Your Sumatra tour – authentic, individual & unique

The Island

Sumatra is an island that belongs to Indonesia. With an area of around 473,000 km², Sumatra is also the sixth-largest island in the world. About 50 million people live on the island. The island’s economic significance should not be underestimated. Sumatra contributes about 70% to Indonesia’s national income. The island is especially rich in petroleum, and mining also plays an important role. Gold, tin, coal, and bauxite are particularly extracted. Agricultural products are also of great importance. The island is a well-known producer of pepper, palm oil, rubber, tobacco, and coffee. This puts Sumatra in second place, just behind Malaysia, as an agricultural producer.

Sights

A Sumatra round trip offers tourists a variety of interesting sights. Below are the top attractions that are well worth a visit:

• Lake Toba: Lake Toba is one of the island’s natural wonders. It is also the largest crater lake in the world, formed by a volcanic eruption of Mount Toba. This natural spectacle is a true attraction for every tourist visiting Sumatra. Samosir Island, which lies in the middle of Lake Toba, was formed around 75,000 years ago. The island is rich in culture and offers stunning views of nature.
• Sipisopiso Waterfall: This approximately 120-meter-high waterfall offers a view of Lake Toba from its upper edge.
• Bukit Lawang: Here you can experience wild orangutans up close during a jungle trek.
• Berastagi: Berastagi is a mountain town that offers beautiful views of the Sinabung and Sibayak volcanoes. Mount Sibayak can also be climbed.

Weather

If you are planning a round trip through Sumatra, the weather on the island is certainly of interest to you. Sumatra has a tropical climate. The sea breeze helps to moderate the heat. The average annual temperature is around 27°C. However, this can vary depending on the region, especially in coastal areas. There, the average temperature ranges between 24°C and 35°C. The rainy season lasts from October to April, but it is by far not as intense as in Thailand, where it can rain for days. More info on the weather in Sumatra.

Transport

The traffic situation in Sumatra is a bit more hectic compared to Europe. There are local buses, but they don’t operate on a fixed schedule. Additionally, there are tourist buses (shared cars with private drivers) that serve the main tourist regions. It is also possible to hire a private driver for one or more days in Sumatra. Due to the unpredictable driving habits of the local population, this is always advisable.

Visa for Your Sumatra Tour

Tourists are granted a visa for a maximum of 30 days. However, both entry and exit must take place through an international sea or airport. If you plan to stay in Indonesia for more than 30 days, a Visa on Arrival (VoA) is required. For a fee, this visa can be extended at the immigration office (Imigrasi) one week before it expires.

More information about the visa

Food in Sumatra

During your round trip through Sumatra, Indonesian culinary specialties also play an important role. If you travel to Sumatra, you will quickly notice that the locals enjoy spicy food. Chili is the most popular spice on the island. The main staples of the local diet are meat, fish, and rice. There are also some traditional drinks. Tuak is a liquor made from the blossom of the sugar palm.
Sumatra for Foodies

Jungle Trekking in Bukit Lawang

Most travelers visit Sumatra to get up close with orangutans during a jungle trek in Bukit Lawang – and rightly so, as it’s a truly unique experience. We offer a variety of ethical treks for all fitness levels, starting from an introductory 3-hour trek to a more advanced 3-day trek with overnight stays in the jungle.
Read our detailed guide to jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang.

Photos: Freepik