Trek for wild orangutans at Bukit Lawang
This is the reason most travellers come. Bukit Lawang, on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, is one of the few places in the world to see wild Sumatran orangutans, alongside Borneo. Guided treks range from a half day to multi-day jungle camps. It is the single most popular thing to do in Sumatra. Read our Bukit Lawang orangutan trekking guide before you book.
Slow down at Lake Toba
Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake on Earth, with Samosir Island at its centre, the heartland of Batak culture. It is a place to decompress: swim in the cool water, ride a scooter around the island, visit traditional Batak villages, and take in the highland air. Our Lake Toba guide covers how to get there and what to do.
Surf the Mentawai Islands
Off the west coast, the Mentawai Islands are a world-class surf destination, with consistent reef breaks and a season running roughly April to October. Most trips here are surf-focused, by boat charter or surf camp, and run separately from the northern jungle loop.
Hike the volcanic highlands
Around Berastagi, in the cool Karo Highlands, you can hike active volcanoes such as Sibayak, visit hot springs, and pass fruit and vegetable markets. It is an easy add-on between Medan and Lake Toba for travellers who like a volcano climb.
See more of Sumatra's wildlife
- Way Kambas National Park (south): one of the best places in Indonesia to see wild Sumatran elephants.
- Kerinci Seblat (central): Sumatra's highest volcano and dense rainforest, home to tigers (rarely seen) and excellent birdlife.
- Tangkahan: a quieter jungle area near Bukit Lawang known for its river setting and conservation-focused elephant encounters.
How to combine it
Most first trips stick to the north and loop Medan, Bukit Lawang, and Lake Toba over about a week, since distances are long and roads are slow. Adding the Mentawai surf or southern parks turns it into a much longer journey. Our Sumatra itinerary shows how the pieces fit together, and the best time to visit Sumatra guide helps you pick the month.
