KARO, LAKE TOBA & MINANGKABAU HIGHLANDS

Discover the diverse attractions of Sumatra. The ancient cultures of the native lands of the Karo and Toba Batak around Brastagi and Lake Toba in North Sumatra and the matrilineal Minangkabau of the Padang highlands in West Sumatra. The unspoilt natural beauty of the lofty mountains, active volcanoes, mighty rivers and crater lakes and an endless breath taking scenery.

DAY 01 : AIRPORT - HOTEL MEDAN
Meeting and greeting service at Medan airport on arrival, transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 02 : BAHOROK
We visit the feeding site of the Orang-utans of the Bahorok Rehabilitation Station and with a local guide we explore the rain forest of the park, trying to see some more wildlife. Overnight at guesthouse in Bahorok.

DAY 03 : BRASTAGI
After breakfast at hotel, returning to Medan to have a city tour, including the Sultans Palace and the Mosque, before driving to the Karo Batak clan township of Brastagi , a cool highland town with a colourful fruit and craft market. Here you may discover tropical fruits such as passion fruit, mango steen, durian, marquis and salak. Overnight stay at hotel in Brastagi.

DAY 04 : CLIMB MOUNT SIBAYAK
We walk for most of the day crossing rice fields and up through the jungle. It takes about one and a half hours to get to the base of the mountain and then another three hours to the top. It is quite steep in places so you must be fairly fit, but the rewards repay the efforts, as the scenery is beautiful. The rest of the afternoon is free in Brastagi where we relax and appreciate the cool highland climate. Overnight at hotel in Brastagi.

DAY 05 : BRASTAGI - SAMOSIR ISLAND
After breakfast at hotel, we drive to the small lake side resort of Parapat on Lake Toba , from where we board a boat to Samosir Island . Afternoon check in hotel in Samosir Island for overnight stay.

DAY 06 : SAMOSIR ISLAND
Sightseeing Samosir Island . We visit traditional Toba Batak villages and the historical sites of Tomok, Ambarita and others, on foot or bicycle. Overnight at hotel in Samosir Island .

DAY 07 : SAMOSIR ISLAND
Free program. Time to relax, swim or explore the remote areas of Samosir Island . Overnight at hotel in Samosir Island .

DAY 08 : SAMOSIR ISLAND - PDG SIDEMPUAN
After breakfast at the hotel, by boat to Parapat and drive to Padang Sidempuan through jungle-clad hill country. Overnight at hotel in Padang Sidempuan.

DAY 09 : PADANG SIDEMPUAN - BUKITTINGGI
After breakfast at hotel, continue through the vast jungle interior of Sumatra into the heartland of the Minangkabau people. En route we stop on the equator and a hot spring in a rain forest reserve at Rimbo Panti. Overnight at hotel in Bukittinggi.

DAY 10 : BUKITTINGGI - SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast at hotel, a free day to explore Bukittinggi and the chance for walking in a nearby canyon. Probably the most attractive, friendly and relaxing town in all Indonesia at 3000' above sea level, it enjoys a healthy and invigorating climate. the Minangkabau of the tropical highlands are matrilineal;. From the site of Fort De Kock (1825) can be seen a smoking volcano and some really beautiful mountain scenery, especially at sunset. In the afternoon check back to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 11 : HARAU VALLEY + MINANGKABAU TOUR
After breakfast at hotel a full day tour will start visiting to Harau Valley . We drive to the valley, visiting a traditional ‘krupuk' factory. Then proceed to the Harau Valley of thousand legends and many waterfalls. Then we drive to the unique land of Minangkabau kingdom, visiting Batu Sangkar, the ancient Minangkabau Kingdom , Pagaruyung the Minangkabau king's palace, a symbol of Minangkabau architecture. Enjoy the specific Padang rice table for lunch in beautiful rice fields. Proceed to Singkarak Lake , the largest lake of West Sumatra visiting Lima Kaum, Ombilin, Pandai Sikat a famous village for weaving and woodcarving.

DAY 12 : BUKITTINGGI - MANINJAU
Sightseeing Lake Maninjau will start visiting Koto Gadang a village famous for silver filligram work. Then we drive to Lawang, at the rim of the enormous crater of the Lake Maninjau . We walk down hill to the lake, through some forest, plantations and amazing rice fields. Overnight at hotel in Maninjau.

DAY 13 : MANINJAU - PADANG
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Padang for a city tour and afternoon free for own activities. Overnight at hotel in Padang .

DAY 14 : PADANG - AIRPORT
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to airport for departure flight to next destination. End of tour.