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[title]Indonesia should be on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit, as it offers travellers the chance to experience everything from bustling cities like Medan to the stunning vistas that make Lake Toba so unique. North Sumatra is a province on the archipelago’s largest island and presents an intoxicating mix of adventure and serene beauty.
5 things to do in North Sumatra
Lake Toba & Samosir Island
Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world and was created over 70,000 years ago after a ‘super volcano eruption’, which was possibly the most powerful eruption in millions of years. The massive crater formed is now one of the most beautiful natural sites in the world. Samosir Island is where all the action is – cycle through rice fields, trek up the hills for impressive views, picnic by the water, or just sit back and enjoy the serenity.
Discover Batak culture
The Batak are an ethnic group who have inhabited the area for centuries and have a distinctly unique culture which translates into their architecture, customs, festivals and art. The traditional houses of the Toba Batak are shaped like boats with their striking roofs and can still be found on Samosir Island. Visit the Batak Museum and TB Silalahi Centre – located on the south shore of Lake Toba – which are dedicated to preserving Batak culture and traditions.
Hot springs & volcanoes
If action is the name of your game, a hike up a couple of volcanoes is just the ticket. Standing at 2,094m, Gunung Sibayak is located approximately 2.5 hours by road from Medan and makes for a good day trip. This is an active volcano but has been relatively quiet for the last century, although there is geothermal activity. The easiest trail takes about three hours and the view from the top is worth every step; you’ll be able to see the much more active Gunung Sinabung as well. Stop at the hot springs on your way back for a well-deserved soak!
A city break in Medan
Medan is the bustling capital of North Sumatra with the Maimoon Palace and the Great Mosque of Medan dominating the centre of the city. Although this is where most travellers land on their way to other destinations, this city deserves at least a day of exploration. There’s the tasty local cuisine, historical sites like the Tjong A Fie Mansion and the Museum of North Sumatra, and offers a base for many cool day trips.
Orang utans in the wild
The Gunung Leuser National Park covers almost 8,000 sq km and is one of two remaining natural habitats for the Sumatran orang utan. This national park is part of the Unesco-endorsed Tropical Rainforest of Sumatra site and is also home to other protected species like the Sumatran tiger, rhinos and elephants. It’s two hours’ drive from Medan and visitors can opt to do a short trek or spend a few days in the jungle with a licenced guide.
How to get there
There are regular daily flights from KL to Medan on AirAsia, Malindo Air and Malaysia Airlines. Fly direct to Lake Toba’s Silangit Airport with AirAsia and Malindo Air, which has flights from Subang Airport. Flight time is between 50 minutes and an hour.
For more information about North Sumatra, check out the Indonesia Tourism Board’s website.