*Tip– We recommend staying in the Tuk Tuk area, as this is where you can find the majority of restaurants and attractions. From Bukit Lawang: A tourist bus will cost approximately 170,000 IDR/pax. If you enjoy some food or a drink in their restaurant, the profits will go towards educational material for the children. In fact, the people of Sumatra are a diverse group of races and cultural groups. Most importantly, it is common courtesy to dress conservatively, even on some beaches. It is formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption some … Continue reading "Guide to Lake Toba, Sumatra – Hotels, To do and Attractions" Your travel guide to Sumatra, lying at the furthest west of Indonesia. First, the pristine waters are perfect for diving or snorkelling. 06.02.2019 - Erkunde Sabrina Wirtzs Pinnwand „Indonesien Urlaub“ auf Pinterest. Here, you can climb to the summit of a volcano or encounter one of the tallest waterfalls in Asia. Once you exit the airport, turn right and look out for a company called ‘Nice-Trans’. In addition to the pristine scenery and serenity, we really enjoyed learning about the mysterious traditions of the local Batak Culture. It is the largest volcanic lake in the world measuring at 1,707 sq ft. First, is Borneo in Malaysia, and the other is here in Sumatra. In this Sumatra itinerary and travel guide, we will take you through all the highlights on this wildly diverse island. Select from premium Insel Sumatra of the highest quality. The best time to go to Sumatra You can see orangutans all year round in Sumatra, but it’s much easier if you skip the annual monsoon season. *Tip – Be sure to check out the bat cave – Although, wear sensible shoes and take 20,000 RP for entrance & torch rental. This giant island situated on the Indian Ocean hides many lush jungles and brewing many active volcanoes while the major cities are chaotic and packed. That day, an earthquake in the Indian Ocean measuring at least 9.1 on the Richter scale sent a wall of water speeding towards Sumatra, and Banda Aceh bore the full brunt of its power. For other places to stay in Bukit Lawang, check out the latest prices. Suggested Read: 15 Best Things to do in Aceh Province. While in Medan, head to Berastagi, just a few hours’ drive from Medan. As well as being educated and respectful regarding the environment, they in no way enticed the orangutans by feeding them. Once you reach Parapat, you can take the ferry to Samosir Island. There’s no doubt that these are fertile lands. 10 hours. Medan – The main city that serves as the gateway to Sumatra. Carry a Steripen or iodine tablets to sterilise water: This not only limits your usage of single-use plastic but also saves you money too! Like in the rest of Indonesia, Sumatra has a lot of Padang food. This way, you can enjoy all the outdoor activities the island has to offer. We would be delighted to hear from you. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. GRAB TAXI – Grab Taxi operates in the area and if you are able to find a driver the price to Bukit Lawang is around 30 euro. Hier ihre Tipps für Sumatra mit Kind! While the National Park is the highlight of Bukit Lawang, we also enjoyed the sleepy atmosphere of the village. At over 1,145 square km, and a depth of 450 meters, trying to fathom an eruption of this scale completely blows my mind. In addition, we will advise what to expect when travelling this undeveloped island in Indonesia. They are famous for their surfing conditions, being one of the top 10 surf spots in Indonesia. It even rivals those found in the surfer’s paradise of Bali. Weitere Ideen zu indonesien urlaub, indonesien, bali reise. Request? Here they offer a direct service to Parapat for around 100,000 IDR /pax. At a height of 2,056 metres, Gunung Sibayak is said to be one of the most accessible volcanoes in Indonesia. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Top 10 Things to Do in Banda Aceh. There are many small steps you can take to becoming a responsible traveller, and we highly encourage you to educate yourself before travelling to Sumatra. What’s more, the rugged landscapes are incredibly diverse. This is the cuisine of the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, and heavily features coconut milk, spicy chili and steamed rice – all of which are viewed as vital for a traditional meal. It is a gigantic island largely unexplored. Traditional and charming, it was a great introduction to Sumatran culture. Visit the local villages of Tomok or Ambarita to learn more of Lake Toba’s extraordinary indigenous culture. Sounds terrible right? This area of Sumatra is most commonly known for its world-class surf;  however, you don’t need to be a pro surfer to enjoy what’s around. Trekking in Sumatra can cost around $60-$100. Pay close attention to the Sumatra culture and religion section above. Related Read: Sipiso Piso Waterfall in Sumatra. From Medan Airport:  Your best option is to take a shared taxi. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Gateway to the world heritage Gunung Leuser National Park, most visitors come here for one thing only… A chance of spotting orangutans in the wild. Organise with your hotel or local tour companies. Sumatra has so much to offer for travellers – deep rainforests, animals like orangutans, elephants or tigers, refreshing rivers and lakes, volcanoes and sandy beaches. The total journey time is 3 hours. With this in mind, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and traditions. Listed below are a few of our tips on the best things to see in Sumatra. These cookies do not store any personal information. It is a gigantic island largely unexplored. From Majestic waterfalls, lakes within lakes, and charming villages, there are so many wonders to be discovered here. Take time to visit Banda Aceh, the town worst affected by the 2004 boxing day tsunami. 19. As a guideline, we paid 15,000 IDR/pax for the ferry plus 150,000 IDR/pax for the bus and you can book in advance at Parapat pier. Known for its stunning scenery and cultural traditions, Bukittinggi seems like a worthwhile addition to your Sumatra itinerary. Beware of the minority of locals who will give you incorrect information regarding bus timetables etc. The total journey time was approx. If you find yourself with more time in Sumatra, here are some other spots worth considering. LOCAL BUS – The local bus is your cheapest option to travel to Bukit Lawang. Your travel guide to Sumatra, lying at the furthest west of Indonesia. Aus der Videovalis-TV Reihe 'in jeweils 3 Minuten um die Welt' - Die Insel Sumatra gehört zu Indonesien und ist die sechstgrößte Insel der Welt. Other than the National Park, there is little else to do in Bukit Lawang. As well as critically endangered orangutans, the region is habitat to an abundance of unique wildlife and plant species. While we have covered most places in the North, you may wish to consider the Aceh province as an addition to your backpacking Sumatra itinerary. That means that if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As a result, it is unclear how much longer they will survive in the wild. Meaning other than an intrepid few, you’re unlikely to bump into many other tourists. Furthermore, the National Park is one of the richest tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia. In fact, it is said to be one of the most powerful in all of South East Asia. That said, it is just as rich and vibrant. Here are some things you can do to minimise your footprint: 1. That said, we wouldn’t recommend hanging around any longer than you need to. Sipiso-Piso Waterfall. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This is another reason to do your research and go with a reputable company. Disclosure:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Orangutan Trekking at Bukit Lawang, Top 10 Must Visit Places in Sumatra Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Formed by a supervolcanic eruption 70,000 years ago, Lake Toba is an extraordinary natural wonder of the world. For instance, the endangered orangutans and Sumatran tigers. Suggestions? And you’ll be like a local celebrity with everybody wanting a picture with you. Bukit Tabur West & Bukit Tabur East Hiking Trails in Kuala Lumpur, AN HONEST REVIEW OF PADAR ISLAND, LABUAN BAJO, DOUBLE SIX BEACH IN BALI - AN ULTIMATE GUIDE, Backpacking Flores Indonesia - The Best Flores Itinerary. In short, there is something for everybody here in Paradise. The beautiful Mentawai Islands are a small archipelago that sits off the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. This is a private organisation founded in 2008 to help support local children. Read our, Additions to Backpacking Sumatra Itinerary, The Best Time to go Backpacking in Sumatra, Things to Know Before Backpacking Sumatra, Mentawai Islands – A guide to surfing in paradise, SIPISO-PISO WATERFALL IN SUMATRA, INDONESIA, KOKA BEACH – A HIDDEN PIECE OF PARADISE IN FLORES, INDONESIA, Indonesia Beyond Bali (Part 2): Where to Go and What to See in Indonesia (That Are NOT Bali) - The BeauTraveler, Climb Gunung Sibayak – A dormant volcano in Berastagi, Discover remote paradise on Belitung Island, Try some of the best Indonesian food in Medan. Sssssh – this is Indonesia’s best-kept secret. 3. Top 10 Reasons to Travel to Sumatra When you travel to Sumatra, you’ll witness exquisite rainforests packed with fabulous animals, explore pristine beaches, coral reefs, surf breaks, and volcanoes, and be welcomed. Related Read. Batu Mandi Guesthouse – Although the rooms were very basic, the garden surroundings are beautiful and peaceful. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. At a height of 120m, Sipiso Piso is one of the tallest waterfalls in Indonesia. The total journey time is 3 hours. These include smouldering volcanoes, verdant national parks, and pristine islands. Well off the beaten track off the coast of North Sumatra, Nias Island is a location for the adventurous travellers. | Few isles tempt the imagination with the lure of adventure quite like the wild land of Sumatra. Tourism in Lake Toba is fairly developed, but it still holds its own quiet charm. Below you can find the bus time table and prices or check tourist buses with 12go, Asia. Lost in the depths of Sumatra, Bukit Lawang is a small riverside town built beside the rainforest of the vast Gunung Leuser… from. For more places to stay in Samosir Island, you can check the latest prices here. Unsure of what you might need to pack for your adventures in Sumatra? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. *Before You Travel to Sumatra, have you got your travel insurance sorted? 3 Days through the eyes of Minangkabau. The majority of religion here is Muslims with others like Christian, Buddhist and Hindu. Of all the places in Indonesia, Sumatra gives you the feeling that few tourists make it here. The journey time is approximately 3hrs. Lost In: Sumatra – Backpacking Sumatra Itinerary & Travel Guide. Despite being the top attraction, you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy the Mentawai Islands. Therefore, rafting or tubing on the Bohorok River is a fun way to kill some time. Bukit Lawang – part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia and as a National Park that serves as an orangutan sanctuary. in Java oder Lombok ist. Respect the local culture: Be courteous of the local culture and act in such a way that leaves a good impression. … Weh Island once was originally connected to the Sumatran mainland and became separated by sea after the volcano’s last eruption. Sumatra is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and thus had some of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. $292.12. And if you are looking to explore off the beaten path in Indonesia, we can not recommend it highly enough. View Contents. The journey time is approximately 5 hours. Although we are guilty of not making it to Aceh ourselves on this occasion, it’s definitely on the list should we return? By Matonagari. At the same time, there’s a fair bit of tourist infrastructure in place; so it’s a fair bit more of a comfortable experience than the rest of the island. The best time to visit Sumatra is in the dry season (May to September). Kerinci Travel Tips – Preparing for Sumatra Jungle Trekking Luke Mackin 2019-09-10T17:29:08+07:00 L ike the untamed nature of the wild rainforest, a visit to Kerinci can be unpredictable. Sumatra, the largest island wholly in Indonesia, embraces wildness to the point that the region is steeped in myths and legends. It’s hard to believe that there are a whopping 14,000 islands occupying the Indonesian archipelago. While in the wet season they are known to get pretty intense. If you are a nature lover, you can hike volcanoes or chase waterfalls. In addition to some cool caves and riverside restaurants, the local culture is quite fascinating. TOP 10 THINGS TO DO ON SAMOSIR ISLAND IN LAKE TOBA, INDONESIA, MOUNT KELIMUTU VOLCANO IN FLORES, INDONESIA, ENCOUNTERING THE DEADLY KOMODO DRAGONS ON KOMODO ISLAND, INDONESIA, ECO-TRAVEL ESSENTIALS & RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL. Temple entrances will be in the range of $5 on the higher end unless we’re talking about Borobudur which is around $25. Nonetheless, the surrounding area boasts some exciting adventure prospects. Another Tip – on route to the cave, you will walk past a children’s home. West Sumatra is a little more challenging to travel than the North. Here they offer a direct service to Berastagi. Sumatra Tourism: Tripadvisor has 143,847 reviews of Sumatra Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Sumatra travel resource. Orangutans are among the world’s most endangered animals and North Sumatra is one of a handful of locations where it’s possible to view them in their natural habitat. Boasting volcanic lakes, sweeping rainforest, and prodigious waterfalls, backpacking Sumatra feels like one big adventure. Diving will be around $60-$100 depending on where and if the day has 1 or 2 dives. 1 Trek Through the Jungles of Bukit Lawang. The 2014 tsunami hit North Sumatra especially hard. Welcome to Our Taste For Life. In particular, those in the know, come here to take advantage of the world-class surf conditions. Top 10 Things To Do and Must See in Jakarta, Top 10 Things to Do and Must See in Batam Island, Top 10 Things to Do and What to See in Bandung, Nusa Ceningan, Bali – Guide and Accommodations, Guide to Seminyak, Bali – Beach, What to do, Nightlife and more. Furthermore, they also have a great coffee menu including an Avocado based Coffee and a Creme Brule latte! 19.08.2018 - Erkunde Carolin Uhlmanns Pinnwand „Indonesien“ auf Pinterest. Natürlich gibt es auch Wege die Insel auf eigene Faust und günstig zu bereisen. And with a thirst for raw experiences, we set off into the unknown. Learn a little of the local language (hello and thank you is the minimum), greet the locals in a polite manner, and respect dress codes & traditions. Yet, out of the 14 million foreign tourists visiting Indonesia each year, over half only visit Bali! The small town of Berastagi, around two hours from … 2. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can’t come to Lake Toba without taking a swim in the warm volcanic lake. From Bukit Lawang: A small minivan of max. The Mentawai Islands have been described as the Bali of yester-years, with the archipelago boasting some of the best beaches in Indonesia. On a positive note, there are some efforts being made to conserve the environment. It has the ethnic Malay at the east, Lampung and Minangkabau in the south and central, Batak at the highlands and north while northernmost the Acehs. Combine that with astonishing surrounding views, you have yourself a worthy contender for your Sumatra Itinerary. After flying into Medan airport, our adventures officially began in the riverside village of Bukit Lawang. Furthermore, some islands boast sweeping rainforest where you can go trekking. For more information, ask at your hotel to organise a tour guide & transportation for you. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the West on this trip; however, based on some research we have put together this West Sumatra Itinerary for your inspiration. Here are the transport options available: PRIVATE CAR – Although this is the most expensive option at around 50 euro, you can have your hotel in Bukit Lawang organise a private car for you. Cover yourself for the unexpected, read why you really need travel insurance, or get a quote from World Nomads. Suggested Read: Mentawai Islands – A guide to surfing in paradise. Be sure to read, certain customs to be aware of that can avoid unintentional offence or disrespect. Jungles here teem with orangutans, tigers, rhinos, and elephants, while smoldering volcanoes create an otherworldly environment. Sumatra, the largest of the Indonesian islands is home to active volcanoes, orangutans and gigantic waterfalls…just to name a few cool things. © 2020 Our Taste For Life Blog - All Rights Reserved. If you’re all about the back to basics, remote island life, I would highly encourage you to consider Asu Island during your trip to Sumatra. It is possible to organise the entire journey through a local tour company in Bukit Lawang. Eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are Sumatran headline-grabbers. You can expect residents of the village to get super excited when they see a Bule (tourist). Don’t get me wrong, this is no Bali. That said, there is an imperturbable tranquillity to be found in this part of Sumatra. There are 35 active volcanoes on Sumatra, and in North Sumatra, two volcanoes are of particular interest to travellers: Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak – both located closely to Berastagi. Sadly, deforestation is having catastrophic consequences on the species. Weitere Ideen zu indonesien, bali indonesien, bali urlaub. Once you exit the airport, turn right and look out for a company called ‘Nice-Trans’. This island has a whole lot to offer for those wanting to travel here. For example in the North, you have areas who implement Sharia Laws. Backpacking North Sumatra is still a raw and authentic experience. The portions were a little on the side small, but where the food lacked in size, it made up in quality. And located in the heart of the lake, Samosir Island is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing few days amidst your Sumatra Itinerary. We were there in dry season and so it felt like a lazy river cruise. Read also: Why you should go to Sumatra 3 days. Hii, I'll be travelling to West Sumatera for 9 days in a couple of weeks and am looking for some advice on where to go and stay. The waterfall is an impressive natural wonder to see up close. 1.1 Must Not Miss: 2 Wander Around Lake Toba. It’s hard to believe that there are only 2 places in the world where you can find wild orangutans. More info. Here are some items that we recommend taking to make your visit to the jungles & waterfalls more comfortable: As travellers, it should always be a top priority to travel responsibly. Reviews? Furthermore, if you are doing a jungle trek they will store your luggage for you. Sumatra, Java, and West/Central Kalimantan share the GMT+7 zone. That’s a good of a reason as any for a quick stopover, don’t you think? As such, many surfers come to the Mentawai Islands … Continue reading "Mentawai Islands, Sumatra Travel Guide" The largest island in Indonesia, Sumatra also offers great opportunities for authentic cultural experiences, and plenty of adventure. Check out our backpacker essentials, for a packing list of items that we carry with us on every adventure. The regions where we work are especially far off the beaten path, where few other travelers dare to venture. Sumatra Travel Tips and Advice. 3.1 What Not to Miss: 4 Surf Your Heart Out in Pulau Banyak. 19.11.2018 - Laura wollte ihrem Sohn die letzten wilden Orang-Utans zeigen und ist deswegen nach Sumatra gereist. *Tip – If you do an overnight jungle trek, most of the tour agencies will include this activity as part of the package. Weh Island is a small volcanic Island located northwest region of Sumatra. Bus Tours. It’s recommended to avoid travelling during that time. Weh Island is still considered a well-kept secret, untouched and far away from throngs of tourists. Don’t worry, we have got you covered. → 3 Wochen Reiseroute durch Sumatra → Sumatra auf zwei Rädern rocken: Tipps für deine Sumatra … As well as its beautiful and peaceful nature, it’s not uncommon to encounter furry residents of the national park roaming around. Other than surfing and snorkelling, there’s not much else to do other than enjoy the pristine beaches. OYO 559 3 Berastagi – This simple yet modern hotel is great value for money in the heart of Berastagi. If you do linger around though, or end up spending the night here due to a late transfer into the city, probably the best thing about the place is the food, sold at the many food stalls and hawker centres across the city.With a large mix o… This city lies … 7 people, leaves daily from Bukit Lawang at 8.30am to Parapat. However, we knew there had to be more to be discovered. I'm keen to… Hi, we're Charlotte & Natalie, a British lesbian couple with a passion for travel and adventure.