Sumatra is the second-largest island of the Greater Sunda Islands and the sixth-largest in the world. However, it is the largest island that is fully within Indonesian territory. Sumatra is known for its vast jungles and a diverse rainforest ecosystem. Besides exploring the tropical flora and fauna, you can also interact with the locals and learn more about the region’s history and traditions. This guide highlights the best things to do in Sumatra and all you need to know before planning your trip.
1. Visit Gunung Leuser National Park
Gunung Leuser National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers, famous for the Sumatran orangutan trekking and sightseeing adventures. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the few places where you can see critically endangered species like Sumatran orangutans, elephants, tigers, and rhinos in their natural habitat.
During the jungle treks, you will also encounter macaques, gibbons, and hornbills. The park’s vast tropical rainforest spans over 7,000 square kilometres, making it a crucial area for wildlife conservation. It is worth noting that wildlife watching is ranked among the top things to do in Indonesia, and one of the best wildlife sanctuaries you can find is the Gunung Leuser National Park.
2. Trek Mount Kerinci
If you are in for a fun and adventurous hike, one must-visit spot is Mount Kerinci. At 3,805 meters above sea level, it is the highest volcano in Indonesia. You can join the other Mount Kerinci trekking groups or hire a local guide if you want to summit the iconic mountain solo or with family.
The trek features three posts and three shelters, with the final leg of the summit being slightly challenging. You should prepare in advance if you want to climb this mountain without much difficulty.
3. Relax at Lake Toba
Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world, with an area of 1,145 square kilometres and a depth of 450 meters. It is located in north-central Sumatra in the caldera of Toba Supervolcano. Thanks to the various Lake Toba attractions, which range from kayaking and jet-skiing to biking around the coastline and nearby villages, this lake is one of the most visited places in Indonesia.
4. Explore the Batak Villages
The Toba Batak is an indigenous community recognized as an ethnic minority in Indonesia. This community lives near Lake Toba and has benefitted from the thriving tourism around the lake.
To immerse yourself in the Batak culture, visit the traditional Batak houses and interact with the locals around the lake. This will give you a glimpse into the community’s ancient customs and architecture. Learning about the Toba Bataks’ history, from their ancestral rituals to their conversion to Christianity, can be quite fascinating.
5. Discover Pulau Weh
Pulau Weh is a hidden gem in northern Sumatra, offering beautiful unspoiled beaches, coral reefs and excellent water activities. The Pulau Weh snorkelling and diving, for instance, attracts both locals and visitors. This island’s tranquil environment makes for the perfect retreat for nature lovers, particularly families and diving enthusiasts. Compared to the things to do in Raja Ampat, a popular island in Papua, Indonesia, the serenity of Pulau Weh promises an almost identical marine experience.
6. Hike in the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park
The Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park abbreviated as BBSNP, is a UNESCO World Heritage site along the Bukit Barisan mountain range. This park spans three provinces and has a total area of over 3,500 square meters. Besides the Gunung Leuser National Park, wildlife tours in Sumatra are best experienced at the BBSNP. For an even more diverse wildlife experience, check out the things to do on Komodo Island, the other top Indonesian destination for animal lovers.
7. Surf at Krui Beach
Krui Beach is one of the best surfing spots in Sumatra. The beach is located on Sumatra’s west coast and offers world-class waves for all surfing levels. As noted in a recent guide, the best things to do in Bali, it is undoubtedly clear that Bali is Indonesia’s surfer’s paradise, thanks to the spectacular waves. Krui Beach has gained attention over the years because of its idyllic surf breaks and the minimal crowds.
8. Visit Sipiso-Piso Waterfall
Located near Tongging Village, Sipiso-Piso is one of the best waterfalls in Sumatra. At about 120 meters tall, it is formed by an underground river stemming from the Karo Plateau. The waterfall plunges into Lake Toba and is surrounded by a green cliff and spectacular views of the nearby pine forest.
9. Tour the Mentawai Islands
A visit to the Mentawai archipelago is one of the best things to do in West Sumatra, especially if you are a nature enthusiast or would love to explore the local culture and traditions. This archipelago comprises four main islands: Siberut, Sipora, and North and South Pagai. Siberut Island is the most popular and often the most accessible.
During your Mentawai Island adventure, you will explore some untouched beaches and world-class surfing spots, and you will even have a chance to interact with the local indigenous communities and learn about their ways of life. The fun activities you enjoy in Mentawai Islands are somewhat similar to the things to do in Borneo except that Borneo is more of a wildlife haven.
10. Experience Padang Cuisine
A visit to Sumatra is never complete without tasting Padang’s rich and spicy cuisine. Padang is the most populous city on the west coast of Sumatra and is one of the places you will spend quite some time in during your visit. While in the city, you can plan your Sumatra food tours to explore a blend of trade-influenced and indigenous flavours from Middle Eastern, Indian, and European traders.
Besides enjoying the sweet flavours and bold spices, the other things to do in Padang Sumatra include a visit to the Adityawarman Museum and a tour around the city’s oldest parts, such as the Padang-Chinatown and the Old Dutch buildings.
11. Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary
This elephant sanctuary is located between the river and the rainforest of Genung Leuser National Park. Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary is dedicated to Sumatran elephant conservation and has implemented some ethical tourism measures. A visit to this sanctuary is one of the best things to do in North Sumatra, i.e., besides exploring Lake Toba, etc.
12. Explore Berastagi and Mount Sibayak
Located in northern Sumatra, Berastagi is a small town known for its proximity to Gunung Sibayak and Gunung Sinabung, the two active volcanoes in the area. You can hire local guides to make your Mount Sibayak trekking adventure memorable.
That said, Gunung Sinabung is off-limits due to recent eruptions in 2013 and 2014. Your visit to the small town of Berastagi will probably be one of the many things to do in Medan Sumatra, so you want to plan your travel itinerary with that in mind.
Make Your Travel Itinerary Memorable
Sumatra is a large island divided into seven provinces. Whether you prefer some or most of the things to do in South Sumatra, North Sumatra, or West Sumatra, there is something for everyone.
Having discussed what to do in Sumatra, it is advisable to plan your itinerary around one or two regions rather than spreading yourself too thin and spending most of your time on long-distance travel. Even so, feel free to customise the trip to your liking.
