Day 1 Kuala Namu International Airport – Brastagi / 2 hrs drive
Arrive at the Kuala Namu International Airport with flight… at..
We will fetch you and directly depart to the cool and pleasant highland town of Berastagi–a mountain resort with its refreshing weather and magnificent mountain scenery which has an abundance of flowers, vegetables and fruits (most famous of which is the “Marquisa” passion fruit). The route will through winding road with lovely countryside. In Brastagi you can visit the famous fruits market and Gundaling hill for views two active volcanoes, Sinabung and Sibayak.
Overnight stay in hotel Sinabung or Danau Toba Cottages or similar in Brastagi
Day 2 Brastagi – Samosir island / 4 hrs drive + 1 hr ferry
After breakfast you proceed the journey to Samosir Island. Stop will be made at Dokan village, a traditional Karo Bataks village, Sipiso-piso waterfall, Long house of Simalungun Bataks. During the trip you will also pass local spices garden: coffee, cinnamon, clove etc. In the afternoon you arrive in Parapat from where you cross the lake by ferry to Samosir island.
2 overnight stays in Tabo Cottages or hotel Toledo Inn on Samosir island.
Day 3 Samosir tour
Today you will make excursion to explore the beauty and cultural aspects of Batak visiting Ambarita village to see the stone chairs, tables and court yard of Siallagan’s clan. Simanindo to enjoy the Bataks traditional ritual dances of the Bataks Tribe. Thereafter continue to Tomok village to see the old tomb of King’s Sidabutar. The rest is your own program, you can take a beautiful walk or ride a bicycle (optional) or take rest in hotel.
Day 4 Samosir – Padang Sidempuan / 6 hrs drive + 1 hr ferry
In the morning you cross the lake by ferry to Parapat from where you continue drive to Padangsidempuan with view of marching mountains “Bukit Barisan”. On the way, stop at Jangga Dolok; a typical Batak Toba village, pineapple farm. Stop in Balige market with traditional roof’s design and some others interesting spots found on the driving to the southern of Lake Toba. In the afternoon arrive in Padangsidempuan for overnight stay.
Overnight stay in hotel Natama or Mega Permata in Padang Sidempuan.
Day 5 Padang Sidempuan – Bukittinggi / 8 hrs drive
After breakfast at hotel, drive to Bukittinggi. It is the longest distance great circuit the inner part of Sumatra with the scenery of mountains, rivers, valleys and traditional villages. En-route stops to see Sijornih waterfall, Sihepeng botanical garden, gold seeker (activity subject to availability), a nature reserve called Rimba Panti for observing the charming flora, fauna and herbarium, Bonjol where a monument marking the equator. Late noon or in the evening arrive in the Minangkabau region famously for matrilineal society.
2 overnight stays in hotel Royal Denai or Gran Malindo or similar in Bukittinggi.
Day 6 Bukittinggi tour
After breakfast you depart to the west passing the small town of Payakumbuh to reach the beautiful Harau Valley, here lush green ricefields are hemmed in between huge granite cliffs.
Here enjoy a 1 hour walk through the village and rice fields to observe the daily life and activities of the villagers ending the walk at a local homestay for drinks and refreshments.
From Harau valley you continue your drive in the direction of Batusangkar with a stop at Tabek Patah. Next drive to the nearby local village of Rao Rao known for its beautiful traditional Minangkabau houses, locally known as Rumah Gadang.
Note:
Next stop will be at Pagaruyung Palace located in the village of Tanjung Emas near Batusangkar: The palace is a replica of the original Pagaruyung royal palace which was set on fire by the nation’s Dutch colonists in 1804 and it has only recently been entirely restored using traditional materials. With it 3 storeys and its 5 stacked sweeping roofs ending with eleven sharp horns and covered with over 26 tons of palm fibers. Pagarayung is the most beautiful example of the Traditional Minangkabau Architecture. Pagaruyung is the name of the Minangkabau kingdom that ruled the central region of Sumatra and was the seat of a large kingdom where the Minangkabau culture flourished.
Return to Bukittinggi passing by the picturesque Lake Singkarak.
(In the evening the traditional Minangkabau dance in the town-OPTIONAL).
Day 7 Bukittinggi – Padang airport / 3 hrs drive
Today you drive to Padang airport via Anai valley and waterfall. It takes around 2,5 hours drive.
End of your trip.
Included
Hotels as mentioned above + breakfast
AC transport as mentioned in the program + fuel & driver
English/Spanish/Dutch/Italian/German/French speaking guide
Entrance & parking fees as mentioned in the program
Ferry Parapat – Samosir island vice versa
Excluded
Flight tickets and airport tax
Personal expenses; meals (lunches & dinners), drinks, donations, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
Tips for guide/driver
Travel insurance
Any optional program