Explore the best tourist attractions in North Sumatra that combine natural charm, cultural richness, and unforgettable holiday experiences.

North Sumatra is one of the provinces rich in natural beauty and fascinating historical sites. From towering mountains to stunning lakes, from impressive cultural heritage to wilderness adventures, North Sumatra offers a complete holiday experience for all types of travelers.

If you are planning a trip to North Sumatra, here are the 10 best tourist destinations that you must visit to make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Samosir Island

Samosir Island, located in the middle of Lake Toba, is a must-visit tourist destination in North Sumatra. This volcanic island has many activities to do, such as exploring the Huta Bolon Simanindo Museum, watching the Sigale-gale dance, or visiting the historical Batu Parsidangan.

In addition, you can also visit the Marlakkop Cave to feel the mysterious and calming atmosphere.

To reach Samosir Island, there are various routes through the waters, such as from Ajibata Port to Tomok or Tigaras to Simanindo, with ferry ticket prices ranging from IDR 90,000 to IDR 100,000. The beautiful view of Lake Toba from this island makes it the perfect place for an exciting vacation.

2. Sipiso-piso Waterfall

Located in Tongging Village, Merek District, Sipiso-piso Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia with a height of 120 meters. Situated at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, this waterfall offers stunning views, especially with the backdrop of green mountains.

You only need to travel about 35 km from Berastagi City to reach this location, and the well-maintained route allows you to get there by private or public transportation.

The entrance ticket to enjoy the beauty of Sipiso-piso Waterfall is very affordable, only IDR 5,000, making it one of the best natural tourist attractions in North Sumatra.

3. Mount Leuser National Park

Gunung Leuser National Park is a vast tropical forest area rich in biodiversity. Located in two provinces, Aceh and North Sumatra, this park is a world heritage site protected by UNESCO.

With an area of 1,094,692 hectares, this park is home to various rare species, including the Sumatran orangutan. Visitors can enjoy trekking in the forest, observing flora and fauna, and visiting the orangutan sanctuary in Bukit Lawang.

For those who love the wild, Gunung Leuser National Park is a must-visit destination that provides an extraordinary ecotourism experience.

4. Lake Toba

Lake Toba, which is the largest volcanic lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, is one of the most famous destinations in North Sumatra. The beauty of Lake Toba makes it a major tourist destination for domestic and international tourists.

Around the lake, you can visit various historical sites, such as traditional Batak houses, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding villages such as Tuktuk Siadong.

To get to Lake Toba, a trip of about 5 hours from Medan will take you to this place, which also offers various accommodations with direct views of the calming lake.

5. Lau Kawar Lake

Lake Lau Kawar is a small lake located at the foot of Mount Sinabung, in the Karo region, North Sumatra. With an altitude of 2,451 meters above sea level, this lake offers cool air and beautiful natural scenery. Lake Lau Kawar is also known for its clear and fresh water.

Visitors can set up tents in the camping area provided or rest in the pavilion around the lake. To reach Lake Lau Kawar, you only need to travel about 3 hours from Medan City, making it the perfect place for a relaxing vacation in the outdoors.

6. Tjong A Fie’s House

If you are interested in history, Tjong A Fie Mansion in Medan is a must-visit. This house was once the residence of Tjong A Fie, a wealthy philanthropist during the reign of the Deli Sultanate.

Tjong A Fie Mansion has a very interesting Chinese architecture, and now functions as a museum that houses various relics from the past, such as paintings, photographs, and ancient furniture.

Visiting this house will give you more insight into the history of Medan and the lives of the Chinese community at that time. The entrance fee to visit Tjong A Fie Mansion is IDR 35,000 for general tourists and IDR 20,000 for students.

7. The catch

Tangkahan is part of the Gunung Leuser National Park which is known as a “hidden paradise” because of its pristine natural beauty.

In Tangkahan, you can enjoy various interesting activities, such as riding an elephant to explore the tropical forest, visiting natural caves, and enjoying hot springs.

In addition, Tangkahan also offers rafting and trekking that will satisfy your adventure in the middle of the wild nature of Sumatra. Its location is about 3 hours drive from Medan, making Tangkahan a perfect place for nature lovers.

8. Lawang Hill

Bukit Lawang is a village located south of Gunung Leuser National Park. This village is famous as a rehabilitation center for Sumatran orangutans, where orphaned orangutans are trained to return to the wild.

In Bukit Lawang, you can see orangutans in their natural habitat, as well as enjoy trekking in the dense tropical forest. Bukit Lawang is a great destination for nature lovers and those who want to interact with wildlife directly.

9. Maimun Palace

Maimun Palace is one of Medan’s icons that should not be missed. Built in 1888, Maimun Palace combines various architectural elements, ranging from Malay, Islamic, Spanish, Italian, to Indian.

This palace has two floors and 30 rooms that store various historical collections from the Deli kingdom. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the palace and learn about the history of the Deli Sultanate, with a very affordable entrance fee.

10. Simalem Park Resort

Simalem Park Resort is a tourist attraction located in the northwest hills of Lake Toba, offering spectacular views of the volcanic lake. The resort has a variety of facilities, including fruit gardens, restaurants, and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

With an area of 206 hectares, Simalem Park Resort is an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday while enjoying the surrounding nature and views of Lake Toba.

North Sumatra has a myriad of enchanting tourist destinations, from stunning natural beauty to historical sites rich in stories. Each place offers a unique experience that will make your vacation even more memorable.

Don’t hesitate to explore the natural beauty, culture, and history of North Sumatra, and create unforgettable memories along your journey.