Sumatra Uncovered
9 Days Starting in Medan and ending in Padang
Visiting: Medan, Bukit Lawang, Padang, Mentawai District
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25941
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
It’s time to say goodbye to the jungle and head to the beach! We say goodbye to the locals of the Mentawai village and hello to a slow beach life. In the afternoon we head to Padang Harbor and check out Nagari Sungai Pinang, this cool traditional fishing village hugging the southern coast of Padang. We’ll be spending our last few days in beach huts just a stones throw from crystal clear waters and surrounded by nature. Have the morning to chill before we travel to Padang. We arrive in the late evening, have dinner, a drink or too and get ready our last few days spent on the beaches of paradise.
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
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
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
Includes Bat Caves exploration, Orangutan Trek, River Tubing, Local Village Stay, Turtle Volunteering, Island Hopping, Snorkeling, and Beachfront Hut Experience.
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Airport Pickup
Complimentary airport pickup is provided for arrivals less than 48 hours before the tour start if pre-nights are booked directly with TruTravels at the start hotel, and for arrivals on the day of the tour.
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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
Includes airport pickup, mini bus/private car, fast boat to Mentawai Island, and flight to Padang.
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Accommodation
8 nights accommodation in rural homestays, twin-share rooms.
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Tru Exclusives
Turtle Volunteer Project in a remote village for an incredible once in a lifetime experience volunteering at a local turtle conservation.
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners included.
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Transport Description
Navigate Sumatra's diverse landscapes with ease, from airport pickups to comfortable mini-buses and private cars, fast boats to Mentawai Island, and internal flights ensuring a seamless journey.
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Accommodation Description
Twin share throughout.
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8 nights accommodation
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is a mandatory requirement for all participants.
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International Flights
International flights to and from the start/end locations are not included.
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Visa Fees
Any applicable visa fees are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and activities outside of the itinerary are not included.
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Optional Activities
Costs for optional activities not included in the tour itinerary are not covered.
Accommodation
Twin share throughout
Transport
Private bus, boat, internal flight
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Mode of Transport
Navigate Sumatra's diverse landscapes with ease, from airport pickups to comfortable mini-buses and private cars, fast boats to Mentawai Island, and internal flights ensuring a seamless journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation is provided on a twin-share basis throughout the tour, including 8 nights in rural homestays and twin-share rooms.
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Group Leader
An experienced TruTravels guide throughout the trip
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is a mandatory requirement for all participants.
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Optional Activities
No optional activities
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What should I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will be picked up from the airport, meet the rest of your group and your Travel Ninja, and get an overview of the exciting 9 days ahead. You will spend the evening exploring Medan.
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What is the role of the Travel Ninja on this tour?
The Travel Ninja is your guide, akin to traveling with your best friends, one of whom happens to know where they’re going.
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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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What is the Turtle Volunteer Project mentioned in the tour?
The Turtle Volunteer Project is a Tru Exclusive experience where you volunteer at a local turtle conservation in a remote village, learning about and supporting turtle conservation efforts.
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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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Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
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Is airport pickup included in the tour package?
Yes, complimentary airport pickup is provided for arrivals less than 48 hours before the tour start if pre-nights are booked directly with TruTravels at the start hotel, and for arrivals on the day of the tour.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners.
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Transport
Private bus, boat, internal flight
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes Bat Caves exploration, Orangutan Trek, River Tubing, Local Village Stay, Turtle Volunteering, Island Hopping, Snorkeling, and a Beachfront Hut Experience.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to and from the start/end locations are not included.
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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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Accommodation
Twin share throughout
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes airport pickups, comfortable mini-buses and private cars, fast boats to Mentawai Island, and internal flights to ensure a seamless journey.
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Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
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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 aim to accept anyone of any age. Please do not be offended if we discuss the make-up of the trip with you prior to booking just to ensure you will be comfortable with the average age range that is already booked to travel.
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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.
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Do you have age limits for your tours?
Most of the people that join us on tour are 18 to thirtysomethings. We have no strict upper age limit on our tours but all of our tours are specifically designed for those of this age group which is worth noting. Please do not be offended if we discuss the make-up of the trip with you prior to booking just to ensure you will be comfortable with the average age range that is already booked to travel.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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