Discover the essence of Sumatra as you explore its history, culture and food. Marvel at landmarks such as the Tjong A Fie Mansion, Maimoon Palace and the Grand Mosque at Medan before heading into the Bukit Lawang region. Savor the local cuisine on a guided tour and keep an eye out for wild orangutans in…
Ideal For
Heritage & Culture
Nature & Landscapes
Itinerary Summary
Highlights: Gunung Leuser National Park, Diverse Fauna and Flora, Endangered Orangutans, Sumatran Elephants and Rhinos
Itinerary Details
International Arrival
Your guide will accompany you from Singapore airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Singapore City
Hotel options
You will be transferred from your hotel to Singapore airport in a private vehicle
Board your flight from Singapore to Medan (Duration: 1.5 hrs)
Your English speaking guide will accompany you from Medan airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
1 Night
Medan
Included activities
Touring the Grand Monuments of Medan
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)
Hotel options
Your chauffeur will drive you from Medan to Bukit Lawang in a private vehicle (Duration: 3 hrs). A guide will accompany you on this drive.
2 Nights
Bukit Lawang
Included activities
Rural Recipes from Bukit Lawang
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).'
Trailing Orangutans in the Wild
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).
Hotel options
Your chauffeur will drive you from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi in a private vehicle (Duration: 4.5 hrs). A guide will accompany you on this drive.
1 Night
Berastagi
Included activities
Berastagi Market Excursion
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.)
Volcano Trek to Sibayak
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.)
Hotel options
Parapat Boat Jetty - Samosir (Ferry Transfer).
Drive from Berastagi to Samosir Enroute Dokan (170 Kms, 5hrs)
2 Nights
Samosir
Included activities
Scenic Road to Samosir Island
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)
Village walk through Samosir Island
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).
Hotel options
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Silangit airport in a private vehicle
Board your flight from Silangit to Jakarta (Flight duration: 2.5 hrs)
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Jakarta airport in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Jakarta
Included activities
Half Day Tour of Jakarta
Soak in the unique cultural identity of Indonesia on this leisurely tour of Jakarta’s national landmarks. Begin the day with a trip to the National Museum, originally established by the Dutch Batavia Association of Arts and Science in the 18th Century. It offers an excellent collection of historical, archeological and religio-cultural artefacts. Stroll up to the National Monument next, symbolising the spirit of modern-day Indonesia. The half-day tour also includes a visit to the National Archives Building, which was the official residence of Reynier de Klerck, the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies in the late 18th Century. For the rest of the day, give yourself over to the pleasures of retail therapy at the Taman Anggrek Mall. It is one of the biggest shopping centers in South East Asia. (Half Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate; National Museum Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays)
Hotel options
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Jakarta airport in a private vehicle
Board your flight from Jakarta to Makassar (Flight duration: 3 hrs)
Your English speaking guide will accompany you from Makassar airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
1 Night
Makassar
Included activities
Countryside Tour of Rammang Rammang & Leang Leang
Experience the idyllic countryside near Makassar on this day trip to the charming little village of Rammang Rammang and the Leang Leang caves. Spend a leisurely day soaking in the lovely rural ambiance of the village that sits by a beautiful river and is famous for its spectacular limestone cliffs. Take a canoe ride along the river, lined with tall Nipa palms followed by long walks down the beautiful valley crisscrossed by a patchwork quilt of emerald green paddy fields and limestone hillocks of varying heights. Visit mysterious limestone grottos and trek through lush rainforests. Watch local farming and fishing communities as they go about their daily lives. Visit a village homestead for a delicious local lunch in the company of your gracious hosts, surrounded by a breath-taking countryside landscape. Stop by the limestone caves of Leang Lenang, famous for the prehistoric etchings along their walls before returning to your hotel (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Meals included: Local lunch; Note: Please carry sun hat, shades, and sunscreen).
Hotel options
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Makassar airport in a private vehicle
Board your flight from Makassar to Palopo (Flight duration: 1 hr)
Your English speaking guide will accompany you from Palopo airport/hotel to your hotel in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Toraja
Included activities
Personalized Tour of Tempe Lake
On your way to Sengkang, take the Enrekang route through the fascinating Toraja highlands. Take a coffee and refreshments break at Puncak Lakawan, enjoying the verdant landscape of forested mountains. On reaching Sengkang, board a local canoe at Tempe Lake. Sail down one of the largest lakes in the country, noting the local life, flora and fauna along the banks. If you’re a bird lover, you’ll love this boat ride, as the lake attracts huge flocks all around the year. Note the local homesteads on stilts around the shores of the massive lake, which is home to plenty of freshwater fish. Naturally, fishing is a major activity in these waters, feeding the local community who also live on floating villages in the middle of Tempe Lake. You may be in time to catch the sun set over the lake, framed by the highlands in the distance. Visit a traditional ‘floating’ home of the local fishing folk and enjoy their warm hospitality over some delicious coffee and refreshments. Sail back to Sengkang after the boat ride. (En route activity; Seasonal: May-Oct; Private activity; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable shoes)
Explore the Villages of Tana Toraja
After breakfast, head to Palawa in the Sesean district where the village street is flanked by two rows of old Tongkonan (traditional houses) amid forest surroundings. Marvel at the ornate rising facades adorned with numerous buffalo horns. See the rice barns and granaries called 'Alang'. Here, try local food including eel meat and several dishes cooked inside soft bamboo. Back in Rantepao, admire the sacred designs and colorful motifs of traditional Toraja textiles at Sa'dang Weaving Center. Later, at a local restaurant, savor a home-cooked lunch complemented by cold beverages. Shortly after, set out for Marante on scenic hill roads. The main attraction here is a limestone hill with a traditional tombstone and many Tau-Tau statues spread across the grassland. Chat with the village folks and learn about their age-old customs. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch included)
Hotel options
Your chauffeur will drive you from Toraja to Sengkang in a private vehicle. Enroute you will visit Tempe lake (Duration without stops: 6.5 hrs)
1 Night
Sulawesi, Sengkang
Hotel options
Transfer from your hotel to the Makassar airport in a private vehicle
Makassar
International Departure
Uncover the tropical treasures of Sulawesi and Sumatra with this private Indonesia tour. From enigmatic Singapore, make your way to the lush jungles in Sumatra where a host of endangered primates await you. In Sulawesi, spend time learning the ways of indigenous tribes and hiking and trekking in verdant hills and valleys.
Price & Inclusions
Option 1
From $5,790 / person
Option 2
From $5,990 / person
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
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