Explore the best natural tourist attractions in North Sumatra that offer stunning views and exciting adventure experiences in the heart of Sumatra Island.
North Sumatra (Sumut) is a province that has extraordinary natural wealth. From vast lakes to towering mountains, North Sumatra offers various amazing natural tourist destinations.
This region is famous for its natural beauty that is still pristine, as well as extraordinary biodiversity. For those of you who want to enjoy the true beauty of Indonesia’s nature, here are the 10 best natural tourist attractions that you must visit in North Sumatra.
1. Lake Toba: A Natural Wonder in the Middle of Sumatra Island
Lake Toba is the largest lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, making it one of the main tourist attractions in North Sumatra. Located in the middle of Sumatra Island, Lake Toba offers extraordinary natural scenery with clear water and views of green hills around it.
Here, you can enjoy various activities such as sailing around the lake, visiting the exotic Tuktuk Siadong Village, or exploring the traditional Batak houses around the lake.
To reach Lake Toba, you can travel for about 5 hours from Medan City, and around the lake, there are many lodgings that can make you feel at home enjoying the scenery all the time.
2. Samosir Island: Hidden Paradise in the Middle of Lake Toba
Samosir Island, located right in the middle of Lake Toba, is a tourist destination that you should not miss. This volcanic island holds many unique natural and cultural charms.
Here, you can visit Marlakkop Cave, enjoy the moving Sigale-gale dance performance, tour the Huta Bolon Simanindo Museum, or explore Batu Parsidangan which holds historical stories.
There are several water routes to get to Samosir Island, and you can enjoy a trip using a ferry with a ticket price of around IDR 90,000 to IDR 100,000.
3. Sipiso-piso Waterfall: Amazing Natural Charm
Sipiso-piso Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia, with a height of around 120 meters. Located near Tongging Village, Merek District, Karo, this waterfall offers stunning natural scenery.
Located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level (masl), you can enjoy the stunning natural charm. Access to the location is quite easy, only about 35 km from Berastagi City or 45 minutes drive from Medan City. You only need to pay an entrance ticket of IDR 5,000 to be able to enjoy this extraordinary natural beauty.
4. Lau Kawar Lake: A Cool Lake at the Foot of Mount Sinabung
Lau Kawar Lake is a lake located in the Leuser Ecosystem Area (KEL), which offers beautiful scenery and cool air. Located at an altitude of 2,451 masl, this lake is located right at the foot of Mount Sinabung, providing stunning natural scenery.
The clarity of the lake’s water and its peaceful atmosphere make this place suitable for camping or just relaxing. You can also set up a tent in the area provided by the manager or rest in a comfortable pavilion. From Medan City, the trip to Lau Kawar Lake takes about 3 hours.
5. Sipinsur: The Best Place to See Lake Toba from a Height
Sipinsur is a destination that offers a view of Lake Toba from a different angle. Located in Paerung Village, Humbang Hasundutan, Sipinsur is at an altitude of 1,213 meters above sea level, providing a stunning view from the top of the plateau.
Here, you can see the charm of the vast Lake Toba with the background of the sky changing color at sunset. Photographers often choose this location to capture the extraordinary natural beauty.
After enjoying the view, you can taste Sipinsur’s signature gomak noodles, which are served with a rich spice sauce, as a local specialty.
6. Gunung Leuser National Park: Home to Biodiversity
Mount Leuser National Park, located in two provinces, Aceh and North Sumatra, is a very important tropical forest area. This national park is home to various rare species, including Sumatran orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and Sumatran elephants.
As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park contains extraordinary biodiversity and provides many hiking trails and nature tours. A visit to this national park is highly recommended between June and October, when rainfall is lower and travel is easier.
7. Linting Lake: The Beauty of Hidden Paradise
Linting Lake, located in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, is one of the hidden tourist destinations that offers extraordinary tranquility and natural beauty. Surrounded by hills and green forests, this lake has clear turquoise water, creating a very stunning view.
Around the lake, you can enjoy the calm atmosphere by fishing, swimming, or just relaxing and enjoying nature. This lake is perfect for tourists who want to escape from the noise of the city and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
8. Bukit Lawang: Adventure at the Orangutan Conservation Center
Bukit Lawang is a small village located south of Gunung Leuser National Park. This village is the gateway to the Sumatran orangutan rehabilitation center, which has been established since 1973. At Bukit Lawang, you can watch orangutans that have been trained to return to the wild.
In addition, Bukit Lawang also offers interesting adventures, such as trekking in the tropical forest to see orangutans and other animal diversity in their natural habitat.
9. Tongkoh Botanical Garden: Natural Beauty with Ornamental Plants
Tongkoh Botanical Garden, located in Tongkoh Village, Dolat Rakyat District, Karo, is a tourist attraction that offers various ornamental plants and tropical fruits. In this 25.97-hectare garden, you can find various passion fruit gardens, Berastagi oranges, and strawberries.
In addition to walking around the garden, you can also pick the fruits and plants there to enjoy directly. From this garden, you can also enjoy the beautiful view of the stunning Mount Sinabung.
10. Linting Lake (Second): Calming Nature Tourism
The second Linting Lake, located about 70 km from Medan City, offers a different nature tourism experience. With an area of about 10 hectares, this lake is surrounded by green hills that provide a peaceful and calm atmosphere.
You can enjoy the beautiful scenery, take pictures, or enjoy various water activities such as fishing or swimming. This place is perfect for tourists who are looking for peace and want to enjoy nature without disturbance.
North Sumatra is a place full of incredible natural tourist destinations, from stunning large lakes to tropical forests rich in biodiversity. Each place offers a different experience, from nature adventures to serenity that is hard to find anywhere else.
With all the natural beauty it has, North Sumatra is the main choice for those who want to enjoy the authentic and untouched beauty of Indonesia. Don’t miss the chance to explore the best natural tourist attractions in this amazing North Sumatra!