Sumatra Uncovered
9 Days Starting in Medan and ending in Padang
Visiting: Medan, Bukit Lawang, Padang, Mentawai District
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25941
Age range:
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$1550 (USD)NB: Prices correct on 20-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Are you ready to uncover the best of Indonesia? If you're looking for a tru-ly unforgettable, mind-blowing, epic 18 day adventure then look no further… Our Bali & Sumatra adventure is finally here! Picture this: untouched beaches, pristine waters and thriving, lush wildlife. Uncover Sumatra with us as we go off grid in untamed jungles with the local tribe of the Mentawai village, have spiritual experiences with a local Shaman and scuba dive with an abundance of marine life. Trek through jungles, slip and slide through water rapids and fall asleep deep in nature surrounded by the sounds of birds and the ocean before hopping on a plane and heading to Bali. Spend your days exploring temples, trekking up an active volcano, island hopping across the Gili islands and lounging on pristine, white, sandy beaches? I’ts giving ' The Best Of Both Worlds.' With hidden gems in Sumatra, Bali backpacking staples and adventure packed days alongside chilled beach afternoons, this trip has it all!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Medan
Location: Medan
Accommodation: Karibia Boutique Hotel Medan
Say ‘Halo’ because it’s time for your Sumatra tour to begin! There’s no more waiting around, you and your new TruFam are officially on their way! Once you’ve arrived, we’ll pick you up from the airport and be on your way to meet the rest of your group and your Travel Ninja. We’ll run you through the next jampacked, exciting 9 days, where we’ll explore dense rainforests, encounter majestic wildlife, soak in scenic routes, and connect with local communities. Spend the rest of your evening exploring the wonders of Medan, Sumatra has to offer before you begin your journey around Indonesia’s largest island.
Day 2: Medan/Bukit Lawang
Location: Medan
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
We hope you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed because we’re up early for our first full day! We’re off to the vibrant wilderness of Bukit Lawang, a beautiful spot nestled in the heart of Sumatra. Prepare to be captivated by the untamed beauty of nature as you set foot in this breath-taking paradise. Once we’re there, we’ll chill and grab a bite to eat before we head into the infamous Bat Caves (and we’re not talking the Christian Bale kind of bat either). You can watch in awe as the bats flutter and dance above your head and reveal their night-time rituals, it’s tru-ly an incredible experience. Get ready to start your own night-time ritual because after a full day, we’re going back to the accommodation for dinner and starting our first local night out!
Day 3: Bukit Lawang
Location: Bukit Lawang
Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH
Hopefully you’re not feeling too rough this morning because it’s an early start! Once we’ve had breakfast and fuelled up for the day, we’re going out to spot the local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for orangutans, monkeys, tropical birds and more as we venture deep into the rainforest. You’ll work up an appetite from all this walking, as your local guide has prepared a delicious lunch for you to chow down on. We’re then switching up walking for boats! We’re then rubber tubing down the river straight to the hotel doorstep -try and tell us that that isn’t cool?!
Day 4: Bukit Lawang/Padang
Location: Bukit Lawang
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
After eating breakfast we’re catching an afternoon flight to Padang City. It’s a coastal location facing the Indian Ocean and is surrounded by lush green hills -it’s simply stunning. There’s beautiful beaches, amazing swimming opportunities, and views to soak in, so take advantage of some free time in the afternoon once we’ve arrived. This evening is a slightly slower pace as we appreciate the most beautiful sunset and get plenty of rest before a busy day tomorrow!
Day 5: Padang/Mentawai District
Location: Padang
Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Rise and shine! We’re making our way to our very own TruExclusive today! Deep in the jungle lies the Mentawai village to spend time with the local people of Sumatra, whose warm hospitality and traditions are tru-ly incredible. This is one of those moments that you’ll cherish forever. We take a fast boat to Siberut and the heart of the village for an authentic rural experience. You’ll have a lunch prepared for the locals before exploring the surrounding farm, where our host family will welcome us with open arms and stay in huts. You can’t do this anywhere else, but you know by now that here at Tru, we don’t do things by halves. We’ll then take a trip to the market, a hub for local handicrafts, textile, and souvenirs. We end the night with a wholesome night of playing games, chatting to the host family, and hearing their stories, sipping ice cold beers, and falling asleep to the mesmerising sounds of the birds around us.
Day 6: Mentawai District
Location: Mentawai District
Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
It’s a very early start so make the most of the rest of your morning here before jumping into a crazy jungle adventure! It promises to awaken your senses and ignite your sense of adventure. When the clock hits 06:30 AM, get ready to dive deep into Mentawai culture as you spend your day in a traditional house called a “Uma”. This isn’t your typical visit, you’ll make genuine connections, learn foraging and hunting skills, and get to know the village’s Shaman. In the heart of nature, we’ll get to learn the wisdom of the indigenous tribe, from crafting their traditional threads, to mastering survival skills, your time in the jungle will be educational and life changing.
Day 7: Mentawai District/Padang
Location: Mentawai District
Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Play Starships by Nicki Minaj because ‘let’s go the beach-beach, let’s go get a wave!’. Get packed up because it’s time to swap trees for sand. In the afternoon, we mosey down to Padang Harbour, and check out Nagari Sungai Pinang, the traditional fishing village that hugs the southern coast of Padang. We’ll spend our last few days in beach huts that are only a stone's throw away from crystal clear waters surrounded by nature -did someone say paradise?! Spend the afternoon however you want before we go to dinner and stop in a live music bar. Sit back, sip a cocktail, and watch the sun go down as we soak up the magic of our last few days in Sumatra.
Day 8: Padang
Location: Padang
Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Island hopping time! Say ‘ahoy’ because we’ll be boarding boats and heading to the surrounding marine hotspots to jump in. Grab your snorkel and masks as we dive down and swim alongside corals, fish and even turtles! Turtle Point, Nemo Point and Snake Island are all on the agenda today, where we’ll witness the natural beauty of Indonesia’s quieter island. Feel the sand between your toes, the breeze in your hair and the sun on your face as we have a chilled afternoon before going to a turtle volunteer project. We’ll learn the importance of conservation, how Sumatra supports turtles within the ocean’s ecosystem and even bathe and release turtles back into the ocean! In the evening, we’ll travel back to the beach huts to have dinner and drinks as the sun sets. We’ll be dancing on the beach and singing along to live music, it’s our final night together so make the most of it!
Day 9: Padang
Location: Padang
It’s time to say goodbye to the stunning island of Sumatra. Have a chilled check out and make the most of your final moments on this beautiful island before we say our goodbyes - for now!
What's Included
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Activities
Bat Caves
Orangutan Trek
River Tubing
Local Village Stay
Turtle Volunteering
Island Hopping
Snorkeling
Beachfront Hut Experience
Live Music Bar -
Airport Pickup
If you are arriving less than 48 hours before the start of the tour and booked the pre-nights directly with TruTravels at the start hotel, you will get a free airport pickup.
If you are arriving the day of the tour you will also be eligible for an airport pick up. -
Travel Ninja
Your Guide! Like travelling with your best friends & one of them happens to know where they're going!
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Transport
Airport pick up
Mini Bus/ Private Car
Fast Boat to Mentawai Island
Flight to Padang -
Accommodation
8 Nights Accommodation
Rural Homestay
Twin-share rooms -
Tru Exclusives
Turtle Volunteer Project in a remote Village
TURTLE VOLUNTEER PROJECT
An incredible once in a lifetime experience as we head to a remote village in West Sumatra where we spend our day volunteering at a local turtle conservation. We'll learn the importance of the protection fo these majestic animals and how they'll thriving in the natural untouched waters of Sumatra before helping clean and release them to the ocean. -
Meals
7 x Breakfasts
5 x Lunches
4 x Dinner -
8 nights accommodation
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Transport whilst on the tour
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Activities as listed
Accommodation
Twin share throughout
Transport
Private bus, boat, internal flight
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Check out our Q&As
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Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
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What's Included
8 nights accommodation. Transport whilst on the tour. Activities as listed. Meals as listed. TruTravels Travel Ninja.
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Optional Activities
No optional activities
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International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
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Group Leader
An experienced TruTravels guide throughout the trip
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Transport
Private bus, boat, internal flight
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Accommodation
Twin share throughout
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Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
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Highlights
Exploring Bukit Lawang and Bat Caves, Orangutan Trekking and River Tubing, Local Village Experience, Unique visit to Shaman, Island Hopping and Turtle Volunteer Project,
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
No problem! You can change the date of your trip once free of charge as long as you do so more than 60 days prior to departure.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2012!
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We have a 'my own room' option which can be added on at additional cost.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will send you out a pre departure pack 30 days prior to travel containing everything you need to know, and your joining instructions.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
We plant 10 trees for every trip sold!
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The majority of our travellers are in their 20's / 30's however we accept anyone of any age!
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It may be possible in certain destinations, however it would be your responsibility to get yourself to where the group currently is.
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025
Sunday - Monday
Jun 02, 2024 - Jun 10, 2024Sunday - Monday
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 15, 2024Sunday - Monday
Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Sunday - Monday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Sunday - Monday
Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Sunday - Monday
Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 18, 2024Sunday - Monday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025Sunday - Monday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Sunday - Monday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025Sunday - Monday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Sunday - Monday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Sunday - Monday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID
The world is a different place now to a few years back. Most of the countries we visit no longer have any covid restrictions. If you'd feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please do so. We also have 'my own room' option if you'd rather have your own space.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
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Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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