08 DAYS / 07 NIGHTS OVERLAND MEDAN - BUKIT LAWANG – PADANG TOUR

Welcome to Sumatra! Upon arrival at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, you will be warmly greeted by your personal tour guide. A comfortable private transfer will take you to a guided city tour of Medan, a bustling metropolis where colonial, Malay, Chinese, and modern influences blend. Highlights include: • The magnificent Great Mosque (Masjid Raya), one of Medan’s most important religious landmarks. • The Sultan’s Palace of Deli (Maimun Palace), with its grand architecture blending Malay, Moghul, and Italian styles. • A Chinese temple, reflecting the strong cultural presence of the Chinese community. Afterwards, leave the city behind and begin the journey to Bukit Lawang, traveling through scenic countryside and passing vast rubber and oil palm plantations. Upon arrival in Bukit Lawang, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Accommodation: Ecolodge Bukit Lawang Cottage / Rindu Alam Hotel / Wisma Sibayak or similar accommodation Meals: None

After breakfast, set off on a jungle trek in Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the richest tropical rainforests in the world. This 3-hour trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the park’s incredible biodiversity. With a bit of luck, you may encounter semi wild orangutans swinging freely through the trees, along with other fascinating wildlife such as Thomas leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, gibbons, black gibbons, and a wide variety of tropical plants and bird species. Your experienced local guide will share insights about the rainforest ecosystem and its conservation. After the trek, return to your hotel to freshen up. Later, continue your journey by car to Berastagi, a charming highland town nestled in the Karo Highlands. The scenic route takes you through local villages like Namu Ukur, Rumah Galuh, and Simpang Kuta Buluh, with sweeping views of the impressive Mount Sinabung, an active volcano that dominates the skyline. Upon arrival in Berastagi around midday, visit Lumbini Natural Park, home to a golden replica of Myanmar’s famous Shwedagon Pagoda, explore the bustling Fruit Market filled with fresh produce and flowers, and enjoy the panoramic views from Gundaling Hill. After sightseeing, check in to your hotel in Berastagi and enjoy the cool mountain air. Accommodation: Mikie Holiday Resort / Sibayak International Hotel or similar hotel Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast depart for the legendary Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake, with an island the size of Singapore at its center. The journey includes several fascinating stops: • Dokan Village (a traditional Batak Karo settlement with distinctive wooden houses) • Sipisopiso Waterfall (plunging dramatically from a height of 90 meters into a gorge, with sweeping views over Lake Toba) • Tele Viewpoint (offering a panoramic perspective of the lake from its western side) • Efrata Waterfall (another beautiful cascade nestled in the hills) • Lumban Suhi-suhi (where you can observe women weaving colorful traditional ulos textile) By mid-afternoon, arrive in Tuk-Tuk on Samosir Island, set in the heart of Lake Toba, and check into your lakeside hotel. Accommodation: Tabo Cottages / Toledo Inn / Samosir Villa Resort Meals: Breakfast

Spend a full day exploring the cultural treasures and natural beauty of Samosir Island by car: • Ambarita Village, where ancient stone chairs and execution tables of the Batak tribal chieftains can still be seen. • Tomok Village, where you can view the centuries-old stone sarcophagi of the Sidabutar kings and learn about Batak burial traditions. In the afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy the tranquil lakeside atmosphere. You may take a stroll along the shore, interact with locals, or relax by the water. Accommodation: Tabo Cottages / Toledo Inn / Samosir Villa Resort Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, cross by ferry back to Parapat and continue the overland drive southward to Padang Sidempuan. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops at: • Plantations of pineapple, clove, and coffee garden, where the air is filled with natural aromas. • Balige traditional market, a lively spot showcasing local produce and crafts. • Sipoholon hot springs, with steaming pools set amidst volcanic landscapes. Before reaching Padang Sidempuan, take a short walk along the Sarulla River, bordered by terraced rice fields, offering one of Sumatra’s most picturesque rural views. On arrival, check into your hotel for the night. Accommodation: Mega Permata Hotel or similar hotel Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, continue the journey to Bukittinggi, a charming town in the Minangkabau Highlands. The road passes through the lush Rimba Panti tropical rainforest, home to unique flora and fauna. Along the way, visit plantations of pepper, vanilla, cardamom, and cinnamon, learning about the spices that have made Sumatra famous. A special moment awaits at Bonjol village, where you will cross the equator line, a unique photo opportunity. Arrive in Bukittinggi in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Accommodation: Santika Hotel Bukittinggi or similar hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today’s tour reveals the fascinating heritage of the Minangkabau people, renowned for their matrilineal society and unique pointed-roof architecture. Highlights include: • A scenic drive to Batusangkar via Tabek Patah, with a stop at Rao-Rao village to see a traditional settlement. • A visit to a traditional coffee milling site, where coffee is still processed using old techniques. • Pagaruyung Palace, an impressive replica of the royal palace of the Minangkabau Kingdom, richly decorated with carvings. • A stop at Pandai Sikek, a village known for its exquisite hand-woven songket textiles and fine woodcarvings. Back in Bukittinggi, enjoy a city tour including Panorama Sianok Canyon, Big Ben “land mark of Bukittinggi”, Fort de Kock, a local museum, and the bustling traditional market. Accommodation: Santika Hotel Bukittinggi or similar hotel Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast drive to Padang via Anai Valley, on the way stop at Anai Waterfall, arrival at Padang directly transfer to airport. It will take about 2,5 hours driving to airport to catch the flight to next destination. Meals: Breakfast