20 Days Itinerary in Sumatra Indonesia

Sumatra Travel

Crafting the perfect vacation can be an exhilarating journey in itself. If you're considering Sumatra for your next adventure, look no further. This comprehensive guide presents a 20-day itinerary that encompasses the must-see attractions Sumatra has to offer. Let's dive in!

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Practical Information

Location

Sumatra is an island located in western Indonesia, and it is part of the Indonesian archipelago.

Transportation & Exploration

✈️ By Plane: Sumatra has several airports serving both domestic and international flights. The main international gateway is Kuala Namu International Airport near Medan in the north, connecting to major Southeast Asian cities and Jakarta. Other airports, like Minangkabau Airport near Padang and Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport in Palembang, mainly serve domestic flights and some regional connections, making it easy to explore the island by air.

👉 You can book your plane ticket here🔗.

🚗 By Car: Renting a car in Sumatra is generally not recommended. Roads can be tricky, with narrow lanes, unpredictable traffic, and sometimes poor signage, especially in rural areas. On top of that, renting a car with a driver can be expensive, and navigating the island on your own may be stressful.

⚠️ Instead, it’s easier and safer to rely on local transport options, such as private drivers, buses, or domestic flights, to get around the island comfortably.

🚖 By Shared Taxi: Shared taxis are a common and convenient way to travel between towns and cities in Sumatra. Locally known as “angkot” or “bemo” in some areas, these taxis usually operate on set routes and are shared with other passengers, which keeps costs low. They’re a great option if you want to travel like a local, but be prepared for limited comfort and occasional delays. For more flexibility, you can also use the Grab app to book rides, especially in larger cities. For longer distances or when traveling with luggage, hiring a private driver or taking a bus is often easier and more comfortable.

⚠️ For longer distances, Sumatra is well-connected by domestic flights, which make traveling between major destinations like Medan or Padang convenient and efficient.

Weather

Sumatra has a tropical climate characterized by a wet season and a dry season. Here’s a detailed overview of the weather:

• ☀️Summer (June to August): Summers in Sumatra are warm and humid, with occasional rain showers. Temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F). This period is part of the dry season, making it a good time to explore outdoor attractions.
• 🍂Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Sumatra sees increasing rainfall as the wet season approaches. The weather is warm, with temperatures between 22°C and 31°C (72°F to 88°F). The landscape becomes lush and vibrant during this time.
• ❄️Winter (December to February): Winters are part of the wet season, characterized by frequent and heavy rainfall. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F). While travel is still possible, expect some disruptions due to rain.
• 🌸Spring (March to May): Spring is another excellent time to visit Sumatra, marking the transition from the wet to the dry season. The weather is warm and humid, with temperatures between 23°C and 32°C (73°F to 90°F). Rainfall decreases, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities.

Accommodation

Sumatra offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets.

💸Homestays usually cost around 15 euros per night (a double room). 

👉 On my trip, I stayed:

• Medan: Anara Sky Kualanamu Hotel🔗
• Bukit Lawang: On The Rocks Bukit Lawang🔗
• Berastagi: Sapo Karo Rest House🔗
• Padang: Sentosa Lodge🔗
• Kerinci National Park: Resort Family🔗
• Mentawai islands: Carve Bay Mentawai🔗

West Sumatra Indonesia

Kerinci Volcano

Kerinci Seblat National Park, located on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, is the largest national park in Sumatra, spanning over 13,791 square kilometers. The park is part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is renowned for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. At 3,805 meters, Mount Kerinci stands as the highest volcano in Indonesia, offering an unforgettable trek with breathtaking views, especially at sunrise.

🚶The ascent typically takes 2-3 days, depending on your pace. We opted for a 2-day hike:

• You start on the first day around 10 AM
• Reach the campsite at 3,500 meters by late afternoon
• The following morning, we began our final push to the summit at 4 AM, arriving just in time to witness the spectacular sunrise from the peak. 

⚠️ The hike is long but manageable, even for those without extensive hiking experience. On the first day, you'll cover the initial 1,700 meters at a slow, steady pace, allowing you to reach the campsite without much difficulty. The remaining 300 meters to the summit are tackled on the second day. Although the pace on the first day is relaxed, making it accessible to most, I would not recommend this hike for those with no prior hiking experience, as the altitude at the top can be quite challenging.

💸 Most tourists arrange their trek to the summit through a local agency, and I chose this option as well, primarily because I lacked the necessary equipment. These agencies organize the entire hike, providing food, tents, and all essential supplies. Additionally, there isn't much information available about this hike or its route. Having completed it, I found the path relatively easy to follow, though there are no signs or markers along the way. The first section through the jungle can be a bit tricky, with a higher chance of getting lost. 

✨ Unfortunately, the probability of encountering clouds at the summit is quite high. Despite some cloud cover during our hike, we were fortunate to witness incredible and breathtaking views from the top. Overall, the entire experience was truly amazing.

👉 Kerinci National Park accommodation: Resort Family🔗

Mentawai Islands 

The Mentawai Islands are an archipelago of around seventy islands and islets located off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Famous for their stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and world-class surfing, the Mentawai Islands West Sumatra Indonesia offer an idyllic escape for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. The four main islands are Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai, and South Pagai, each with its unique attractions and charm. Siberut and Sipora are the easiest to reach.

⚠️ Ferries and speedboats depart from Padang’s Teluk Bayur Harbor to the Mentawai Islands. Public ferries are the ones that tourists take, as it takes from 3 to 6 hours to reach the islands (depending on the route) and a one-way ticket costs 350000 rupiahs. 

What to do in the Mentawai Islands:

Surfing

The Mentawai Islands are renowned for their world-class surf breaks. Some of the most famous spots include Hollow Trees (HT’s), Lance’s Right, and Macaronis. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, the islands offer waves for all skill levels.

✨ Many surf camps provide guided tours and surf lessons.

👉 Mentawai Islands accommodation that I picked: Carve Bay surf resort🔗

Trekking and Jungle Expeditions

Siberut Island is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Guided jungle treks offer the opportunity to explore the lush rainforests, encounter exotic wildlife, and visit traditional Mentawai villages.

⚠️Trekking with local guides is a must to learn about the flora, fauna, and cultural practices of the Mentawai people.

Deep in the jungle of Sumatra, there are original tribes where it’s possible to spend time living alongside the locals. I decided to do a two-day trip, as it takes around six hours to reach the tribe. The guided tour starts with a couple of hours’ drive, followed by a canoe ride of about one hour, and then a hike lasting roughly one and a half hours. The journey is challenging, but absolutely worth it — the scenery is stunning, and the experience is truly one-of-a-kind.

Once there, you live with the families, and a local guide translates for you, as the tribe speaks a unique dialect that even most Indonesians don’t understand.

✨ It’s an incredibly authentic experience, offering a real chance to connect with the people, learn about their way of life, and gain a deeper understanding of their culture.

Snorkeling and Diving

The crystal-clear waters surrounding the Mentawai Islands are perfect for snorkeling and diving. The coral reefs are home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and reef sharks. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include Nyang Nyang Island and the reefs around Sipora. You can arrange a tour with your accommodation.

Padang

Padang is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. The city itself doesn’t offer much in terms of attractions, but it’s an excellent hub for travelers. Many tours are organized here, and the local markets are lively and worth a visit. What to see:

• Adityawarman Museum: named after the Majapahit King who ruled the region in the 14th century. Housed in a traditional Minangkabau Rumah Gadang (big house), the museum showcases a wide range of artifacts, from traditional costumes and weaponry to ancient manuscripts and historical relics. This is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of the Minangkabau people, who are known for their matrilineal society and unique architecture.
• Old town area of Padang: Here, you'll find a charming blend of colonial Dutch buildings and traditional Minangkabau houses. Wander through the narrow streets, visit the local markets, and stop by Siti Nurbaya Bridge for picturesque views of the city and its surrounding landscape. This bridge is named after a famous character from Indonesian literature, and it’s particularly beautiful at sunset.
• Bungus Beach: A serene and relatively uncrowded spot perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Sumatra.

👉 To better understand the place, you can opt for a guided to of the city🔗. 

North Sumatra itinerary

Medan

Medan, the bustling capital of North Sumatra, is a vibrant city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse culinary scene, and stunning natural attractions.

⚠️ While the city itself offers some intriguing sights, the true gems lie in the breathtaking natural wonders surrounding Medan. I recommend focusing on exploring these nearby natural attractions to fully experience the beauty and adventure that North Sumatra has to offer.

👉 Medan accommodation: Anara Sky Kualanamu Hotel🔗

Bukit Lawang 

Bukit Lawang is a small village located on the eastern side of Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Known primarily for its orangutan rehabilitation center and the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, Bukit Lawang is a popular destination for ecotourism. The village is set along the banks of the Bahorok River, offering a picturesque and serene environment.

What to do in Bukit Lawang:

Orangutan trek Sumatra 

The primary attraction in Bukit Lawang is the opportunity to see Sumatran orangutans in the wild. Guided treks through Gunung Leuser National Park offer the chance to observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat. Treks can range from half-day to multi-day excursions, with the possibility of camping in the jungle.

👉 You can book your tour in advance on Get Your Guide:

• One night in the jungle tour: link here🔗
• One-day tour in the jungle: link here🔗

✨ I decided to spend one night in the jungle and return by river the next day. I felt that was enough time to explore and experience the area. It was super fun to head back by rubber boats, and the best part is that you don’t have to hike back through the jungle!

Gunung Leuser National Park

Apart from orangutans, the national park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Thomas leaf monkeys, macaques, gibbons, hornbills, and the elusive Sumatran tiger.

✨ Guided treks offer the chance to experience the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes of the rainforest.

👉 Book your tour here🔗.

Berastagi

Berastagi is a scenic town located in the Karo Highlands of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Known for its cool climate and lush landscapes, it sits about 1,300 meters above sea level. The town is famous for its volcanic scenery, abundant agriculture, and vibrant local culture.

What to do in Berastagi:

Mount Sibayak

Mount Sibayak is an active volcano popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts. The hike to the summit is relatively accessible and offers spectacular views of the crater, geothermal activity, and the surrounding highlands.

⚠️ You can do this hike on your own or with local guides. Tourists tend to hire guides, as the path is not so easy to find.

✨ The best time to start the hike is early in the morning, when you can catch the sunrise and enjoy the clearest views. Guided tours usually include transport to the trailhead near Berastagi, and from there it takes about an hour to reach the summit. Afterwards, we relaxed in the hot springs by the volcano — the perfect way to unwind after the climb.

👉 You can book your tour in advance here🔗.

Fruit Market

Berastagi is known for its fresh produce, especially fruits like passion fruit, oranges, and the famous marquisa. The local fruit market is vibrant and bustling, offering a chance to sample and buy a variety of tropical fruits and other local products.

Visit the Traditional Villages

Nearby traditional Karo villages, such as Dokan and Lingga, provide insight into the local culture and way of life. These villages feature traditional Karo houses with unique architecture and offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Karo people.

⚠️ It’s a nice option if you have some extra time, though I wouldn’t list it among Berastagi’s must-sees.

Sumatra, Indonesia, captivates with its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether exploring rainforests, relaxing on serene beaches, or engaging with local traditions, Sumatra offers unforgettable adventures and warm hospitality. Leaving this remarkable island, you'll carry with you cherished memories and a piece of its enchanting spirit.

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