5 Scenic Trekking Destinations Around Medan, North Sumatra

Feeling sluggish at work? Maybe it’s a sign for you to take a break for a while, t-mates! Spending time in nature would be a nice thing to do to overcome this problem. It is not a secret that nature has a power to heal us as human beings.

Luckily, Indonesia is home to so many natural destinations. From enchanting beaches to picturesque highlands, lush rainforests to majestic waterfalls, you can find them all in this country. There are many ways to enjoy the beauty of nature, and one of the simplest one is trekking.

Have you ever been trekking before, t-mates?  If you haven’t, it is definitely something that you should try! Not only will you feel in awe with our glorious nature, but you will also feel refreshed after being close to nature for some moments. Doesn’t it sound tempting?

If you want to try this activity, but still have no idea where to go, no worries! tiket.com will introduce you to 5 best scenic trekking destinations — this time around Medan, North Sumatra. Let’s check it out!

Read more:

• Ultimate Guide to Medan: Top Fun Activities to Do and Where to Stay 
• Immerse Yourself in Nature’s Beauty, Visit These Trekking Destinations in West Sumatra 
• Here are Best Trekking and Cycling Spots in Labuan Bajo! 

Discover the Uniqueness of These Trekking Destinations around Medan!

As the capital of North Sumatra, Medan is known as one of the busiest cities in Indonesia. However, did you know that there are many unique natural attractions around Medan which can be reached within only 1-3 hours from the city? Go find it here!

1. Bukit Lawang (Lawang Hill)

Bukit Lawang (Lawang Hill) is a natural tourist attraction situated within the area of Gunung Leuser National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here you can find a rainforest home to many kinds of species. However, it is most widely known as the habitat and rehabilitation center of Sumatran orangutans.

This destination is situated in Langkat Regency and can be reached from Medan for around 3 hours ride. There is a public bus from Pinang Baris bus station in Medan that you can take or if you want to be more convenient, you can simply rent a car.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by wide lush greeneries and a glimpse of Bohorok river. Take your time to get immersed in nature by trekking through the rainforest and climbing up the hills for a more picturesque landscape. It’s so peaceful!

Other than that, you also shouldn’t miss the chance to observe the life of orangutans and say hello to them from the viewing center. It would be an unforgettable experience you won’t find anywhere else.

2. Tangkahan

Still within the area of Gunung Leuser National Park, there is another interesting destination for trekking, which is called Tangkahan. You can also reach this place by a public bus or private vehicle from Medan for around 3 hours. If you want to go here directly from Bukit Lawang, it takes approximately 2 hours.

The village of Tangkahan is surrounded by tropical rainforest which is perfect for trekking. While walking along the forest, you can encounter various biodiversity and fauna in their natural habitat. A combination of the tranquil vibe of the forest, sounds of birds chirping, and the freshness of the air will certainly make your mind refreshed.

Not only famous as a jungle trekking spot, Tangkahan is also widely known for its elephant sanctuary. That’s why, you will see up close a lot of elephants either in the forest or in the river. To make your trip memorable, don’t miss the chance to interact with them, t-mates! You can wash and feed them with the help of the caretakers. Isn’t it interesting?

3. Mount Sibayak

After going for trekking in the forests, you might want to experience something new. Are you up for hiking in a mountain, t-mates? Let’s give it a try! Around 2.5 hours driving from Medan, you’ll arrive in Berastagi, Karo Regency where there are 2 volcanoes, Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung. 

Although Mount Sinabung can’t be climbed anymore due to its eruptions, you can still climb Mount Sibayak. The trail for trekking to the summit isn’t that hard and is even considered as one of the most accessible volcanoes in Indonesia. There are several trails you can take from Berastagi. However, if you’re a first timer and not sure which trail is right for you, it’s much better to look for a local guide to accompany you.

The journey up usually takes about 2-4 hours, depending on your pace and the trail you choose. Most visitors come to hike in the morning to catch the beautiful sunrise. Along the way, your eyes will be spoiled by the breathtaking view of forests and volcanoes surrounding you. And when you’re at the top, you can overlook Mount Sinabung clearly, too!

4. Sipiso-piso Waterfall

Have you heard about Sipiso-piso Waterfall? It is one of the most famous waterfalls not only in North Sumatra, but also Indonesia. This waterfall is situated in Karo Regency, around 3.5 hours from Medan. You can go here by a public bus with the direction to Kabanjahe town or simply rent a car.

Once you arrive, a scenic view of the green hill and rock cliffs will greet you. Then you will see the majestic waterfall lies in the middle of the cliff, dropping tons of pristine water from 120 meters high. To reach the waterfall pool, you have to take lots of quite steep stairs.

It usually takes approximately 1 hour to go down, but it really depends on your pace. Along the journey, there are several gazebos for you to rest. After an hour of trekking, finally you can feel the splash of Sipiso-piso Waterfall from nearby. It’s so refreshing!

5. Mount Sibuatan

The last trekking destination on this list is Mount Sibuatan. The altitude of the mountain’s summit is 2,457 meters above the sea level, making it into the highest mountain in North Sumatra. Dare to try trekking on this mountain, t-mates?

Mount Sibuatan is situated on the border of Karo and Dairi Regency. From Medan, you can take public transport or ride a car to Sidikalang for 3 hours, and continue the journey to Nagalingga village. Your trekking journey will begin from this village.

The journey to the summit is still a bit challenging as you’ll find things like thick mud and giant tree roots. However, it’s all worth it because along the way you can see various unique plants. The vibe is also still very peaceful, perfect for refreshing your mind.

To reach the summit, it usually takes around 7-9 hours. There are 5 shelters you can find all the way up, so you don’t need to worry. Take some rest when you need it! And when you finally arrive at the top, you will be granted by the 360-degree scenic panoramic view. Yeay, you made it!

Before You Go, Here Are a Few Tips For You!

1. Prepare your trekking gear & outfit

Preparing your trekking gear in advance is important to make sure you have everything you need. Bring only what you need, such as a water bottle, cap or hat, enough food, camera, raincoat, and first aid kit, and put them all in a light backpack.

If you have a plan to do camping as well, you might also need to bring things like a tent, a sleeping bag, and a kitchen stove. For your clothes, wear something that makes you comfortable. Wearing a T-shirt, jacket, waterproof trekking pants, and trekking shoes would be a good idea!

2. Check the weather forecast

Trekking is always fun to do in bright weather without rain. However, sometimes the weather is just too unpredictable. A heavy rain or wind might happen in a month which is supposed to be a dry season. 

Therefore, it’s always crucial to check the weather forecast one or two days before your trekking trip, so you can anticipate the weather condition. 

3. Stretch your body before trekking

Stretching is essential before you begin your long walk, especially if you are carrying a heavy backpack. A dynamic stretching is more advised to do to prepare your muscles and prevent injuries. 

4. Always keep the environment clean

No matter what, always keep the environment clean, t-mates! Do not litter or leave any trash behind so the beauty and cleanliness of nature will remain. If you can’t find any trash bin along the way, put it in your bag first until you find one. Believe us, it’s not hard to do!

Plan Your Trekking Trip and Get Yourself Immersed in Nature

So, which trekking destinations interest you the most, t-mates? Or perhaps all of them? If you are interested, you can make trekking as part of your routine, maybe once or twice a month. It will surely bring you a lot of benefits in a fun way. Your mind will be refreshed and your body will get healthier, while you can enjoy the beauty of nature at the same time.

Let’s make your trekking trip plan come true with tiket.com! Go to our website or application to get the best deal flight tickets and accommodation in a very simple way. Nature awaits you, t-mates!

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