Best of Sumatra

Land Medan and drive into the city and the hotel. Check-in, freshen up and enjoy lunch before heading out to explore the city. Visit Masjid Raya, the Great Mosque, regarded as one of the most beautiful in Indonesia. Continue on to Maimoon Sultan Palace and the impressive Chinese temple Vihara Gunung Timur. (L)

This morning, drive to Bukit Lawang, a journey of roughly three hours, and arrive in time for lunch. After a good meal head out on a trek to the feeding station to watch Sumatra's orangutans. The walk through jungle en-route to the platform often offers opportunities to see wild orangutans as well as Black and White Thomas Leaf Monkeys and a range of birds and rare orchids. Visit the Orangutan Information Centre before crossing the Bohorok River on a small rope-pulled raft to take a stroll along the riverbank back to Bukit Lawang. Evening at leisure. (B,L)

This morning drive southeast to Berastagi located in the cool Karo Highlands with lunch served en-route. The journey is a long one (approx 5-hours) but passes through the scenic landscape and offers views over Mt Sinabung sitting at 2,460 metres high. The highlands are known for having a cool climate with an abundance of crops including passion fruit and being home to the Batak Karo people who perform elaborate wedding and funeral ceremonies featuring sigalegale puppet dances. (B,L)

An early start today for the drive to Parapat. En-route visit the St Franciscus Catholic Church to enjoy views over Mt Sibayak, stop at a market to sample local fruits and explore the last traditional Batak Karo village at Doken with their longhouse homes. Stop at Sipiso-piso waterfall, the highest in Indonesia which also boasts views of the lake below. After a late lunch, arrive in Parapat and cross to Samosir Island in the middle of Lake Toba which is the largest volcanic lake in the world. Spend the night in a hotel on Samosir Island. (B,L)

Explore Lake Toba with visits to traditional villages such as Ambarita and Simanindo to enjoy a performance of Batak Toba traditional dance called Tor-Tor. Enjoy lunch on Tao Island followed by a boat journey along the eastern shore to Pangururan, capital of Samosir Island. Continue to the Tele observatory tower on the mainland to enjoy fabulous panoramic views. En-route back to the hotel enjoy a dip in a hot-springs and visit Lumban Suhi Suhi weaving village. (B,L)

Take an early morning ferry back to Parapat and drive to Sipirok, a full day journey through this picturesque corner of the island. Stop en-route to see clove and pineapple plantations, visit Balige, a charming fishing and farming village and Sipoholon Hot springs. Take a stroll along the Sarulla River bank and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Arrive Sipirok early evening for time at leisure. (B,L)

Embark on another long drive this morning across picturesque Sumatra. Stops will be made en-route to visit a local farming village and across the Equator - pause for a photo-stop and legend has it that crossing the line backwards brings good luck! Enjoy lunch en-route and arrive in Bukittinggi for the evening at leisure. (B,L)

Spend today exploring Bukittinggi and its surroundings. Explore Sianok Canyon, noted for a network of underground bunkers and tunnels before continuing to visit Fort De Kock which offers fine views over the town. Discover the Minangkabau Museum and the Pasar Atas Market, especially busy on Wed and Sat with people coming from neighbouring villages. Drive out to outlying villages to watch traditional weaving practices and visit the former palace of the Minangkabau Kingdom. Return to the hotel for the evening at leisure. (B,L)

Today is at leisure until returning to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)