2 weeks itinerary through Sumatra

2 weeks itinerary through Sumatra – 2 options

Sumatra, Indonesia’s wild and diverse island, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Here you will find dense rainforest, picturesque volcanoes, traditional villages and beautiful beaches. Two weeks are enough to experience the best of the island. Depending on your interests, there are two options for a 2 weeks itinerary through Sumatra: Either an intensive discovery tour through North Sumatra or an extended round trip that also includes West Sumatra. Here are the details of both options:

Route 1: 2 weeks North Sumatra

Day 1: Arrival and drive to Bukit Lawang

After your arrival at Kuala Namu International Airport in Medan, your journey begins with an approximately four-hour drive to Bukit Lawang. The road leads through lush green landscapes, past rubber and palm oil plantations. Once you arrive in Bukit Lawang, you have time to get in the mood for the upcoming adventure in the jungle.

Accommodation recommendations

Budget: Waterstone, Sahnan, Garden Inn
Comfort: Indra Valley Inn, Sam’s Bungalow, Ecolodge, Jungle Inn

Read also

Day 2-3: Jungle trekking and overnight stay

The highlight of the trip begins: a two-day trekking adventure through the jungle. You set off at 9 am – with a bit of luck you might spot wild orangutans. Licensed guides accompany you through the rainforest and show you the local flora and fauna. After around six hours of trekking with breaks, you will reach a camp by the river in the afternoon. Here you can swim, relax and enjoy a freshly prepared Indonesian dinner before spending the night in the jungle.

For those who prefer not to spend the night in the jungle, there is the option of taking a one-day tour and returning to the hotel in the evening.

Read also

Day 4: Village tour

A half-day excursion to the village near Bukit Lawang gives you an insight into local life. The tour takes you through rice fields and plantations and shows you how the locals produce cane sugar and tofu. After a traditional lunch, you will return to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can simply relax in Bukit Lawang. The place is very nice with many restaurants and cafés, jungle views and the opportunity to swim in the river.

Day 5: Onward journey to Berastagi

The journey continues to Berastagi. After a four-hour drive through the mountains, you will reach Berastagi. The afternoon offers the opportunity to visit local markets or prepare for the upcoming volcano ascent.

Accommodation recommendations

Budget: Smiley’s, Mountain View Homestay
Comfort: Mickie Holiday, Klang Ulu, Sinabung Hills

Day 6: Volcano ascent

The ascent of the Sibayak volcano begins early in the morning. Alternatively, you can visit the hot springs in the region or explore the traditional village of Dokan.

Read also: Things to do in Berastagi

Day 7: Drive to Lake Toba

A scenic drive takes you on your 2 weeks itinerary through Sumatra to the largest crater lake in the world, Lake Toba. On the way, you can stop at the Sisipiso waterfall. Finally, take the ferry to the Tuktuk peninsula on the island of Samosir, where the evening is at leisure.

Accommodation recommendations

Budget: Romlan’s, Hub Tata
Comfort: Tabo Cottages, Zoe’s Waterfront

Day 8-9: Exploring Lake Toba

Take a walk via tuktuk or go on an island tour to scenic spots such as Ambarita village and one of the many viewpoints offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains and insights into Batak culture.

Day 10: Return journey to Medan

On the tenth day, the journey takes you back to Medan, where you still have time to explore the city.

Day 11: Flight to Banda Aceh and transfer to Pulau Weh

After the flight to Banda Aceh, continue to the harbour and take the ferry to the island of Pulau Weh. Arrange a transfer to your accommodation and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Accommodation recommendations

Budget: Oh LaLa
Comfort: Freddie’s, Casa Nemo, Pulau Weh Paradise

Day 12-13: Free time on Pulau Weh

A day to relax on the island of Pulau Weh. The options range from snorkelling and diving to boat trips around the island.

Day 14: Return journey to Banda Aceh and departure

On the last day, you return to Banda Aceh and continue to the airport for your journey home or onwards. Your 2 weeks itinerary through Sumatra ends here.

Route 2: 2 weeks North and West Sumatra

For the extended itinerary through North and West Sumatra, the Village Tour and the additional day in Berastagi are omitted. Instead, you will experience additional highlights in West Sumatra from day 8.

Day 8: Drive to Padang Sidempuan

After breakfast, you will take the ferry back to Parapat, from where a private driver will take you to Padang Sidempuan. The journey takes around eight hours and takes you through picturesque villages, pineapple plantations and along the Sarula River. Along the way, stops at the Sipaholon hotspings or traditional markets offer the opportunity to get to know the country and its people.

Day 9: Onward journey to Bukittinggi

After an overnight stay in Padang Sidempuan, you will travel to the highlands of Minangkabau, where Bukittinggi is located. On the approximately eight-hour journey, you will enjoy spectacular views of mountains, river valleys and traditional villages. Stops at the equator line and the Aek Sijornih waterfall provide further variety.

Alternatively, you can also take the night bus from Parapat on Lake Toba to Bukittinggi. It is best to ask at your accommodation about the departure time.

Accommodation recommendations

Budget: Canyon Jungle Stay
Comfort: Padi Ecolodge, Santika, Grand Rocky Hotel Bukittinggi

Day 10: Drive to the Harau Valley

Today we drive into the beautiful Harau Valley, past Sianok Canyon and a local market. The valley’s breathtaking limestone cliffs and waterfalls provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos.

Accommodation recommendations

Budget: Abdi Homestay

Day 11: Hike through the Harau Valley

A day exploring the Harau Valley with walks through rice fields and to waterfalls. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 12: Private beach and drive to Bungus Beach

After a final excursion in the Harau Valley, continue to Jophira Beach, a private beach near Padang, where you can enjoy a day by the sea.

Accommodation recommendations

Jophira Tintin, Rimba Ecolodge

Day 13: Island hopping

A private boat tour takes you to the islands of Pagang and Pasumpahan, where snorkelling and relaxation are on the agenda. The underwater world and the idyllic beaches offer a wonderful end to the trip.

Day 14: Return journey to Padang

On the last day, you return to Padang, where your 2 weeks itinerary through Sumatra comes to an end.

Don’t want to organise your Sumatra trip on your own? Take a look at our customised round trips!

The tours include accommodation, transport and activities. Check out our round trips