Overview
Stay close to the raw beauty of Sumatra, one of Indonesia’s most captivating ecosystems. These unforgettable 5-day Indonesia tours journey are among the best Sumatra trips, leading you through rich wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and scenic trekking routes. Spend 5 days in Sumatra exploring dense rainforests, meeting local communities, and witnessing the awe-inspiring Lake Toba - one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders.
Tour Highlights
- Experience the beauty of the vast Lake Toba and its surrounding plantations
- Explore traditional Toba Batak villages and learn about their history and heritage
- Enjoy stunning views of Lake Toba and the mountains in Berastagi
- Witness traditional dances and visit the tribal king’s house and Sipiso Piso waterfall
- Indulge in Sumatra’s delicious cuisine and taste fresh produce from the plantations
General Information
Tour Route: Medan – Samosir – Brastagi – Medan
Intended Travel Date: No Fixed Departure, Pick-Up Anytime You Wish
Start/End: Medan/Medan
Tour Style: Landscape, In-depth Cultural
Guides: Indonesia Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)
Transportation: Private First-class Air-conditioned Vehicles
What's Included
- 4-night accommodation with breakfasts
- Private air-conditioned vehicles
- English speaking guides (other languages upon request
- Cost for the ferry trip
What's Excluded
- Tips & gratitude for guide driver
- Personal expense
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Medan Arrival
Day 2: Medan - Lake Toba
Day 3: Samosir - Tomok, Ambarita & Simanindo Tour
Day 4: Samosir - Prapat - Brastagi
Day 5: Brastagi - Medan
Detailed Itinerary of 5 Days in Sumatra
Day 1: Medan Arrival - Start Sumatra trips
Halo! Welcome to Medan, the heart of wonderful Sumatra. Upon arrival at the airport, welcomed by your local guide and then transfer to your hotel in the city to check-in. After that, the rest of the day is yours. Spend your time to relax in the hotel.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 2: Medan - Lake Toba
Wake up to the sound of bird-song this morning and enjoy breakfast before your guide picks you up for Lake Toba, the mesmerizing natural lake in Sumatra. Consisting of an island almost the size of Singapore, Lake Toba is the perfect place to sit back, relax and absorb pristine beauty while exploring unique local culture.
Take a scenic drive along endless palm, rubber and cacao plantations, passing the historic city of Pematang Siantar. As you reach the lake’s shore, embark on a ferry to cross to the island of Samosir, a calm timeless stop on your Medan itinerary 5 days. Take your time to enjoy the view.
Overnight on the lakeside.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 3: Samosir - Tomok, Ambarita & Simanindo Tour
A full day to discover the charming villages on Lake Toba. You will visit typical Toba Batak settlements starting in Tomok to see the king’s tomb and learn more about local history.
Next you move to Ambarita village where you can view the famous stone chair and the execution place of King Sialagan. Enjoy traditional Batak dances and ceremonies before returning to your hotel. This authentic cultural experience is a memorable stop on many Sumatra vacations.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 4: Samosir - Prapat - Brastagi
The morning of day 4 takes you along the lake edge toward the Karo highlands. En route, stop to visit the tribal king’s house of the Simalungun Batak in Pematung Purba, where you can see an authentic Batak house and learn about the Purba dynasty. Next, visit the Sipiso Piso waterfall and nearby pineapple, ginger and clove plantations.
This afternoon, check in at the cool mountain resort of Berastagi and enjoy breathtaking views overlooking the dramatic mountain scenery, a refreshing highlight on many trips to Sumatra.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 5: Brastagi - Medan - End of 5 days in Sumatra
Today drive back to Medan through impressive route crossing the jungle. Upon arrival in Medan, you’ll be transferred directly to the airport for your departure. This concludes your enriching Medan itinerary 5 days, a journey filled with cultural discoveries, wildlife encounters, and natural wonders. Thank you for making your Indonesia tour package with Go Indonesia Tours.
FAQs About Sumatra Vacations
The best time to visit Sumatra is from May to September, when the weather is sunnier and rainfall is lower - perfect for Lake Toba views and exploring highland villages.
This tour covers some of Sumatra’s most iconic highlights, including:
- Lake Toba - the world’s largest volcanic lake
- Samosir Island - traditional Batak culture, dances, and heritage sites
- Tomok Village - ancient royal tombs
- Ambarita - stone chairs and the historic execution site
- Simanindo - traditional dance performances
- Sipiso Piso Waterfall - one of Indonesia’s tallest waterfalls
- Berastagi Highlands - cool mountain scenery and plantations
Sumatra has beautiful landscapes, and the drives are part of the experience. Approximate travel times:
- Medan → Lake Toba/Samosir: 4-5 hours (scenic plantation route)
- Samosir → Berastagi: 4-5 hours including sightseeing stops
- Berastagi → Medan: 2.5-3 hours
Your private vehicle stops anytime you need for photos, rest, or refreshments.
Yes, these visits are easy and suitable for all ages. Walking distances are short, mostly on flat paths.
Our guide always adjusts the pace depending on your group and can assist seniors or young children whenever needed.
We use private, first-class air-conditioned vehicles such as Toyota Avanza, Innova, HiAce, or similar depending on group size.
Your car is comfortable, clean, and driven by licensed local drivers experienced with Sumatra’s routes.
- Medan: Excellent signal & WiFi
- Samosir Island: Generally good, though some remote areas may have weaker coverage
- Berastagi: Stable mobile signal; hotel WiFi available
Overall, you will stay connected throughout the trip, but expect occasional slow speeds in rural mountain areas.
Hotels during this tour are clean, comfortable, and selected for their safety, service, and great locations.
- In Samosir, you will stay at a lakeside hotel with beautiful views
- In Berastagi, accommodations are cool, peaceful mountain resorts
Upgrades to 4–5 star hotels are available upon request.
Lena Fischer –
A truly immersive experience! This was my first time in Indonesia and the tour exceeded expectations. These 5 days in Sumatra were filled with jungle trekking, local food, and peaceful moments by Lake Toba. Definitely one of the most authentic Sumatra trips available.
Thomas Green –
If you're planning any trips to Sumatra, don’t miss this one. The itinerary was well-paced, accommodations were comfortable, and the local guides were so knowledgeable. An ideal choice for those who want to explore Sumatra without stress.
Maria Reyes –
I joined this tour with my best friend, and it was the perfect short escape! These 5 days in Sumatra were packed with breathtaking views, wildlife, and cultural charm. It’s one of the most relaxing and rewarding Sumatra vacations I’ve ever had.
Luke Anderson –
As an Aussie who loves nature, I was blown away by this experience. This is one of the best Sumatra trips I’ve ever taken. Lake Toba was stunning, and the cultural encounters made the journey even more memorable. Everything was well-organized from start to finish.
Amanda Johnson –
Our 5 days in Sumatra with Go Indonesia Tours was nothing short of magical. From trekking through the jungle to meeting the orangutans in Bukit Lawang, every day was filled with adventure and authenticity. I highly recommend this tour to anyone planning trips to Sumatra!