Wonderful 7 Days North Sumatra Tour (Include: 2 Days 1 Night Jungle Trekking)

Pak Arifan (+62 813-9652-5896) is a legit tour guide. During the planning stage he was actively suggesting to give us the best itinerary. He would pick up from airport and bring to the hotel, and basically stay with us the whole trip. During the trip he would tell stories and information, and help us take photos (he’s great!). Our trip is complete and safe with him.

I decided to plug a week in North Sumatra onto a trip to Malaysia - when I started to look at planning it myself the logistics started to run away with themselves which is when I came across the guys at Berestagi Adventures (with the help of Gemini). The tour I chose ticked all my boxes and was good value - I even added another night in Lake Toba due to me miss calculating my dates which was accommodated with no drama by Hendra who was my booking contact.  Collection from airport: My guide and driver for the week Konong and Risky picked me up on time and we headed to first activity base. Activity 1: Bukit Lawang and Orangutans - lovely little town/village built on the edges of the river. It was busy with locals cooling down with family time in the river and the kids running up and down with the inflatable tubes for a spot of ad-hoc rafting. I had a couple of goes down - was only $1USD for the tube for the day and good fun. Accomodation was EcoLodge which had a nice setting, friendly staff and good food. We were joined by JoJo (very well informed local guide) to guide us through the overnight orangutan trek. The hike was a bit tougher than I expected, mainly due to the humidity (take dry extra clothes for both days) - however the experience makes it totally worth it! We saw two females and their two daughters quite early on and then treked deeper into the jungle after lunch and were lucky to see another female and the alpha male. Majestic creatures and I was lucky to get some good shots. The climb down to the camp was quite tricky but being met by a semi-wild Orangutan passing through camp with her two weeks old was an added bonus. The river running past camp here was fresh and very scenic - locals kids jumping off the platform into the water (which I didn't participate in). Camp is basic, as expected being that remote, but you get cooked fresh food for dinner followed by an early night due to the rain. Next morning I chose a small hike to the waterfall and more time on the river as I got plenty of my good photos the first day - and didn't fancy going back up the hill again! To get back to the EcoLodge in Bukit Lawang a raft made of the inflatable tubes was securely put together and took us the rest of the way through some rapid resections and beautiful scenery with lots of families having a great time on the river waving as you float past. Activity 2: Berestagi and Mount Sibayak Hike - Checked into hotel in Berestagi - nice cooler temps and had a relaxing afternoon at hotel (which was nice with a cool rooftop restaurant area) and early night due to 4am wake up for the Mount Sibayak sunset hike. Risky picked me up right on time, I met Konong at the base and since I was solo we admittedly cheated the first road section as I grabbed a lift on the back of his motorbike. Meant we had plenty of time to get up for sunrise which fortunately was a decent one. Headed back down and went to the thermal pools where I had a fun chat with a few local aunties trying to set me up with their nieces - all in good spirit. Activity 3: Lake Tobo - relaxing drive through the beautiful north Sumatra landscape and around the edge of lake Toba which in a way reminded me of some European lakes. Checked into Tabo Cottages which I was pleasantly surprised by (and also still less humid), nice location and setting on the lake and generous sized room with well well landscaped grounds. I spent three nights here relaxing. One day went to visit the traditional village and viewpoint which was interesting to hear the history of the Batak people (their architectural style is evident all over the island).  The guys then got me back to the airport in very good time to make my flights home. Konong, Risky and JoJo did a great job taking care of me and we had some laughs on the way. It's a beautiful part of the world and very friendly people. Tour was good value and go in with receptive attitude (rather than overly demanding as some people can be) and you'll have a great time.

I have traveled all over the world and experienced many good local guides, but the guys in Sumatra were the best I have ever experienced. We sat down, had fun but most importantly they showed us everything, explained it and we had an amazing adventure not only in the jungle. By the way, we had incredible trackers and we saw all the animals that we came here to Sumatra for. I recommend it, we were on an 8-day trip and the guys showed us the island so much that I will come back here sometime and would love to see them again. Thanks again!

It was just perfect, perfect organization, just to be guided, incredible accommodations, super friendly guides and drivers, full of information, always punctual, adaptation to my particular desires, adaptation to my pb of plane, total security Book now, it's just an unforgettable moment with a super serious team

We spent 5 incredible days exploring North Sumatra—orangutan trekking in Bukit Lawang, rafting down the Bahorok River, catching sunrise atop Mt. Sibayak, soaking in hot springs, visiting Batak villages, marveling at Sipiso-piso waterfall, and hiking majestic Pusuk Buhit. Everything was perfectly organized—friendly guides, smooth transfers, and well-chosen stops. A perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the real beauty of Sumatra!

Superb tour guides. They organized a custom 7 day tour for us and it was excellent from beginning to end. Very straight forward process with Hendra discussing and negotiated hotel option, prices, etc. The guide Konong and driver Riski (don't worry, he is a very good and safe driver :-), were brilliant. The minibus was very roomy and comfortable. Travel was easy. Konong is very intelligent and we had very interesting discussions with him about local and international social, economic and political developments. We stayed at very nice hotels but upgraded a bit from their initial suggestions. I would recommend you do the same. All accommodation was good, but when possible, I would suggest not eating at the hotels and go find local restaurants instead.

Thought it was excellent, the whole supporting team was great and the tour ticked all the boxes for me. Everything organised well and Hendra was very flexible in tailoring the trip to my preferences. Didn't see as much wildlife as I'd hoped, however that was more likely due to going in the wet season where rain can make animals less active. In hindsight, I would maybe suggest going hiking earlier in the morning, because the pattern seemed to be rain in the early afternoon. Overall a great trip

I don't normally write reviews but after a wonderful 9 day tour with Berastagi Adventure, it was only fair that we thank them in a very public way. My wife and I went on the 7-day North Sumatra tour with a two day extension (at the beginning) to visit Batu Katak on the edge of the Gunung Leuser NP where we hoped to see (and amazingly did see) truly wild Orangutans as well as a host of rare plant and bird species. We are very grateful to Berastagi Adventure for helping to arrange the extension locally. And from Batu Katak, we then continued with the published programme visiting Bukit Lawang, seeing dozens more primates, birds, snakes and other wildlife. Massive thanks to our guides Henri and Jojo who somehow managed to track down two much wanted bird species (Rhinoceros Hornbill and Great Argus) amongst the other incredible wildlife in the Gunung Leuser NP. Sadly, we had to leave the national park after 5 days of leeches, camping, hiking and rafting but we then experienced the wonders of Mount Sibayak (more hiking - up the volcano for sunrise), exploring the history and culture of the Toba people and finally a restful couple of days relaxing on Lake Toba. Throughout the trip, the Berastagi team were brilliant - real local guides committed to making sure every aspect of our trip was a memorable one. Good hotels, remote lodges and one night under canvas - everything we asked for and more. And just if you are wondering, we turn 60 next year so even the oldies can do it. Thank you Hendra and the team for the many personal touches and going the extra mile for us. Good luck with the tour guiding.

I would give Berastagi adventure 10 stars out of 5 if I could. Flawless and professional from start to finish. I want to name all the wonderful people in the company who made our time in Sumatra so special. Hendra was great in communication, planning, setting up things. For 3 days Orangutan hiking in Sumatra our team was Hendri, Jojo and Torib. Our guide for hiking Sibayak was Anggi. Our drivers- from Medan to Bukitt Lawang was Riski and Bukitt Lawang to Berastagi and back to Medan was Irfan. The cars and accommodation were top class. Berastagi adventures had made sure to book top quality stuff and we were made very comfortable. The experience of the jungle was magical. Hendri, Jojo and Torib went out of their way to make sure that we had the best chance of seeing orangutans as close as possible. The food was excellent and the camp selection spectacular. The last day of tubing down the river was a once in a lifetime adventure which Jojo, Hendri and Torib made us feel very safe in. We knew we were in good hands. Jojo made us small orangutan wooden lockets as gifts. It was such a lovely gesture. These men are hardworking, courteous, friendly, helpful and do everything to make you comfortable. I cannot praise them enough. Both Riski and Irfan are efficient drivers. Professional, punctual and helpful. Anggi was a great guide for our hike up Sibayuk. A jovial, friendly young man, he took extra effort to give us more information about the volcano and local culture. I am so glad we found Berastagi adventure on TripAdvisor. Another great holiday memory, only possible due to great guides and a great company. I hope they go from strength to strength. Debashis, Nandini and Debi

I totally recommend this tour as it is very complete and you will visit wonderful places, you will see the most authentic Indonesia. Bukit Lawang is very beautiful and the jungle experience with the orangutans is amazing, Hendri, the Guide, bothers a lot for you to see the orangutans and enjoy, plus the experience of sleeping in the jungle is unique. After three nights in Bukit Lawang you will sleep in Berastagi and the next day you will climb the Sibayak volcano at dawn, it is an incredible experience to hear the roar of the volcano and feel the smell of sulfur, plus the views from above are very beautiful. The climb is made much easier with the help of the Guide, he always kept an eye on me and gave me conversation so that I would be entertained and not overwhelmed. The last part of the trip is Lake Toba and Samosir Island, the landscape is beautiful, plus there you will know the Batak culture. During the trip you can perceive different religions. The hotels have lots of charm and wonderful views. The hotel in Bukit Lawang is in the middle of the jungle, from the hotel in Berastagi you will see the imposing volcano Sibayak right opposite. Finally, the hotel in Samosir is very picturesque and has a swimming pool and direct access to the lake. The journeys between the places are long, but you will see jungle, soaring mountains, valleys, volcanoes, villages, palm plantations..., plus Mike, the driver will make your way very enjoyable as he is very friendly and Pro. This trip through Sumatra is wonderful for the landscapes and experiences, but it would not be the same without the professionals who accompanied me. For me it was very important the great work of the driver and guides as I traveled alone and was afraid of not feeling comfortable and safe, I will always thank you for how good you made me feel. Mike and Hendri are very professional and friendly and made me feel great and safe. Hendri took care of me at all times in the jungle. Mike is very good driver, Pro, on time, smart, friendly, funny, energetic. I really enjoyed the trip with him. I also met Rizky and Konong (the Driver and Guide travelling with a family who were on the same trip as me), they were also very friendly and charming to me. Terima kasih!