North Sumatra : orang utan and local culture

This program is a perfect fit for those who want to discover the main points of interest in the North of Sumatra. It's especially made for the animal lovers, with the unique possibility to experience an encounter with the famous Orang utan. You will also enjoy volcano hiking, hot springs and discover the very rich culture of Batak people.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Arrive in Medan

    Arrive in Medan Arrival at Medan airport. Pick up by our tour guide and then Transfer to your hotel, free time.

    - 30 min drive
    - Night in DELI RIVER / 3* Hotel : Deluxe Cottage
    - No meals

  • Day 2 Medan - Bukit Lawang

    Medan - Bukit Lawang After breakfast, you start with a visit to Medan, one of Indonesia's largest cities, and the largest in Sumatra. You will discover the Sultan's palace, the Great Mosque and the Tjong a Fie's mansion. You then take the road to Bukit Lawang via Binjai and Kuala. You pass in front of several plantations and make a stop in front of the oil palm plantations. Arrival in Bukit Lawang.

    - 4/5h drive
    - Night in ECOLODGE BUKIT LAWANG - 2* : standard room
    - Meals: B

  • Day 3 Bukit Lawang – Gunung Leuser National Park Day 1

    Bukit Lawang – Gunung Leuser National Park Day 1 Departure for a 2-day trekking in the jungle in search of orangutans living in Gunung Leuser Park; you can also meet other animal species, including other monkeys, but also an exceptional flora. In the middle of the afternoon, you settle in your camp before nightfall.

    - 5 / 6 h Hiking
    - Night in the Jungle : tent or basic shelter
    - Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 4 Bukit Lawang – Gunung Leuser National Park Day 2

    Bukit Lawang – Gunung Leuser National Park Day 2 You continue your trek in search of local fauna and flora. You have lunch in the jungle and return to Bukit Lawang village in the middle of the afternoon.

    - 5 / 6h hiking
    - Night in ECOLODGE BUKIT LAWANG - 2* : standard room
    - Meals: B, L

  • Day 5 Bukit Lawang – Brastagi

    Bukit Lawang – Brastagi You enjoy the environment in the early morning before heading to Brastagi. You make several stops en route near the Sembahe River, then near Sibolangit. Arrival in Brastagi visit the fruit market and Gundaling. Check in at the hotel in the afternoon and free time.

    - 5h drive
    - Night in SINABUNG HILLS - 4* Hotel: Superior room
    - Meals: B, L

  • Day 6 Ascent of the Sibayak volcano and relaxation in the hot springs

    Ascent of the Sibayak volcano and relaxation in the hot springs After breakfast, you have a 30-minute drive to reach the Sibayak Volcano Trail. Accompanied by a local guide, you start the hike to the top of this active volcano, you will arrive at the top of Sibayak and enjoy the surrounding views. You go down another path for lunch and then go to Lau Debuk-Debuk, a hot spring where you can relax. Late afternoon free.

    - 5 h Hiking
    - +500m/-500m
    -1h drive
    - Night in SINABUNG HILLS - 4* Hotel: Superior room
    - Meals: B, L

  • Day 7 Brastagi – Samosir Island/Lake Toba

    Brastagi – Samosir Island/Lake Toba After breakfast, you take the road and stop in the villages of Dokan and Simarjarunjung to discover the "Rumah Bolon" a Batak style house. Then you go to the magnificent Sipisopiso waterfall .You have a beautiful view of Lake Toba that you join. You cross by pedestrian in a local boat to reach your accommodation on foot, where you settle for 2 nights.

    - 4h drive
    - Boat crossing : 45 min
    - Night in TABO COTTAGE - 3*: Junior Suite - AC
    - Meals: B

  • Day 8 Samosir Island and the Batak culture

    Samosir Island and the Batak culture This day is dedicated to the discovery of Samosir Island, its traditional villages such as Ambarita, famous for hosting the meetings between the Sialagan kings, or also Simanindo, Pangururan and Tomok to discover traditional dances and a museum. Drive back to the same hotel and free time.

    - 2h drive
    - 1h30 hike
    - Night in TABO COTTAGE - 3*: Junior Suite - AC
    - Meals: B

  • Day 9 Samosir – Medan – Airport

    Samosir – Medan – Airport This morning, you cross Lake Toba again on a traditional boat. Your driver is waiting for you on the other side to take the road back to Medan. You stop in Hevea's plantations to discover the rubber culture and visit a school. Upon arrival in Medan, transfer to the airport for your next destination.

    - 5h drive
    - Boat crossing :45 min
    - Meals: B

Period & budget

When to travel?

The best period for travelling is during the following months:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Price

From 1265 EUROs/person (minimum booking from 2 travelers)

The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.

Included

- 8 nights in guest houses or hotels with B&B basis
- 1 ALTAI English speaking guide for the whole trip
- Private transportation with a local driver for the whole trip
- Local guides for hiking if needed
- Activities described
- Entrance fees
- Ferry from/to Samosir island
- Gallon of water in the car
- Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Diner)

Not included

- International and domestic flights
- Meals which are not mentioned in the daily trip
- Other Drinks than mineral water
- Tips (advise: 3 - 5 US$/person/day)
- Personal expenses
- Other activities during free time
- Travel Insurance

Notes

This itinerary is provided as an indication: depending on the weather and operational conditions, your English- speaking driver/guide can modify this itinerary for your safety.


The Hotels are indicated for information only and subject to availability.


This trip can be 100% customised according to your needs. Please advise our travel consultant for your tailor-made trip. 

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

Booking a trip with Altaï Indonesia implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 35% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. Altaï Indonesia reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altaï Indonesia require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

  • Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
  • Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
  • Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
  • Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.
  • Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date Altaï Indonesia receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Changes to travel contract

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altaï Indonesia in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Indonesia may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Pricing

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Contract transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance for your trip with Altaï Indonesia as soon as your booking is confirmed. We advice you to purchase a travel insurance policy which covers flight cancellations, luggage loss and emergency health care. Please look carefully at which activities are covered by your insurer and do not forget to bring all necessary documents and information with you (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number...)

Practical info

Food

Dinners, lunches and breakfasts are taken in restaurants or at the hotel. Please be aware that the tap water in Indonesia is not drinkable.

Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

- In hotels in a double / twin room (standard equivalent to 2 or 3 * French). Private sanitary facilities.

- In losmen some nights (equivalent to hostels or local guest house held by locals), simpler comfort.

- Homestay: basic comfort, sleeping can be common, sanitary to share. These accommodations, although more rustic, allow you to immerse yourself in local life.
 If you wish, to promote the exchange and sharing, you can provide a little attention for our guests (eg local specialty of your region, ...)

* Hot water is sometimes not available in all rooms.

Transportation

You only carry your belongings for the day, your big luggage stays in the bus during the day and your activities.

Budget & exchange

The currency in Indonesia is the Indonisian Rupiah, Rp (IDR)
Visit http://www.xe.com for the latest currency converter and exchange rates. You can withdraw Indonesian Rupiahs from in-country ATMs or exchange money at the airport/local currency exchange offices. ATMs and exchange desks are only found on bigger islands like Bali (Denpasar, Ubud, Sanur). The cost of an average meal in Java is around 3€ to 8€; in Bali it is 4€ to 11€.

When purchasing souvenirs, we ask that our travellers resist the tempatation to buy traditional items which are part of local families/the countries heritage. We also ask our travellers to respect the Species Protection Agreements (CITES) which aims to protect more than 2,500 species of animals and 30,000 species of threatened plants by prohibiting the trade of hides, ivory, scales, corals, shells, and the import of live exotic animals.

Tips

Tipping is not an obligation and must be left to everyone's discretion.

Nevertheless, in Indonesia it is customary to leave one when you are satisfied with the service rendered. Its amount depends on the appreciation of it and must take into account the local economy.

Tips too important, given the general standard of living of the country visited, destabilize local economic balances. As a reminder, the tip is a supplement and does not replace their remuneration. Indeed, anyone acting on our trips being paid elsewhere.

We recommend a budget of 3€ to 4€ per person per day for tips.

Vital equipment

We recommend packing:
For your head:
  • A cap or sunhat
  • A good pair of sunglasses (level 3 or 4, glacier)
For your core:
  • 1 or 2 sets of thermals: long-sleeved thermal tops and full-length long johns
  • Long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts, appropriate for hiking in
  • 1 fleece or equivalent
  • A breathable wind proof, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex...)
  • A rain cape or protective waterproof bag for your daybag
For your legs:
  • 1 or 2 pairs of long shorts
  • 1 pair of walking trousers
For your feet and hands:
  • Your hiking boots (high-cut, thick soles...)
  • A pair of trainers
  • A pair of sandals for wearing in the sea
  • Thick walking socks
To keep you hydrated:
  • A good water bottle (min. 1.5 l)
For snorkeling:
  • A swimsuit
  • A long-sleeved rash vest to protect you
And do not forget:
  • A good sun-cream (SPF 50+, water resistant, biodegradable...)
  • Insect repellent
  • Towel(s)
  • A wash bag - your personal toiletries

Helpful equipment

You may also want to bring:
  • A camera and spare batteries/portable charger
  • A power plug travel adapter
  • A head torch and spare batteries
  • A pocket knife
  • A fast drying micro-fibre beach towel
  • A bath towel
  • Blister plasters
  • A small personal first aid kit
  • Zip lock bags to protect your important documents and electronics
  • A laundry bag/bin bag for your dirty clothes
  • Tissues
  • Earplugs

Luggage

Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the airplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag. You will also need a larger bag to store your other clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a rucksack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of wet weather.

Medicine

Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers.

Passport

To go to Indonesia travellers need a passport which is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and proof of onwards travel is required.

Visa

Travelers staying in Indonesia for less than 30 days do not need to obtain a visa. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Health information & recommendations

It is your responsibility to check that your personal insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip. Malaria prophylaxis is advised if your trip goes to Flores, Komodo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, the Sundra Islands or Kalimatan. Anti-malaria treatments are not necessary in Bali, Java or Lombok. Avoid contact with mosquitoes as much as possible: apply repellents, wear long trousers/sleeves and sleep with a mosquito net. The World Health Organisation can provide further details of the latest health news and medical advice.

Weather

Indonesia is positioned on both sides of the equator making it subject to a similar climate year round. As a rule the South is generally drier and less hot. The average temperature ranges between 24°C and 35°C (75°F and 95°F). We cannot guarantee no rain but we can suggest that the best season to visit Indonesia is the dry season, from mid-April to October/November.

Electricity

Indonesia uses European-style plugs with two round pins. Voltage is normally 220 V 50 Hz except in a few places where it is 110 V.

Local time

Indonesia is spread across three time zones. The Lesser Sunda Islands use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +8.  Indonesia does not use Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Sustainable tourism

As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.

We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during our trip...

  1. Be prepared
  2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right
  3. Stash your trash and pick up waste
  4. Leave it as you find it
  5. Be careful with fire
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.

We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.
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Julien

My local agent
Julien

  • Franco-Vietnamese, for almost 10 years I have been constantly surprised by what Indonesia has in store. In addition to visits to Australia, New Zealand or even the land of my origins, Vietnam, nothing has yet equaled the emotions provided by this country which I call, perhaps a little selfishly, My house ".
  • By aligning myself naturally with the Altai spirit, these emotions, I make it my mission today: to bring them to life for anyone who wishes.
  • From the voyage of discovery to the voyage of relaxation, passing by a more adventurous voyage, one thing is certain: our conception of many points specific to the West is upset during a stay in Indonesia. Of course you have to experience it, but I believe that there is something special here for everyone, which you take with you when you return, and which you treasure forever.
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Region
Sumatra
Activity
Bestseller Family Vacation Hiking & Outdoor Trips Travel to unknown corners
Duration
9 days
Code
ALINSUMA
Price
From €1,225
Level
2/5
Comfort
2/5

Strengths

  • Unique chance to discover Samosir island and Batak People
  • Looking for orang-utans in the national park
  • Hiking on Sibayak volcano, relaxing in the natural hot spring

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