Sumatra offers magnificent nature experiences, and in Bali – the Island of the Gods – both exciting cultural experiences and relaxation on the beach await. The adventure also takes you to the exotic Gili Air and the island’s fantastic coral reefs.
History, waterfalls, rainforest and exciting wildlife – Sumatra has a lot to offer! Hike in the lush jungle and experience the wild orangutans. Then you climb the magnificent Sibayak volcano and meet the Batak people. See directoryaah for map of Indonesia.
In the jungle, you spend the night primitively – but that’s how you experience the jungle at its best!
From Sumatra, the journey continues to Bali, where culture and relaxation await. You head to Lovina which is known for its black beaches and its calm pace. On the northern coast of Bali, you can discover the island’s two large volcanoes and dive among historic wrecks. The trip then goes to central Bali and the city of Ubud; Bali cultural center.
You continue to the beautiful island of Gili Air. Days of relaxation and wonderful beach life await here. The islands are surrounded by azure waters and several coral reefs, making them an ideal place for snorkeling and diving.
Your tour of Indonesia ends in Sanur on the southwest coast of Bali. A cozy place with beach, shops and restaurants plus lots of local life, temples and galleries.
Day 1: Departure from ScandinaviaDay 2: Arrival Medan – Sumatra
Upon arrival in Medan, you will be welcomed by your driver, who will take you to your hotel where you can relax after the flight for the rest of the day.
Day 3: City tour of Medan – Bukit Lawang
The day begins with a small city tour where you visit the Maimun Palace which was built in 1888 in Middle Eastern style and belongs to the Sultan of Deli. In addition, a visit to the large Almashum Mosque, which was built during the same period, awaits. Then continue past the colorful Chinese temple of Vihara Gunung Timor, followed by an approximately 3-hour drive to Bukit Lawang, a small tourist resort on the outskirts of Gunung Leuser National Park. It is the best starting point to see the great orangutans. In addition, the park is one of the largest national parks in the world with over 800,000 hectares of pure rainforest and home to a large number of mammals, tigers, orangutans, gibbons, elephants and rhinos. On the way, a stop is made at one of the local markets.
Day 4-5: Orangutans and hiking in the jungle
After breakfast, the hike into Gunung Leuser National Park begins. Approximately six hours of hiking await you this day and the following day. The terrain is hilly so the heart rate will rise. During the hike there are good opportunities to see monkeys in the open and if you are really lucky maybe a wild orangutan will cross your path. Along the way, the guide tells about the flora and fauna of the rainforest. You sleep in two different places and both places consist of simple beehives made of bamboo poles and branches. Both of these jungle camps are very simply equipped with only the essentials. The guides will prepare local food and in the evening you can play cards or sit around the campfire and talk to the group participants.
Day 6: Jungle hike – Tubing to Bukit Lawang
In the morning you will be awakened by the magical sound of the animals in the jungle. After breakfast, a walk of about 3-4 hours awaits in the park, where you can experience more of the jungle’s exciting wildlife. The hike ends at the river and there the tubing takes over. You will float along the river down towards Bukit Lawang in a large car tire for about 20 minutes. It is a fun and relaxed way to experience nature. The rest of the day is at your own disposal. ( F )
Day 7: Bukit Lawang – Berastagi
Today, a longer drive on a gravel road to Berastagi awaits. There you visit the local market before you drive to your hotel. The city offers beautiful views of the mountain landscape. Berastagi is a beautiful mountain town located between two active volcanoes Sinabung (2,414 masl) and Sibayak (2,172 masl). The largest local tribe is Batak Karo. ( F )
Day 8: Hiking on the volcano Sibayak – Medan
This 2,172 meter high volcano is located near Berastagi. It is one of the easier volcanoes to climb in Indonesia and it can be climbed by anyone in normal physical shape. We start from Jaranguda which is only 3 km from the city. It is good to start early, as the best view is immediately after sunrise. You will be picked up early and driven to the starting point. The hike to the top takes about 1 hour. The first part goes through a lush forest area and you can often hear the monkeys’ roar during this part of the tour. Then the route goes through a mountain landscape. When you reach the top, you can glimpse sulfur and bubbles coming up from the volcano. At the top a fantastic view awaits and there will be time to enjoy the surroundings. On the way back you walk towards Raja Berneh, where there is time to swim in the hot pools. Then the journey goes back to your hotel and breakfast before the journey continues towards Medan. The drive there takes about 2 hours. You spend the rest of the day on your own. (F )
Day 9: While – Denpasar – Bratan – Lovina
Transfer to the airport early in the morning. You fly from Kualanamus Airport (Medan) to Denpasar Airport in Bali. From here, a trip to the northern part of Bali and the city of Lovina awaits. On the journey through Bali you will visit the Temple of the Water Goddess located on Lake Bratan and the traditional market in Bedugul with fruits, spices and vegetables. Then the tour continues up into the mountains, where wild monkeys play along the road. Late in the afternoon you will arrive in Lovina and check in at your hotel. You spend the rest of the day on your own. ( F )
Day 10-11: Lovina
You spend the days on your own in Lovina. The resort is known for its black lava beaches and its calm pace. Guests can enjoy a classic massage, hike in the area or go on a snorkelling excursion aboard one of the local Balinese wooden boats. The northern coast of Bali offers many hikes in the mountains, e.g. to the “hidden waterfall” Lemukih. You can also visit the local beautiful Buddhist temple after sunrise, but of course you can also choose to just relax by the pool at your hotel.
Day 12: Lovina – Banjars hot springs – Kintamani – Pura Gunung Kawi – Ubud
In Bali there are many hot springs. You will visit the town of Banjar and the hot springs located in beautiful tropical surroundings. Here you will find three different “pools” where the water has different temperatures that are heated by the volcanic subsoil. Many local Balinese come here thanks to the healing power of the water. Then the journey continues towards Singaraja, the former capital of Bali, and further up into the mountains. The journey to the Kintamani crater goes along winding roads with many beautiful viewpoints and when you arrive you can see the famous volcano Batur (1,717 m). After this, Gunung Kawi, the famous royal tombs, awaits. You have to go up about 300 steps to get down to these tombs, which are carved into the rock walls. The area is surrounded by rice terraces, coconut trees and rippling streams. After this visit, the journey continues to your hotel in Ubud. (F )
Day 13-14: Ubud
Ubud with surroundings offers a lot to see and do. This is Bali’s artistic center, which is also known for yoga, meditation and relaxing spa stays. There are many interesting shops, museums, galleries and not least dance performances in the city. If you are a little adventurous, you can go rafting down the rivers, cycle or climb either Batur (1,717 m) or the volcano Agung (3,142 m). Also pay a visit to the interesting markets and the unique restaurants. In addition, Ubud has many great hiking trails just outside the city that you can explore on your own. ( F )
Day 15: Ubud – Padang Bai – Gili Air
You will be picked up from your hotel in Ubud and driven to Padang Bai. From there you take a motorboat to the island of Gili Air via a short stop on Lombok. The journey takes about two hours and you arrive around lunchtime.
Day 16-19: Bathing holiday on exotic Gili Air
The following days on Gili Air are in the spirit of relaxation. Here you have the opportunity to snorkel and dive. The island has a circumference of 5 km and it is a nice experience to take a walk around the island. There is peace and quiet here, but the island is also under development. There are a number of restaurants on the southeastern part of the island, and city life has become a bit more noticeable in recent years.
Day 20: Gili Air – Padang Bai – Sanur
You take a motorboat from Gili Air via Gili Trawangan to Padang Bai. Then a bus waits for your hotel in Sanur. ( F )
Day 21: Sanur
Sanur is a cozy seaside resort in southwest Bali. From here you can discover the southern part of Bali and explore the island’s many shopping spots. You can also enjoy and summarize all your impressions from the trip on the beach or by the pool.
Day 22: Sanur – Denpensar Airport
After breakfast there is some free time before you have to check out. You will be picked up and driven to the airport and the time depends on the departure time of your flight. ( F )
Day 23: Arrival in Scandinavia
Overnight stays
Two nights in budget hotel in Medan
Two nights in budget hotel in Bukit Lawang
Two nights in single tent / bivouac in the jungle at Bukit Lawang
One night in budget hotel in Berastagi
Three nights in budget hotel in Lovina
Three nights in budget hotel in Ubud
Five nights in standard hotel in Gili Air
Two nights at a budget hotel in Sanur
