© istock/sydeen
© istock/sydeen

North Sumatra


Bordering Aceh, Riau and West Sumatra, North Sumatra covers the northwestern part of the island of Sumatra. With its capital city Medan, North Sumatra is among top 10 most visited Indonesia’s provinces....

It is not an overstatement to say that North Sumatra has got the best share of Indonesia, condensed in the largest wilderness area in Southeast Asia. Spread over two provinces – Aceh and North Sumatra and being one of the biggest nature reserves in Indonesia, Gunung Leuser National Park is home to many rare wildlife species. In Bukit Lawang, you can visit one of the last sanctuaries of Sumatran orangutans in the world, or you can see them in the wild if you trek the jungle of Ketambe. At the same time, a magical encounter with Sumatran tigers expects you at Batang Gadis National Park. If you desire to see one of the most active volcanoes in the world, then head to Berastagi to observe the eruptions of Gunung Sinabung. Next marvel to discover is Danau Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, with its main attraction Pulau Samosir, the world’s largest island within a lake. Considered the second-best surfing spot in the world (after Hawaii), Sorake Bay on Nisal Island is the ultimate destination for all surfers.