TRAVEL IDEAS
Our Favorite Places in Sumatra
Sumatra is not just a place you visit — it’s a journey through wild rainforests, volcanic landscapes, ancient cultures, and untouched islands. While many travelers choose mainstream destinations, North Sumatra offers something different: authenticity, raw beauty, and real adventure. Here, nature still leads the way, and every region feels unique. If you’re wondering what else to explore beyond the jungle, here are our favorite travel ideas in North Sumatra:
What Else to Explore in North Sumatra?
Sumatra is not just a destination — it’s a complete adventure filled with wild landscapes, living culture, and unforgettable experiences.
While many travelers head straight to Bali, North Sumatra remains raw, authentic, and beautifully untouched. Here, you won’t find mass tourism or crowded attractions. Instead, you’ll discover ancient rainforests, active volcanoes, vast lakes, remote islands, and welcoming local communities.
If you’re planning to explore beyond the jungle trekking experience, North Sumatra offers incredible diversity in one single region. From highland escapes to tropical island paradises, here are our favorite travel ideas to complete your Sumatra journey.
JUNGLE RULES – PROTECT NATURE, PROTECT WILDLIFE
1. Berastagi
Located in the cool Karo Highlands, Berastagi is a refreshing mountain town surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes. Sitting around 1,300 meters above sea level, the climate here is cooler and perfect for hiking adventures in sumatra .
Berastagi is famous for:
- Sunrise hikes to Mount Sibayak
- Views of the active Mount Sinabung
- Scenic panoramas from Gundaling Hill
- Colorful local fruit markets
- The spectacular Sipiso-Piso Waterfall
Lake Toba is one of Indonesia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, it is today the largest volcanic lake in the world.
Surrounded by green hills, rice fields, and peaceful villages, Lake Toba offers a slower rhythm of travel.
At the center of the lake lies Samosir Island, home of the Batak people and their rich traditions.
Here you can:
2. Lake Toba
Lake Toba is one of Indonesia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, it is today the largest volcanic lake in the world.
Surrounded by green hills, rice fields, and peaceful villages, Lake Toba offers a slower rhythm of travel.
At the center of the lake lies Samosir Island, home of the Batak people and their rich traditions.
Here you can:
- Explore traditional Batak villages
- Visit ancient stone chairs of King Siallagan
- Swim in calm freshwater
- Ride a scooter along scenic mountain roads
- Discover waterfalls and hot springs
- Enjoy stunning sunrise and sunset views
Lake Toba is ideal for relaxation, cultural discovery, and scenic beauty.
3. Pulau Banyak – Remote Island Paradise
Pulau Banyak, meaning “Many Islands,” is a small archipelago off Sumatra’s west coast. Many of these islands are uninhabited, offering pure tropical serenity.
Think white sand beaches, coconut trees, turquoise waters, and peaceful silence.
This is the perfect destination if you are looking for:
- Island hopping adventures
- Diving untouched coral reefs
- Kayaking between small islands
- Watching colorful sunsets
- Disconnecting from the digital world
Accommodation is simple but charming — beachfront bungalows where you fall asleep to the sound of the ocean.
4. Pulau Weh
Located at the northern tip of Sumatra, Pulau Weh (near Sabang) is a volcanic island surrounded by vibrant coral reefs.
It’s one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in Indonesia — yet still peaceful and uncrowded.
On Pulau Weh, you can:
- Discover incredible underwater life
- Watch dolphins at sunrise
- Visit Kilometer 0 (Indonesia’s westernmost point)
- Watching colorful sunsets
- Hike through tropical jungle
- Relax in natural hot springs
- Enjoy spectacular sunset viewpoints
Pulau Weh combines adventure, nature, and relaxation in one destination.
Why Explore North Sumatra?
North Sumatra offers a rare combination of experiences in one journey:
- Jungle trekking & orangutans
- Remote tropical islands
- Volcano hiking
- The world’s largest volcanic lake
- Ancient Batak culture
- Authentic local hospitality
It’s wild, diverse, and still deeply connected to nature.
If you’re searching for something beyond the typical Southeast Asia route — something real, something meaningful — North Sumatra delivers an experience you won’t forget.
Your Sumatra adventure doesn’t stop in the jungle. It only begins there.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO SUMATRA
Discover Sumatra with Carly & Agung – We Are Sumatra
Sumatra is still one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets — and planning your trip can feel overwhelming.
That’s why Carly & Agung created We Are Sumatra, a dedicated travel blog sharing real insights, practical guides, and honest tips to help you explore this wild and beautiful island with confidence.
From jungle adventures to hidden islands, volcano hikes to cultural experiences — everything you need is there.
Ready to explore Sumatra the right way?
👉 Click now and start planning your adventure.
