14 Days SUMATRA DISCOVERY - From the highland to the island
Itinerary
Day 2
Jungle trek in Bukit Lawang.
After breakfast, we will start our jungle trek by walking along the river, then heading uphill and crossing rubber plantations to reach the entrance of Gunung Leuser National Park. Once you have entered the jungle, you may have the chance to spot semi-wild Sumatran orangutans if you’re fortunate, as some of them are accustomed to human presence due to the popularity of these short treks. You will have time to observe them swinging in the trees and caring for their young—an unforgettable experience. After a jungle lunch, we will continue walking through the jungle to discover more amazing wildlife, including Long-Tailed Macaques, Pig-Tailed Macaques, Thomas Leaf Monkeys, and Monitor Lizards. We will take a break at a small creek or a waterfall for a refreshing swim. End your trek with a fun and refreshing experience: take the "jungle taxi" (rafting ride) along the Bohorok River back to Bukit Lawang! Your guide will return you to your guesthouse around 3:00 or 4:00 pm. We will visit local villages afterward. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 3
Road to Lake Toba
Today, we will continue our journey to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. The drive will take approximately 8 hours, with stops at several lovely locations along the route, including Berastagi fruit market, Sipiso-piso waterfall, and Lingga Village. We will arrive in the Tuk-Tuk area by the end of the day and check into our hotel.
Overnight in a hotel.
Day 6
Explore Bukittinggi Region
After breakfast, we start our day to explore the valley by visiting the Japanese tunel, Sianok Canyon and visit traditional market. Depending on the seasoning time, possibility to see the word biggest flower, Raflesia.
Afterward, lunch along the road and continue to visit Taram village. Here you will have possibility to see the green forest with many kinds of tropical plantations, do the bamboo rafting and try the local culinary then to end of our day, the journey will finish in magnificent Harau valley.
Check in hotel and relax. Dinner on spot. (Abdi Homestay).
Day 9
Depart for SIBERUT
We will depart early in the morning at 7 am by fast boat to Siberut. Upon arrival, we will head directly to Muntei village for breakfast and shower. Meanwhile, our team will gather supplies such as food, water, and permits. Once all supplies are ready, we will journey into the jungle by motorised canoe, followed by a walk through muddy terrain to reach the Mentawai village (the duration depends on the river level).
A moderate level of fitness is required for the trekking, as the path can be slippery and muddy. Spend the rest of the day in the Mentawai traditional house, known as an "Uma," to learn more about the family who welcomes you. The conditions are very basic; you will sleep on the floor with a mosquito net and thin mattress, and shower in the river. However, you will have a unique experience sharing differences and learning about a new culture in the jungle, as the Mentawai live in complete harmony with nature and are animists.
Day 10
Live with the Mentawai
Experience life in the jungle with the Mentawai! Participate in daily activities with the Mentawai tribe, such as hunting in the jungle, fishing, crafting poison arrows, weaving rattan baskets, processing bark cloth, cooking, and preparing sago, their staple food. Enjoy jungle trekking and, if you are fortunate, attend a traditional ceremony featuring shamans according to their beliefs.
During this time, you will live as the Mentawai people do—showering in the river, sleeping on the floor, and sharing meals and conversations with them.
Day 11
From the jungle to the sea
Spend your final moments with the Mentawai! It is time to say goodbye to your Mentawai family and return to Muntei village by the same route as before. We will stop at Muntei village again for lunch and to freshen up before taking the fast boat at 3 PM directly to Padang, which will take approximately three hours. Upon arrival at Padang Harbour, we will head directly to Nagari Sungai Pinang, a small traditional fishing village in the south of Padang, where you will spend the last few days by the seaside.
Overnight at Ricky's Beach House.
Day 12
Support the local project