- \r\n \t
- When to visit Indonesia<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Documents and vaccinations to enter Indonesia<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- What to do and see in Indonesia<\/a>: Sumatra<\/a>, Java<\/a>, Bali<\/a>, Lombok<\/a>, Flores<\/a>, Sumba<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Suggested itineraries in Indonesia<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- How to get around Indonesia<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Backpacking Indonesia: costs<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Backpacking Indonesia: safety<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DJI_20240817115152_0919_D-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nNepal Van Java.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/div>\r\nWhen to Visit Indonesia<\/h2>\r\n
The Indonesian archipelago has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the rainy season, which runs from November to March\u2014with January and February typically being the wettest\u2014and the dry season, which runs from April to October.<\/p>\r\n
If possible, try to avoid July and August, which fall in the peak tourist season. Popular spots like Bali can get absolutely packed, but if you head to less-visited islands like Sumba, you\u2019ll likely encounter very few tourists\u2014even in the middle of August.<\/p>\r\n
Overall, the best time to visit Indonesia is April to June and September to October, when the weather is good, crowds are smaller, and prices are lower than in peak season. This also makes Indonesia a great destination during the rainy season in the rest of Southeast Asia.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC04658-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nKomodo National Park.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/div>\r\nEntry Requirements and Vaccinations for Indonesia<\/h2>\r\n
Most passports can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at the airport. This visa costs IDR 500,000 and must be paid in cash.<\/p>\r\n
That said, I recommend applying for your visa online before your trip\u2014it\u2019ll save you time at the airport. This is especially useful if you plan to extend your stay by another 30 days. If you get the visa online, the renewal process can also be done online. But if you get the visa on arrival, you\u2019ll have to visit an immigration office or go through an agent.<\/p>\r\n
You can apply on the official Indonesian immigration website<\/a>. The visa you want is called the \u201cB1\u201d visa and costs IDR 500,000, just like the one at the airport. As mentioned, it can be extended once for another 30 days (for a total stay of 60 days) by paying an additional IDR 500,000.<\/p>\r\n
Important: When applying, you must upload proof of your departure from Indonesia within the first 30 days, even if you plan to extend your visa later. If your return or onward flight is outside this window, your application might be rejected. I\u2019ve included some tips on how to handle this here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC05224-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nInerie volcano.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n
If you\u2019re planning to stay longer than 60 days, you could do a typical \u201cvisa run\u201d (leaving the country and re-entering), but I recommend applying for the \u201cC1\u201d visa instead. It costs IDR 1,500,000 and can be extended twice, allowing a total stay of up to 180 days. For this visa, you\u2019ll need to upload both a return ticket within 180 days and a bank statement showing at least $2,000 in your name.<\/p>\r\n
Again, I recommend checking the official website\u2014for once, it\u2019s actually well done and the info is clear.<\/p>\r\n
The only mandatory vaccine is yellow fever, and only if you’re coming from a country where the disease is present. That said, I always recommend getting vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B when traveling.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC05774-HDR-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nDancing trees of Sumba.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/div>\r\nWhat to Do and See in Indonesia<\/h2>\r\n
Throughout this guide, prices are given in the local currency, the Indonesian rupiah (often abbreviated as IDR). At the time of writing, the exchange rate is approximately \u20ac1 = IDR 17,000. For the most up-to-date rate, I recommend checking this page<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n
Given Indonesia\u2019s vast and varied geography, I\u2019ve organized this section by island before diving into individual destinations. The map below follows the same logic\u2014for better or worse.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/guida_indonesia_cosa_vedere.jpg\")
\r\nN.b. Several times throughout the guide you will find links to\u00a0<\/i>https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/<\/i><\/a>. If you want to use offline navigation directly from the Alltrails app you need to upgrade to the pro version. However, you can get around this by downloading the coordinates from the desktop version of the site in \u201cGoogle Earth KML\u201d format and then uploading them to\u00a0<\/i>Organic Maps<\/i><\/a>, which is by far one of my\u00a0<\/i>favorite travel apps<\/i><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC05557-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nSunrise on the summit of Kelimutu in good company.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/div>\r\nSUMATRA<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Despite being Indonesia\u2019s largest island, Sumatra sees only a fraction of the tourism that more popular destinations like Bali, Java, and Lombok receive. That said, there\u2019s still a good range of accommodation\u2014especially in the central and northern regions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Banda Aceh<\/h3>\r\n
Banda Aceh, the capital of Indonesia\u2019s Aceh province, sits at the northwestern tip of Sumatra. The city is known for its strong Islamic heritage and is the only region in Indonesia where Sharia law is formally enforced. Sadly, Banda Aceh is also remembered as one of the areas hardest hit by the devastating 2004 tsunami.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
What to Do and See in Banda Aceh<\/h4>\r\n
For most travelers, Banda Aceh is mainly a transit point on the way to nearby Pulau Weh\u2014an island just off the coast, locally known as Sabang. That said, if you arrive too late to catch the ferry, want to break up the journey, or simply feel like exploring a lesser-visited Indonesian city, there\u2019s enough to fill a day or two.<\/p>\r\n
Visit a couple of tsunami memorials, such as the Tsunami Museum (Google Maps<\/a>) and the PLTD Apung (Google Maps<\/a>) \u2014a massive floating power barge carried inland by the wave, now turned into a museum. In the city center, I also recommend visiting the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque (Google Maps<\/a>). For IDR 15,000, you can climb the minaret for a panoramic view over the city.<\/p>\r\n
If you rent a scooter, head to Pantai Lampuuk (Google Maps<\/a>)\u2014a peaceful beach with some surf. Further south is the Suhom Waterfall (Wisata Air Terjun Suhom) (Google Maps<\/a>). Just a heads-up: according to hostel staff, the site isn\u2019t well maintained and there\u2019s quite a bit of trash.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC04924-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nOne of the monuments dedicated to the tsunami.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Where to Stay in Banda Aceh?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n
I spent a night at Lala Hostel<\/a>\u2014nothing fancy, but clean, functional, and run by very friendly staff. Recommended for budget travelers.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
How to Reach Banda Aceh?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n
The only viable land connection is by bus from Medan, though the journey takes over 12 hours. When I visited, only overnight buses were available (Google Maps<\/a>). Unless you’re on a very tight budget, I recommend flying. With advance booking, flights from Medan are extremely cheap, and there are also direct connections to Kuala Lumpur<\/a> with AirAsia. So if you\u2019re planning a Southeast Asia itinerary, Banda Aceh works well as either a first or last stop in Indonesia.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
From the airport to the city center, taxis charge around IDR 100,000. But if you\u2019re traveling light, you can get a scooter ride for IDR 50,000 (Google Maps<\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC04941-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nJapanese bunker on Pulau Weh.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pulau Weh<\/h3>\r\n
Pulau Weh, also known as Sabang, is a small volcanic island located just north of Banda Aceh. The surrounding coral reef offers excellent diving opportunities, while the island itself boasts beautiful, uncrowded beaches\u2014quite a contrast to the busier tourist spots elsewhere in Indonesia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
What to Do and See in Pulau Weh<\/h4>\r\n
Sharia law is in effect on the island. I had read that bikinis were prohibited and that swimming wasn\u2019t allowed at certain times on Fridays, but in my experience, tourists are generally given some leeway. In practice, these rules are mostly enforced for locals, and visitors are rarely affected.<\/p>\r\n
Snorkeling and Diving<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
Pantai Iboih (Google Maps<\/a>) and its surroundings are the best areas for snorkeling and home to most of the island\u2019s dive centers (the other option is Gapang Beach<\/a>, which isn\u2019t far). I had a minor ear issue, so I didn\u2019t dive, but a couple of friends confirmed that the reef is healthy and the diving is excellent. You can join a snorkeling boat tour here, or just rent a mask and snorkel and go DIY like I did. Rental for the whole day costs around IDR 20,000.<\/p>\r\n
If you go the DIY route, I recommend walking to a beach accessible via a coastal trail<\/a>\u2014it’s marked on Organic Maps<\/a> and easy to follow. The beach is virtually deserted; when I arrived, there was no one else around, and during my stay only one boat showed up with a couple of tourists who snorkeled briefly before moving on to their next stop.<\/p>\r\n
If you\u2019re not up for walking, Pantai Teupin Serkui (Google Maps<\/a>) is right at the start of the coastal path. It\u2019s quiet, shaded, and has a couple of restaurants with reasonably priced food. From this beach, you can snorkel along the coast all the way to Pantai Yulia (Google Maps<\/a>). I don\u2019t recommend crossing the bay to the island opposite the beach\u2014there\u2019s a lot of boat traffic and it can be dangerous.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC04932-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nSmall \u201cdeserted\u201d bay mentioned above.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Island Tours<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
If you rent a scooter, you can tour the entire island in a single day. The roads are in great condition and there\u2019s very little traffic. If you’re based in Sabang, you can start with the Japanese Bunker in Anoi Itam (Google Maps<\/a>). There\u2019s a small entry fee of IDR 3,000, plus another IDR 3,000 for parking. As the name suggests, it’s a World War II bunker built by the Japanese. Honestly, there\u2019s not much to see, but at that price it\u2019s worth a quick stop.<\/p>\r\n
Next, I recommend visiting Jaboi Volcano (Google Maps<\/a>). The entry fee for foreigners is IDR 20,000. A guide is available, but not really necessary. There are several trails; follow the signs to Kawah 4, which leads to a small crater (also marked on Organic Maps<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC04951-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nJaboi Volcano.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
It\u2019s a short and pleasant hike, especially if you\u2019ve never seen a volcanic landscape. I did it in flip-flops\u2014which I wouldn\u2019t really recommend. A proper pair of shoes is a better idea. Also, if it\u2019s a particularly hot day, between the heat rising from the ground and the sun overhead, you\u2019ll be roasting\u2014so try to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. There are also some hot springs nearby (Google Maps<\/a>), but I was already overheating and gave them a miss. That said, they might be a nice spot in the evening or on a rainy day.<\/p>\r\n
Next stop: Pasir Putih Beach (Google Maps<\/a>), also known as “White Sand Beach.” It\u2019s a lovely beach and was completely empty even on a Sunday. Unfortunately, since there are no resorts maintaining it, it\u2019s not the cleanest.<\/p>\r\n
A bit farther north along the coast is Wisata Gua Sarang (Google Maps<\/a>), a popular spot for local tourists. These are natural caves with several \u201cphoto spots\u201d that locals love. I didn\u2019t go inside, but I\u2019ll let you be the judge. The same goes for the Kilometer Nol Monument (Google Maps<\/a>), the northernmost point in Indonesia. It didn\u2019t really appeal to me, but see what you think! Finally, you might want to check out Pria Laot Waterfall (Google Maps<\/a>). I visited on a weekend when all the local kids were off school, so it was packed\u2014and, as is often the case in Indonesia, cleanliness left something to be desired. Still, if you’re looking to cool off and you avoid weekends, it\u2019s not a bad spot.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DJI_20240721073005_0715_D-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nWhite Sand Beach.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Where to Stay in Pulau Weh?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n
I stayed at Pondok Simpang Tiga<\/a>, a very budget-friendly place with air conditioning. The staff were super friendly\u2014they got me a brand-new scooter for IDR 100,000 per day, and on the day I left, they even gave me a free lift to the port. That said, if you\u2019re happy to spend a little more, there are definitely nicer options.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
During my stay, I made friends with the staff at Casa Nemo Beach Resort & Spa<\/a>, where I ended up spending quite a few evenings. It\u2019s a lovely property, and although it\u2019s not listed online, they actually offer a well-priced dorm room. The resort sits right on the beach and has a great atmosphere.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
How to Get to Pulau Weh?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n
From the port of Banda Aceh (Google Maps<\/a>), there are at least two or three daily departures, either by regular ferry (around 2 hours, IDR 35,000) or speed boat (about 30 minutes, IDR 100,000). The schedule seems to change frequently, so I recommend checking the Discover Sabang Instagram page<\/a>\u2014they post the daily schedule in their stories.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
To reach the port from Banda Aceh city, you can simply use Grab or Gojek. Just be aware that you\u2019ll be dropped off outside the port gates. Likewise, on your return, you\u2019ll need to exit the port to order a ride\u2014otherwise you\u2019ll need to take a traditional taxi. It\u2019s less than a five-minute walk, though, so not a big deal unless you\u2019re carrying a ton of luggage.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Once I arrived at the island\u2019s port, I found a scooter ride to my guesthouse for IDR 50,000. Taxis were asking about double, though of course it depends on where you’re staying. In hindsight, I\u2019d recommend renting a scooter directly at the port if you\u2019re traveling light. It\u2019s the most convenient option, especially since there\u2019s no public transportation on the island.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC04938-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nPria Laot Waterfall.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Medan<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Note: Medan, Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, and Lake Toba form a well-established travel circuit, to the point that there’s a real network of shared taxis shuttling between these destinations. Some travelers\u2014especially families\u2014opt to hire a private driver for about ten days. If you’re interested, check out Facebook groups like Backpacking Sumatra (Indonesia)<\/a> or Indonesia Backpackers<\/a>, where you can usually find WhatsApp numbers without much effort. Alternatively, many accommodations have reliable contacts, and you can ask directly at your guesthouse or hotel. Another option is to reach out to Bagus Holidays Taxi<\/a> via WhatsApp (their number is listed in the link). From what I\u2019ve heard, they generally charge a daily flat rate plus fuel. Finally, you could consider renting a scooter in Medan, as a couple of my friends did. AXE RENTAL MOTOR MEDAN<\/a> is often recommended, and they even offer airport delivery if you\u2019d like to start your trip on two wheels.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Sumatra\u2019s capital and Indonesia\u2019s third-largest city doesn\u2019t have much to offer in terms of leisure. Crowded and chaotic, most travelers just pass through\u2014arriving and departing on the same day.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC04959-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nKantor Pos Medan.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
What to Do and See in Medan<\/h4>\r\n
If you do decide to spend a day in town, there are a few colonial-era buildings in the city center, such as Old City Hall (Google Maps<\/a>) and Kantor Pos Medan (Google Maps<\/a>). I passed by them after leaving the train station\u2014nothing too special.<\/p>\r\n
One place I do think is worth visiting is the Tjong A Fie Mansion (Google Maps<\/a>), which is essentially a copy of the Blue Mansion in George Town, Malaysia. I had already visited the one in Malaysia<\/a> a couple of weeks earlier, so I skipped this one\u2014but if you haven\u2019t seen the original, it might be quite interesting. Tjong A Fie, the tycoon often dubbed \u201cthe Rockefeller of the East,\u201d spent much of his life in Medan and had this replica of his Penang residence built. Guided tours cost IDR 35,000.<\/p>\r\n
I also didn\u2019t visit the Masjid Raya Medan (Google Maps<\/a>), but it\u2019s often recommended. Designed by a Dutch architect, the mosque mixes Moroccan, Middle Eastern, Malay, and European architectural styles and looks genuinely impressive.<\/p>\r\n
A short walk away is Istana Maimun (Maimoon Palace) (Google Maps<\/a>). However, reviews are mixed\u2014apparently, only two rooms are open to the public, and they\u2019ve mostly been filled with souvenirs.<\/p>\r\n
Finally, if you have time, consider visiting the Maha Vihara Maitreya (Google Maps<\/a>) just outside the city. It\u2019s one of the largest Buddhist temples in Indonesia.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC04963-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nOld City Hall.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Where to Sleep in Medan?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n
If you decide to spend the night in the city, RedDoorz Hostel @ Capsule Inn Medan<\/a> is a solid choice. I stayed there for a night after arriving from Banda Aceh. Clean, comfortable, and in a decent location not too far from both the city center and the main bus station.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
On the other hand, if you have an early morning flight\u2014or just prefer to avoid heading into the city\u2014My Studio Hotels Kualanamu Airport Medan<\/a> is a great option. It\u2019s strategically located near the airport and offers a shuttle service.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
How to Reach Medan?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n
As mentioned earlier, there are overnight buses from Banda Aceh to Medan, but if you book ahead, a flight costs only slightly more and saves a lot of time.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
From the airport, there’s a very convenient express train that connects directly to Medan\u2019s central station (Google Maps<\/a>) for IDR 40,000. Departures are fairly frequent (you can check the schedule directly on Google Maps). Alternatively, DAMRI buses connect the airport to various parts of the city.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC05036-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nOrangutan in Bukit Lawang.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bukit Lawang<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Bukit Lawang is one of the few places in the world where you can see orangutans in the wild with near certainty. It all started with a rehabilitation and reintroduction program that officially ended in 2001. In practice, though, locals have never stopped caring for the orangutans\u2014many of whom are used to humans and know they can easily find food around the tourist camps.<\/p>\r\n
I’ve seen them with my own eyes, tangoing with each other for leftovers from guests\u2019 meals. Like it or not, the local economy depends entirely on their presence. The incentives are clear. So while these orangutans are \u201cfree\u201d and technically live in the wild, they\u2019re more accurately described as semi-wild.\r\nRight? Wrong? Indifferent? That\u2019s up to you.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC04970-HDR-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nBat Cave.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
What to Do and See in Bukit Lawang<\/h4>\r\n
The top activity here is trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park to spot orangutans. That said, you might be lucky enough to see other wildlife as well. In my case, besides a dozen orangutans, I saw plenty of Thomas\u2019s leaf monkeys, macaques, and even two gibbons.<\/p>\r\n
There are trekking options for all tastes (you can find sample itineraries online<\/a>), ranging from day trips\u2014where you return to your guesthouse at night\u2014to multi-day treks, where you camp in the jungle. The camps are basic but totally fine if you\u2019ve got a minimum level of adaptability.<\/p>\r\n
I chose the three-day, two-night tour, which ends with rafting back to the village. Most agencies officially charge around \u20ac170 per person, but you can negotiate a lower price. I went with two guys I met at Jhony’s Backpacker<\/a>, and we ended up paying about \u20ac130 each after some on-the-spot haggling.<\/p>\r\n
They call it \u201ctrekking,\u201d but to be honest, there\u2019s not that much walking. Still, I had a great time overall.<\/p>\r\n
If you\u2019re after something more off the beaten track, consider arranging a custom itinerary. Many guides are happy to take you deeper into the forest, even for multi-week treks, increasing your chances of spotting more elusive animals\u2014like the Sumatran tiger. I\u2019ve heard it\u2019s also possible to organize a crossing to Ketambe if you\u2019re up for an adventure.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC05122-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nOrangutan mother and baby eating leftovers.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Other Things to Do<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
There\u2019s not a ton else to do in Bukit Lawang itself:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Bat Cave (Google Maps<\/a>) \u2013 I went, but honestly, it wasn\u2019t that impressive, and the IDR 25,000 entrance fee didn\u2019t feel worth it.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Local market (Google Maps<\/a>) \u2013 Worth a quick stop if you\u2019re curious about daily village life.<\/li>\r\n \t
- River swimming \u2013 Join the locals near the pedestrian bridge (Google Maps<\/a>) that crosses the village. Great way to cool off!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Note: I recommend withdrawing cash in Medan before heading to Bukit Lawang, as ATMs are unreliable or nonexistent here.<\/p>\r\n
Where to Sleep in Bukit Lawang?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n
I stayed at Jhony’s Backpacker<\/a> before and after my trek. It\u2019s super cheap and very basic, but it did the job. I also arranged my jungle tour with Jhony himself\u2014he\u2019s a bit of a character, but he\u2019s honest and kind.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
How to Reach Bukit Lawang?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n
From Medan, there are frequent daytime minibuses\u2014look for the orange minivans parked here (Google Maps<\/a>), right in front of the bakery. They\u2019re easy to spot. Expect to pay IDR 50,000 as a foreigner.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Avoid going to the Pinang Baris Terminal (Google Maps<\/a>) as some blogs or guides suggest. The local \u201cmafia\u201d there is known for overcharging tourists.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
The last stop is the Bukit Lawang bus terminal (Google Maps<\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Alternatively, you can arrange a shared taxi like the ones mentioned in the Medan section.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC04977-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nThomas’s leaf monkey.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tangkahan and Ketambe<\/h3>\r\n
Tangkahan and Ketambe are two lesser-known alternatives to Bukit Lawang, ideal for travelers looking to avoid the \u201ccrowds\u201d and possibly enjoy a more ethical and authentic experience. I haven\u2019t visited either myself, so take the following with a grain of salt.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ketambe<\/h4>\r\n
Ketambe is often considered the sister village of Bukit Lawang. It too was part of an orangutan reintroduction program backed by the Indonesian government, and a range of accommodations was developed around that time. Today, it serves as another official access point to Gunung Leuser National Park.<\/p>\r\n
However, unlike Bukit Lawang, Ketambe is much harder to reach. That lack of accessibility has helped it remain more off the radar and, according to many, has preserved its authentic, low-key atmosphere. If you\u2019re looking for quieter treks and fewer tourists, this might be the better choice.<\/p>\r\n
If you\u2019re interested, you can find detailed information on how to reach Ketambe by public transport on this page<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tangkahan<\/h4>\r\n
Tangkahan is just over an hour’s drive from Bukit Lawang, thanks to recent road improvements. Besides a chance to spot semi-wild orangutans, Tangkahan is also home to a conservation project focused on elephants.<\/p>\r\n
Unfortunately, it used to be possible to ride elephants here\u2014something that has raised concerns about animal welfare. While the situation seems to have improved recently, some reviews remain critical, so it’s worth doing your own research if you’re planning a visit.<\/p>\r\n
That said, you don\u2019t have to interact with the elephants at all. You can simply arrange jungle treks, visit waterfalls, or just enjoy the quieter, less touristy vibe compared to Bukit Lawang.<\/p>\r\n
You can find more information on this page<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC05189-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nBerastagi<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Located in the heart of the Karo Highlands and surrounded by active volcanoes, Berastagi offers picturesque views, pleasant weather year-round, and makes for a perfect stopover on the way to Lake Toba.<\/p>\r\n
If you\u2019re traveling with a driver or by scooter, consider making a detour to Air Terjun Teroh-Teroh Petar waterfall (Google Maps<\/a>) before reaching Berastagi\u2014it’s a worthwhile nature stop.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
What to Do and See in Berastagi<\/h4>\r\n
There\u2019s not much to see in downtown Berastagi itself, but it\u2019s worth visiting the small Karo Batak cultural museum (Google Maps<\/a>), which offers a basic overview of the region\u2019s indigenous culture. Admission is just IDR 8,000. While you’re nearby, take a walk through the local market (Google Maps<\/a>) for a glimpse into daily life.<\/p>\r\n
Just outside town, you\u2019ll find Taman Alam Lumbini (Google Maps<\/a>), a Buddhist temple that came recommended by the guesthouse staff\u2014though I didn\u2019t visit it myself.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC05203-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nKaro Batak cultural museum.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Mount Sibayak<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
Mount Sibayak is an easy and scenic hike that can be done as a half-day trip from Berastagi (All Trails<\/a>). The entrance fee for foreigners is IDR 20,000, paid at the beginning of the main trail (Google Maps<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n
I hiked it on a Sunday morning and found it packed with people camping at the top\u2014it\u2019s a very popular weekend outing for locals from Medan.<\/p>\r\n
You don\u2019t need a guide to reach the crater, especially if you’re just doing the standard route. If you\u2019re planning a sunrise hike, you might need to arrange early transportation depending on your guesthouse location (during the day, public minibuses run from the center). I simply walked from where I was staying.<\/p>\r\n
Once at the crater, rather than returning the same way, consider continuing downhill toward the hot springs village (All Trails<\/a>). Be warned: the trail on this section is less maintained, not always well-marked, and some locals consider it dangerous without a guide. In my opinion, if you\u2019ve got a bit of adventurous spirit, it\u2019s totally doable\u2014but yes, the official trail is in much better condition.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DJI_20240728025317_0756_D-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nMount Sibayak with Mount Sinabung in the background.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
I ended up at Mitra Sibayak Hot Spring (Google Maps<\/a>), which I found randomly and really enjoyed. Entry was just IDR 15,000, and the hot soak after the hike was well worth it. From there, I walked back to town, but you can also catch a local minibus back to Berastagi for IDR 7,000 (Google Maps<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC05207-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nHot springs village.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Mount Sinabung<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
Gunung Sinabung has been highly active in recent years and is currently closed to the public\u2014climbing to the crater is prohibited. If things change in the future, it would likely be a great hike. Ask locally for the most up-to-date information. Trail details can be found here (All Trails<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n
Where to Sleep in Berastagi?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n
I stayed at Sibayak Multinational Rest House<\/a> and can definitely recommend it. While the room had seen better days, the beautiful outdoor garden, the kindness of the host family, and great food at honest prices made it a memorable stay.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
As mentioned earlier, if you don\u2019t mind walking a bit more, you can hike to the volcano directly from the guesthouse, which is a big plus.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
How to Get to Berastagi?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n
From Bukit Lawang, I took a shared tourist minivan (basically a shared taxi) for IDR 200,000. To my knowledge, public transportation isn\u2019t a viable option, at least not without first returning to Medan, where you\u2019ll find direct buses to Berastagi.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DJI_20240730014502_0784_D-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nLake Toba.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Lake Toba<\/h3>\r\n
Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world, measuring about 100 kilometers in length and 30 kilometers in width. The main tourist area is Tuk-Tuk village located on Samosir Island in the middle of the lake, the epicenter of Batak culture. The shores of Lake Toba offer a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking a few days of relaxation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
What to do and see at Lake Toba<\/h4>\r\n
As for Berastagi, before you even get to Lake Toba, if you have a driver or travel by scooter, you can consider stopping at Air Terjun Sipiso Piso Waterfall (<\/span>Google Maps<\/a>)<\/span>, which at 120 meters high is among the highest waterfalls in the country, and Bukit Gajah Bobok (<\/span>Google Maps<\/a>)<\/span> where there is a nice viewpoint.<\/p>\r\n
In Tuk-Tuk, moving on foot without necessarily renting a scooter, you could visit Huta Siallagan (Google Maps<\/a>) where you can visit traditional Batak houses, entrance costs IDR 10 000. On the way you will also find Museum Sipalakka (Google Maps<\/a>), entrance costs IDR 10 000 and you can see many stone works.<\/p>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DSC05208-Edit.jpg\")
\r\nBatak Museum.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
- Local market (Google Maps<\/a>) \u2013 Worth a quick stop if you\u2019re curious about daily village life.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Documents and vaccinations to enter Indonesia<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t