The route from Lake Toba to Aceh passes through parts of Sumatra that are rarely visited by tourists: you will definitely find yourself off the beaten track here! The itinerary combines visits to Lake Toba, Gunung Leuser National park, the Gayo highlands and the amazing underwater world around Weh Island. This trip will definitely give you some unique experiences. The program is suitable for people who love adventure travels.

Day 1: Airport Medan to Samosir/Lake Toba
From Medan airport you will be brought to the town of Prapat on Lake Toba, a 4-hour drive by car. A public ferry will take you across the lake to Samosir Island, where you will overnight in a pleasant hotel, located on the lake’s shore.  

Day 2: Samosir/Lake Toba
A day to explore Samosir Island: go hiking, biking, by motorbike or by car with driver (rent locally). But don’t forget to take a refreshing dip in Lake Toba at the end of the day!  

Day 3: Samosir/Lake Toba to Ketambe
Today you will leave Samosir Island and drive along its north coast and through the islands capitol city Pangururan, back to Sumatra’s mainland. You will continue on an 8-hour drive to the small town of Ketambe, tucked away in the interiors of North Sumatra, on the eastern border of Gunung Leuser National Park. Enjoy the scenery on the way, with spectacular views over Lake Toba, vast stretches of rainforest and deep ravines. You will also pass many small villages with characteristic local markets. Accommodation in Ketambe is pretty basic (a traditional cold water bucket for showering, fan room).

Day 4: Ketambe, trekking
Ketambe has long been a favorite destination for researchers and nature photographers, who want to explore Gunung Leuser National Park. In the morning you will join a local guide on a 3-hour trek through tropical rainforest (included in the program). Hopefully you will spot wild orangutans and other monkey species like thomas leaf and gibbon. There are some uphill and downhill parts, but overall the trail is not too difficult, although it might be slippery in rainy conditions. In the afternoon relax on the banks of the Alas River. Rafting on this river is also possible and can be arranged locally.  

Day 5: Ketambe to Takengon
From Ketambe you will continue driving north and enter the province of Aceh. Today’s trip will take around 9 hours driving in total, over relatively good roads. Enjoy the rice fields, pristine jungle, rivers, villages and local markets on the way; there will be many photo opportunities. At the end of the day you will arrive in Takengon, a town located at 1100 meters altitude, next to Lake Laut Tawar. The highlands around the lake are settled by the Gayo tribe. You will stay in a hotel in town, close to the lake, where you can finally enjoy a hot shower again.

Day 6: Takengon
Today you will drive around Lake Laut Tawar. Coffee beans from the plantations in the Gayo Highlands are arguably the best coffee from Indonesia. You will find a lot of coffee plantations around the lake. Enjoy the authentic villages and scenic views. In the afternoon you might want to take out a boat to the lake and peddle around a bit.  

Day 7: Takengon to Banda Aceh
Fom Takengon you will descend along a winding road to the east coast of Aceh, to the town of Bireuen. From there, a flat road mostly follows the coast line until the provincial capital of Banda Aceh. In total, it is an 8-hour drive over mostly well maintained roads. In Banda Aceh you will stay in a comfortable city-hotel. Try and visit some sites in town in the afternoon, like the Baiturrahman mosque or the Tsunami Museum.

Day 8: Banda Aceh to Weh Island
A fast ferry will bring you to Weh Island, where you will stay in a pleasant hotel on arguably the prettiest beach on the island, Pantai Sumur Tiga. It is allowed to wear swimsuits at this stretch of beach and the hotel is allowed to serve alcohol.

Day 9: Weh Island
A relaxing day to enjoy the amazing coral reefs around the island. It is possible to snorkel directly from the hotel’s beach. Diving is also possible, there are several diving schools available on the island. The hotel can assist in arranging this.

Day 10: Weh Island to Banda Aceh airport
A fast ferry will bring you back to the main land, followed by a transfer to Banda Aceh airport. The tour finishes here.  

Day 1: Medan - Samosir/Lake Toba
Day 2: Samosir/Lake Toba
Day 3: Samosir/Lake Toba - Ketambe
Day 4: Ketambe
Day 5: Ketambe - Takengon
Day 6: Takengon
Day 7: Takengon - Banda Aceh
Day 8: Banda Aceh - Weh Island
Day 9: Weh Island
Day 10: Weh Island - airport Banda Aceh