Sumatra (also spelled Sumatera) is an island in western Indonesia, westernmost of the Sunda Islands. It is the largest island entirely in Indonesia (two larger islands, Borneo and New Guinea, are shared between Indonesia and other countries), and the sixth largest island in the world (approximately 470,000 km²).
Sumatra was known in ancient times by the Sanskrit names of Swarnadwīpa ("Island of Gold") and Swarnabhūmi ("Land of Gold"), due likely to the gold deposits of the island's highlands. The first word mentioning the name of Sumatra was the name of Srivijayan Haji (king) Sumatrabhumi ("King of the land of Sumatra"), who sent an envoy to China in 1017. Arab geographers referred to the island as Lamri (Lamuri, Lambri or Ramni) in the 10-13th centuries, in reference to a kingdom near modern day Banda Aceh which was the first landfall for traders. Late in the 14th century the name Sumatra became popular, in reference to the kingdom of Samudra which was a rising power. European writers in the 19th century found that the indigenous inhabitants did not have a name for the island.
Sumatra Highlights :
Sea Gardens
Pulau Weh ( Weh Island ) - at the northwestern end of Sumatra - is a beautiful island of dense jungle, high hill-top views, palm-lined beaches and mysterious rocky coves. There is also a fresh water lake and a semi-active vulcano on the island. Nearby Rubiah island is famous for its excellent coral reefs and spectacular array of tropical fish. A great place for snorkeling and diving. There are several licensed diving schools on the island.
Gunung Leuser National Park
This is one of the largest national parks in the world, containing over 800.000 ha. of virgin rainforest. The park is home to the Orang Utan, gibbons, tigers, elephants and among the last of the Sumatran rhino. There are research facilities for the study of primates, birds and insects. It is possible to raft down the Sungai Alas river from Ketambe to the Indian Ocean on a 4-5 day expedition. Your journey takes you through exciting white-water rapids to the calmer, crocodile-infested waters of the low-lands.
Bukit Lawang
The Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center where formerly captive apes are re-introduced into the wild. One of the most popular tourist destinations in North-Sumatra.
Lake Toba
One of the largest and deepest lakes in Southeast Asia . In the middle Samosir island. Toba has developed into a full-featured highland resort while retaining the rustic charm and relaxed ambiance that define Toba's attraction.
Bukit Tinggi
The heart of the highlands, Bukittinggi is a pleasant two-hour drive from the West-Sumatra provincial capital of Padang through the gorgeous Anai Valley up to the Agam Plateau. Located 930 meter above sea level, Bukittinggi (formerly called Fort De Kock by the Dutch) has a cool climate and is surrouned by three vulcanoes: Tandikat, Singgalang and Merapi. The central landmark is the town's clock tower, referred to by the locals as Jam Gadang. It's overlooks the market square, a beehive of activity. A fantastic place to do shopping in souvenir shops. Nearby Kota Gadang is renowned for its fine silver filigree and hand embroidery. On the outskirts of Bukittinggi there is a 150 meter deep canyon called Ngarai Sianok ( Sianok Canyon ).It is an incredibly winding through the bottom of the steep-walled canyon. West Sumatrans claim it is unrivalled for natural beauty in all of Indonesia .
Lake Maninjau
A crater lake, its scenery rivals Lake Toba on a smaller scale. One of West Sumatra 's most famous sights. There are facilities for swimming, water skiing and a good selection of hotels and restaurants. The village of Matur , overlooking the lake, arranges dance performances on request. Another ideal place for recreation - 36 km from Bukittinggi - is Lake Singkarak, the longest in West Sumatra .
Kerinci-Seblat National Park
Home to rhino's, tigers, elephants, bears and orang-utans, the Kerinci sprawls across four provinces, making it Sumatra 's largest national park. The scenery is magnificent, dominated by volcanic cones including the highest peak in Western Indonesia Mount Kerici. Lake Kerinci is the best place to sight the park's famous bird life.
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SUMATRA TOBA LAKE - SAMOSIR PACKAGE TOURS
Duration: 05 Days / 04 Nights
DAY 01 : AIRPORT – HOTEL / CITY TOUR
Arrival at Polonia Airport transfer to hotel and then city tour by visiting Great Mosque, Sultan Palace, Chinese Temple and market afternoon return back to hotel.
DAY 02 : MEDAN – SAMOSIR
After breakfast drive to Parapat via Tebing Tinggi, on the way stop at several plantation for rubber, cocoa and palm oil, arrival at Parapat crossing to Samosir Island by ferry boat and arrival at Samosir check in to Hotel.
DAY 03 : SAMOSIR – EXCURSION
After breakfast excursion by boat on Lake Toba and visiting several Batak Toba traditional villages :
- Tomok : To see the old tomb of Sidabutar Kings.
- Ambarita : To see stone chairs and table, the execution place of Sialagan Kings.
- Simanindo: To see Batak traditional dance (Tor-Tor) and Museum. Afternoon return back to hotel.
DAY 04 : SAMOSIR – BRASTAGI
After breakfast crossing back to Parapat and then drive to Brastagi via Simarjarunjung with stop at Rumah Bolon (Long house) the old Palace of Batak Simalungun Kings and Sipiso-piso waterfall, arrival at Brastagi visiting fruit market and Batak Toba traditional village at Peceren. Afternoon check in to hotel.
DAY 05 : BRASTAGI – MEDAN / AIRPORT
After breakfast drive to Medan by Passing Sibolangit and Sembahe , upon arrival at Medan , directly transfer to Airport.
SUMATRA EXOTIC OVERLAND PACKAGE TOURS
Duration : ( 14 days / 13 nights )
DAY 01 : MEDAN – BUKIT LAWANG ( BUKIT LAWANG COTTAGE)
Upon arrival at Polonia Airport, pick up by our Tour Guide and then transfer to town for city tour visiting Sulthan Palace, Great Mosque and Kesawan Area( Old center of Medan) and then drive to Bukit Lawang, on the way stop at Rubber and Palm Oil plantation, arrival at Bukit Lawang check in to hotel, afternoon free at own leisure.
DAY 02 : BUKIT LAWANG TRACKING
After breakfast walking to the jungle to see the Orang Utan by crossing the river with traditional canoe and then tracking to the feeding site to see the Orang Utan on their feeding time.After feeding continue tracking on Leuser National Park for three hours tracking, where you can see more Orang Utan in their own habitat, several kind of monkey like long tail Macaca, Black Gibbon, Lizard and other animal, afternoon return back to hotel and free at own leisure.
DAY 03 : BUKIT LAWANG – BRASTAGI – LAU KAWAR. (MARI GUEST HOUSE)
After breakfast drive to Brastagi with stop at Sembahe river and Sukulikap waterfall and visit Batak Karo traditional village at Peceren, fruit market, and then continue drive to LAU KAWAR ( A small village near a small Lake at the slope of Sinabung Vulcano, surrounding by several plantation such as Orange (Mandarin), Marquise and Vegetables, such us Colli flower, cabbage, afternoon check in to hotel.
DAY 04 : LAU KAWAR – TOUR OR SINABUNG CLIMBING
Today for Mountain climber will start climbing Sinabung Vulcano early in the morning and will arrive at the Top of Sinabung in the Morning where you can enjoy the Sun Rise, after take a rest and explore Sinabung Volcano, return back to the hotel and will arrive at the hotel at noon and the rest of the day free at own leisure.“ For non climber will start a walking tour to the villages and farmer area where you can see the daily life of Batak Karo people, experience how to plan vegetable, rice or pick up the fruit on the tree during the harvest time”
DAY 05 : LAU KAWAR – SAMOSIR (SILINTONG HOTEL)
After breakfast drive to Parapat on the way visit Sipiso-piso waterfall, Rumah Bolan ( Long House ) the old palace of Batak Simalungun Kings and Simarjarunjung to see the view of Lake Toba, upon arrival at Parapat crossing to Samosir Island by ferry boat arrival at Samosir check in to hotel.
DAY 06 : SAMOSIR TRACKING OR MOTOR BIKING
After breakfast you may choose to explore Samosir Island “ The Area of Batak Toba people” by Motor Cycle to the Top of Samosir Hill to see Small Lake at the Top of the Hill called Sidahoni Lake, where of the way visiting several Batak Toba village, to see the activities of local people such us visiting children on the school, visiting the village where the local people make traditional hand weaving and other activities. When you prefer tracking, our tour guide will accompany tracking to the jungle on Samosir Island with the possibility to stop at several villages. Afternoon return back to hotel.
DAY 07 : SAMOSIR – SIPIROK (TOR SIBOHI HOTEL)
After breakfast crossing back to Parapat and arrival at Parapat drive to Sipirok, on the way stop at Pineapple, clove, and coffee plantation and visiting traditional market at Balige Sigur-gur and Sipoholon Hot Springs. Before arrival at Sipirok the day enjoy the nature by walking at the bank of Sarulla river, the rice terrace and arrival at Sipirok check in to hotel.
DAY 08 : SIPIROK – BUKITTINGGI (DENAI HOTEL)
Leave Sipirok for Bukittinggi by passing rain tropical forest of Rimba Panti and stop will be made to see the attraction of monkey picking up the coconut. Visit pepper, vanilla, cardamon and cinnamon garden, and crossing the equator line at Bonjol, afternoon arrival at Bukittinggi the charming towns of Minangkabau directly check in to hotel.
DAY 09 : BUKITTINGGI – TRACKING TO SIANOK CANYON
After breakfast drive to Sianok Canyon and then start tracking on Sianok Canyon by explore the River, jungle, rice field on Sianok Canyon , and then continue tracking to KOTO GADANG Village which is famous for its Silver work. Afternoon arrival at Koto Gadang Village pick up by driver and then drive back to Bukittinggi.
DAY 10 : BUKITTINGGI – MINANG KABAU TOUR
After breakfast drive to Batu Sangkar via Tabek Patah, on the way stop at Rao-Rao to visit Minangkabau traditional village and stop to see traditional village and stop to see traditional coffee milling, arrival at Batu Sangkar drive to Pagaruyung to visit the Palace of Minangkabau Kingdom, afternoon return to Bukittinggi via Padang Panjang and visit Pandai Sikat village to see Minangkabau traditional hand weaving and wood carving.
DAY 11.BUKITTINGGI – PUNCAK LAWANG TRACKING TO MANINJAU (PASIR PANJANG HTL)
After breakfast drive to Punacak Lawang, on the way stop at Koto Gadang village to see traditional silver work and arrival at Puncak Lawang tracking to Minjau via Lawang jungle on the way down to Lake Maninjau enjoying coffee break at traditional coffee shop in the jungle, during the tracking the opportunity to walk at the bank of rice field and village. Upon arrival at Maninjau check in to hotel.
DAY 12 : MANINJAU – FREE
Today is your free time to swim on Lake Maninjau , walking or cycling around the Lake .
DAY 13 : MANINJAU – PADANG ( INNA MUARA / SIMILAR)
After breakfast drive to Padang via Pariaman with stop at Artha beach and arrival at Padang visit Muara beach and then check in to hotel.
DAY 14 : HOTEL – AIRPORT / TRANSFER
After breakfast transfer to Airport for your flight to next destination and for the participant who want to continue their trip to South Sumatera Adventure, will stay extra night in Padang with tour to Big root bridge at Padang .
Should there be any futher questions, please do not hesitate to contact us of the above tour program and pricing. E-mail us NOW for any of your inquiries !
The itineraries that you may find of interest are listed in our tour programs are merely some sample of suggested-Package Tours which can be customized to suit your own particular point of interest.
View our South Sulawesi Sample Tour Package
