Karo Highlands – Volcanoes, Batak and the Lake Toba

Bukit Lawang, Berastagi and the Lake Toba - this journey covers all the major highlights of Sumatra including volcano trekking, great mountain views, Karo Batak traditional villages and local markets! The town of Berastagi offers a refreshing break because of its pleasantly cool alpine climate (1400 m above sea level). The surrounding green fields produce a variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers for all of Berastagi District. The Karo Highlands are home to the Karo Batak people, a friendly ethnic group, mostly Christian. The landscape is dominated by two active volcanoes: Mount Sibayak (2172 m) and Mount Sinabung (2417 m). Hiking through thick tropical forest to reach the peak of these mountains is a challenge but one worth taking to see the smoking craters at the summit. The hot springs in Semangat Gunung - at the base of the Sibayak volcano – also provide a relaxing way to end a hard day’s trek. 

A trip to North Sumatra would not be complete without a visit to the world’s highest and deepest volcanic lake – the beautiful Lake Toba. This idyllic lake has a depth of over 450 m and was formed by a volcanic explosion around 75.000 years ago that created a spectacular caldera with wonderful landscapes. Samosir Island in the middle of the lake is the world's fifth largest lake-island. It is home to Sumatra’s friendly Toba Batak people, who love music and singing. Expect a chorus of "horas" (welcome) greeting you! Their traditional houses and historic places are an attraction for the region. Beaches at the Lake Toba are lined with pine trees and scenic mountain slopes surround the lake. 

It's a perfect place to lay back and relax, swimming and biking are other popular options. Many people who go to Lake Toba plan only to spend a few days there, but often those days turn into weeks!

Karo Highlands and Lake Toba can be enjoyed as part of our 8-day-package "Highlights of North Sumatra" and can also be booked individually!

 

1. Volcano Hiking and Batak Culture in Berastagi (3-Days Tour):

  • Private transport from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi (5 - 6 hours; driver, petrol)
  • On the way you stop at several places to enjoy panoramic views of the Karo Highlands if required
  • After your arrival in Berastagi you can visit a traditional  market
  • 2 nights accommodation in Berastagi: Sibayak Multinational Resthouse, standart room with bathroom (hot shower), without breakfast
  • Climb Sibayak volcano mountain (2-3 hours): A local guide will accompany you on this trek to the summit of the Sibayak - operated by Sibayak Multinational team. After breakfast you will be picked up at your guesthouse for a 30-minute drive to the starting point of the volcano trek, ove half way to the top of Sibayak. Following a path along the slopes of the volcano you finally emerge from the green jungle into a cold and foggy landscape. Here, yellow smoke blows out from between the rocks and a smell of sulphur can be detected. After a 2-hour volcano climb you'll reach the crater edge. If you're lucky you'll have a fantastic view of the town, the hills and fields
  • Relax at the famous hot springs after the volcano hike, your car will wait to take you there.
  • Traditional Batak village (Donkan/Lingga): Your driver will bring you out of Berastagi and give you the rare opportunity to visit a traditional village. The Karo people are native to North Sumatra and their traditional, thatched, longhouses have become an attraction outside of Berastagi. 
  • Private transport to Medan (if required transport to Lake Toba/Parapat harbour: + 30 Euro extra)

Package includes: local guide for vulcano hiking, driver, petrol, entrance fees
Package excludes: all food and drinks while staying in Berastagi, visa, insurance, flights

Price per person: 
2 pax: 169 Euro
 

2. Berastagi and Batak Villages (2-Days Tour):

  • Private transport from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi (5 - 6 hours; driver, petrol) 
  • On the way stopping at several places to enjoy the panoramic views of the Karo Highlands if required
  • After your arrival in Berastagi you can visit  the traditional fruit market and the famous hot springs
  • 1 night accommodation (Sibayak Multinational Resthouse) with bathroom (hot shower) in Berastagi
  • Traditional Batak village (Donkan/Lingga): The next morning your driver will give you the rare opportunity to visit a local village. The Karo people are native to North Sumatra and their traditional, thatched, longhouses have become an attraction.
  • Private transport to Medan (if required transport to Lake Toba/Parapat harbour: + 30 Euro extra)

Package includes: driver, petrol, entrance fees
Package excludes: all food and drinks while staying in Berastagi, visa, insurances, flights
Price per person: 
2 pax: 119 Euro

3. Memorable Trip to the Lake Toba (4-Days Tour):

  • Transport from Bukit Lawang or Berastagi to the Lake Toba (5 - 10 hours)
  • Stops on the way at traditional Batak Karo villages, the old king palace Pematang Purba and the impressive Sipiso-Piso waterfall
  • Boat trip on the beautiful Lake Toba from Parapat to Samosir Island; boat tickets (oneway)
  • 3 nights accommodation (Tabo Cottages), Batak Villa, bathroom, lake view, breakfast buffet
  • Just relax, swim in the lake or go around on Samosir
  • Transport back from Parapat harbour to Medan (airport/hotel) operated by the Tabo Cottages team

Package includes: driver, petrol, entrance fees on the way
Package excludes: lunch, dinner and drinks, boat ticket from Samosir Island to Parapat; visa, flights, insurances
If required: Samosir Island tour to Tomok,  Ambarita & Simanindo operated from the Tabo Cottages team can be booked after your arrival on Samosir.

Price per person:
2 persons: 169 Euro