1.Explore a Jungle:Gunung Leuser National Park
One of the highlights of my Sumatra journey was immersing myself in the lush and vibrant Gunung Leuser National Park, nestled in the village of Bukit Lawang. The park is a sanctuary of exotic flora, featuring magnificent trees like the chocolate and rubber tree, along with various medicinal plants. Our exploration led to encounters with diverse monkey species and fascinating insects. However, the pinnacle was undoubtedly the awe-inspiring moments spent observing orangutans in their natural habitat. Watching a mother orangutan caring for her baby was both thrilling and humbling. The hike, lasting about 8 hours, was certainly challenging, but each step brought breathtaking encounters. For adventurous souls, there’s an opportunity to extend the experience by camping overnight and delving deeper into the jungle—an enticing option for those craving an immersive adventure.
2.Village Tour Of Bukit Lawang
One of the most enlightening and enjoyable experiences during my visit was exploring Bukit Lawang village via a tuk-tuk. This immersive tour introduced us to various local businesses, from witnessing rice fields and palm tree plantations to observing the production of palm sugar and the traditional craft of making roofs from palm leaves. It was both educational and entertaining, offering valuable insights into the livelihoods of the locals. The tour concluded with a delightful lunch at a local’s home, where we gained further understanding of their ways of earning a living.
3.Climb An Active Volcano : Mount Sibayak
One of my most cherished travel experiences has been ascending Mount Sibayak, an active volcano in Sumatra. Our adventure began at 3 am, with the sky gradually lighting up as we ascended, rewarding us with a stunning sunrise at the summit. Exploring the crater afterwards, we encountered numerous steam vents that created an otherworldly landscape, almost like stepping onto another planet. Despite the challenging hike, the unique and breathtaking encounter made every effort worthwhile. Following our volcano trek, we indulged in the natural hot springs nearby. Ascending Mount Sibayak is an absolute must for anyone visiting Sumatra.
4.Explore Samosir island : Lake Toba
After the demanding jungle hikes and volcano trek, unwinding on Samosir Island is perfect. Its serene beauty boasts lush green hills with captivating views. Exploring by road, you’ll find lookout points offering stunning scenery. Stay near Lake Toba for boating activities on this picturesque volcanic lake. Don’t miss the “Teletubbies Hills” for a panoramic view before departure.
I’d suggest considering a tour guide to arrange transport and accommodations in Sumatra. Traveling within Sumatra can be challenging for tourists due to fewer English speakers and limited tourist infrastructure compared to Bali. Our experience exploring Sumatra was greatly enhanced by having a tour guide, allowing us to navigate and explore areas we might have missed otherwise. We booked the following 7 day tour : https://www.sumatra-ecotravel.com/packages/jungle-fun-local-life/?portfolioCats=3