Be sure to read, certain customs to be aware of that can avoid unintentional offence or disrespect. By Matonagari. in Java oder Lombok ist. This is a private organisation founded in 2008 to help support local children. The majority of religion here is Muslims with others like Christian, Buddhist and Hindu. 1.1 Must Not Miss: 2 Wander Around Lake Toba. The journey time is approximately 5 hours. 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… In this Sumatra itinerary and travel guide, we will take you through all the highlights on this wildly diverse island. Sumatra Travel Tips and Advice. Lost In: Sumatra – Backpacking Sumatra Itinerary & Travel Guide. Medan – The main city that serves as the gateway to Sumatra. Weitere Ideen zu indonesien, bali indonesien, bali urlaub. Disclosure:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. See the Villages and Waterfalls Near Berastagi. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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! 19.08.2018 - Erkunde Carolin Uhlmanns Pinnwand „Indonesien“ auf Pinterest. Feedbacks? Serving western and Asian food with a twist, this trendy establishment felt more like we were in Bali than Sumatra. That’s a good of a reason as any for a quick stopover, don’t you think? | Few isles tempt the imagination with the lure of adventure quite like the wild land of Sumatra. Nonetheless, the surrounding area boasts some exciting adventure prospects. How hair raising the experience is, will depend on the time of the year. Request? 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. And if you are looking to explore off the beaten path in Indonesia, we can not recommend it highly enough. While on Lake Toba, the Batak culture has its own belief centre altogether. That said, there are some questionable practices when it comes to orangutan spotting tours. Read More » Formed by a supervolcanic eruption 70,000 years ago, Lake Toba is an extraordinary natural wonder of the world. It is formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption some … Continue reading "Guide to Lake Toba, Sumatra – Hotels, To do and Attractions" Visit the local villages of Tomok or Ambarita to learn more of Lake Toba’s extraordinary indigenous culture. Sumatra is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and thus had some of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. In addition to some cool caves and riverside restaurants, the local culture is quite fascinating. As well as critically endangered orangutans, the region is habitat to an abundance of unique wildlife and plant species. The capital of Sumatra, and the third largest city in Indonesia has little in the way of attractions for the traveller. During the morning is the best time to climb, and many choose to start the hike early to be there for sunrise. The total journey time is 3 hours. The closest airport is Kualanamu Airport in Medan and from there you will need to travel the 136km to Bukit Lawang. LOCAL BUS – The local bus is your cheapest option to travel to Bukit Lawang. Cover yourself for the unexpected, read why you really need travel insurance, or get a quote from World Nomads. Lake Toba – most popular travel destination in Sumatra, this is the largest volcanic lake in the world with resorts dotted around it. As such, many surfers come to the Mentawai Islands … Continue reading "Mentawai Islands, Sumatra Travel Guide" It is a gigantic island largely unexplored. 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. Read also: Why you should go to Sumatra At the same time, history buffs will enjoy the royal architecture and Japanese war tunnels. Lake Toba: The lake is great for relaxing, adventure activities, and for learning about the Batak culture found there.Tuk-tuk is the name of the tourist town on Pulau Samosir, the island in the lake. Unsure of what you might need to pack for your adventures in Sumatra? Sumatra is the ideal place to discover the incredible biodiversity of Indonesia, off the beaten path. 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. And with a thirst for raw experiences, we set off into the unknown. This 4-hour trek in the UNESCO-listed Gunung Leuser National Park will take you into the heart of the jungle, for an encounter with not only Orangutans, but macaques, gibbons and Sumatran peacocks. As well as being educated and respectful regarding the environment, they in no way enticed the orangutans by feeding them. As well as museums and cultural sights, the surrounding islands boast pristine beaches with amazing marine life. 2. Nusa Dua, Bali – Accommodations, Things to Do and more. Sounds terrible right? If you are a nature lover, you can hike volcanoes or chase waterfalls. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below. It’s hard to believe that there are only 2 places in the world where you can find wild orangutans. Jungles here teem with orangutans, tigers, rhinos, and elephants, while smoldering volcanoes create an otherworldly environment. Diving will be around $60-$100 depending on where and if the day has 1 or 2 dives. Well off the beaten track off the coast of North Sumatra, Nias Island is a location for the adventurous travellers. There’s no doubt that these are fertile lands. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In addition to the pristine scenery and serenity, we really enjoyed learning about the mysterious traditions of the local Batak Culture. Many tourists visiting Indonesia are now considering North Sumatra as part of their itinerary. For more information, ask at your hotel to organise a tour guide & transportation for you. Sumatra, Java, and West/Central Kalimantan share the GMT+7 zone. Boasting volcanic lakes, sweeping rainforest, and prodigious waterfalls, backpacking Sumatra feels like one big adventure. Natürlich gibt es auch Wege die Insel auf eigene Faust und günstig zu bereisen. Known for its stunning scenery and cultural traditions, Bukittinggi seems like a worthwhile addition to your Sumatra itinerary. I'm keen to… 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. © 2020 Our Taste For Life Blog - All Rights Reserved. Bukit Lawang – part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia and as a National Park that serves as an orangutan sanctuary. As a result, it is unclear how much longer they will survive in the wild. During the dry season, the rapids along the river are minimal. Furthermore, the National Park is one of the richest tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia. It even rivals those found in the surfer’s paradise of Bali. It is a gigantic island largely unexplored. Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE Bali as much as the next person. 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. Specifically, the Batak culture has a compelling history, involving stories of public beheadings and cannibalism. Furthermore, they also have a great coffee menu including an Avocado based Coffee and a Creme Brule latte! Here you will find everything from LGBTQ+ travel & lifestyle advice, to comprehensive guides and itineraries designed to make your travel planning easier. 06.02.2019 - Erkunde Sabrina Wirtzs Pinnwand „Indonesien Urlaub“ auf Pinterest. 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. 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. Sumatra, the 6th largest island in the world, has a diverse population of 50 million people with its biggest city Medan having over 4 million people around the urban area. OYO 559 3 Berastagi – This simple yet modern hotel is great value for money in the heart of Berastagi. Most people come to Sumatra for the orangutans. Reviews? 3 days. The total journey time is 3 hours. Best known for its surfing conditions. Eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are Sumatran headline-grabbers. Although we are guilty of not making it to Aceh ourselves on this occasion, it’s definitely on the list should we return? *Tip– We recommend staying in the Tuk Tuk area, as this is where you can find the majority of restaurants and attractions. 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. Don’t get me wrong, this is no Bali. For example in the North, you have areas who implement Sharia Laws. First, is Borneo in Malaysia, and the other is here in Sumatra. From Bukit Lawang: A tourist bus will cost approximately 170,000 IDR/pax. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. If you find yourself with more time in Sumatra, here are some other spots worth considering. Temple entrances will be in the range of $5 on the higher end unless we’re talking about Borobudur which is around $25. The seasons can be … One of the largest Indonesian islands, Sumatra is famous for a number of things. For instance, the endangered orangutans and Sumatran tigers. This city lies … Sipiso-Piso Waterfall. Sumatra has a hot and humid tropical climate, with average temperatures sitting at 27-28°C throughout the year. A manageable 2-3 hour climb will lead you to the summit, where a smouldering sulphur lake lay dormant. From Lake Toba:  You can take the ferry to Parapat followed by the tourist bus to Berastagi. More than 20 different dive spots are accessible in just 20-50 minutes by boat from Banda Aceh, the capital of the westernmost province in Indonesia, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. Lake Toba, also known as Danau Toba, is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Sumatra. And we can continue bringing you free travel tips and advice. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. For other places to stay in Bukit Lawang, check out the latest prices. While in the wet season they are known to get pretty intense. We were there in dry season and so it felt like a lazy river cruise. 3 Days through the eyes of Minangkabau. The total journey time was approx. Other than surfing and snorkelling, there’s not much else to do other than enjoy the pristine beaches. Weh Island is still considered a well-kept secret, untouched and far away from throngs of tourists. 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. An island of extraordinary beauty, it bubbles with life and vibrates under the power of nature. Meaning other than an intrepid few, you’re unlikely to bump into many other tourists. 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. 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. Sssssh – this is Indonesia’s best-kept secret. For more places to stay in Berastagi, you can check the latest prices here. 3. The waterfall is an impressive natural wonder to see up close. The journey time is approximately 3hrs. 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. This island has a whole lot to offer for those wanting to travel here. Dafür solltest du jedoch reichlich Zeit mitbringen! Diving Pulau Weh (Island) Furthermore, some islands boast sweeping rainforest where you can go trekking. Another Tip – on route to the cave, you will walk past a children’s home. That said, there is an imperturbable tranquillity to be found in this part of Sumatra. Weitere Ideen zu indonesien urlaub, indonesien, bali reise. Welcome to Our Taste For Life. In other words, backpacking in Sumatra screams adventure. Once you reach Parapat, you can take the ferry to Samosir Island. Once you exit the airport, turn right and look out for a company called ‘Nice-Trans’. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. For more places to stay in Samosir Island, you can check the latest prices here. Interested to contribute to Indonesia Travel Guide? 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. 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. Of all the places in Indonesia, Sumatra gives you the feeling that few tourists make it here. Weh Island once was originally connected to the Sumatran mainland and became separated by sea after the volcano’s last eruption. Visit Berastagi. If you have the time, it is worth spending some time meandering the village itself. It’s recommended to avoid travelling during that time. Sadly, deforestation is having catastrophic consequences on the species. In addition, we will advise what to expect when travelling this undeveloped island in Indonesia. However, we knew there had to be more to be discovered. With captivating views aplenty, renting a scooter and driving the coastal road is a great way to spend the day. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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. This way, you can enjoy all the outdoor activities the island has to offer. Your travel guide to Sumatra, lying at the furthest west of Indonesia. Busy, polluted and dirty – most backpackers tend to fly into the city and get a bus straight out! The largest island in Indonesia, Sumatra also offers great opportunities for authentic cultural experiences, and plenty of adventure. It is possible to organise the entire journey through a local tour company in Bukit Lawang. The beautiful Mentawai Islands are a small archipelago that sits off the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. In particular, those in the know, come here to take advantage of the world-class surf conditions. 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. Dies führt dazu, dass das Backpacking in Sumatra teurer als z.B. 10 Things to do on Lake Toba. The best day trips from Sumatra according to Tripadvisor travellers are: Bali Secret Waterfall Tour (Private & All-Inclusive ) Beringin Tiga Waterfalls; The Tiny, Unspoiled Gili Islands off Lombok; Berastagi - Sipisopiso Waterfall - Tongging Village; Private Tour One Day full Medan - Bukit Lawang - Medan; See all day trips from Sumatra on Tripadvisor As well as its beautiful and peaceful nature, it’s not uncommon to encounter furry residents of the national park roaming around. What’s more, the rugged landscapes are incredibly diverse. Furthermore, traditional Batak houses are truly unique and beautiful. Well, that concludes Our Backpacking Sumatra Itinerary and Travel Guide. The Mentawai Islands have been described as the Bali of yester-years, with the archipelago boasting some of the best beaches in Indonesia. Toba Village Inn – Located in the heart of Tuk Tuk, this beautiful property boasts an outdoor pool and incredible views over the lake. Sumatra, the largest of the Indonesian islands is home to active volcanoes, orangutans and gigantic waterfalls…just to name a few cool things. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. While we only had limited time in Sumatra and didn’t spend much time here; it is said that there are some incredible things to do in Medan, including stunning cultural sites. Tourism in Lake Toba is fairly developed, but it still holds its own quiet charm. They are famous for their surfing conditions, being one of the top 10 surf spots in Indonesia. Hi, we're Charlotte & Natalie, a British lesbian couple with a passion for travel and adventure. Weh Island is a small volcanic Island located northwest region of Sumatra. Top 10 Things to Do in Banda Aceh. From Medan Airport:  Your best option is to take a shared taxi. Most importantly, it is common courtesy to dress conservatively, even on some beaches. Orangutan Trekking at Bukit Lawang, Top 10 Must Visit Places in Sumatra → 3 Wochen Reiseroute durch Sumatra → Sumatra auf zwei Rädern rocken: Tipps für deine Sumatra … 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. Combine that with astonishing surrounding views, you have yourself a worthy contender for your Sumatra Itinerary. Mentawai Islands – a small archipelago off the west coast of Sumatra. Suggested Read: 15 Best Things to do in Aceh Province. Duration: 5-6hrs. That said, it is just as rich and vibrant. In fact, there seems to be an endless list of things to do here. Related Read: Sipiso Piso Waterfall in Sumatra. On a positive note, there are some efforts being made to conserve the environment. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Medan -> Berastagi -> Parapat -> Lake Toba -> Medan -> Bukit Lawang -> Pulau Weh -> Banda Aceh. Explore Sumatra holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. While the National Park is the highlight of Bukit Lawang, we also enjoyed the sleepy atmosphere of the village. And you’ll be like a local celebrity with everybody wanting a picture with you. We want to inspire you to live the life of your dreams. Suggestions? Here is a quick overview of the Sumatra highlights, in case you don’t have time to read through the whole itinerary. 3. Here they offer a direct service to Berastagi. Other than the National Park, there is little else to do in Bukit Lawang. At a height of 2,056 metres, Gunung Sibayak is said to be one of the most accessible volcanoes in Indonesia. Respect the local culture: Be courteous of the local culture and act in such a way that leaves a good impression. Many flies in here to get to other locations in the northern Sumatra. Yet, out of the 14 million foreign tourists visiting Indonesia each year, over half only visit Bali! While the surf beaches in Bali get busier each year, surfers here can enjoy quiet and flawless conditions. Related Post: Sumatra Orangutan Treks in Bukit Lawang. While it’s breathtaking from above, we recommend braving the 1000 stair climb to experience the sheer force of its wrath. With this in mind, I bring to you, the Ultimate Backpacking Sumatra Itinerary & Guide. Boasting volcanic lakes, sweeping rainforest, and prodigious waterfalls, backpacking Sumatra feels like one big adventure. You can expect residents of the village to get super excited when they see a Bule (tourist).