10 Days The Journey of discovery
Get ready to experience something special, a truly unforgettable experience. If you are looking to get off the beaten track and do something truly unlike any other tour then this is for you! Explore Bali’s lesser known neighbour Sumatra! Overflowing with luscious jungles, rich culture, untouched beaches and thriving wildlife, Sumatra may quickly become your new favourite destination in Indonesia! Uncover Sumatra with us as we go off grid in untamed jungles with the local tribe of the Mentawai village! Learn survival skills, foraging and visit one of the only Shaman’s left in Sumatra for a spiritual experience, slip and slide as we river tube through jungle rapids before lacing up our boots trekking through the forest in search of Orangutans, monkeys and an array of diverse tropical wildlife! Go to bed with the sounds of local birds and wake up to the sounds of the ocean waves as we round off our bucket list trip with beach days, island hopping and volunteering at a local turtle centre or teaching English to local children or surf lessons! Now that’s a s’hell of a good time!
Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome To Sumatra
The time has come! No more waiting, your bags are packed and you are on your way and so is the rest of the other group members. Arriving in Medan airport from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, meet and greet with our team at the airport and we’re off to the lush wilderness of Bukit Lawang, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Sumatra. Prepare to be captivated by the untamed beauty of nature as you set foot in this breath-taking paradise. Once we arrive we will have some time to drop off our things and grab a bite to eat before we spread our wings ‘metaphorically, of course’ and experience the adventure of the enigmatic Bat Cave. As the adventure draws to a close we will make our way back to our accommodation before heading out for dinner on our first local night out.
DAY 2
Exploring Bukit Lawang And Jungle Camping
We are putting our trekking boots on as we head off to spot the local wildlife. Be on the lookout for Orangutans, monkeys, tropical birds and so much more as we venture into the rainforest. Work up an appetite from all the walking, as your local guide has prepared an appetizing lunch, dinner and breakfast for you to eat in the heart of the jungle.Enjoy a goodnight of sleep under your jungle tent in the middle of Gunung Leuser National Park, protected by a large bamboo frame covered with a plastic sheet, and fall asleep with the sounds of the Sumatran jungle! What an incredible experience!
DAY 3
Jungle Morning & River Tubing
After the jungle harmony, keep trekking for 3-4 hours and look for other rare wildlife such as jungle Turtles, White-Handed Gibbon or the Great Argus bird and enjoy the last bath in the river of Bahorok. After lunch, we are going to switch up our mode of transport. Take off the boots and let's hit the river! Skip the Road, Take the Flow: Tubing on a river adventure from jungle straight to the hotel doorstep. Now that’s a wild time. Free to chill or explore the village before dinner time.
DAY 4
Fly To Padang!
Padang is characterized by its coastal location, facing the Indian Ocean. The city is surrounded by lush green hills and is known for its scenic landscapes. The nearby coastal areas offer beautiful beaches, so take advantage of some free time in the afternoon once we arrive. Why not head out and see what the largest city and capital of West Sumatra has in store. After the past few days of excitement we are taking a slower pace this evening to really soak up the atmosphere and appreciate those sunsets, a spectacle that paints the sky with a symphony of colours, casting a magical glow over the urban landscape. What a bliss.!
DAY 5
Mentawai Experience!
Depart to Siberut Island! We will start the journey by taking the fast boat at 7AM in Padang harbor and it takes approximately 3 hours. Arrive around 10 AM in Siberut. Upon arrival, we go directly to Muntei village to have breakfast, shower and our team will get the supplies in the meanwhile such as foods, water, permits etc. Once all supplies have been done, head to the jungle by motorized canoe up to the river and walk in the muddy jungle to reach the Mentawai village (a few hours, depending on the level of the river).
DAY 6
Life in the jungle with the Mentawai!
Share the daily life with Mentawai tribe and activities such hunting in the jungle, fishing, making poison arrow, making rattan basket, see the processing of bark clothes, cooking, see the Sago preparation, their principal daily food, trekking in the jungle, and if you are lucky, attend a traditional ceremony with shamans according their religion.
Today, you will live as a Mentawai people, shower in the river, sleep on the floor, eat with them, share and communicate with them.
DAY 7
Let's Go To The Beach!
It’s time to say goodbye to the jungle and head to the beach! We say goodbye to the locals of the Mentawai village and hello to a slow beach life. Depart to the harbour after breakfast and In the afternoon we head to Padang and check out Nagari Sungai Pinang, this cool traditional fishing village hugging the southern coast of Padang. We’ll be spending our last few days in beach huts just a stone throw from crystal clear waters and surrounded by nature. Have the morning to chill before we travel to Padang. We arrive in the late evening, have dinner, a drink or so and get ready for our last few days spent on the beaches of paradise.
DAY 8
Island Hopping & Turtle Centre Visit
It’s time to island-hop, we’ll jump into boats and head to surrounding marine hotspots to jump in! Grab your mask and snorkel and dive down as we swim along the vibrant corals, colourful fish and even maybe a turtle or 2! Our day will have us visiting Turtle Point, Nemo Point and Snake island to witness the natural beauty of Indonesia’s quieter island. Head to the beach and feel the sand between your toes, the breeze in your hair and the sun on your face as we have a chilled afternoon. An incredible day and a hell of a good time! In the evening it’s back to our beach huts and dinner and drinks as the sun goes down.
DAY 9
Engage with the children and surf lessons.
Today we’ll learn the importance of conservation, how Sumatra supports turtles within the ocean’s ecosystem, we’ll also help bath turtles and reef replanting near the accommodation or care to join ocean plastic free projects. In the afternoon, joining the RBH Youth Development Program goes to school for English teaching to local students and cleaning the beach with the kids. Then continue it with a surf lesson and beach volley. In the evening, we’ll dance on the music floor with a local band, sip cocktails and sing along to the live music. It’s our last night together in Sumatra, it’s only right.. Right?
DAY 10
Chilled Checkout
As the sun sets on our incredible journey through Sumatra, it's time to say goodbye to all the memories, adventures, and bonds we've created along the way. These 10 days have been a mix of discovery, laughter, and shared moments that will always hold a special place in our hearts forever. Once you’ve travelled with us, you’re a part of the KITA-Fam for life so it’s not goodbye it’s see you later. Have a chilled check out and we’ll see you soon! your stay. This is not the end—it’s just the beginning of new journeys together. Until next time!