travel fish sumatra

An independent travel guide to Medan

Published/Last edited on 17th June, 2019.

Medan is the most populous city in Sumatra, the crowded and noisy capital of North Sumatra province and the first port of call for most travellers bent on exploring the region.

On this page: An introduction to Medan

• Why you should go to Medan

Orientation

• Where to stay

Where to eat

What to see and do, getting there and away.

Browse hotels in Medan on Agoda

Provided by Travelfish partner Agoda .

Why should you go to Medan?

At least among international travellers and travel writers, we’re in a distinct minority in liking Medan— we love it actually. Yes, as a general rule—at least from a tourism perspective—Indonesia does not do large cities all that well, but in Medan, in the fairly compact downtown area around and to the west of the train station, we found an at times pretty, and very walkable city. The Indonesian food is extraordinarily good and we found the locals (with just a couple of exceptions) to be universally welcoming, friendly, helpful and hospitable. Really!

Medan does not boast much in the way of top line attractions, but there is a very good museum which serves as a great primer before venturing into Karo country, a beautiful and historic villa and an impressive mosque all of which can be used to fill in one full day in Medan. But, for us, the real attraction is the food and we’d say the prime reason for lingering is simply so you can eat more .

The transport hub of northern Sumatra, Medan is also the jumping off point for ground transport to Aceh , Berastagi , Bukit Lawang , Ketambe and Lake Toba so even if you are not planning on overnighting here, you will most likely need to pass through—give it at least a night we say!

When to go to Medan

As with much of North Sumatra, at least as far as foreign tourists go, peak season in Medan is late June through August , coinciding with European summer. Even at this time though, it is unlikely you will need reservations as the city attracts a bare trickle of tourists, and there are over one hundred hotels to choose from.

Weather wise, Medan is steamy hot and humid year round , but peak season coincides with the region’s dry season, so expect warm and often dry weather at that time. While Medan can see wild and beastly thunderstorms year round, it is subject to North Sumatra’s general wet season which runs roughly November to March, so expect even more rain then.

While Medan is a large city, the downtown area, using Merdeka Park and the train station as a centre, is relatively easy to navigate. We walked much of downtown, but Go-jek, becaks and taxis are common and easy to use, bringing the greater city easily within reach.

The city’s above mentioned primary attractions are all situated to the south of Merdeka Park, Tjong A Fie Mansion is as easy walk away, though Istana Maimoon, the State Museum of North Sumatra and Raya Al-Mashun Mosque, while walking distance from one another, are best reached by taxi or Go-Jek from the train station.

The city boasts over one hundred hotels, but many are chain hotels scattered all over the city. The two primary hubs which put the primary sights within reach, are within walking distance of the train station and, to the south, along SM Raja (near Raya Al-Mashun Mosque). If you stay further afield, be prepared to walk a lot or use transport to get around.

Foreign access ATMs are everywhere and all hotels should offer WiFi . There is a small tourist kiosk on the north side of Merdeka Park, but every time we visited it, it was locked up, so your mileage may vary. On the same northern side of the same park is a police station should you find yourself needing assistance. Siloam Hospital is one of the most central hospitals should you be in need of medical care.

Siloam Hospital Dhirga Surya 6 Jl Imam Bonjol, Medan. https://www.siloamhospitals.com/en/Hospitals-and-Clinics/Hospitals/Rumah-Sakit-Siloam-Dhirga-Surya

Where to stay in Medan

While Medan is a large city with loads of hotels to choose from, for most it will make sense to choose a property fairly central. Most of the following are within walking distance of at least some of the sights, with one further flung option for those who want to spend more time eating and drinking coffee along Jl Ring Road.

Set right above the train station, the friendly and uber-clean Hotel d’Prima ticks a lot of the boxes we look for in a hotel, making it our prima choice in Medan.

Staff are especially helpful and friendly, spacious rooms immaculate, showers piping hot and the beds’ crisp linen a refreshing blast after a few weeks touring the non-so-hot linen of North Sumatra. Free Wifi is standard and rooms include tea and coffee, flatscreen TV and big glass windows which let the light pour in. One minor quibble is the “desk” is not really a desk and if you need to do some work, you’ll be working on the bed or in a nearby cafe.

We’re not joking about the location—the hotel is literally on top of Medan train station—making it ideal for those wanting to use the train service to the airport and it is just across the road from the Merdeka Park and, beyond that Merdeka Walk with its many cafes and restaurants. You’re also just a ten minute stroll from Tjong A Fie Mansion.

Rates (superiors 350,000 rupiah, deluxe 400,000 rupiah) are very reasonable for the standard and really the only word of warning would be to do your laundry elsewhere as it is expensive here! If this is your first night in Sumatra and you want to ease yourself into Medan, if Hotel d’Prima fits with your budget, look no further. Shop online for a discounted price—room rates include a complimentary breakfast from the Starbucks downstairs.

Large with carpet that wouldn’t look out of place in The Shining, the five floor Hotel Madani is kitty corner to Raya Al-Mashun Mosque and offers up good midrange, if a bit dowdy, fare rooms.

As with the nearby Angel and Residence, the hotel is convenient to the mosque and Istana Maimoon but little else and we’d say if you were looking to spend in this kind of price bracket you’d probably be better with one of the more downtown and more modern hotels, like d’Prima or Hermes Palace—this feels like a tour group and/or wedding hotel.

Nevertheless rooms are comfortable and well–sized with a yellow hue throughout. Beds are not as firm as they look like they should be, but have bed lamps and side tables along with upholstered furniture and a small desk. Hot water bathrooms are immaculate. No alcohol or drugs are allowed on the premises and travelling couples may be asked for a wedding certificate if they want to share a room. Walk-in rates (superior 750,000 rupiah, deluxe 900,000 rupiah) are high—shop online for a far more reasonable rate.

With a modern, almost hipster-style cafe on the ground floor (a serious reflection on Tip Top across the road), the smart and pretty modern Kama Hotel fits the bill if d’Prima doesn’t do it for you.

Rooms are clean and well kept, if a little pokey and given how busy the road out front is, the hotel is not as noisy as you’d expect. Located just down the road from Tjong A Fie Mansion, you’re barely a hop skip and a jump from Medan’s premiere tourist attraction and also just a short walk to Merdeka Walk—a foreigner friendly strip of eateries and cafes.

The one minus here are the staff who, on our visit were abrupt to the point of rude and it took quite a bit of cajoling for them to even show us a room when we were not satisfied with the photo album they showed us (and even then they would not let us take photos inside a room). Studio rooms (from 260,000 rupiah) are very tight and if you’re going to head here, we’d say the standard (350,000 rupiah) or superior rooms (400,000 rupiah) are worth the extra money. The deluxe rooms (580,000 rupiah) apparently sleep four and would work for a family.

Location is good—there are a few vestiges of old Medan on this street—lets hope they don’t meet the wrecking ball that has befallen so much of the rest of Medan’s heritage.

If you’re looking for an old school guesthouse style place in Medan, forever–running Angel Guesthouse remains reliable, affordable and friendly—even if the location, on a busy Medan thoroughfare, leaves a bit to be desired.

With a deep blue and bright yellow theme throughout the rooms (apparently the favourite colours of the owner the friendly staffer who showed us around said) rooms come in three primary flavours: Dorm (80,000 rupiah), fan cooled (130,000 rupiah) and with air-con (150,000 rupiah). We were shown an air-con room, which, for the money struck us reasonable value, though the street front location means only the hardiest of sleepers will not require earplugs, as the road out front is real busy—rooms back off the street are certainly what you should be aiming for. Within, they are barebones affairs, with a standing fan and a bed with clean linen in good condition. The bathrooms are acceptable for the money.

The ground floor plays home to a traveller style cafe which dishes out surprisingly good local fare (try the soto —when they say spicy they mean it), and going by the number of musical instruments laying around, the evenings could be fun. Angel can arrange all manner of tours and onwards transport and is walking distance to Raya Al-Mashun Mosque and Istana Maimoon, but little else.

If you’re looking for a backpacker crashpad, then this is a solid bet. If you want something more hotel style, the also long running Residence is just around the corner, but the rooms were pretty dire, though the hotel was starting to renovate, so it may improve in the future.

RedDoorz is an Indonesian franchise/chain hotel group that has a bunch of hotels in Medan, and if you happen to be looking for a property away from the centre of things, the RedDoorz Plus @ Setiabudi Medan is terrific value.

Set down a relatively quiet street, rooms are large and immaculate, with very comfortable beds and plenty enough space to throw a party for you and your travelling companions. The hot water bathroom is immaculate (as is the room) and the room is fitted out with typical mod-cons you’d expect at this price-point. Standards start at 200,000 rupiah and superiors at 250,000 rupiah. The deluxe rooms (350,000 rupiah) make for very good value family value as they sleep four. There is also an upstairs shared terrace area and a large downstairs common area with brightly coloured furniture and plenty of light. We found the staff to be friendly and accommodating.

While the area is not convenient to the main sights of Medan (which are about 20 minutes away by ojek or taxi depending on traffic), it is convenient to the raft or restaurants and late-night coffee shops on Jl Ring Road. So, if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten track, this is a good flashpacker option.

Check rates for RedDoorz Premium @ Setiabudi Medan on Agoda.com Rates from US$46++.

Map of where to stay in Medan

Click on the hotel name to open its position in Apple or Google maps.

Tell any Indonesian you’re heading to Medan and the food recommendations will come thick and fast, and while chances are you can eat pretty well in any Indonesian city, Medan really is in a class of its own. Pack an empty stomach.

One of the most common recommendations you’ll hear is for Rumah Makan Sinar Pagi , a soto joint a fifteen minute walk from Merdeka Park. While it was closed for Ramadan over our most recent visit, it was so often recommended we’re slotting it up top (and Travelfish has eaten here in the past). The medium-sized eatery is busy with people slurping on bowls of delicious soto ayam and soto daging . The soto is a fragrant, comprised of coconut milk infused with a barrage of spices and mounds of shredded chicken or beef.

Nearby, slightly closer to Merdeka Park, but on the same street, you’ll spy the similarly simple and old school Rumah Makan Soto Medan , which we opted for when we found the above to be closed. The soto ayam delivered the goods (as did the spicy green chilli it was served with) all washed down with an iced tea.

Sticking with soto, and more conveniently placed if you are staying right in the centre of things, Soto Kesawan is a narrow warung on Jalan Ahmad Yani which serves terrific curry prawn soup or soto udang . The coconut milk based soup is topped with piles of large peeled and ready to eat boiled prawns so that every mouthful of the velvety broth contains at least one chunk. Also served here and highly recommended is the roti canai with curry. Conveniently located almost straight across from Tjong A Fie Mansion.

A little further to the south (about a ten minute walk) from Soto Kesawan, you’ll strike upon Mie Ayam Kumango . Compared to the above-mentioned places, this is a more modern eatery whose air-con makes it a great spot to escape Medan’s often blistering heat. We went with the house speciality Mie Ayam Kumango (32,000 rupiah), but the menu contains a full raft of other noodle dishes. This is a good option for people looking for a few more creature comforts in where they eat. Very friendly staff.

Set a block to the east of Tjong A Fie Mansion, Bihun Bebek Kumango Koh Asie is a small hole in the wall serving enormous but delicious bowls of thin rice noodles topped with piles of succulent duck or chicken. The noodles are bihun while the meat is free from large sheets of fat and skin that often taints lesser versions of this dish. At 80,000 rupiah, this is not a budget bowl—they apparently used to serve half portions which would have been welcome as the servings really are huge—if you’re a travelling couple, consider sharing a single bowl!

Medan has a couple of downtown food streets which are great for if you’re not wanting to spend much money yet want to be spoiled for choice. These two streets, walking distance from each other and both north-south running, are Jalan Selat Panjang and Jalan Semarang . Of the two, we preferred Selat Panjang, having a good nasi ayam at Nasi Ayam SP3 and a mie pangsit at Mie Tiong Sim (not on the same night mind you!) Jl Semarang has more footpath eating along with hole in the wall restaurants, but there is also plenty of choice—take a look and see what you find—in most cases expect to pay 25,000–30,000 rupiah per dish, and don’t forget to grab some satay before you bail.

Not quite a walking street, Merdeka Walk runs along the west side of Merdeka Park and offers up about a half dozen restaurants and coffee shops (yes, there is a Starbucks here) in a social and fun setting. Come in the evening and it can be packed with local Medanites kicking back and cooling off with a few cold meals and plenty to fill the stomach. We ate well at both Srikandi (Indonesian) and Nelayan (dim sum) and, for the setting, prices are reasonable.

A nationwide Padang chain, Restoran Sederhana Masakan Padang has a half dozen branches in Medan and we chose a branch on Jl Ring Road for our final meal in Medan and, take our word for it, it did not disappoint. If you are not familiar with Padang food, a vast selection of plates, each loaded with a different dish are placed on your table and you help yourself, paying for just what you eat. This is a great (and not overly expensive) way to try a lot of dishes. The branch we tried was out on the ring road, but there are more central options. Garuda is another popular Padang chain with multiple outlets in Medan.

If Medan was your grandmother’s house, Tip Top would be the out of place lounge on the back veranda, which, despite the dust and cat fur is a comfortable spot to lose an hour or so. It is here you’ll find A Home Connect Direct phone, a collectors item cash register and a menu that ranges all the way from baked goods and Chinese fare to Mexicaner Ice ice cream (do try the latter). According to their menu in business since 1929 (though their website says 1934), this is a good spot to escape the heat during the day or, should it be to your taste, enjoy live entertainment thrice weekly in the evening.

If you’re looking for some South Asian fare, Medan has a small Indian quarter and there you’ll find Cahaya Baru offering up North and South Indian food in a clean and cool (yes it is air-con) setting. We had a mutton biryani (48,000 rupiah) but the thali sets (from 30,000 rupiah) looked good.

For coffee, Medan is absolutely awash in places to sip coffee, so we’ll point you to three places to get you started. Downtown, on the ground floor of Lippo Plaza you’ll find Tre Mon , which has a leafy open-air garden area along with an air-con interior. They also do decent lunch fare including pasta, should you have reached soto capacity.

Meanwhile out on Jl Ring Road, there are two very different spots, almost side by side. Piacevole is your typical modern cafe with comfortable seating and service with a smile—think Starbucks but not Starbucks and better than Starbucks. At the other end of the spectrum, and almost next door, is King Kuphi Ulee Kareng , an old school bag coffee joint which we loved—it is open nice and late too.

The above barely scratches the surface of where to eat in Medan and for further tips, we found Eat With Roy’s wrap on 30 places to eat in Medan to be handy, while on Twitter, as always when it comes to Indonesian fare Indonesian food guru Arie was very generous with his tips for both Medan and Aceh.

Map of where to eat in Medan

Click on the restaurant name to open its position in Apple or Google maps.

Restaurant contact details and addresses

Bihun Bebek Kumango Koh Asie 15 Jl Kumango, Medan. Mo–Sa: 07:00–11:00 Cahaya Baru 12/16 Jl Teuku Cik Ditiro, Medan. T: (061) 453 0962 Mo–Su: 10:00–22:00 Jalan Semarang food street Jl Semarang, Medan. King Kuphi Ulee Kareng 8 A-B Jl Ring Road, Medan. Mo–Su: 08:00-late Merdeka Walk Jl Baliakota, Medan. Mie Ayam Kumango 16 Jl Mangkubumi, Medan. Piacevole Ringroad Jl Ring Road, Medan. https://www.instagram.com/piacevolecoffee/ Mo–Su: 10:00–22:00 Restoran Sederhana Masakan Padang Gagak Hitam 80 Jl Ring Road, Medan. T: (061) 4208 1877 https://www.restoransederhana.id/ Mo–Su: 08:00–22:00 RM Soto Medan 8 Gatot Subroto, Medan. Mo–Su: 07:30–21:00 Rumah Makan Sinar Pagi Cnr of Gatot Subroto and Jalan Sei Deli Medan. Mo–Su: 08:00–15:00 Selat Panjang food street Jl Selat Panjang, Medan. Soto Kesawan Jl Ahmad Yani, Medan. Mo–Sa: 08:00–15:00 Tip Top 92 Jl Ahmad Yani, Medan. T: (061) 451 4442 http://tiptop-medan.com/ Mo–Su: 08:00–23:00 Tre Mon Lippo Plaza, ground floor, 6 Jl Imam Bonjol, Medan. T: (061) 8051 1188 https://tremonconcept.com/

Tjong A Fie Mansion

105 Jl Ahmad Yani, Medan T: (0813) 751 6003Mo–Su: 09:00–17:00 (No entry after 16:30) [email protected] https://tjongafiemansion.org/

Tjong A Fie Mansion is a fabulous old house built in 1895 by Chinese immigrant and successful businessman, Tjong A Fie.

Born in 1860 in Guandong, China, Tjong A Fie headed to Sumatra in 1878 to join his brother Tjong Yong Hian in Medan to pursue his fortune. While his brother was already well established, together they grew even more successful as they dealt between the Dutch and Chinese businessmen both in Sumatra and mainland China. In 1906 Tjong A Fie partnered with Cheong Fatt Tze in Penang and between them they built the first railway in China. Later, following the death of his brother, Tjong A Fie was declared Kapitan of Medan and under his guidance many schools, hospitals, places of religious worship (of all faiths) and more was built.

It was the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion in Penang that was the inspiration for Tjong A Fie’s mansion in Medan and the similarities are striking, with much of the internal design quite similar. Original colourful tiles, hardwood floors, painted ceilings and shutters still grace this majestic structure and provide a stunning insight into how the elite in Indonesia lived at the turn of the 19th century.

Tjong A Fie died at the age of 61, still living in his mansion, and the town honoured his legacy with one of the largest funeral processions Medan had ever seen. Unlike its counterpart in Penang, Tjong A Fie mansion remains in the hands of his descendants (a relative still lives upstairs) though after his death family members gambled away much of the furniture—guides will happily point out the few items which are original. The grandeur though is more about the actual house than its contents, and while it is a shame much of the contents have been lost, this remains a fascinating house to wander through.

Location map for Tjong A Fie Mansion

State Museum of North Sumatra

51 Jl HM Joni, Medan Tu–Su: 08:00–15:30

The one worthwhile to see museum in Medan, the sprawling State Museum of North Sumatra delivers a rounded approach to the history and culture of the region.

The museum is well documented in both English and Indonesian, though the lighting is low, so some squinting is required. Ground floor exhibits range from a large stuffed tiger to anatomically correct stone statues, temple lions and an entire whale skeleton, through to a blow by blow explanation of the colonial period through to independence and beyond.

Upstairs is arguably the more interesting section, with scale models of Batak houses, examples of traditional clothing of the various ethnic groups who populate the province, tools, handicrafts and a weaving display.

If you’re planning on exploring North Sumatra and have a few spare hours in your day, a visit here will help to give you a grounding in what you’ll see and encounter once you break out of Medan. If you are a real museum hound, the Museum Perjuangan TNI at 8 Jl KH Zainul Arifin near Sun Plaza is worth a quick look if you are in the area.

Sticking with the State Museum, if you’re in the area, swing by Raya Al-Mashun Mosque and Istana Maimoon as they are a ten and 15 minute walk away. Recommended.

Location map for State Museum of North Sumatra

Raya al-mashun mosque.

61 JL SM Raja, Medan

Mesjid Raya Al–Mashun , or simply Mesjid Raya for short, was commissioned in 1906 by Sultan Ma’mum Al Rasyid and first opened for prayer in 1909.

The impressive mosque is bright white with inlaid green tiles which contrasts blindingly with the massive black domes sitting atop the roof. Inside, stunning tiles, stained glass, marble and some fine stone and wooden carving adorn many of the surfaces of the structure. It is interesting to note that many of these materials were imported from France, Germany and Italy.

This is a particularly beautiful mosque and if you plan to visit any mosque in Indonesia, this is a good one to start with. Non-Muslims are permitted to enter the mosque outside of prayer time. Entry is by donation and you may be asked for payment by the guy who minds your shoes.

Location map for Raya Al-Mashun Mosque

Istana maimoon.

45 Jl Brigjen Katamso, Medan Mo–Su: 08:00–17:00

Istana Maimoon was built in 1888 by the then sultan as the centre of governance in Medan until the 1920s and today it is still worth a look, if primarily for the building rather than the contents.

While it once received dignitaries and entertained guests, nowadays it serves as a tiny museum of sorts although most of the building is off limits to visitors. A number of gift shops sell knick-knacks inside and the most popular past time appears to be getting dressed up in Sultaneque garb and having your photo taken. The building is still largely in original condition with the floors and ceiling being particularly impressive, though it is as its best from a distance.

Istana Maimoon is a short walk from Raya Al-Mashun Mosque so it is easy to visit both in the same visit.

Location map for Istana Maimoon

Getting to and from Medan’s Kualanuma International Airport (KNO) airport is most easily accomplished by train at a cost of 100,000 rupiah per person. This train arrives and departs from Medan station in the centre of town a short becak ride or walk from much of the downtown accommodation. The journey time varies between 30 and 45 minutes depending on which direction you’re heading and the train leaves roughly hourly depending on the time of the day. Tickets can only be purchased with a credit or debit card—no cash.

By taxi expect to pay around 150,000 to 200,000 rupiah depending on where you are going in the city and traffic conditions.

If you are heading to Bukit Lawang , aside from getting the train to the airport, trains also run from Medan central station to Binjai —a small town located to the west of Medan. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs 5,000 rupiah. From Binjai train station you can get a bejak (it is not walking distance, bank on 15,000–20,000 rupiah in a bejak or use Go-Jek) to where vans leave for Bukit Lawang —just tell the bejak driver you want to go to Bukit Lawang and they (should) know where to take you.

If they don’t, the vans leave from beside a park called Tanah Lapang Merdeka Binjai to the south west of the train station—as mentioned, it is not a comfortable walking distance from the train station. The vans charge 50,000 rupiah for foreign passengers and the trip takes about three hours. The main advantage of this route is it allows you to avoid the touts at Pinang Baris bus station.

Transport in and out of Medan is a little disorganised and confusing and getting to where you want to go can be a bit of a pain depending on where are headed.

If you are booking a long distance bus, we strongly recommend booking your ticket online through Traveloka as the bus ticket will clearly indicate which bus station or bus company office you need to go to.

There are two primary bus terminals in Medan, Pinang Baris roughly 10 kilometres to the north of town serving destinations to the north and Amplas roughly 8.5km to the southeast of the city.

In theory Pinang Baris serves destinations to the north, notably of interest to foreign travellers, Berastagi and Bukit Lawang, while Amplas serves everything else. However there are plenty of exceptions, and in the case of both bus stations, many bus companies run their own terminals . So, when you book your ticket, it is important to clarify which terminal (or bus office) the departure will be from.

With that in mind...

Pinang Baris Sample fares and rough trip durations are as follows:

Berastagi: Departs every hour, takes around 2-3 hours and costs 20,000 rupiah. Bukit Lawang: Minivans depart when full, takes 3-4 hours and costs 50,000 rupiah for foreign tourists. You may be dropped off outside the bus station, about 500 metres up the road. This is preferred as these vans are usually filled with passengers first and therefore depart first.

For Banda Aceh there are departures throughout the day but from bus company stations. Trip time is 10 to 15 hours and tickets go for 180,000 to 200,000 rupiah. Companies include Putra Pelangi, Sempati Star. These services also stop at Lhokseumawe and Pidie.

Terminal Amplas Although Amplas technically serves destinations to the south, in reality it operates primarily as a vehicle pool for the bus companies lining the main road in the surrounding area. So depending on your destination, you may have to depart directly from the terminal or from a bus operator’s office up the road. Check beforehand!

Bukittinggi: Departs 4-5 times daily, takes 17-23 hours and costs 180,000 to 280,000 rupiah. Carriers include ALS and Sempati Star. Danau Toba depart from the terminal proper regularly throughout the day, cost 40,000 rupiah and take 4 to 5 hours. Padang: Departs 5-6 times daily, 19-28 hours and costs 190,000 to 290,000 rupiah. Carriers include ALS and Sempati Star.

The Padang Bulan area to the south of Medan is where you need to come for services to Kutacane which connects with services to Ketambe . Opposite Citra Garden on Jl Jamin Ginting are a series of small travel agents including Dairi Transport who run vans and share cars. For Kutacane, tickets in a share car depart roughly hourly and take 7 hours. We were quoted 200,000 rupiah per person, which is high—bargain.

By Stuart McDonald. Last updated on 17th June, 2019.

More destinations

Banda Aceh Berastagi Bukit Lawang Bukittinggi Ketambe Lake Toba Padang Pulau Weh Takengon

Holiday checklist

If you prefer to have all your ducks in a row before you hit the road, here are some travel services you may wish to consider.

• SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance , along with coverage for travellers up to the age of 70.
• Buying a SIM card through Klook to pickup at the airport when you arrive can save you time and money. Choose from airports across Southeast Asia.
• GetYourGuide offers a quite comprehensive range of popular organised activities across the region.
• 12Go is a reliable travel agent for selecting and booking your transport in advance.

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Your Trip to Sumatra: The Complete Guide

Planning Your Trip

Things to do, what to eat and drink, where to stay, getting there, culture and customs, money saving tips.

• Best Time to Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Top Destinations in Sumatra
• Getting Around
• Things to Do in North Sumatra
• Things to Do in South Sumatra
• Things to Do in West Sumatra
• Best Beaches
• National Parks in Sumatra
• Lake Toba: The Complete Guide
• Must-Try Food

Your trip to Sumatra could easily become one of your most memorable travel adventures. Beach cocktails in Bali are nice, but once you’ve felt the exhilaration of spotting wild orangutans in Sumatra, you’ll be hooked! Despite heavy deforestation, Sumatra remains one of the “wildest” places left on earth. Indigenous peoples still follow a hunter-gatherer lifestyle in some of Sumatra's national parks. If that makes your heart thump a little harder, read on. This guide to Sumatra can help you overcome the unique challenges of traveling in this part of Indonesia .

• Best Time to Visit : Generally speaking, the best time to visit Sumatra is during the drier months from May to July . Expect heavy downpours on any given day no matter the season. Dry season thunderstorms are short but can be intense enough to cause flooding. Parts of Sumatra suffer from choking haze during an annual “burning season” that peaks between June and October. Check air quality before planning a trip to Sumatra.
• Language: Bahasa Indonesia is the national language; however, more than 50 languages are spoken among the various ethnic groups in Sumatra.
• Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Prices are usually written with “Rp” before the amount (e.g., Rp. 20,000).
• Getting Around : Buses are the most common way to move around within a province. Road conditions can be rough; for longer distances, opt to fly with one of the budget airlines instead. For getting around in cities, taxis (Bluebird is the most reliable company) and Grab (a ridesharing service) are popular. Ojek (motorcycle taxis) are also an option for short distances.
• Travel Tip: Slow down! With a length of over 1,100 miles divided by the equator, Sumatra is larger than California and Sweden. Sumatra is the largest of Indonesia’s 17,508 islands —you shouldn’t expect to explore too much of it in a week or two. Avoid stress on your trip to Sumatra by allowing some extra time for delays.

Darwel / Getty Images

Sumatra is rich with exciting wildlife, beaches, and opportunities to learn about the Indigenous cultures. A majority of travelers end up in North Sumatra to visit Lake Toba and go jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang, an epicenter for ecotourism in Sumatra. Nearby Gunung Leuser National Park is the only place where orangutans, rhinos, and elephants are known to live together! Tigers also prowl the park. But Sumatra’s other provinces offer abundant outdoor adventure (active volcano climb, anyone?) and cultural interaction.

• Visit Lake Toba and Pulau Samosir : Along with getting to swim in the world’s largest volcanic lake , you can explore Samosir Island and learn about Batak culture from the friendly residents. The climate at Lake Toba is often a little cooler and the air is fresher than in the rest of Sumatra. Samosir is an island within the caldera of a supervolcano (Lake Toba) on an even bigger island (Sumatra).
• Experience the National Parks : Sumatra’s national parks offer plenty of opportunities for spotting endangered species and experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of a rainforest. Trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park from Bukit Lawang is the most popular way to see semi-wild and wild orangutans, if you're lucky. Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered, mostly due to habitat loss caused by palm oil plantations. Treks range from half-day outings to three nights or more spent sweating in the jungle.
• Explore by Motorbike : Sights are often spread out in Sumatra, so traveling by motorbike (or scooter) is the best way to explore an area independently. Your guesthouse can provide a rental, helmet, and a map to the nearest waterfall—there are many. With good timing, you may be able to catch an unforgettable pacu jawi (traditional cow racing) meet. If you don’t feel safe taking on Sumatra’s hectic roads with two wheels, hire a private driver for the day instead.

Get more ideas for adventures with our full-length articles on things to do in West Sumatra , the top things to do in North Sumatra , and the top things to do in South Sumatra .

Some travelers are a little intimidated by local eateries and too often relegate themselves to nasi goreng , Indonesia’s take on fried rice. But there’s a reason Padang cuisine spread from Sumatra across the archipelago: it’s cheap and delicious! Nasi Padang restaurants often display their smorgasbord of prepared dishes in the window so passersby can see what’s available. You’ll be given a plate of white rice and charged for whatever you add on top; all you need to do is point at what looks tasty. Along with Padang cuisine, Sumatra has many interesting snacks and street-food treats to try . Seafood and fresh fruit are always easy to find. Freshwater fish is a popular choice near the big lakes.

Alcohol is available in Sumatra but not everywhere. Bintang, the local beer , is a pale lager (4.7 percent ABV) much like Heineken. Avoid homemade spirits such as tuak and arak— they can sometimes be deadly due to methanol contamination.

Despite Sumatra’s reputation for producing world-famous coffee, you’re more likely to be invited to drink tea with locals. Coffee and tea are heavily sweetened by default unless you request tidak gulah (“tee-dak goo-lah”) or “no sugar.”

Read about some popular Indonesian dishes and what to eat while in Sumatra .

Where to stay in Sumatra depends on the place you’re traveling. Hotels are the obvious choice in major cities, but family-run guesthouses are preferable in smaller places such as Tuk-Tuk (Lake Toba) and Bukitinggi (West Sumatra). You can sometimes find ecolodges in villages near national parks. On islands and along the coast in West Sumatra, you can choose from a handful of sustainable bungalow operations. When staying in remote areas off the tourist trail, local homestays may be the only option.

Until the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road—a massive infrastructure undertaking—is completed, road conditions make traveling long distances by bus a jarring experience. Instead, opt to fly into the nearest major port of entry then take regional buses from there. A bus from Medan’s airport to Parapat, the jump-off point for Lake Toba, takes 4 to 6 hours.

International visitors can also enter Sumatra by taking a ferry from Malaysia or Singapore; although, flying into a major hub is much more convenient.

• Medan: Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) is located around 14 miles east of Medan, the capital and easiest port of entry for North Sumatra. KNO replaced Medan’s outdated Polonia National Airport in 2013 and became a major transit center for the western part of Indonesia; it’s currently Indonesia’s third-largest airport.
• West Sumatra: Minangkabau International Airport (PDG) is around 14 miles northwest of Padang, the capital of West Sumatra.
• South Sumatra: Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport (PLM) is approximately 10 miles northwest of Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra.

Bas Vermolen / Getty Images

Sumatrans shake hands softly when meeting someone new . You can show additional respect by touching your hand to your heart after each handshake. Don’t be too surprised if someone you just met asks to become Facebook friends right away.

The bowl of water provided by some restaurants is for washing your hands after eating with them. Make a habit of using only your right hand for eating, paying, and receiving change or items from people. The left hand is generally considered unclean and should be kept in your lap while eating.

You can save a lot of hassle by sticking to authentic Bluebird taxis when available, but beware—rogue drivers and taxi companies paint their cars the same color. The ridesharing app Grab can also help you book honest drivers.

Although a few ethnic groups adhere to a mix of Christianity and animism, Islam is the predominant religion in Indonesia. Some parts of Sumatra such as Banda Aceh are especially devout. Be mindful when choosing clothing to wear. If traveling in Sumatra during Ramadan , you’ll need to be extra respectful about eating, drinking, and smoking in public.

• Knowing a little Indonesian will help when haggling prices , something you should do for nearly every purchase (excluding food and drinks). You can sometimes score a discount by asking bisa kurang? (sounds like “bee-sah koo-rong”) with a smile.
• Eating and touring can be surprisingly inexpensive on a trip to Sumatra, provided you do them outside of your hotel. Look for the busiest local places and give them a shot! If English menus aren’t available, someone will often go grab a student or young family member who’s happy to interact.
• The Lunar New Year in January or February is about the only time Lake Toba and other destinations in North Sumatra become too busy. Avoid traveling around that time or you’ll pay a premium for tickets and accommodation.
• In most cases, tipping isn’t expected in Sumatra , but you can tip private drivers and guides a little for excellent service. Keep in mind tips often have to be shared. Tip 30,000 rupiah (around $2) for massages and spa treatments. Some restaurants and all hotels add a service charge to bills, but there’s no guarantee the staff will receive it. Tip service staff 10 to 15 percent directly and discreetly when you feel it is merited.

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Washington DC. " Facts and Figures ."

Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia. "  5 Reasons Why North Sumatra Is the Perfect Destination for Ecotourism ." October 7, 2020

Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia. " Lake Toba ."

World Wildlife Fund. " Sumatran Orangutan ."

CIA World Factbook. "Indonesia." April 27, 2021

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Home » Travel Guides » Indonesia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Sumatra (Indonesia)

15 Best Places to Visit in Sumatra (Indonesia)

Sumatra sits in western Indonesia and makes up part of the Sunda Islands. Consisting of a number of different provinces, Sumatra is often less-visited by tourists compared with some of the big hits in Indonesia such as Bali or Lombok . This is a shame, as Sumatra offers a completely different side of this vast and amazing country and is covered in gorgeous primary rainforest which Sumatran tigers, elephants, and orangutan still call home.

One of the big draws in Sumatra is the diversity of experiences it offers visitors, and you can spend time in big cities like Medan or Banda Aceh, relax on soft sandy beaches or go trekking inside some of the most famous national parks in Indonesia. When it comes to unique culture, Sumatra doesn’t disappoint, and you can travel to Lake Toba to learn about the Batak way of life, or visit Padang which is the home of the Minangkabau people who run a matriarchal society.

Wherever you choose to travel to in Sumatra, you will find welcoming spots that are off the usual tourist trails and that allow you to immerse yourself in traditional Indonesian life and culture.

Here are the 15 best places to visit in Sumatra …

Medan is the third largest city in Indonesia and is also the capital of the province of North Sumatra.

Unfortunately Medan is often used strictly as an entry and exit point for visitors who want to move on to other spots in Sumatra, but to miss a visit to Medan is to miss a trick.

This vast city is known to domestic tourists as the culinary capital of Indonesia and you can happily spend a day eating local delights like Soto Medan and delicious Nasi Padang.

You will also find some impressive cultural attractions here such as Istana Maimun which is the home of the Sultan and you can learn the history of the royal family here and even dress up in period garb and take photographs in the ornate throne room.

Other sites include the stunning Tjong A Fie Mansion and the main spectacular mosque called Mesjid Raya.

2. Lake Toba

Lake Toba is undoubtedly the main attraction in Sumatra and is around 5 hours away by road from Medan.

The lake has the claim to fame of being the largest crater lake of its kind in the world and is said to be the result of a massive volcanic eruption or, as local legend has it, the result of the wish of a magic fish.

Whatever the true story, the lake that sits in the crater of a long extinct volcano is one of the top sights across Indonesia and you can take a boat out on the water or go for a cooling swim.

On the main island of Samosir you can visit a cultural village to learn about traditional handicrafts like weaving and see some spectacular old fashioned Batak houses made of wood.

You can easily explore the Lake Toba region by car or motorbike and if you travel up into the mountains you will find hot springs and dainty villages dotted around the scenic countryside.

3. Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is another one of the main attractions in Sumatra and is a small village that sits on the outskirts of the Gunung Leuser National Park.

This protected area of jungle stretches all the way from Sumatra up into Aceh Province and is the home of a plethora of local flora and fauna.

The main reason why many people come here is to see the local orangutans that live here and you can travel to their feeding platform twice a day to see them swing through the trees in search of bananas.

Trekking is a common pastime here and you can choose from day hikes or longer treks that mean that you can set up camp in the middle of the rainforest.

If you don’t fancy the downhill trek back into Bukit Lawang then you can opt for tubing down the river that runs through the jungle.

The city of Padang in West Sumatra is rarely visited by international tourists although it is a well loved spot on the domestic tourism scene.

The reason why many Indonesians flock here is for the food, as this is the birthplace of Nasi Padang, arguably the most famous regional cuisine in Indonesia.

Nasi Padang consists of rice served with a range of curries and side dishes and there is no better place to sample it that the spot where it was first created.

If you want to travel onward to the Mentawai Islands to go surfing, then you will need to stay overnight in Padang, and it is well worth spending a day or two here eating your way around the city before moving on.

5. Gunung Sibayak

Gunung Sibayak is one of several volcanoes in Sumatra although it is classified as dormant and is one of the easiest volcanoes to climb if you are in the area.

Located close to the town of Berastagi, Gunung Sibayak still has gas and smoke erupting from the crater from time to time and you will also find some soothing hot springs on the side of the volcano that are said to have medicinal properties thanks to the volcanic minerals found within.

The hike to the top of Gunung Sibayak is around 7 kilometers long so depending on your fitness levels it should take around three hours to get to the summit.

A guide is recommended especially if you are not an experienced trekker although this is not mandatory.

6. The Mentawai Islands

The Mentawai Islands are made up of more than 70 little islands off the coast of Padang in West Sumatra and if you like surfing then this is a spot that it is not to be left off the itinerary.

The Mentawai Islands are said to have some of the best surfing conditions in Indonesia and those in the know often travel to Bali first before moving on to the Mentawais for the rest of the surf season.

Other activities on the Mentawai Islands include swimming, water sports, and trekking as many of the islands are covered in untouched areas of rainforest.

7. Banda Aceh

Banda Aceh is the capital of Aceh Province and is unfortunately best known for the horrific tsunami that hit here in 2004. Much of the city has now been repaired however and you can visit places such as the Tsunami Museum to learn more about the tragedy.

Other highlights of Aceh include its Grand Mosque which is one of the most beautiful religious monuments in Indonesia, as well as other haunting relics from the time of the tsunami like a large ship that was washed ashore and which has now become a permanent museum.

Aceh is also famous across the country for its coffee so make sure to stop off at its most famous coffee shop called Warung Kopi Solong to try a cup.

8. Bukittinggi

Bukittinggi lies in the west of Sumatra and the main reason to come here is to take in the surrounding scenery which is simply stunning.

The premium attraction here is Lake Maninjau that shimmers with deep emerald waters and is encircled by lush countryside.

As well as the vistas over the water, this is also the land of the Minangkabau people and you can check out the wonderful Minang architecture here as many of the homes are shaped to reflect the horns of a buffalo.

9. Weh Island

If you are travelling up into Aceh Province then it makes sense to also hop across to Weh Island which lies just off the coast.

Something of a well kept secret in Sumatra, Weh Island offers you miles of beautiful sands and some of the clearest waters in the region, so if you like diving or snorkeling then this is a good choice.

You will find a good range of guesthouses here as well as some beachside cafes that are the perfect spot to watch the sunset and you can also easily hire surfing or diving equipment here.

10. Palembang

Palembang is the capital city of the province of South Sumatra and also has a fascinating history as is it one of the oldest inhabited parts of Indonesia.

In ancient times it would have been the strategic center of the mighty Srivijaya Kingdom and occupies a pretty spot on the majestic Musi River.

This river is actually one of the main reasons to visit Palembang as the waterfront is dotted with small boats that also serve as restaurants.

On these boats you will find delicious plates of local delicacies that also allow you to take in the vistas over the water as you dine.

11. Berastagi

The town of Berastagi is only a few hours away from Medan but sits at a higher elevation which means that it has a very different feel to it.

Many of the fruit and vegetables that make their way to Medan are grown in Berastagi and one of the highlights of a trip here is to visit one of the fruit farms and pick your own fruit straight from the trees.

This is also the home of the Karo people and you can learn about the local culture as well as check out the amazing Karo architecture.

Unfortunately Bali has come to dominate the surf scene in Indonesia, although if you are in Sumatra and are looking for some waves then look no further than the island of Nias.

Here you will find a less crowded version of Bali and you can easily rent surf or diving equipment and explore the seas around the island.

The area is also famous for its stone jumping tradition where locals have to clear a high stone in a single jump, so make sure to check out this amazing feat of athleticism if you are in the area.

13. Batusangkar

Batusangkar means ‘stone cage’ in Indonesian and is known on the domestic market as one of the most culturally important places in Sumatra.

Located in the Tanah Datar Regency in the west of Sumatra, Batusangkar has a range of historical attractions such as Fort van der Capellen which was a Dutch outpost during the colonial period.

Batusangkar is also famous of its traditional festivals such as pacu jawi which is basically cow racing that takes place in the muddy fields around the city.

Jockeys hold on to a set of reins attached to the cow and then skate through the fields on the surface of the mud making this an amazing experience that is not to be missed if you are here at the right time.

The schedule changes from year to year so it is best to ask locally when the next tournament will take place.

14. Belitung

Belitung is an island off the east coast of Sumatra that sits in the Java Sea and is part of the wider Bangka-Belitung Islands.

One of the main attractions here is the chance to explore the coves and islets and some of the main beaches that are not to be missed are Tanjung Tinggi Beach and Tanjung Kelayang Beach.

On a visit here you can expect cobalt blue seas as well as sandy beaches and a range of craggy granite rock formations that tower out of the water.

Some of the main activities here include snorkeling and swimming or you can take a scenic boat trip.

15. Lampung

Lampung Province is hardly ever visited by foreigners to Sumatra and as a result is one of the best hidden gems in the region.

You can travel to Pasir Putih Beach which means White Sands Beach in Indonesian and if you make the trip to Kiluan you can even go dolphin spotting and enjoy the graceful creatures that swim in the waters here.

Lampung is also the home of the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park which offers you some great hiking trails and the opportunity to see a range of local flora and fauna.

The rainforests of Sumatra have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so the chance to enjoy the natural scenery is one of the highlights of a trip to this part of Indonesia.

15 Best Places to Visit in Sumatra (Indonesia):

• Bukit Lawang
• Gunung Sibayak
• The Mentawai Islands
• Bukittinggi
• Batusangkar

12 Days in Sumatra – Your Best Itinerary & Guide to Northern Sumatra

Sumatra, the largest of the Indonesian islands is home to active volcanoes, orangutans and gigantic waterfalls…just to name a few cool things. This island has a whole lot to offer for those wanting to travel here. Of all the places in Indonesia, Sumatra gives you the feeling that few tourists make it here. With their sights set on Bali, Sumatra is off the radar for most.

12 Days in Sumatra – Your Best Itinerary & Guide to Northern Sumatra

Sumatra was an unplanned place for us while we were on our backpacking trip. It was a last-minute decision to squeeze in and let us tell you that we are SO happy we did! We had no idea what to expect and Sumatra left us stunned.

Jump Ahead To:

Entering the County

In order to enter the country of Indonesia, you need the following:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months prior to your arrival date)
• Proof of onward travel
• For countries not eligible for free VOA, you’ll need to apply for your visa ahead of time.
• Entry Fee: $35 USD + Visa Extension

How To Get Around Northern Sumatra

For us, we used a shared taxi to get to and from everywhere in Sumatra.

The company we used is CV. Adi Guna Travel and our accommodations booked our transportations for us. The shared taxis are a comfortable SUV that fits up to 7 people and is the best way to get around Sumatra.

In terms of cost, the price varies depending on where you are going and how many people you are traveling with.

12 Day Route & Itinerary To Northern Sumatra

We only had time to focus on a part of the island, so we set our sights on the North. Why? After a little research it had the things we were interested in seeing and doing – a orangutan trek, volcanic hikes and swimming in the lake of a super volcano. Yeah, you read all that correctly. Pretty freaking awesome, are we right?!

So, get your excited pants on!! We’re here to walk you through our 12-day route through Northern Sumatra!

Day 1: Arrive in Medan

We caught a flight from Singapore and arrived at Medan International Airport, Kualanamu International Airport. The airport is on the outskirts of town, about 20-25 minutes from the city center of Medan. Our accommodations, Vivo Stay , provided airport pickup so we took them up on that.

Tip: See if your accommodation can arrange or includes pickup in your accommodation fees.

Day 2: Medan

For us, Medan was the jumping off point to our time in Sumatra. We passed our day by walking around, eating at the Merdeka Walk, specifically at Warung Kodi Srikandi where you HAVE to order their Soto Medan and booking our transport to Ketambe through Adi Guna Travel.

We took them up on their shared taxi option. It’s a comfortable SUV that fits 7 people. We promise, you’ll be the only tourists in the cab 🙂

Tip: If you’re having trouble booking your trip. Have your accommodation call Friendship Guesthouse  (where you should stay in Ketambe) and Friendship Guesthouse will arrange your pickup for you in Medan.

Day 3 to Day 4: Ketambe

An early morning wake up call from Medan and head off to Ketambe! The lesser touristy and cheaper Orangutan trekking options are located further north in the village of Ketambe. Ketambe is the official entrance to the  Gunung Leuser National Park  to see wild Orangutans.

During your stay with Friendship Guesthouse, you have options to do a day trek or a several day trek into the jungle.

For us, we did a day trek and saw 4 Orangutans swinging from the trees! It seriously was an amazing sight to witness. We only had time for a one-day trek but if you have longer, consider doing a trek that would take you deeper into the jungle. Who knows what you may find 🙂

Day 5 to Day 7: Berastagi

We consider Berastagi one of the two must visit places when in Northern Sumatra. The town itself is not impressive. However, it’s what surrounds the town that will leave a mark on you.

We stayed at Nachelle Homestay and seriously can’t recommend it enough! It is a family run establishment run by the kindest two individuals, Mery and Abdy. Mery and Abdy go out of their way to ensure your stay is nothing short of memorable.

TIP: Make sure you understand the difference between B1 and B2 eating establishments. B1 restaurants serve dog (Batak word for dog is biang and has one B, so B1) and B2 means pig (Batak word for pig is babi and has two B’s…you get it).

Abdy will take you on a sunrise hike to the top of Mount Sibayak Volcano complete with a hot spring stint to rest your sore muscles at the end. Does Abdy’s services stop there? Hell No.

He’ll take you on a nighttime ride to see magma spew from the top of Mount Sinabung.  Yes, magma spewing from a Volcano. Righteous. We highly recommend both of these tour options with Abdy!

In addition, the town has an amazing produce market unlike any we’ve seen in Asia. It’s a huge distribution center where farmers from around Sumatra come to sell their hauls. Seriously, check it out.

Oh and if you want to feel like a movie star, be sure not to miss the produce market. Be it the lack of tourists that visit Berastagi or just the kindness of the Batak people, we couldn’t walk a few minutes without someone wanting a picture with us!

Day 8 to Day 10: Sipisopiso Waterfall & Lake Toba

The second must see place in Northern Sumatra is without a doubt Lake Toba. Lake Toba is a massive naturally made lake that sits in the caldera of a super volcano. Yes, a super volcano!

However, before you get to Lake Toba you have a pitstop you need to make. From Berastagi to Lake Toba, make sure you stop at Sipisopiso Waterfall, which is the highest waterfall in Indonesia! Well worth the stop.

Once in Lake Toba, make sure you stay on the island in the middle of the lake, Pulau Samosir. We stayed at a wonderful spot called, Judita Cottage . Great location, a beautiful balcony overlooking the lake and it was clean. Perfect in our book.

Lake Toba is all about taking it easy. What did we do? We explored by land and by water. Rent a speed boat for the day and have a driver take you around the lake. You can jump in the lake for a dip or leap from a waterfall. It’s a blast to say the least and an incredible lake to explore.

Also, we rented scooters and headed up into the outer rim and got amazing aerial views of the lake below. I mean look at these views!

Day 11: Medan

Plan to arrive back into Medan early evening from Lake Toba. Grab a meal and called it an early night. After several whirl wind days, you will be happy for a chill night. For us, we packed our bags, ate at Warung Kodi Srikandi (again) and prepared for our departure the next day.

Day 12: Depart (Medan)

Sad day. Sad, sad, day. You have to leave beautiful Northern Sumatra. 

About Our Route in Northern Sumatra:

We were told that Sumatra was a big backpacking destination in the 70’s/80’s but now, it is missed by so many tourists heading to Indonesia, which is such a shame! The beauty this island has to offer is something so incredibly special that everyone at some point in their life should experience.

For us, we were only able to experience a taste of what Sumatra has to offer but a taste is better than no taste! We loved our route and honestly wouldn’t change a thing. Everything was perfect and we left with smiles on our faces that didn’t go away for weeks 🙂

Where To Stay On Sumatra 

From Medan to Berastagi to Lake Toba and all the other amazing cities, towns and islands there are to experience in Sumatra, check out the  latest places and prices below  to secure an unforgettable Sumatran accommodation.

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON INDONESIA?!

Indonesia Visa Extension 

How To Get To Mount Bromo & Ijen

Your 2 Week Itinerary To Bali

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For more travel tips, guides and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram @wanderingstus , Pinterest and  Facebook . Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)

We're Lauren & Jesse, the creators behind Wandering Stus! We've been traveling for decades, exploring and experiencing the very best this world has to offer. Whether we're roadtripping the U.S. in our camper, hiking through National Parks, or jet-setting to different countries around the globe, we write detailed travel guides to help you plan one amazing (and unforgettable) adventure!

Hey, thanks for sharing this report! I am planning a similar trip to Northern Sumatra and wondering about the logistics of the “Shared Taxi” service. Did the same car and driver stay with you the entire time? If so, what is the cost like? Is it daily + gas? I am looking to spend four or five days around Ketambe, so I’m not sure how feasible private transport is. Shoot me an e-mail reply if you get a chance.

Hi Brad – the shared cabs are just your ride there. They don’t stay and wait. During our time there, we had different drivers every time. Your accommodation coordinates it for you and you just pay your accommodation. That was our experience at least.

In addition, from our experience, and at the time we were there, a shared taxi was the only direct way to get to Ketambe. We did read about a potential bus option but it 1) didn’t sound reliable and 2) no one could really give us more information on it.

We can’t recall exact numbers of what we paid but we know it wasn’t major fees. We were on a pretty tight budget so we definitely wouldn’t have paid a lot for the ride.

Hi, do you know how much the sunrise your of the volcano/ hot springs in Betastagi costs. We’ve heard so many different prices from 400 to 800. It seems no blogs have any prices. Makes it hard to know if you’re being ripped off a little or a lot

We paid $15USD for the sunrise hike to Gunung Sibayak / hot springs. We booked and went with the family we stayed with while we were in Berastagi – Nachelle’s Homestay.

Thanks and good luck! – Lauren & Jesse

Hey, this was all really helpful. I am planning my trip to Northern Sumatra for next summer. Did you book anything in advance or do it all on arrival?

Happy to hear it’s helpful! Thanks for reading 🙂

The only things we booked in advance were our accommodations. And when we say advanced, we mean a few days a head of our arrival.

All transportation we booked with our accommodations once we arrived and had no issues securing rides.

Have a blast in Sumatra! Lauren & Jesse

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