Beginning the Journey: Yogyakarta to Medan, North Sumatra
Our trip began at Tugu Station Yogyakarta, where we boarded the airport train to Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) before flying with Lion Air to Medan.
We landed at Kualanamu International Airport in the late afternoon and met Pak Armen, our driver and companion throughout the journey. The one-hour drive to Medan city led us to our first cultural stop, Masjid Raya Al-Mashun, where we joined the Maghrib prayer and received a brief explanation about the mosque’s history and significance.
Cultural Highlights in Medan
Before continuing our journey deeper into North Sumatra, we took time to explore two of Medan’s most iconic cultural landmarks. These sites not only represent the city’s historical roots but also highlight the rich multicultural heritage that has shaped Medan for centuries.
Istana Maimun – The Legacy of the Sultanate of Deli
Our first stop was Istana Maimun, the grand royal palace of the Deli Sultanate. Its unique architecture blending Malay, Mughal, and European influences stands as a symbol of Medan’s royal past. Inside, we admired the ornate hall, antique furniture, and historic artifacts that tell the story of the sultanate’s political and cultural significance. The palace remains one of the most important heritage attractions in North Sumatra, drawing visitors who want to understand the region’s aristocratic lineage.
Vihara Gunung Timur – A Center of Buddhist Culture in Medan
We then visited Vihara Gunung Timur, one of the largest and most active Buddhist temples in Medan. The temple complex is beautifully decorated with intricate Chinese architectural elements, incense-filled prayer halls, and colorful guardian statues. It serves as a cultural anchor for Medan’s Chinese Indonesian community and highlights the religious diversity that defines the city.
Jeep Adventure Through the Jungle to Bukit Lawang
The next leg of our journey took us to Bukit Lawang by jeep with Mr. Mega, the owner of Mega Inn. The 2-hour route passed through smooth asphalt, gravel roads, palm plantations, and numerous small bridges, offering a true North Sumatra off-road experience.
Upon arrival at Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang, we crossed yet another hanging bridge. As sunset arrived, the jungle came alive—long-tailed macaques leaping between trees and the evening chorus of wildlife surrounding us.
Bukit Lawang Trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park
Bukit Lawang is one of the main gateways to Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage rainforest known for wild orangutans.
We joined our guide for a 3-hour trekking journey, encountering:
-Long-tailed macaques
-Thomas’s leaf monkeys
-A chameleon
-Wild bees
-A few leeches—common during rainy season
Although orangutans didn’t appear due to consecutive rainy days, the dense rainforest and its biodiversity made the trek unforgettable.
Adventure River Tubing on the Bohorok River
Despite the rain, we continued our adventure by tubing along Sungai Bohorok. Assisted by local guides, we navigated strong rapids and enjoyed the thrilling energy of the river. Afterward, we continued our journey toward Berastagi.
Exploring Berastagi: Highland Market and Sibayak Volcano
In Berastagi, we visited the bustling traditional market, enjoying fresh produce and tasting the famous passion fruits and Berastagi oranges.
The following morning, we trekked to Mount Sibayak with our guide, Mr. Arifin. The route offered changing vegetation, volcanic steam vents, and atmospheric mist—an ideal experience for adventure travelers seeking highland landscapes in North Sumatra.
Lake Toba Crossing and Arrival at Samosir Island
From Berastagi, we drove to the breathtaking Sipiso-piso Waterfall, one of Indonesia’s tallest and most iconic waterfalls. In the afternoon, we boarded a ferry across Lake Toba, reaching Samosir Island just in time to enjoy a golden sunset over the volcanic caldera lake.
Immersing in Samosir Culture and Batak Heritage
Samosir Island, located at the heart of Lake Toba, is widely known as the cultural center of the Batak Toba people. During our North Sumatra exploration, we immersed ourselves in the island’s rich Batak culture, visiting a series of cultural and natural landmarks that highlight the deep traditions of the region.
Our cultural journey through Samosir included:
A traditional Batak weaving house, where local artisans demonstrated the intricate process of creating ulos, the iconic woven cloth of the Batak community.
Huta Siallagan, an ancient Batak cultural village famous for its historic stone chairs, cultural storytelling, and insights into Batak Toba customs.
Sigantunttung Sampuran Na Pitu Waterfall, a scenic natural attraction surrounded by lush landscapes and local folklore.
Penatapan Parhallow, a panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping views of Samosir Island and the Lake Toba caldera.
Tomok Village, home to ancient royal tombs, traditional Batak architecture, and a lively handicraft market.
These experiences offered a deeper understanding of Samosir Island’s cultural heritage, allowing us to connect with the living traditions, artistry, and ancestral stories that shape communities around Lake Toba. This cultural immersion is a must for travelers seeking authentic experiences in North Sumatra.
Closing the Journey: Return to Medan and Flight Home
Our final hours were spent traveling overland back to Medan before flying to Yogyakarta. Closing the journey filled with wildlife encounters, rainforest adventures, cultural immersion, and meaningful insights.