I flew into Sumatra, landing in the Northern airport in Medan at Kuala Namu International Airport. From there I headed to Parapat and Lake Toba.
Lake Toba
Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world and right in the middle of it is Samosir Island, an island in an island. The main town on the island is Tuk Tuk and can be reached by public ferry from Parapat. The ferry circles around to different docks so its a good idea to know where your guesthouse is, or near to. There aren't buses or taxis on the island but everything you need for a relaxing stay is within walking distance and there are many places to rent a scooter for the day and tour around. Look for bargains with scooter rentals, most blogs I read said 100,000Rp was the best price but I rented them for 80,000 and then 70,000.
I stayed at Merlyn's guesthouse and would recommend it for sure. The very private water access is the biggest selling point. Although it seemed fun to stay in the traditional Batak style accommodation at Merlyn's I chose a regular room for a little bit more.
Two highlights on the island are the ancient stone chairs were judgements and executions were decided upon by the Batak (the local ancestry) elders in Ambarita. As well, the Batak museum in Simanindo has some neat Batak style houses and Batak artifacts on display. Be attentive while heading to these places because the roads on the island are not good and the attractions are easily missed due a lack of signage.
I stayed at Merlyn's guesthouse and would recommend it for sure. The very private water access is the biggest selling point. Although it seemed fun to stay in the traditional Batak style accommodation at Merlyn's I chose a regular room for a little bit more.
Two highlights on the island are the ancient stone chairs were judgements and executions were decided upon by the Batak (the local ancestry) elders in Ambarita. As well, the Batak museum in Simanindo has some neat Batak style houses and Batak artifacts on display. Be attentive while heading to these places because the roads on the island are not good and the attractions are easily missed due a lack of signage.
Bukit Lawang
Bukit Lawang on Sumatra is home to Orang-utans. One of the only places in the world to see them in the wild. It is also home to a wonderfully vibrant rainforest, Thomas Leaf Monkeys, caves, and more.
Garden Inn, Bukit Lawang
Finding accommodation in Bukit Lawang is not necessarily hard, but it is tiring.
I will provide this warning: When you arrive in town you will be swarmed by people asking to take you somewhere to stay or to see the orang-utans. Be polite and say no thank you. You will most definitely see these people again and will maybe stay at their guesthouse in the end.
Bukit Lawang is a long narrow village along a river. It gets very hot in the rainforest climate and walking can get tiring. Opting for cheap accommodation over immediate comfort I ended up walking for over an hour with my pack in the middle of the day to find the Garden Inn. The narrow, root disturbed, pathways leading through town can mislead you into thinking you are walking straight out of it, but don't panic, you want to be staying on the outskirts.
The Garden Inn was a lovely place to stay. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The rooms were amazing and scenic and from the breakfast table I could see Orang-utans swinging in the trees across the river. Not to mention, the Inn is close to some fairly private river access for undisturbed swimming.
I will provide this warning: When you arrive in town you will be swarmed by people asking to take you somewhere to stay or to see the orang-utans. Be polite and say no thank you. You will most definitely see these people again and will maybe stay at their guesthouse in the end.
Bukit Lawang is a long narrow village along a river. It gets very hot in the rainforest climate and walking can get tiring. Opting for cheap accommodation over immediate comfort I ended up walking for over an hour with my pack in the middle of the day to find the Garden Inn. The narrow, root disturbed, pathways leading through town can mislead you into thinking you are walking straight out of it, but don't panic, you want to be staying on the outskirts.
The Garden Inn was a lovely place to stay. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The rooms were amazing and scenic and from the breakfast table I could see Orang-utans swinging in the trees across the river. Not to mention, the Inn is close to some fairly private river access for undisturbed swimming.
Orang-utans!
Finally, the Orang-utans! I saved the best for last in Sumatra. What a breathtaking experience to be able to see these powerful animals up close.
I saw them on two separate occasions. The first was a day long hike that took us into some pretty difficult jungle terrain, but paid off huge as we saw multiple orang-utans, ate lunch with some monkeys, and then were approached by a large Mena Orang-utan and her baby. Mother and baby were a once in a lifetime sight for sure.
The other occasion was at a feeding centre just minutes from my guesthouse. Park rangers brought bananas and orang-utans appeared out of the jungle from all sides.
I saw them on two separate occasions. The first was a day long hike that took us into some pretty difficult jungle terrain, but paid off huge as we saw multiple orang-utans, ate lunch with some monkeys, and then were approached by a large Mena Orang-utan and her baby. Mother and baby were a once in a lifetime sight for sure.
The other occasion was at a feeding centre just minutes from my guesthouse. Park rangers brought bananas and orang-utans appeared out of the jungle from all sides.