Berastagi & Samosir Island

Optional: Volcano Hike & Lake Toba Tour (5-Day Tour)

• DAY 04: volcano & Lake Toba trip starts with air-con transfer (car or minibus) from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi in the Karo Highlands, the centre of the batak-karonese culture (3-hours) & visit to the famous colourful fruit market of Berastagi: includes porter, driver, petrol, drinking water, fruits. Starts at 09:00 am. Afternoon check in at your accommodation in Berastagi: Nachelle Homestay, Double Room with volcano view, bathroom with western toilet and hot water shower, fan (note: Wi-Fi only available in the public living area!). Spend the afternoon exploring the town of Berastagi on your own: Why not try and get around the traditional way with a leisurely ride in a „Sado“ (horse carriage) or visit Gundaling Hill. Our partner Nachelle Homestay will be happy to organize an additional tour or even a cooking class, if required.
• DAY 05: „Sunrise Volcano Tour“ (1/2 day tour): Memorable sunrise hike on Sibayak volcano with panoramic views & followed by a relaxing stop at hotsprings, operated by our partner Nachelle Homestay. Starts at 04:30 am (note: you have to get up pretty early!), ends at 10:30 am: includes English speaking guide, transport to/from the volcano, all entrance fees, take-away breakfast. Our overland transfer service will pick you up at 12:30 pm to continue your Karo Highlands adventure with the famous Lake Toba. Stops en route at a traditional Batak Karo village and at the Sipiso-Piso waterfall: includes driver, petrol, all entrance fees on the way, drinks, boat tickets (one way!) from Parapat harbour to Samosir Island. Check in to your hotel on Samosir Island: Tabo Cottages, Junior Suite, bathroom with western toilet and hot water shower, air-con, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, balcony with garden/lake view, complimentary items, WI-FI, breakfast
• DAY 06: “Culinary Tour” (1/2-day tour): This tour, operated by our partner Tabo Cottages, will give you impressions of the unspoilt part of this island with great views over Lake Toba. In a small village you will join the locals and prepare your lunch the traditional way on an open fire after harvesting spices and tapioca leaves right from the garden: includes guide, car, lunch, donation to the villagers. Starts at 10:00 am. Afterwards spend the afternoon with swimming, relaxing and just enjoying the beautiful scenery. Stay one more night on Samosir Island: Tabo Cottages, Junior Suite, bathroom with western toilet and hot water shower, air-con, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, balcony/patio with garden/lake view, complimentary items, WI-FI, breakfast
• DAY 07: Spend your day winding down on Samosir Island. Or why not try and explore the island? Don’t miss a traditional Batak dance at the cultural centre in Simanindo and the historic Batak king’s residence at Ambarita. Our partner Tabo Cottages will love to organize tours around Lake Toba, if required. You could also rent a motorbike or mountain bikes and travel around by yourself. Stay another night on Samosir Island: Tabo Cottages, Junior Suite, bathroom with western toilet and hot water shower, air-con, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, balcony with garden/lake view, complimentary items, WI-FI, breakfast
• DAY 08: Your Lake Toba experience ends with air-con transfer from Parapat harbour to your hotel in Medan (5 hours) or to Kuala Namu Airport (5 hours): including driver, petrol & highway toll. Starts at 10:00 am (flight departure not before 16:00 pm!)

Package does NOT include: lunch, dinner and drinks while staying in Berastagi and on Samosir Island, boat tickets from Samosir Island back to Parapat (25.000 IDR/pax/payable on the boat); flights, visas, insurance

We start this fantastic add-on option on Thursdays only! 5-day trip to Berastagi and Lake Toba can be added to any package which ends in Bukit Lawang on Thursdays. To give you the option of remaining flexible for your onward journey, it is also possible to skip the return transport from Lake Toba to back Medan from your package with us (minus 32 EUR / person / one way).