- ✓ Spot orangutans with an expert local guide in the Sumatran jungle
- ✓ Relax in locally owned, traditionally designed accommodation on scenic Samosir island
- ✓ Learn about the unique culture of Sumatra in Berastagi
- ✓ The opportunity to hike a volcano as a family
Take your family on an adventure through the jungles of Indonesia. Immerse yourselves in the wild tropical forest eco-system and spot the orangutans before heading further into the Sumatran wilderness. Stay in jungle lodges, tube down rivers and take dips in the fresh waterfalls whilst keeping your eyes peeled for the wildlife around you.
Day 1- Arrive into Medan
Upon arrival, you’ll discover that Sumatra is not just jungle. Honking, traffic jams and a crossover motor taxi ‘becaks’ take over the bustling capital city. We have picked a small hotel just outside the city centre in a peaceful Kampung area with a swimming pool so you can relax and unwind after your international flight. You’ll be staying in Medan for just one night, to acclimatise and relax ready for your family adventure. If you do wish to stay in Medan longer – just let us know.
Day 2 - Travel into the jungles of Bukit Lawang
It’s time to discover the wilds of Sumatra. You’ll travel by private car to Bukit Lawang, a convenient base for treks into the jungle. The drive gives you a first feel for Sumatra’s greener, more rugged landscapes, that are very different from other Indonesian islands. By afternoon you’ll arrive at a simple eco-lodge overlooking the jungle, where you’ll sleep for the next two nights. The lodge is around a 20-minute walk from the drop-off point, and porters are on hand to help carry your bags.
Day 3 - Guided jungle trek & orangutan spotting
Today you’ll head out early for a guided jungle trek. Take a small boat across the river and walk to the orangutan feeding platform on the edge of the rainforest. This site was set up to support orangutan rehabilitation, and at set times rangers put out fruit which can draw semi-wild orangutans out of the trees. It’s a great opportunity to (hopefully) spot orangutans at close range.
Afterward, you’ll continue deeper into the hilly rainforest, following narrow trails and scrambling over roots. Your knowledgeable local guide will be scanning the jungle for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for wild orangutans moving through the treetops. Return to your lodge in the afternoon.
Day 4 - Travel deeper into the rainforest to Tangkahan
This morning jump in a 4WD and travel deeper into the rainforest. After around 4–5 hours, you’ll arrive in Tangkahan, a small, remote riverside community known for its strong focus on conservation and low-impact travel. You’ll sleep in a rustic wooden bungalow surrounded by forest, with limited electricity and cold-water showers, but that’s all part of the experience. Staying here is all about feeling properly immersed in Sumatra’s rainforest.
Day 5- River tubing in Tangkahan
After breakfast, you’ll head down to the river with your guide, where an inflatable tube is waiting. The tubes are linked together like a small raft, or you can float along on your own, drifting gently through calm water rather than rapids. As you go, keep an eye on the riverbanks and treetops for monkeys and tropical birds. At a shallow stretch of river, you’ll climb out for a refreshing swim before walking back to your lodge along the river bank. The rest of the day is yours to relax in a hammock, visit the hot spring or spend time chatting with the local villagers.
Day 6 - Travel to Berastagi
From Tangkahan you will take a three hour drive to Berastagi. Arriving in the afternoon, you can visit the local market in the town centre, spilling over with fruit, fish, vegetables and almost everything else under the sun. You’ll stay in a simple hotel with views across the green fields.
Day 7 - Continue to Samosir Island
Continue your journey to Parapat where you’ll board the ferry to Samosir Island. The deep, dark lake is surrounded by densely wooded mountains, with traditional Batak houses sticking out above the green treetops. Your accommodation for the next two nights is situated directly on the banks of Lake Toba in a room with a breezy balcony and wonderful views across the lake.
Day 8 - Explore independently...
As you explore the island over the next couple of days, you’ll find typical Batak houses and get an idea of how the local people live. Tomok is the most important village on the island and a brilliant place to see wooden Batak houses with ritual graves and unique tombs. For local culture, pay a visit to Simanindo village, where you can watch the daily Batak dance performances accompanied by homemade instruments.
...by bike
Samosir is perfect for cycling simply, because you can go right around the entire island and fully soak up the natural wonders. Today we have organised a full day bicycle rental for you to explore all the best spots.
In the evening, try some local Indonesian specialities in one of the little restaurants lining the roads of Tuk-Tuk, before sitting back and watching the sun go down over the lake.
Days 9 & 10 - Return to Medan & depart
You will then take a ferry back to the mainland, where your driver will pick you up and drop you at your hotel in Medan. You’ll spend one more night in the bustling capital before saying goodbye to Sumatran life and heading to the airport for your international flight back home.
Accommodation
