
6D5N Medan Lake Toba Tour – Nature, Culture & Heritage – Discover the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of North Sumatra in this immersive 6-day, 5-night journey. Begin your adventure in Medan, then travel to the enchanting Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake. Cruise across its calm waters to Samosir Island, where you’ll explore ancient Batak villages, traditional architecture, and centuries-old tombs.
Continue your journey to Taman Simalem Resort, an eco-paradise offering panoramic lake views and lush gardens, before heading to the cool highlands of Berastagi. Here, you’ll visit stunning waterfalls, colorful fruit markets, and spiritual landmarks like the golden Pagoda of Lumbini.
Back in Medan, dive into the city’s unique blend of cultures by visiting historic sites such as the Maimun Palace, Grand Mosque, and Tjong A Fie Mansion. Sample Medan’s iconic street food and experience the warmth of its people before heading home with lasting memories.
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a balance of nature, culture, and local life—all wrapped in the unforgettable charm of Sumatra. With comfortable accommodations, guided excursions, and delicious local cuisine, every moment of this journey is thoughtfully curated for an enriching travel experience.
Upon arrival at Kualanamu International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our friendly representative from Aulia Travel. After a brief introduction, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant to kick off your journey.
We will then begin our scenic drive towards Parapat, a charming lakeside town on the shores of Lake Toba. Along the way, marvel at vast stretches of palm oil and rubber plantations that paint a picture of North Sumatra’s rich agricultural landscape. A stop will be made in Pematang Siantar to visit the Dwi Kwan Im Temple, where you’ll see the tallest statue of the Goddess Kwan Im in Southeast Asia, standing impressively at 28 meters.
Upon reaching Parapat, check-in to your hotel and unwind. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Atsari Restaurant accompanied by the soulful melodies of traditional Batak music. After dinner, relax and enjoy your free time at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will head to Ajibata Harbour to board a motorboat for a serene 50-minute cruise across Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. During the crossing, soak in breathtaking views of green hills and tranquil waters.
Our first destination on Samosir Island is Tomok Village, where you’ll explore the ancient stone tomb of King Sidabutar and visit a traditional Batak house and museum. You’ll also have the chance to witness the famous Sigale-gale dance performance (optional, personal expense), a unique cultural show performed by wooden puppets.
After that, enjoy some time at Tomok Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts such as ulos (traditional Batak cloth), souvenirs, and handmade accessories. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, before continuing our cultural journey to Ambarita Village, home to the historical Siallagan Stone Chairs, used by Batak kings for tribal trials, and an open-air museum showcasing ancient Batak traditions.
Check in to your hotel on Samosir Island in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant and spend your evening relaxing or cycling along the lakeside, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and beginning a day of natural wonders and scenic drives. Our first stop is Holbung Hill, often dubbed the “Teletubbies Hill of Samosir.” Hike up a short trail for jaw-dropping panoramic views of Lake Toba, perfect for unforgettable photos.
We then make our way to Efrata Waterfall, a 26-meter fan-shaped cascade nestled amidst lush greenery. Take in the fresh air and serene vibes before heading to Sibea-Bea Hill, known for its spectacular winding road views and a vantage point overlooking the vast blue lake.
From there, we’ll journey toward Taman Simalem Resort via the scenic Sidikalang route. Spread across 105 hectares, this eco-resort offers spectacular northern views of Lake Toba and a variety of family-friendly attractions. After lunch at the resort, take a relaxing stroll through the organic garden and enjoy the peaceful highland breeze.
The journey continues to Tongging Village, where you’ll be captivated by the majestic Sipiso-piso Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in Indonesia, plunging 120 meters into a deep gorge. Afterwards, we drive to Berastagi, a cool highland town nestled at the foot of Mount Sibayak. Check in to your hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest for the evening.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before exploring the highlands. Our first stop is Gundailing Farmstead, where you can learn about local dairy production and even try some fresh milk, cheese, and homemade ice cream.
Next, visit the majestic Lumbini Natural Park, home to a stunning golden Pagoda, a replica of Myanmar’s famous Shwedagon Pagoda. The peaceful gardens and architecture make for a spiritual and serene experience.
We then stop by the vibrant Berastagi Fruit Market, where you can pick up fresh tropical fruits like passionfruit, strawberries, and citrus—all grown in the fertile highlands. After lunch at a local restaurant, we make our way back to Medan via the scenic Sembahe route.
Upon arrival in Medan, check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. In the evening, indulge in the famous Medan durian at Ucok Durian or Kedai Bolang (personal expense). If time permits, we’ll also take a brief night city tour before returning to the hotel for a restful night.
After breakfast, begin your city tour with a visit to Al-Mashun Grand Mosque, one of the most iconic landmarks of Medan, followed by the royal Maimun Palace, a historical site of the Deli Sultanate blending Malay, Middle Eastern, and European architecture.
Next, we’ll head to the historic Tjong A Fie Mansion, a beautifully preserved heritage house that tells the story of a prominent Chinese merchant who contributed greatly to Medan’s development. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to your next cultural stops.
Depending on your religious interests, you may choose to visit Vihara Gunung Timur, Medan’s oldest Chinese temple, or Sri Mariamman Temple, an important Hindu shrine. Catholic guests may visit the iconic Annai Velangkanni Church, which resembles a Hindu temple with its striking Indo-Mughal architecture.
Return to the hotel for a short rest. Dinner will be served at a selected local restaurant. Spend your evening relaxing or enjoying a leisurely stroll around the city.
Enjoy your last breakfast in Medan before checking out. Before heading to the airport, we’ll stop by Rumah Noerlen, a charming heritage house that produces traditional passionfruit syrup using age-old techniques. You’ll be guided through the production process and invited to sample the syrup.
Afterwards, we’ll transfer you to Kualanamu International Airport for your flight home. Thank you for joining Aulia Travel—we hope to see you again on your next unforgettable adventure!