Discover the stunning natural charm of North Sumatra, from Lake Toba, Sipiso-piso Waterfall, to the Raja Tinggi Hot Snow for an unforgettable nature adventure.

North Sumatra is famous for its enchanting natural beauty, rich culture, and unique tourism. With its diverse natural tourist destinations, this province offers an adventurous experience as well as beauty that you can enjoy anytime.

Here are recommendations for 10 natural Tourist Attractions in North Sumatra that must be on your travel list.

1. Sipiso-piso Waterfall

Sipiso-piso Waterfall in Tongging Village, Karo, is known as one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia with a height of around 120 meters. Surrounded by green hills, this waterfall offers spectacular views that leave visitors in awe.

The location is about 35 km from Berastagi City, or 45 minutes drive from Medan. The road to Sipiso-piso is also neat and can be reached by four-wheeled vehicles or motorbikes.

The beautiful surrounding scenery and the roar of the waterfall make it the perfect location to experience the tranquility of nature.

2. Mount Leuser National Park

Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a tourist destination that stretches between Aceh and North Sumatra Provinces.

With an area of more than 1 million hectares, this national park is a habitat for various rare animals, including the Sumatran orangutan. If you are interested in exploring, visit this national park from June to October when rainfall is relatively low.

To enjoy its natural beauty, visitors are charged a ticket of around IDR 7,500 for domestic tourists and IDR 225,000 for foreign tourists.

3. Samosir Island

Samosir Island is located in the middle of Lake Toba and is a major tourist attraction. In addition to the panoramic view of Lake Toba, Samosir Island offers a variety of activities such as visiting Marlakkop Cave, Huta Bolon Simanindo Museum, and enjoying the historic Batu Parsidangan.

Three ferry routes to Samosir Island are available from Ajibata, Tigaras, or Muara Ports with tickets around IDR 90,000–IDR 100,000 per person. While you’re there, make sure to explore the Best Things to do in Samosir for a truly memorable experience on the island.

4. Lake Toba

Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in Southeast Asia, is a tourist icon of North Sumatra. With stunning natural panorama, this lake is surrounded by green hills and strong Batak culture.

Here, you can see traditional Batak houses, visit Tuktuk Siadong Village, or explore the small islands around the lake. The journey from Medan to Lake Toba can be taken around 5 hours, with various transportation options, ranging from private vehicles, buses, to trains.

5. Sibolangit Nature Reserve

Sibolangit Nature Reserve is one of the natural destinations rich in rare flora and fauna. Located at KM 38 Jalan Letjend Jamin Ginting, Batu Layang, Sibolangit, this area is only about 1 hour from Medan City.

Visitors must ask permission in advance from the manager and prepare physically, because this nature reserve has an area of about 100 hectares with various footpaths.

6. Sipinsur Geosite

Sipinsur Geosite is a paradise for photography lovers, with views of Lake Toba and Samosir Island from an altitude of 1,213 meters above sea level.

Located in Pearung Village, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, this geosite offers trekking, a children’s play area, and photo spots in a very Instagrammable pine forest. Entrance tickets to this area are very affordable, only IDR 2,000 per person.

7. High King Hot Snow

Raja Tinggi Hot Snow is a unique destination known for the white color of the rocks around the crater, resembling snow.

Unlike the White Crater of Ciwidey, this destination has hot water with a blue-green color that adds to the beauty of the landscape. The hot temperature in this area is a special attraction and makes the tourist experience here very different.

8. Linting Lake

Linting Lake is a hidden gem located in Deli Serdang Regency. With calm, turquoise water, the lake is surrounded by green forests and hills that create a peaceful atmosphere. This place is perfect for those seeking tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Access to the lake also offers an interesting adventure with a road that is quite challenging but provides an extraordinary experience.

9. Tongkoh Botanical Gardens

Tongkoh Botanical Garden in Berastagi is the perfect location to see various ornamental plants and typical Berastagi fruits, such as oranges and strawberries. Tourists can walk around enjoying the vast garden and even pick fruits as souvenirs.

From this garden, views of Mount Sinabung can also be enjoyed. With its cool air, a visit to Tongkoh Botanical Gardens gives the impression of both tourism and relaxation.

10. Lau Kawar Lake

Located at the foot of Mount Sinabung, Lake Lau Kawar is a lake with clear water and cool air. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains, set up a tent for camping, or just relax in the area provided.

From Medan, this location can be reached by driving for 3 hours. Lake Lau Kawar is an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to enjoy the tranquility at the foot of the majestic mountain.

North Sumatra with all its natural beauty is ready to welcome visitors who are looking for a different experience. From towering waterfalls, vast volcanic lakes, to forests full of exotic flora and fauna, all of these places prove how rich the nature of North Sumatra is.

Be sure to explore the Tourist Attractions in Sibolga for even more natural beauty and cultural charm. So, for those of you who want to escape from the routine and feel the charm of nature that is still pristine, North Sumatra is the right choice.