Northern Sumatra and Aceh offer some of Indonesia’s most remarkable landscapes and cultural experiences. This twelve-day journey combines rainforest wildlife encounters, volcanic scenery, and remote island relaxation.
Explore the rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the last places on Earth where orangutans live in the wild. Continue to the vast waters of Lake Toba before ending your journey beside the turquoise seas surrounding Weh Island.
Together, these destinations reveal the extraordinary natural and cultural diversity of northern Sumatra.
Highlights:
Hike through the dense Gunung Leisure National Park, a UNESCO WORLD Heritage site and watch orang utans, the largest arboreal mammal swing freely in their habitat
Guided rainforest trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park, a protected ecosystem recognised by UNESCO
Observe wild orangutans and other rainforest wildlife in their natural habitat
Experience the immense volcanic landscape of Lake Toba, the largest lake of its kind in the world
Visit traditional villages on Samosir Island and learn about Batak culture
Swim and snorkel in the clear tropical waters surrounding Weh Island
Best Time to Visit Sumatra and Aceh
Travel in northern Sumatra is possible throughout the year. However, the months between May and September generally provide drier weather, which is ideal for rainforest trekking.
Wildlife sightings in Gunung Leuser National Park are possible in any season, while the waters around Weh Island are typically calm and well suited for snorkelling.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Medan to Bukit Lawang
Arrive at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, where a Bespoke Indonesia Holiday representative will greet you. From here, travel by road to the riverside village of Bukit Lawang, located on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park.
After checking in at your lodge, take time to settle into the relaxed rainforest atmosphere.
If you wish, take a gentle walk to the nearby Bat Cave. This self-guided walk takes about one hour through local rubber plantations.
Bukit Lawang, the gateway to the Gunung Leuser National Park | Sumatra and Aceh Tour | Bespoke Indonesia Holiday
Day 2 – Orangutan Trekking
Today you enter the rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park with an experienced local guide.
Your trek follows jungle trails through towering trees and dense vegetation. Along the way, guides search for wildlife including Thomas leaf monkeys, hornbills, and the park’s most famous residents – wild orangutans.
Return to Bukit Lawang later in the day and enjoy a relaxing evening beside the river.
Encountering orangutan(s) in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sumatra and Aceh Tour | Bespoke Indonesia Holiday
Day 3 – Bukit Lawang to Lake Toba
After breakfast, depart Bukit Lawang and begin the journey south toward Lake Toba.
The route passes through palm plantations, traditional villages, and agricultural landscapes typical of northern Sumatra. Your guide will explain the region’s local customs and daily life along the way.
By late afternoon you arrive at Lake Toba, an immense volcanic lake formed by a prehistoric eruption. Check in to your lakeside hotel and spend the evening enjoying the calm views across the water.
Lake Toba still looks stunning even on a cloudy day | Bespoke Indonesia Holiday
Day 4 – Leisure Day at Lake Toba
Today is free to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Samosir Island, located in the centre of Lake Toba.
You may relax at your lakeside resort and take in the views across the vast volcanic lake. Alternatively, enjoy a gentle walk through nearby villages and observe daily life on the island.
For those seeking light activities, the calm waters of Lake Toba are perfect for swimming or kayaking.
Day 5 – Samosir Island Exploration
Today is dedicated to exploring Samosir Island, located within Lake Toba and considered the cultural centre of the Batak people.
Visit several Batak villages where traditional houses with distinctive curved roofs still stand. Your guide will explain the island’s history, its belief systems, and social traditions.
During the day you will also stop at viewpoints overlooking the lake and visit small workshops where local crafts are produced.
Sumtran traditional house at Ambarita Village | Bespoke Indonesia Holiday
Day 6 – Samosir Island to Medan
After breakfast, depart Samosir Island and cross the lake by ferry to Parapat.
From here the journey continues by road back to Medan. The drive passes through rural landscapes, farming communities, and plantation areas typical of the region.
You will arrive in Medan in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel for the evening.
Day 7 – Medan to Banda Aceh
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Banda Aceh at the northern tip of Sumatra.
After landing at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport, meet your local guide and begin exploring the city. The tour begins with a visit to the powerful Aceh Tsunami Museum, which documents the events of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
The tour also includes a stop at the nearby tsunami mass graves, followed by time exploring the historical exhibits displayed at Aceh Museum. Continue to the royal garden complex of Gunongan Park before returning to the elegant Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
Later in the day you will depart from Ulee Lheue Harbour for the ferry journey to Weh Island. Upon reaching Balohan Harbour, a short drive leads to your accommodation by the beach.
The pristine Weh Island – Aceh | Bespoke Indonesia Holiday
Day 8 – Rubiah Marine Park and Island Highlights
After breakfast, board a boat to Rubiah Island. Enjoy snorkelling in the clear waters of Rubiah Marine Park, known for colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Return to the main island and continue to the Kilometer Zero Monument, marking Indonesia’s westernmost point.
Later, visit the dramatic coastal formations of Gua Sarang and enjoy panoramic views from nearby hilltops.
Conclude the day at Gapang Beach, where calm waters and tropical scenery create a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 9 – Beaches and Coastal Views of Weh Island
Today you explore the coastline of Weh Island.
Begin at Sumur Tiga Beach, known for its long stretch of pale sand and clear water. You will next visit Ujong Kareung Beach, a stretch of coast shaped by volcanic rock and ocean waves.
Later visit the historic Anoi Itam Japanese Fort, constructed during the Second World War, before stopping at Balohan Hill View for panoramic coastal views.
The aerial view of Goa Sarang | Bespoke Indonesia Holiday
Day 10 – Return to Banda Aceh and Coastal Exploration
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the harbour. Board the ferry back to Banda Aceh.
Upon arrival, continue with a guided excursion along Aceh’s scenic coastline. Visit the Cut Nyak Dhien House Museum, dedicated to one of Aceh’s national heroes.
From here the road ascends to Geurutee Pass, a mountain pass known for its wide coastal views over the Indian Ocean . Afterwards, explore the beaches of Lhoknga Beach and Lampuuk Beach.
Conclude the day with sunset by the ocean before heading to your hotel.
Zero Kilometre monument stands majestically overlooking the ocean | Bespoke Indonesia Holiday
Day 11 Transfer out
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Your Sumatra and Aceh journey with Bespoke Indonesia Holiday concludes today.
Price: starts from IDRxxx per person based on a minimum of 2 participants in a shared double/twin room.
Inclusions:
All transfers and transport as per itinerary
Accommodation with daily breakfast
Domestic flight from Medan to Aceh
All tours as mentioned include relevant entrance fees and service of an English speaking local guide
Professional trekking guide in Bukit Lawang
Exclusions:
International or domestic flights (to/from) Sumatra
Visa
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Drinks and meals not mentioned in inclusions above
Accommodation early check in /late check out
Personal expenses and all other items and travel components not mentioned in inclusions
Please note:
All prices quoted are based on two guests travelling on a double/twin sharing basis, inclusive of taxes, surcharges and fees.
No reservations have been made at time of quote.
All quotes are subject to currency fluctuations, rate increases, government action, etc. at time of confirmation.
Itinerary is subject to availability, after booking confirmation.
Prices are subject to airlines, hotels and vendors terms and conditions.
