The 16 Best Things To Do In Sumatra, Indonesia

Last Updated: February 7 2024

Sumatra is one of the most underrated destinations in the world. It’s a large island in Indonesia, known for its variety of wildlife, jaw-dropping landscapes, local tribes, and towering volcanoes.

You’ll find many fantastic things to do in Sumatra, ranging from hiking in the rainforest to visiting a traditional village. No matter what type of traveller you are, there’s something for everyone here. We spent a week exploring this island and had the most fabulous time!

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit on the island. This way, you can really make the most of your time in Sumatra!

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The Best Things to Do in Sumatra, Indonesia

1. Explore Gunung Leuser National Park

If you’re looking for things to do in North Sumatra, we highly recommend heading to Gunung Leuser National Park. Covering around 1 million hectares, this tropical rainforest is a must-visit.

Famous for its biodiversity, there’s a whole host of wildlife to be found here. First of all, Gunung Lesuer is one of the only places in the world where you can find wild orangutans (the Sumatran Orangutan). Other species found in this rainforest include elephants, gibbons, sun bears, rhinos, and tigers.

Hiking through the jungle is one of the best things to do in Sumatra! To enter the park, you’ll require a permit and you need a licensed guide.

To visit Gunung Leuser National Park, we’d recommend basing yourself in Bukit Lawang. Fun Family Guest House is where we stayed, and the owner offers tours into the jungle. He is a fabulous guide and we highly recommend him!

2. Stay in Berastagi

Around a 2-hour drive from the capital of Medan, you’ll find the charming town of Berastagi. Located in the Barisan Mountains, this awesome place has a lot to offer!

Surrounded by two active volcanoes (Gunung Sibayak and Gunung Sinabung), the scenery here is naturally jaw-dropping. You’ll also find plenty of fantastic things to do in Berastagi, so we’d recommend spending at least two or three days in town.

Hiking up the nearby Gunung Sibayak is one of the top activities (we’ll talk more about this later), but you’ve also got the local hot springs, and Gundaling Hill, with the latter offering stunning views.

Not to mention, there are plenty of fantastic day trip opportunities from Berastagi. This includes Lake Toba, Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, and Air Terjun Sikulikap.

During our time here, we stayed in Kaesa Homestay and couldn’t recommend it enough. The owners are lovely, and one of them used to work for the tourism board!

3. Swim in Lake Toba

Visiting Lake Toba is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Sumatra! With a depth of 450 meters (1,476 feet) and an area of 1,145 square kilometres (442 square miles), it’s one of the largest lakes in Southeast Asia.

Not to mention, it’s the world’s largest volcanic lake as it’s actually the crater of a supervolcano. This was the location of the largest volcanic eruption on Earth (within the last two million years), and it took place around 74,000 years ago. It was estimated as a VEI 8 on the Volcanic explosivity index.

Located in North Sumatra, Lake Toba is absolutely beautiful. It’s one thing visiting it, but swimming in its waters is a whole other experience. However, beware that the water is pretty chilly!

Watersports are also popular in Lake Toba, including boating, canoeing, diving, and jet-skiing.

4. Explore the Capital City of Medan

Although many travellers tend to head straight out of the city, Medan is a great addition to any Sumatra itinerary. This bustling metropolis is the third-largest city in Indonesia and it will likely be your entry point, as you’ll typically fly into Kualanamu International Airport.

Although Medan has issues with both pollution and traffic (and it’s a bit of a culture shock), there are plenty of things to do here. First of all, there’s The State Museum of North Sumatra which is a great place to learn about the area’s culture.

Other worthwhile sights include Maimoon Palace, Tjong A Fie Mansion, and Graha Bunda Maria Annai Velangkanni. Centre Point Mall is another great place to wander around, as it has plenty of shopping opportunities and food options.

However, we will say not to spend longer than a day or two in Medan. There are many more beautiful places to visit in Sumatra instead!

5. Marvel at Sipiso-Piso Waterfall

Boasting a height of 120 metres (393 feet), Sipiso-Piso is one of the tallest waterfalls in Indonesia. Its name translates to ‘like a knife’ and upon seeing this natural wonder, you’ll see why!

There are two main ways to view the falls; from the platform at the top or by hiking down to the bottom of Sipiso Piso, as there’s a path that runs all the way down. If you can, we’d recommend doing both.

You can easily visit Sipiso-Piso Waterfall on a day trip from Berastagi, and there are two main ways to get here. We used the public minibuses to get there, or you can also hire a scooter and drive to the waterfall yourself (scooter rentals are extremely cheap).

In our opinion, this beautiful waterfall is a must for any Sumatra itinerary. Not to mention, you’ll be treated to striking views of Lake Toba from here too!

6. Surf at the Mentawai Islands

If you’re looking for things to do in West Sumatra, why not head to the Mentawai Islands? These jungle-covered islands are located 150 km (93 miles) off the West Coast.

As Mentawai is one of the most isolated places in Indonesia, it’s one of the best places to appreciate Sumatra’s culture (as this is where you’ll find hunter-gatherer tribes). Not to mention, there’s plenty of endemic flora and fauna to be found here.

However, the highlight of any trip here is the swells, as these islands are famous for being one of the best surfing destinations on Earth. Monster swells and waves can be found all year round, making this the perfect destination for serious surfers!

To reach the Mentawai Islands, you’ll need to first reach the city of Padang. From here, you can either take the ferry which usually departs at 7 am or opt for a direct transfer by speedboat (which many resorts offer).

7. Hike up Gunung Sibayak

Another of our favourite experiences in Asia, hiking up an active volcano in Sumatra! Gunung Sibayak is a Stratovolcano that overlooks the town of Berastagi (which we’ve already mentioned in this guide).

Also known as Mount Sibayak, this volcano stands at an impressive 2,094 metres (6,870 feet) high. Although hiking to the summit is a task, Sibayak is still one of the most accessible volcanoes in Indonesia, which means it attracts thousands of outdoor lovers every year.

From Berastagi, the hike took us around 3 hours to reach the top, but it will naturally take you less time heading down. Just make sure you pack lots of water and snacks!

If you stay in Kaesa Homestay as we did, the owner will go through the route with you. He’ll give you a hearty breakfast before you head up to conquer the volcano (he always suggests going with other travellers who are staying here).

8. Head to Kerinci Seblat National Park

Kerinci Seblat National Park is one of the best places to visit in Sumatra. Covering an area of nearly 14,000 square kilometres (5,405 square miles), it’s the largest national park on the island, as well as one of the biggest in Indonesia.

Home to lush tropical rainforests, striking mountains, and Mount Kerinci (Indonesia’s tallest volcano), the natural landscapes in this park will blow you away. However, it’s the wildlife that attracts people here!

Kerinci Seblat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as one of the world’s most important tiger reserves. You’ll also find a variety of other wildlife here, including sun bears, clouded leopards, elephants, gibbons, and tapirs.

The best way to reach this national park is by heading to Padang first. Private and public transport options are available from here, with the overland journey taking 8-10 hours.

9. Explore a ‘Ghost Village’

There are estimated to be around 35 active volcanoes in Sumatra, thanks to its location along the famous ‘Ring of Fire’. One of these is Mount Sinabung, which has erupted fairly regularly since 2010 after being dormant for centuries.

As a result of this, all of the villages within a 6.5 km (4 mile) radius had to be evacuated. All of the local people were displaced, as the government declared this area too dangerous to live in. The villages were left as they were, giving them the nickname ‘ghost villages’.

There are six of them in total; Sukanalu, Gamber, Guru Kinayan, Simacem, Kuta Gugung, and Sibintun. Although signs tell you not to stay in this area, many people choose to explore these villages.

We headed to Sukanalu from Berastagi, as we could get there by public transport. Wandering around the village was both interesting and quite sad, as you get to see how people just dropped everything, with clothes and school books still lying around.

10. Visit the Aceh Tsunami Memorial Museum

In the city of Banda Aceh, you’ll find the Tsunami Museum. This museum acts as a reminder of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami disaster and pays honour to the people who lost their lives or who are still missing.

In this museum, you’ll learn about this disastrous event, making it a must-visit. Here, you can watch footage of the event, see photographs, and watch a moving documentary. There are also household items that were destroyed in the tsunami, as well as models to depict what happened.

Not only is this museum an educational centre, but it’s also been designed as an emergency disaster shelter in case Sumatra was ever to be affected by a tsunami again.

The Tsunami Museum is only small, so you won’t need much time to visit. However, it’s still one of the best things to do in Sumatra, so don’t leave it off your itinerary.

11. Search for Wildlife

In our opinion, no trip to Sumatra is complete without searching for the island’s wildlife. There are 11 national parks in Sumatra and several of these are protected by WWF thanks to their incredible biodiversity.

Getting to see Sumatran orangutans in the wild has to be one of our top travel experiences to date. We spotted them while hiking in Gunung Leuser National Park, so we’d highly recommend spending time here and basing yourself in Bukit Lawang.

Now, if you’re wondering where to see tigers in Sumatra, then there are a couple of places you should visit. Kerinci Seblat National Park is our top recommendation, but there’s also Way Kambas National Park!

Other wildlife you’ve got a chance to spot in Sumatra’s national parks include elephants, Sumatran rhinos, sun bears, Malayan tapirs, and gibbons. As such, we’d recommend bringing along a camera with a zoom lens if you can (you can get some great photographs this way).

12. Head to Bukittinggi

If you’re wondering what to see in Sumatra, then why not explore the hill town of Bukittinggi? It’s around a 2-hour drive from Padang and is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a laid-back vibe.

The highlight of any trip here has to be Ngarai Sianok Canyon, which is located on the outskirts of town. This jaw-dropping canyon is a sight to behold and the best way to appreciate it is by visiting Panorama Park, where you can relax in a gazebo and admire the views.

Bukittinggi also offers some fantastic street food, while Bung Hatta Birthplace Museum is a popular spot if you’re looking to learn about Bung Hatta, the first Vice President of Indonesia.

Although there are a few other attractions located in this hill town, the main reason to visit is simply the atmosphere. Compared to other locations in Sumatra, this place only receives a handful of visitors.

13. Have fun in Bukit Lawang

If you want to visit Gunung Leuser National Park, then we’d suggest basing yourself in Bukit Lawang. This small tourist village is located right on the edge of the park and is where the majority of jungle trekking tours start from.

However, it has more to offer than that. First of all, thanks to the village’s proximity to Gunung Lesuer, you can spot a variety of wildlife from here, including monkeys (which may just run across your roof).

Thanks to the river running through Bukit Lawang, rafting and tubing are popular activities here, and of course, there are plenty of hiking opportunities nearby. Not to mention, there are some great cafes where you can try the local cuisine.

If you decide to visit Bukit Lawang, then we highly recommend staying at Fun Family Guest House. Although the rooms are basic, they are very cheap, and the owner offers tours into the jungle.

14. Relax on Nias island

There are plenty of awesome things to do in Sumatra, but if you’re looking to relax, head to Nias Island. Located off the West Coast, this beautiful island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and large swells (perfect for surfing).

Snorkelling is another popular activity, but there’s more to be explored within the island’s interior. Here, you’ll find lush forests, waterfalls, caves, and traditional villages. Honestly, this island has something for everyone, whether you’re a keen hiker or an ocean lover.

Like the majority of destinations in Sumatra, Nias Island is found off the beaten track. However, thanks to improvements in infrastructure, this tropical destination is becoming more accessible.

To get here, you can either fly from Medan to the island’s international airport or take a ferry from Sinkil and Sibolga. The ferries typically take between 7-10 hours.

15. Explore Samosir Island

If you’re headed to Lake Toba then we’d highly recommend staying on Samosir Island. This huge volcanic island is almost the size of Singapore and it’s the perfect place to relax.

We spent a couple of days here, just swimming in the lake, eating delicious food, and enjoying some epic sunsets. After an action-packed few days hiking up volcanoes and waterfall-watching, it was just what we needed! However, you can always see more of Samosir if you hire a scooter.

A highlight of exploring Samosir has to be visiting an authentic Batak village. This way, you’ll get to learn all about the Batak people, as they have a compelling history, and see their traditional houses.

To reach Samosir Island, you’ll need to take a ferry from Parapat. The ferry ride takes around an hour and will take you to Tuk Tuk, the main tourist destination of the island.

16. Visit the City of Padang

Finally, there’s the city of Padang which is located in West Sumatra. Often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Minang Highlands’, Padang is one of the largest cities in Indonesia.

Known for its scrumptious food, there are plenty of restaurants where you can try the local cuisine, specifically Nasi Padang. A popular option is Restoran Sari Raso which has some excellent reviews!

While in Padang, you’ll want to explore the Colonial Quarter. Although this area of the city was damaged in the 2009 earthquake, there are still plenty of opportunities when it comes to admiring the architecture.

Other popular attractions in and around Padang include the Adityawarman Museum, Masjid Muhammadan, and Air Manis (the city’s most popular beach). There’s also Pagaruyung Palace, whose architecture is rather impressive!

The great thing about Padang is that many of the attractions are within walking distance. Minibuses and buses also operate throughout the city, and metered taxis are an option too.

When is the Best Time to Visit Sumatra

In our opinion, there’s no bad time to visit Sumatra. However, if you can, try to time your trip with the island’s dry season, which typically falls between April and October. Just be aware, that this may differ slightly depending on whether you’re visiting North or South Sumatra.

During this time, there’s less rainfall which makes for better hiking opportunities. Sea conditions are also much calmer if you’re heading to the islands. If you head to Sumatra during the wet season, then you may encounter monsoons.

We spent just under two weeks in North Sumatra in February and encountered no problems! We got to visit all the places we wanted to and had no major issues with the weather. Going off our own experience, there were plenty of transport and accommodation options too.

Thanks to its location along the equator, Sumatra experiences a tropical climate throughout the year. You can expect average temperatures of 27°C – 28°C (80°F – 82°F) and plenty of humidity.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Sumatra

As you can see, there are endless things to see in Sumatra! Although we spent under two weeks here, we can highly recommend this Indonesian island as it has so much to offer.

Whether you’re looking to go jungle trekking and look for orangutans or you’d prefer to catch some waves, this incredible island has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for?

Just be aware that Sumatra is huge, and for this reason, we only travelled around the North. If you’re looking to explore the whole island then you’ll need at least two weeks (preferably longer).

If you have any questions about things to do in Sumatra then be sure to get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

Here are some other Indonesia guides you may find helpful:

• The Ultimate Bali Bucket List
• Visiting Pura Lempuyang Luhur
• Releasing Turtles In Bali, Indonesia

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