There’s something about Sumatra that feels raw, untamed, and quietly stunning. It doesn’t shout for your attention the way some destinations do—it simply waits, patient and steady, for you to discover it on your own. And when you do, you're met with ancient rainforests, smoky volcanoes, and small villages where time doesn’t rush. Planning a trip here isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about letting the place unfold gradually. Still, a little preparation helps.

Below, you’ll find a few solid itinerary ideas that will help you plan your time, whether you’ve got just a handful of days or a couple of weeks to soak it all in. Each option offers its own rhythm, so you can decide what fits best.

If You’ve Got 5 Days: Lake Toba and North Sumatra’s Essentials

Day 1 – Arrive in Medan and Transfer to Parapat

The moment you land in Medan, make your way straight to Parapat. It’s a four to five-hour drive, depending on traffic. Nothing flashy here, just rolling hills and a slow shift from city to countryside. Once in Parapat, hop on a ferry to Samosir Island, tucked right in the middle of Lake Toba.

Day 2 – Explore Samosir Island

Samosir moves slowly. Rent a motorbike and spend your day winding through pine forests and quiet Batak villages. Visit the traditional houses in Ambarita or the small stone chairs once used for tribal justice. If you need a break, there’s always the lake.

Day 3 – Back to Medan, Stop at Sipiso-Piso Waterfall

On the way back, take a detour to Sipiso-Piso. The waterfall crashes from a cliff with the kind of force that makes you pause. It’s a short walk, easy to reach, and absolutely worth it.

Day 4 – Orangutan Trek in Bukit Lawang

From Medan, head toward Bukit Lawang. The road's rough but manageable. This village sits on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park, where orangutans still swing from the trees. Hire a local guide and take a half-day trek into the jungle. You might spot a few other creatures, too, but the orangutans are the main draw.

Day 5 – Return to Medan and Fly Out

This day’s for winding down. Grab a local lunch, and maybe explore Medan's old Dutch architecture if you have time. Then, head to the airport, most likely a bit dusty and a little tired but satisfied.

If You Have a Week: From Jungle Trails to Volcano Edges

Day 1 – Arrive in Medan and Head to Bukit Lawang

Go straight from the airport to Bukit Lawang. You’ll get there by late afternoon, just in time to check into a riverside lodge and listen to the gibbons calling as dusk sets in.

Day 2 – Full-Day Jungle Trek

This is not your usual morning walk. Expect to sweat, slip, and climb. But you'll also find yourself in the middle of a tropical forest that feels alive in every corner. If the conditions are right, you'll spot orangutans, Thomas-leaf monkeys, and hornbills. Lunch is often a wrapped banana leaf picnic, eaten on a log somewhere deep in the trees.

Day 3 – Transfer to Berastagi

From Bukit Lawang, head toward the highlands. The drive is long, so break it up with a few photo stops. Berastagi is cooler and cloudier, and the town itself sits in the shadow of two active volcanoes.

Day 4 – Hike Mount Sibayak at Sunrise

You’ll start in the dark. The trail isn’t too difficult, though it’s steep in places. When you reach the top, the view opens wide. Sulfur steam hisses from vents in the rocks, and the valley below begins to glow as the sun comes up. Afterward, reward yourself with a soak in the hot springs.

Day 5 – Explore Local Villages, Then Head to Lake Toba

Before leaving Berastagi, stop by a local market or a traditional Karo house. Then it’s on to Lake Toba again, which always feels like a soft landing. Settle into a lakeside guesthouse and let the day end slowly.

Day 6 – Free Day on Samosir Island

No plans are needed here. Swim, read, and nap in a hammock. Or, if you're feeling restless, take another ride around the island. Every curve in the road brings something new—a small church, a roadside food stall, a view that makes you pause.

Day 7 – Return to Medan and Depart

Take the morning ferry, then head back to Medan. If you time it right, you’ll be on an afternoon or evening flight home.

With 10–14 Days: West Sumatra’s Wild Side

Start in Padang

Padang doesn't usually get the spotlight, but it serves as the gateway to some of Sumatra's finest natural attractions. From here, you'll have access to Mentawai Islands, Kerinci Seblat National Park, and the volcanic highlands of West Sumatra.

Mentawai Islands (4 Days)

These islands are accessible by ferry and offer some of the best surfing spots in the region. Even if surfing's not your thing, the villages here are quiet, and traditional life continues much as it has for decades. Stay in a simple lodge and walk through the forest with a local guide who knows the land like the back of his hand.

Kerinci Seblat National Park (4 Days)

Back on the mainland, make your way to Sungai Penuh. From here, you can explore the park. This is tiger country—though you’re unlikely to see one. Still, there’s something about walking through a place knowing it’s still wild. You can hike to Mount Kerinci if you're feeling strong—it’s the highest volcano in Indonesia.

Bukittinggi and the Harau Valley (3 Days)

Wind down in Bukittinggi. It’s a charming town with colonial touches, surrounded by misty canyons and terraced rice fields. A trip to Harau Valley feels like stepping into a postcard—cliffs rise sharply on both sides, waterfalls pour down with no warning, and buffalo graze quietly in the fields below.

End in Padang (1 Day)

Circle back to Padang for your flight out. Spend your last evening with a plate of spicy Padang food—just be ready for the chili heat—and maybe a walk along the beach if time allows.

A Few Final Thoughts

Sumatra isn’t polished. That’s part of what makes it beautiful. Roads can be rough, schedules might change, and comfort isn’t always a given. But if you’re willing to go with the flow and stay curious, it has a way of surprising you.

So, whether you’ve got a few days or a couple of weeks, let Sumatra set the pace. Pack light, plan loose, and leave some room for the unexpected. That’s where the best parts usually hide.