on another three-hour trek through the rainforest in search of more orangutans and the rich wildlife that inhabits the jungle. Following your trek, return to your hotel to check out before continuing your journey to Tangkahan. Travel by four-wheel-drive vehicle along a rugged, dusty track that winds through palm oil plantations and local villages. The drive takes approximately two hours and offers a glimpse into daily life in this remote corner of North Sumatra.
Upon arrival in Tangkahan, a secluded outpost nestled deep within the national park, check in to your lodge for the night. Terrario Tangkahan is an intimate eco-lodge set on the edge of the jungle, offering an immersive stay surrounded by river and rainforest. Designed with sustainability at its core, the lodge invites guests to reconnect with nature, wildlife conservation, and the unspoiled beauty of the national park. The property is owned by acclaimed Indonesian actor Nicholas Saputra, who was born in North Sumatra.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether relaxing by the river or exploring the surrounding area. This evening, a specially prepared dinner awaits you at Terrario Tangkahan.

After breakfast, set out on another three-hour trek through the jungles of Gunung Leuser National Park. As you venture deeper into the rainforest, keep an eye out for its remarkable wildlife, hidden waterfalls, and secluded caves. Along the way, discover the park’s rich biodiversity, including endemic species such as Siamang monkeys and black gibbons, as well as a fascinating variety of tropical flora. Following the trek, return to the lodge before continuing on to enjoy a series of ethical elephant encounters. Spend time walking alongside rescued Sumatran elephants and, if conditions permit, join them for a refreshing river bath. The surrounding river also offers opportunities for swimming, tubing, or simply relaxing in the crystal-clear waters that flow through the rainforest. The area around the lodge is rich in wildlife, and you may spot monkeys, colourful birdlife, and, on occasion, even orangutans in the nearby forest. These experiences are intentionally low-impact and immersive, focusing on meaningful connections with nature and providing insight into local conservation initiatives dedicated to protecting this unique ecosystem. This evening, return to Terrario Tangkahan, where dinner will be served in the tranquil surroundings of the jungle.

Once you have had your breakfast walk to the Elephant Center. Tangkahan outpost has been created by local and foreign NGOs to patrol the jungle against illegal loggers and poachers, and protect the national park neglected by the authorities. The patrols are conducted once weekly and on elephant back. At eight in the morning you will assist the elephants bath down in the river and help the rangers scrub and feed them with bananas. After hanging with the elephants, you will head back to your lodge for checking out. Then you will depart for a five hour long drive to Brastagi, a highland resort with its refreshing weather and magnificent mountain scenery, through some part of the lush tropical rain forest of Sumatra. Take a Stop-over enroute at small towns and at the foot of Sinabung volcano depending on the volcano condition at that day. Once you reach your stay, check in hotel and relax for the evening

After breakfast, check out and be driven to Lake Toba, one of the greatest volcanic lake in the world via Tele viewpoint in mainland Sumatra. Visit the fruit market and karo village then Sipisopiso waterfall which water falls from hundreds of meter high. Then continue to visit Sibeabea Hill where the sixty meter statue of Christ the Savior is built blessing over Lake Toba. Then enter Samosir Island, the island in the middle of Lake Toba via Tano Ponggol bridge which connect Samosir Island to Sumatra mainland. Visit Lumban Suhi Suhi Hutaraja village to see the traditional way of weaving Batak ulos cloth. Then you will continue the drive to Tuk Tuk area to check in at your hotel by lake side.

Today we start doing tour by car, by driving to Tomok village to see the Tomb of King Sidabutar and Batak Toba Village. Listen to the tale of the ancient way of Batak Toba people before Christianity came to Samosir Island then you will head to Ambarita, a traditional village with ancient megalithic furniture in front of the traditional house. From Ambarita we can opt to walk back to hotel on foot passing through villages and have a look at Batak people daily activities. The leisurely walk takes about one hour or more, depends on how many stops are made along the walk.

After breakfast, check out and cross back to Parapat by boat which will take about an hour. Arrive in Parapat, where you take a drive back to Medan which is about a four hours drive away. En route, for about the first two hour, you will pass by several small towns; Pematang Siantar followed by vast view of rubber, oil palm and paddy terraces. Stopover at Paten snack shop at Pematang Siantar. Then enter you will pop on to the toll road and drive direct to KNO airport. Arrive at Medan (KNO) airport to catch your flight.

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