Uncover | North Sumatra & Banda Aceh, Indonesia
North Sumatra is one of Indonesia’s most naturally diverse and culturally rich regions — and yet, it’s still well off the average tourist trail. With Medan as your international gateway, you can access everything from misty jungles filled with orangutans, to volcanic crater lakes, hot springs, ancient Batak kingdoms, and even remote highland villages that feel like a world apart.
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This isn’t the polished, Instagram-perfect Indonesia you’ve seen a thousand times. It’s unfiltered and unpretentious — and that’s what makes it unforgettable. Whether you’re trekking in Bukit Lawang, slowing down beside Lake Toba, or soaking in hot springs after a volcano hike, the pace is gentler, the people are warmer, and the experiences are far deeper than any travel brochure could prepare you for.
Bukit Lawang
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Bukit Lawang sits on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park — one of the last places on Earth where you can still see orangutans in the wild. Trekking here means stepping into dense, green jungle where you might spot four of the original orangutans from the WWF Rehabilitation Centre that closed over two decades ago. These ladies were hand-reared and reintroduced to the wild, so they’re semi-wild now — not pets, not zoo animals, just navigating life on the edge of two worlds.
There’s a fascinating symbiosis between tourism and conservation here. The trekking economy helps protect their forest home and supports the guides who care deeply about these animals — sometimes even launching search parties if one goes missing. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, chances are high, and even if you don’t see an orangutan, the jungle itself is calming, alive, and deeply humbling.
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If you’re lucky enough to work remotely, Bukit Lawang is one of those rare places where slowing down feels like its own reward. Spend a few extra days just listening to the bubbling river, waking up to the sounds of the jungle, and letting the rhythm of the forest reset your nervous system. Even without trekking every day, being here is the point — a reminder that presence is powerful, and nature is more than just a backdrop.
Lake Toba
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The Batak people are the heartbeat of the Lake Toba region — one of the most fascinating and distinct cultures in all of Indonesia. Centered around the vast crater lake and Samosir Island, Batak heritage is rich in story, song, and striking architecture. You’ll immediately notice the dramatic boat-shaped rooftops of their traditional homes — bold structures that mirror the resilience and artistry of the Batak people.
On our trips, we take time to explore beyond the surface: visiting ancient royal tombs, learning about the lineage of Batak kings, and hearing the oral histories that shaped this community. And don’t miss the food — Batak cuisine is flavourful, fiery, and wildly underrated, with dishes that reflect the highland terrain and strong culinary traditions.
Whether you’re cycling through quiet villages, floating on the lake, or sitting down to a spicy home-cooked meal, Lake Toba offers more than views — it offers a chance to truly connect with one of Indonesia’s most soulful regions.
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Lake Toba isn’t just a destination — it’s a deep exhale. Whether you’re gazing across the caldera lake from a hammock on Samosir Island or walking through ricefields on your way to a nearby waterfall, everything here runs at a different rhythm. And that’s the beauty of it.
Between cultural experiences like Batak cooking classes and visits to traditional homes, there’s plenty of time to just be. You can take a gentle walk to a local waterfall, read by the water’s edge, or sip coffee with the hotel staff who have lived on the island their whole lives. The hotel we work with offers a range of activities, but also understands that sometimes, doing less is doing it right.
If you’re lucky enough to work remotely, Lake Toba is a dream base — strong Wi-Fi, peaceful mornings, and a pace that reminds you why you wanted more freedom in the first place.
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If you’re curious about ancient mysteries, there’s a lesser-known theory that adds another layer of intrigue to Lake Toba. Some Indonesian geologists believe that pyramidal structures lie buried under the overgrown hillsides on the southwestern side of the lake — structures they say predate known civilisations in the world, built 75,000 years ago. While these claims remain highly contested and often dismissed by Western academics, the formation itself is fascinating to witness in person. Whether or not you believe it’s manmade, there’s no denying that standing before it stirs a sense of awe — and reminds us just how much of the world’s history remains hidden in plain sight.
berastagi
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If you’re heading toward Samosir Island from the western side of Lake Toba, don’t miss Sipiso-piso Waterfall — the tallest in Sumatra. With its dramatic 120-metre plunge into a deep gorge, it’s one of those places that catches your breath and silences a conversation.
Mornings are best, before the fog rolls in, when the sky is still clear and the spray catches the light. You don’t need to stay long — just stop, look, and feel it. Sometimes, that’s enough.
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If you’re in the Lake Toba region, a short diversion to Berastagi for a climb up Mount Sibayak is well worth it. It’s one of the most accessible volcano hikes in Indonesia — an easy, rewarding climb with otherworldly views of the steaming crater at the top.
If you’re lucky, your descent will be soundtracked by gibbons calling to each other in the forest. And the best part? The trail ends at a natural hot spring, perfect for a soak to close out the adventure.
Banda Aceh (by flight)
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It’s a journey to reach Pulau Weh — but once you arrive, you’ll understand why we go the distance. This wild, wind-whipped coastline is completely exposed to the open ocean, which means anything and everything can show up. From pelagics to plankton, the biodiversity here is unpredictable, exhilarating, and raw. If you love feeling like a tiny human in the vastness of nature, this place delivers.
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Banda Aceh may not be the first place that comes to mind for surfing — but it should be. Depending on the season, you can actually surf or kitesurf year-round here. The key? Knowing where to go and when. With a local guide who understands the shifting winds and swells, you’ll be introduced to secret spots that work across different conditions. Whether you’re chasing consistent surf or just want to play with the elements, Banda Aceh delivers — if you know how to find it.
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While you’re in Banda Aceh, taking time to visit the Tsunami Memorial is both powerful and important. It’s not just about supporting the history of the place — it’s about bearing witness. In under 30 minutes, an entire city was transformed. Walking through the memorial and museum is a deeply grounding experience, offering context, remembrance, and a humbling reminder of nature’s force — and human resilience.
Travel and logistics Need to Know:
North Sumatra is great almost all year round. We don’t really have to worry about mass tourism, with the exception of July and August, and local holidays. The guides we work with, we have known since 2011 and they are great.
Our favourite months for travelling in North Sumatra are:
March to June
The only time it gets a bit tricky is during the northeast monsoon season, when rains are very heavy. And if you really want to experience the food scene, it is best to avoid Ramadan and Lebaran as everyone is fasting and then celebrating with their families.
