Sumatra

Day 1: Arrival into Medan.

Arrive in Medan and transfer to our hotel. Our adventure begins in Medan, with its Dutch architecture and Asian culture. Tonight we meet as a group for dinner and orientation.

Day 2: Drive to Bukit Lawang

Morning city tour visiting Sultan Deli Palace, Great Mosque, Chinese Temple and Kesawan Area the old center of Medan city. Depart for the 97 km drive to Bukit Lawang in the afternoon, an orangutan rehabilitation reserve. On the way, watch the transformation from urban life to the jungle. Visit rubber and oil-palm plantations before a relaxing evening in Bukit Lawang. Overnight in Bukit Lawang.

Day 3: Bukit Lawang - Orangutan Rehabilitation Reserve

A morning hike of about one hour (uphill) along the bank of the Bohorok river to the canoe station for a ride over to the Reserve to observe the Orangutans in an intimate and natural setting. Following the feeding, we return to our guest house for an optional swim in the river. In the afternoon we will depart for the half-day drive to the mountain town of Brastagi stopping at Sembahe river. Enjoy the evening in the colonial resort nestled between two volcanoes. Overnight in Brastagi.

Day 4: Brastagi - Batak Village

Today we have a trip by minivan and then by foot, travelling from Brastagi to a Batak Karo traditional village at Peceren.. Here we will spend the day exploring the village and learning about the village history and culture from a village historian. In the late afternoon we will return to our hotel in Brastagi for the night.

Day 5: Lake Toba - Samosir Island

An early morning departure from Brastagi to beautiful Lake Toba, the largest lake in Southeast Asia. Formed by a prehistoric volcanic eruption, Lake Toba is one of the highest (900m.) and deepest (450 m.) lakes in the world. Along the way, visit Sipiso-piso waterfall, Rumah Bolon, and the Batak Palace where the last King reigned until 1949. The King’s youngest son will share his tale of historical events as well as some very touching personal stories. Upon arrival at Lake Toba, we will transfer to a ferry boat for the short crossing to Samosir Island where we will spend the next few nights. Overnight in Samosir Island.

Day 6: Lake Toba

A free day to walk or bike around dramatic scenery of Samosir Island, or just relax and enjoy the view looking out upon this magical crater lake. For those interested, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon with a local Batak family in their home. Overnight on Samosir Island.

Lake Toba Boat Excursion

Today we have a boat excursion around Samosir Island, the original home of the Batak people. In the morning embark on a journey to visit the Batak Toba traditional village at Tomok and see the old tomb of Sidabutar Kings. We will continue by boat, visiting Ambarita, an old Batak village where we learn about the ancient Batak judicial system. See the stone chair and table where execution took place for the ancient tribal chieftains. In the afternoon experience a Batak Toba traditional dance along with a visit to a local home. Overnight on Samosir Island.

Day 8: Minangkabau Highlands - Padang Sidempuan

A morning departure from Samosir Island by ferry boat, to travel south through the Minangkabau Highlands to the town of Padang Sidempuan via Sibolga for a spectacular view of the Indian ocean and bay of Sibolga. En route we will discover the vast array of agricultural crops grown in this fertile land and visit a traditional market at Balige. Arriving in town in the late afternoon, and if there is time we will visit the incredibly colourful and interesting central market. Overnight in Padang Sidenpuan.

Day 9: Bukittinggi

Today we continue driving south, across the Equator at Bonjol Village, to the delightful town of Bukittinggi. Although this is a long drive, the scenery on the way is absolutely spectacular, providing numerous vistas of rivers winding their way through beautifully terraced mountains. Pass through the tropical forest of Rimba Panti where we will stop to see the resident monkeys. Arrive in the early evening to the charming town of Bukittinggi is nestled between three volcanoes 3,000 ft. above sea level, and is widely known as the cultural and craft center of the Minangkabau people. Overnight in Bukittinggi.

Day 10: Bukittinggi and the Minangkabau culture

Today, we will travel into the Minangkabau countryside and visit a Minangkabau cultural village in nearby Padang Panjang in order to gain insight into this interesting - and ancient - matrilineal society. Overnight in Bukittinggi.

Day 11: Cultural West Sumatra and the Singgalang Walk

Day 12: Padang Port Siberut Island or Cubadak or Sikuai Island

Day 13: Siberut Island

Awake to have a quick shower and jump into your motorized canoe for a 2 hour journey on the river to the village port of Rorogot. Once we arrive porters will take you overnight bag and you will begin your 1.5 to 2 hour hike through the muddy jungle. We will spend tonight on Siberut Island with the Mentawai, living in their home, learning about their beliefs, culture, dance, cuisine and virtually any and all aspects of their existence. Conditions of Siberut are extremely basic and will be muddy, but the experience will remain long after the mud washes off. Their homes are on stiltis, mad of wood with thatched roofs. The Mentawai are a tribal people living a very traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle with strong ‘anamist’ or spirit beliefs. We will be staying in an Uma which is a central home and gathering spot for the surrounding tribal homes. One or more medicine men normally live in an Uma. Activities on the island will include making tribal clothing, preparing sago-the staple food of the Mentawai, hiking, as well as learning about their beliefs, customs and dance while living among them. Overnight on Siberut Island.

Day 14: Siberut Island

Enjoy the morning with the waking village before we embark on our muddy hike back to the village port of Rorogot for our canoe ride to Siberut Port where we will board our yacht for our night journey back to Padang. Tonight have a unique dinner on board our yacht as we sail to Padang. Overnight on Yacht.

Day 15: Departure from island stay to Padang

Day 16: Departure Padang

Depart Padang for you international flight or to connect to Java Bali tour.