Orangutan & Lake Toba Expedition (6D5N)
An unforgettable 6 Days - 5 Nights North Sumatra journeying from the rainforests of Bukit Lawang to the volcanic landscapes of Lake Toba. Encounter semi-wild Orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park, experience river tubing, explore the Karo Batak highlands of Berastagi, marvel at Sipiso-piso Waterfall, and discover ancient Batak Toba royal traditions on Samosir Island.
Gunung Leuser Orangutans & Berastagi Highlands
Drive from Medan to Bukit Lawang, encounter wild and semi-wild Orangutans, float downriver on car tubes, and travel up to cool Berastagi.
Day 01: Airport Arrival to Bukit Lawang Rainforest
Arrive at Kualanamu International Airport Medan and drive 4 hours through oil palm plantations to Bukit Lawang, bordering the 800,000-hectare Gunung Leuser National Park. Check into your hotel and enjoy relaxing views from your veranda overlooking the lush jungle.
- 🚗 4-hour scenic drive from Kualanamu Airport past palm plantations
- 🌿 Arrival at Bukit Lawang, gateway to Gunung Leuser NP
- 🏨 Free evening relaxing on your hotel veranda overlooking the river
Day 02: Orangutan Trekking, River Tubing & Berastagi
Visit the Orangutan rehabilitation feeding platform followed by a 2–3 hour rainforest walk to spot Thomas leaf monkeys and gibbons. Float down Bohorok River on car tubes, then drive to Berastagi (1,300m) nestled between volcanoes Sinabung and Sibayak.
- 🦧 Spot semi-wild Orangutans & endemic primates on a guided trek
- 🌊 20-minute fun river tubing adventure down to your hotel
- 🌋 Scenic drive to cool Berastagi hill town & visit Karo fruit market
Lake Toba Drive & Samosir Island Cultural Discovery
Visit Dokan traditional Batak village, Sipiso-piso Waterfall, cruise across Lake Toba to Samosir Island, and explore ancient Batak Toba royal sites.
Day 03: Sipiso-piso Waterfall & Ferry to Samosir Island
Drive toward Lake Toba with stops at Dokan traditional Karo village, the 120m high Sipiso-piso Waterfall, and Pematang Purba wooden palace. Arrive in Parapat and board a 45-minute ferry across Lake Toba to Tuktuk peninsula on Samosir Island.
- 💦 Visit Dokan Karo traditional village & 120m Sipiso-piso Waterfall
- 🏛️ Tour ancient Simalungun wooden palace at Pematang Purba
- ⛴️ 45-minute ferry cruise across Lake Toba to Samosir Island
Day 04: Samosir Island Cultural & Historical Exploration
Explore Samosir Island's rich heritage: visit Ambarita village to see ancient stone court chairs, attend a traditional Tor-tor folkdance performance at King Sidauruk’s house in Simanindo, and view King Sidabutar's stone sarcophagus in Tomok.
- 🗿 Explore Ambarita's ancient stone court of justice courtyard
- 💃 Witness traditional Tor-tor Batak dance at Simanindo Museum
- 👑 Visit the historic sarcophagus tomb of King Sidabutar in Tomok
Medan Sultanate Heritage & Airport Departure
Day 05: Take the morning ferry back to Parapat and drive to Medan through vast rubber and palm plantations. Enjoy a city tour visiting the historic Maimun Palace (1888), Grand Mosque Al-Mashun, and Vihara Gunung Timur before checking into your hotel.
Day 06: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Medan. Meet your driver for transfer to Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) for your onward flight.
View Complete 6D5N Itinerary