Looking for a respite from the hot and sweltering weather of Singapore? Look no further than the highlands of Lake Toba and Berastagi, whose gateway city Medan is only a 1.5 hour flight from Singapore. Pamper yourselves with a luxury stay at Taman Simalem, a 4 star mountain lodge perched 1,200m above sea level, overlooking the impressive Lake Toba. Explore the Batuk and the beautiful natural scenery at your own pace and in comfort with your personal guide and driver. Get a bit dirty; hiking up a live volcano with romantic love wordings on its shallow crater lake. Conclude your trip with a city tour of Medan and a durian treat at the highly rated Si Bolang Durian Cafe.

ITINERARY

Day 01

SINGAPORE – MEDAN – LAKE TOBA

Upon arrival at Medan’s Kuala Namu International Airport, you will be greeted by our friendly local representative who will embark on a picturesque journey through pine forests, terraced plantations and verdant meadows to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world (~6 hrs drive). Arrive at Parapat and take the ferry to Samosir Island, a scenic island in the middle of the lake. Settle into accommodation on the edge of the lake.

Overnight: Samosir Villa Resort at Samosir Island

Day 02

LAKE TOBA 

Explore Batak culture and the beautiful natural scenery around Samosir Island. Simanindo, the house of a former Batak chief which has been converted into an Ethnological Museum (Huta Bolon), showcases the history and culture of the Batak tribe. Ambarita is an ancient Batak tribal village, well known for its ancient courtyard of stone chairs and table in front of the king’s house. The courtyard is said to be the place where village matters were discussed and wrongdoers tried. There is also a separate courtyard where the accused were tortured and beheaded. If time permits and if you are interested, you can also visit the well-tended royal residence of the Simalungan Batuk chiefs. The site consists of a large main building that functioned as tunique andhe king’s quarters and a harem. Look out for the buffalo skulls that symbolize the power of the chief and the gecko motifs (boraspati) that symbolize wealth and wisdom. There is an option to visit the local market or just to sit back, swim and relax by the lake. In the late afternoon, transfer to Taman Simalem Resort at Tongging (~ 3 hrs drive).

Overnight: Taman Simalem Resort at Tongging

Day 03

LAKE TOBA – BERASTAGI (B)

Today you will proceed to the Karo highlands in Berastagi – home of the Karo Batak people (approx. 2 hrs drive). Drive down to the shore of Lake Toba to visit Tongging Village which is famous for its fish farming cottage industry. Learn about the villagers’ farming lifestyles and try some delicious Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) freshly caught from the lake. Thereafter you will proceed to the magnificent 120 m high Sipiso Piso Waterfall reputed to be the highest waterfall in Indonesia. For the more adventurous travellers, you can trek down (approx. 1 hr. return hike) to the bottom of the waterfall to take a peek at its whirling plunge pool. After settling down at the guesthouse, devote some time to immerse yourself in the local culture of Berastagi. Swing by the local fruit and flower markets, explore the native Batak Karo villages and enjoy a leisure hike up to Gundaling hill for a panoramic view of volcanoes Sinabung and Sibayak.

Overnight: Mikie Holiday Resort or similar at Berastagi

Day 04

BERASTAGI – MEDAN (B)

An early morning hike up to the summit of Gunung Sibayak (approx. 3 hrs. return hike) will reward you with sweeping views of the surrounding volcano landscape. The volcano is high in geothermal activity with fuming vents spewing out crystalline sulphur which was mined on a small scale in the past. There is a beautiful heart shaped crater lake where love wordings have been formed by visitors using the volcanic rocks. Descend to the volcano base and take a dip in one of the hot spring pools to refresh yourself. Visit the vegetables, fruits and flowers markets and savour one of its most famous produce – Markisa (passion fruits). Enjoy a leisure hotel breakfast before transferring to your hotel in Medan (approx. 3 hrs. drive).

Visit Marian Shrine of Annai Velangkanni a very unique catholic church with a Hindu temple-liked architecture. Take a step back in time to the nostalgic Baba Nyonya era at Tjong A Fie’s Mansion – a two story high 35-rooms mansion built in 1895 by Tjong A Fie, a rugs-to-riches Hakka entrepreneur. The mansion is built in Chinese, Malay and Art Deco architecture styles and with feng-shui principles in mind. Explore some of the grandest rooms like the ballroom, the dining area and Tjong A Fie’s personal bedroom which is bigger than 3 modern day bedrooms in Singapore. Durian lovers will be excited to know that Medan is the durian capital of Indonesia. Feast on durians and by-products like ice-cream, puffs etc. at the highly rated Si Bolang Durian Cafe.

Overnight:  Radisson Hotel or similar at Medan

Day 05

MEDAN – SINGAPORE (B)

Free and easy at your own leisure in Medan (with driver and guide support) till airport transfer for your flight home.

Package includes:

• All local land transfers including airport transfers.
• Guided Mt Sibayak sunrise hike
• Ferry tickets to Samosir Island
• Entrance fees to all sights mentioned
• All accommodations
• Breakfast at accommodations
• Local Batak guide (English speaking)
• Private vehicle and driver

Package excludes:

• Return international air tickets
• Travel insurance
• Indonesian VISA (ASEAN citizens are VISA-free up to 30 days)
• All meals not indicated
• Tips for guide and driver
• All expenses of a personal nature

HIKING GRADE

TESTIMONIALS

See latest reviews on our Google page!

From the point of my first enquiry to planning the trip, and confirming all arrangements,HS was prompt, friendly and helpful. The personalised service and attention to detail was great. We were travelling in a group of 3, and he made sure that our request for room configuration were met. We got to see and do everything and more on the itinerary. The guide and driver were very flexible and easy-going. Even if there was quite a lot of travelling time on the road, it was comfortable and enjoyable. Thank you for a wonderful experience!

– YY (Group of 3 on an 5D4N Mt Sibayak, Taman Simalem, Lake Toba, Medan Trip in Sep 2018)

Well informed guide, and was able to make changes to accommodate our needs Activities and timing for the tour were well planned Accommodation was up to standard (:

– Abigail (Group of 6 on a 5D4N Medan, Lake Toba & Mt Sibayak in Jun 2018

We love our hippie guide Smiley who stands out with his dreadlocks and knows a lot about the local culture. We like how he shows us different smells of the leaves, and their uses, as we walked past them. He also knows how to avoid the terrible traffic on the way to the airport. We love the activities that the organise for us. He will always check with us what we wish to do, and is on time for us. The accomodation was fabulous too, especially the one he arranged for Samosir Island. We totally soaked in the picturesque view of Lake Toba. Smiley also drove past the ghost town and I’d say that’s the highlight of our trip. We highly recommend him.

– Shiling (Group of 2 on a 4D3N Lake Toba & Mt Sibayak in Jun 2018

The whole trip was simply awesome. The moment we met our guide Mr Bayu we welcome by him at the promised meeting point and immediately usher us. We were impressed that our guide is very able to speak fluent English and also we were able to connect to our guide easily as our age gap were quite near. The guide was very knowledgeable about the whole trip and able to inform us accurately on what we can expect when climbing the mountain. The whole drive to and fro different places was very well navigated by the driver. The driver Mr Bondan knew his way around places and able to get us safely to our destination despite heavy traffic conditions along the way.

– Zahin (Group of 2 on an 4D3N Ijen, Bromo & Surabaya trip in Mar 2018)

We decided for iwannatravel after contacting a few agencies. Ying had been very responsive, patient and flexible in providing our customized itinerary. It would have taken us much effort and headache if were to plan this ourselves. Activities were well planned and spaced out unlike the hectic and fast paced group tours which we undertook in the past. The tour guide ( was very knowledgeable of the sites visited and importantly he was very humorous and kept us entertained and informed throughout the trip. Highly efficient from start to end. Dayat, the guide, was very helpful and professional. the guides were also very good cooks and very efficient at their job. We feel that for Asians, a 4D3N climb is much more recommended over a 3D2N climb.

– Darek (Group of 5 on a 6D5N Mt Rinjani Trip in Aug 2017)



– Ms. Chen (Group of 4 on a 4D3N trip to Lake Toba – Berastagi – Medan in Jun 2016)

Bob was recommended to me through my cousin. He was always on the ball before, during and even after the trip; soliciting feedback from us to improve on her offering. She was also very understanding to our cost concerns; revising the itinerary a few times so as to meet our budget. Our guide was very professional; he was always doing his best to accommodate our needs and flexible with our request. Our driver was very careful with his driving and extremely thoughtful about the air-con temperature and toilet break. We strongly recommend you to book your adventure through iwannatravel. Thank you iwannatravel. 加油!

– Esther (Group of 3 on a 4D3N trip to Lake Toba – Berastagi – Medan in Sep 2015)

Guide could communicate well and was very personable. Itinerary was flexible. Enjoyed being in a non tourist area to visit the long house village. Guide even went marketing for us! E.g chose fruit for us.

– Meida (Group of 2 on a 3D2N trip to Lake Toba – Berastagi in Oct 2014)

Read more at testimonials!

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DISCLAIMER

IWT LLP, acts only as an agent for The Client in acquiring transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, trekking and other services for The Client’s benefit, and on the express condition that IWT LLP shall not be liable nor responsible for any loss (including without limitation, direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss, economic loss), damage, mishap, bodily injury, death, delay, defect, omission or any irregularity that may be caused to The Client, third parties or properties. IWT LLP is to be released from all liabilities deriving from acts of terrorism, hijacking, civil unrest, natural calamities, labour strikes, thefts or any other factors beyond IWT LLP’s control. Any losses and expenses are to be borne by The Client. In the event that IWT LLP is found liable by a court of competent jurisdiction on any basis in relation to The Client’s booking done via IWT LLP, IWT LLP’s maximum liability to the client is limited to the cost of the booking in question. See our full Terms and Conditions.