Sumatra Backpacking Itinerary (In-Depth Route for North and West Sumatra)
Taking a fortnight-long Sumatra backpacking trip was one of my best travel decisions to date. Despite being the largest island in Indonesia, it’s hardly visited by the majority of people travelling Southeast Asia. In fact, many people haven’t heard of it at all.
In Sumatra, you get the chance to see orangutans and other endemic monkeys in the wild, trek volcanoes, taste the famous Sumatran coffee and visit the world’s largest crater lake. It’s also surprisingly easy to have authentic cultural experiences, such as spending time with the Mentawai tribe on the remote Mentawai Islands.
After travelling extensively across north and west Sumatra, I put together this Sumatra backpacking itinerary and planning guide to help more people explore this underrated destination.
Before I went there myself, I struggled to find a genuinely first-hand backpacking itinerary for north and west Sumatra. You can follow my suggested route exactly, or adapt it based on your time, comfort level and interests – and use the linked guides below to plan each part of your tip in finer detail.
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Sumatra At A Glance
Best time to visit: April to May (drier weather and fewer crowds)
Where to start your trip: Medan (north) or Padang (west)
Don’t miss these experiences:
1. Overnight orangutan trekking (from Bukit Lawang or Medan) – permits and guides are limited, so booking ahead is essential
Who This sumatra Itinerary Is For
This itinerary is designed for:
- Backpackers and budget travellers.
- Anyone who’s interested in adventurous, immersive travel experiences.
- Travellers who want to get off the beaten track in Southeast Asia.
- Wildlife enthusiasts hoping to see orangutans and other monkeys in the wild or semi-wild.
You may not want to use my itinerary if you’re:
- A luxury-first traveller who prioritises comfort over adventure.
- Short on time – transport in Sumatra isn’t always predictable, so flexibility is important.
What Makes Sumatra Different
A handful of islands take the brunt of Indonesia’s tourism: Bali first and foremost, followed by Lombok, Java and Komodo. Sumatra, on the western side of the archipelago, remains largely off the beaten track.
What makes Sumatra different from other destinations in Indonesia:
- It’s genuinely off the beaten track. Tourism is light compared to Bali and Java, making it easier to experience the everyday life and local culture without crowds.
- The landscapes are so varied. Sumatra is home to Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic crater lake, hikeable volcanoes, mountain ranges, rainforests, remote surfing islands and fishing towns.
- Wildlife experiences are world-class. Sumatra is one of only two places in the world where you can see orangutans in the wild. Watching them swing freely through the rainforest was one of the biggest highlights of my travels in Southeast Asia.
- Travel here is slower and more immersive. Distances are long, transport can be unpredictable and journeys take time, but it’s so rewarding.
- It’s not a party destination. As a predominantly Muslim island, nightlife is minimal and hostels are still relatively rare. Most travellers are couples, solo travellers or small groups.
- You won’t meet many other travellers. Outside of a few pockets in north Sumatra, I often went days without crossing paths with other tourists.
- Natural disasters can happen, but they’re not a reason to avoid visiting. Sumatra sits on the Ring of Fire, like much of Southeast Asia. With basic awareness, this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Which Are the Best Months to Visit Sumatra?
The best months to visit Sumatra are April and May. These months fall within Sumatra’s dry season, when the weather is hot, humid and approximately 30 – 32°C most days.
June to October coincides with burning season, when slash-and-burn farming causes heavy smoke and poor air quality. The worst time for this is July to September, when views are often obscured.
The wet season is another time to avoid. It generally takes place from September to January, bringing heavy rains and occasional flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Travel is still possible, but transport delays are more common, and the risk is higher.
You’ll also need to take note that temperatures can vary a lot by altitude. In highland areas like Berastagi, it’s notably cooler.
Visiting Sumatra During Ramadan
Sumatra is a predominantly Muslim island, so travel during Ramadan can be more challenging – as I found out first-hand.
In 2026, Ramadan takes place on the 17th February to around the 18th March.
In 2027, it’s expected from the 7th February to 8th March.
Most restaurants are closed during daylight hours, and it was incredibly hard to find food outside of homestays in west Sumatra. North Sumatra is a little easier because there are more tourists, and Lake Toba has a largely Christian population, so it’s easy there too.
How Many Days Do You Need in Sumatra?
Sumatra is Indonesia’s largest island, so travelling it requires a good chunk of time. From north to south, it is 1,790 kilometres long.
- 10 days is enough time to explore one region well (north or west Sumatra).
- 2 – 3 weeks is a comfortable pace for combining north and west Sumatra.
- 1+ months is ideal for slow, immersive travel.
Travelling between north and west Sumatra requires an overnight bus or a short flight, so you’ll need to factor in at least one full travel day.
How to Get to Sumatra
Most people who visit Sumatra arrive in Medan, Sumatra’s largest city. This North Sumatra location is a convenient starting point for orangutan trekking in Bukit Lawang.
There are direct flights to Medan from major hubs including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Bali and Bangkok, as well as many other Indonesian cities.
It’s also possible to reach Sumatra by ferry:
- From Java (Merak to Bakauheni), arriving in south Sumatra.
- From Malaysia (Malacca to Dumai), arriving in east Sumatra. I took this route!
If you arrive via one the ferry ports, it makes sense to explore West Sumatra first.
How to Get Around Sumatra
Travelling around Sumatra is slow but manageable. The more flexible you keep your Sumatra itinerary, the more you’ll enjoy your trip.
Believe me, travel interruptions or delays will happen – so it’s best to take it on the chin and enjoy the journey.
- Buses are the primary form of long-distance transport and are widely used by locals.
- Overnight “executive” buses are comfortable and inexpensive for longer routes.
- Shared tourist buses exist in parts of north Sumatra, but they’re more expensive and often slower. They will drop you directly at your accommodation.
- Flights are available between major cities (e.g. Medan and Padang), but they are infrequent and significantly more expensive than buses.
To get around the towns and cities in Sumatra, you can use e-hailing apps like Grab and GoJek; you’ll need an internet connection (WiFi or data to use these). Normal taxis are also available, with payment in cash.
The Best Routes for Backpacking Sumatra
North Sumatra Itinerary
North Sumatra is generally easier to travel than the west and is also the best place to see orangutans in the wild or semi-wild, with trekking tours running from Bukit Lawang. The north is also home to Lake Toba, the world’s largest crater lake, and the volcano hike in Berastagi.
The popular route through North Sumatra is Medan, Bukit Lawang, Berastagi and Lake Toba. Bukit Lawang is the most time-consuming stop, as orangutan trekking tours last anywhere from 1 to 5 days, depending on how deep into the jungle you want to go.
Most people will go for the two-day orangutan trek, which makes the route possible in 9 days:
- Day 1: Medan – sightseeing and local markets
- Day 2: Bukit Lawang – bus to Bukit Lawang and settling in
- Day 3 – 4: Bukit Lawang – overnight orangutan trekking
- Day 5: Travel day – tourist bus to Berastagi
- Day 6: Berastagi – volcano hike
- Day 7: Lake Toba – tourist bus and settling in
- Day 8 – 9: Lake Toba – waterfalls, museums and relaxation
If you want to see more of North Sumatra, you can go to Aceh and Pulau Weh, which is best done from Medan. This will require additional time:
- Day 1: Bus to Aceh
- Day 2 – 3: Aceh
- Day 4 – 6: Pulau Weh
- Day 7: Bus to Medan
West Sumatra Itinerary
The main places to visit in West Sumatra are fairly close together: Bukittinggi, Harau Valley and Maninjau Lake. You only need four days to see them all (five if you prefer a slower pace):
- Day 1: Bukittinggi – Japanese caves, Sianok Canyon and local markets
- Day 2: Bukittinggi – side trip to Maninjau Lake
- Day 3: Harau Valley – bus to Harau, cooking class and exploring
- Day 4: Harau Valley – hiking and waterfalls, then return to Bukittinggi
The main challenge in West Sumatra is fitting in the Mentawai Islands, which are accessible by ferry from Padang. The ferry doesn’t depart every day, takes 6–7 hours, and is prone to cancellations during bad weather, something I learnt the hard way.
If you want to visit the Mentawai Islands, you need at least 3 – 4 additional days, or up to 7 (counting travel days) if you want to do the popular five-day Mentawai tribe experience.
Combined North and West Sumatra Itinerary
Combining North and West Sumatra is what I did. I took bit of an unusual route, arriving by ferry in Damai in east Sumatra, but in practice, this itinerary works best if you start in Padang (West Sumatra) and travel north.
This route allows you to see the north and west at a good pace. You can shorten it by skipping the Mentawai Islands.
- Day 1: Medan to Padang by air – settle in and try the local food
- Day 2: Ferry to Mentawai Islands (check the departures online: Mentawai fast ferry)
- Day 3 – 5: Mentawai Islands – surfing and relaxation
- Day 6: Ferry to Padang and tourist bus/taxi to Bukittinggi
- Day 7: Bukittinggi
- Day 8: Maninjau Lake side trip
- Day 9 – 10: Harau Valley
- Day 11: Return to Bukittingi; overnight bus to Lake Toba
- Day 12 – 14: Lake Toba
- Day 15: Berastagi by tourist bus
- Day 16: Berastagi – volcano hike
- Day 17: Berastagi to Bukit Lawang by tourist bus
- Day 18 – 19: Bukit Lawang – orangutan trekking
- Day 20: Bus to Medan
- Day 21: Medan – sightseeing
How to Travel Sumatra By Region
North Sumatra
1. Medan
Best for: Historic sites and culture
Time needed: 1-2 days
Medan is the biggest city in Sumatra, but a brief visit is enough unless you’re particularly interested in the city’s history. It serves more as a transit stop than a destination in itself.
Highlights include the Great Mosque of Medan, which has a combination of Islamic and European influences, and Maimun Palace, the former royal residence of the Sultanate of Deli. In the evening, Jalan Selat Panjang is a great spot for sampling Indonesian street food.
Where to Stay (Quick Picks):
- Ibis Styles Medan – I stayed here
- Aryaduta Medan
2. Bukit Lawang
Best for: Orangutan jungle trekking
Time needed: 2 – 4 days
Set on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang is one of the last places in the world where you can see Sumatran orangutans in the wild. (If you’re deciding between Sumatra and Borneo, I’ve written a full guide on where to see orangutans in Southeast Asia.)
Jungle treks range from one day to 5+ days, with overnight camping increasing your chances of spotting orangutans, Thomas’s langurs and gibbons. Most people opt for an in-between: a three-day orangutan trek, to maximise their chances and keep costs moderate.
Outside of trekking, you can also go tubing on the river or explore nearby farms and villages. I’ve written a detailed Bukit Lawang guide if you’d like more help planning your trip there.
Where to Stay (Quick Picks):
3. Berastagi
Best for: Volcano trekking
Time needed: 2 days
Berastagi is a town in the highlands between Medan and Lake Toba. It’s best known as a base for climbing Mount Sibayak, a 2181-metre active volcano with hot springs and a dramatic crater.
Although I had planned to hike Mount Sibayak at sunrise , I ended up recovering from illness in town instead. However, it remains one of the most popular stops on this route.
Berastagi is also known for its markets and a popular base for visiting the Sipiso Piso waterfall. You can also learn more about the villages affected by nearby Mount Sinabung’s eruptions.
Where to Stay (Quick Picks):
- Nachelle Homestay – I stayed here
- Sinabung Hills Berastagi
4. Lake Toba (Samosir Island)
Best for: Swimming, relaxation, Batak culture, and hiking
Time needed: 3-5 days
As the largest volcanic crater lake in the world, Lake Toba is another of Sumatra’s most iconic destinations. After spending five days here, I can confirm it’s worth slowing down for.
Most tourists stay on Samosir Island, home to the Batak people. You can scooter around the island in a day or two (as I did), visit traditional Batak sites and swim in the clear, calm water. I’ve written a detailed Lake Toba guide to help you plan your time here.
Where to Stay (Quick Picks):
- Zoe’s Paradise Waterfront Hotel
- Reggae Guesthouse – I stayed here
5. Aceh
Best for: Surfing beaches and diving sites
Time needed: 2-3 days
Aceh is a city at the northern tip of Sumatra. While many people associate it with the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, it also has access to stunning beaches, diving sites and mountains.
There’s a tsunami museum in the city, and surfers often take their kit to Lhoknga Beach, around 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre. From Aceh, you can also take a boat to Pulau Weh.
Where to Stay (Quick Picks):
6. Pulau Weh (Sabang)
Best for: Diving, snorkelling, and relaxing
Time needed: 3-5 days
Pulau Weh (also known as Sabang) is a small island connected to Aceh by fast boat. Diving and snorkelling are the main draws here, particularly the deeper reefs.
The island is mostly covered in palm trees and also features hot springs, quiet coves, Japanese bunkers and a volcano.
Where to Stay (Quick Picks):
West Sumatra
1. Bukittinggi
Best for: Canyon views, local food and underground tunnels
Time needed: 2 days
Bukittinggi is one of my favourite places in West Sumatra. There’s so much going on: Sianok Canyon, with its dramatic cliffs, and underground Japanese tunnels from World War II.
The nearby forests are home to the rare Rafflesia flower. Plus, there are views of two volcanoes, Mount Merapi and Mount Singgalang. And then there are the local food markets! My separate Bukittinggi guide has all of the details.
Where to Stay (Quick Picks):
2. Harau Valley and Payakumbuh
Best for: Hiking trails, rock climbing, and peaceful rice terraces
Time needed: 2-4 days
Often referred to as the ‘Yosemite of Indonesia’, Harau Valley is known for its tall cliffs, waterfalls and rice terraces. You can hike through the valley and visit small farms with a guide.
I also loved taking an opelet into nearby Payakumbuh to see more traditional Minangkabau architecture and local markets. Harau Valley was an unexpected standout on my trip, and I’ve written a detailed Harau Valley travel guide to help you plan your visit.
Where to Stay (Quick Picks):
- Abdi Homestay (£££) – book directly via the Abdi Homestay Instagram.
3. Lake Maninjau
Best for: An offbeat crater lake surrounded by rice terraces
Time needed: 1-2 days
Lake Maninjau is a quieter alternative to Lake Toba, accessible down a winding road with 44 hairpin turns.
Many people just take a day trip here from Bukittinggi, but I decided to base myself there for a couple of nights and cycled the 50-kilometre loop around the lake in one day. I passed fishing villages, floating mosques, rice terraces and small local shops. You can’t swim in Maninjau Lake due to the fish farms, but the scenery more than makes up for it.
If you’re planning a visit, I’ve written a full guide to visiting Maninjau Lake.
Where to Stay (Quick Picks):
- Beach Guesthouse – I stayed here
4. Sikabu
Best for: Rice terrace scenery and glamping
Time needed: 1-2 days
Sikabu is still way off the radar for international tourists. I visited on a day trip from Harau Valley and instantly fell in love with the tiered rice terraces, grazing buffalo and views towards Mount Sago. There are a couple of scenic coffee shops there, plus the Sikabu Glamping Site.
5. Padang
Best for: Food, culture, and access to the Mentawai Islands
Time needed: 1-2 days
Padang is best known as the departure point for the Mentawai Islands, but it’s also a great place for foodies.
Padang cuisine is famous throughout Indonesia, particularly nasi Padang, where diners choose from a spread of small dishes. The city also has a Chinatown, colonial-era buildings and Pantai Air Manis beach.
The fast ferries to the Mentawai Islands run several times per week and take around 6-7 hours.
Where to Stay (Quick Picks):
- Kokos Hostel – I stayed here
- The View Padang
6. Mentawai Islands (including Siberut)
Best for: Surfing, tribal culture and relaxation
Time needed: 3 – 7 days
The Mentawai Islands are one of the best surfing destinations in Indonesia, with surf camps drawing people from around the globe. On top of that, they also have quiet white-sand beaches and a traditional indigenous culture.
Responsible tour operators can arrange a five-day visit to the semi-nomadic tribes on islands such as Siberut. Visiting requires careful planning around ferry schedules and weather conditions, which is why I wasn’t able to include it in my own trip.
7. Nias Island
Best for: A remote island with surfing beaches
Time needed: 3-4 days
Nias Island is another lesser-visited island off Sumatra’s west coast. It has small villages, waterfalls, caves, beaches and snorkelling spots, as well as its own distinct language and culture. You can surf here, too.
quick Tips To Help You Plan Your Trip
What to Pack and Wear
Sumatra is a predominantly Muslim destination, so dressing modestly is appreciated – and expected – in most areas, especially in West Sumatra. Lightweight, breathable clothing works best in the humid lowlands, while in highland areas, it’s noticeably colder and you’ll need a warm jacket.
If you’re planning to go jungle trekking, long sleeves, long socks and robust hiking boots or trail runners are essential both for the hiking and keeping leeches and mosquitoes at bay.
I’ve written a full guide to what to wear in Sumatra, including a detailed packing list, that goes into much more detail.
Cost of Backpacking Sumatra
Travelling through Sumatra is inexpensive, particularly compared to Bali or other parts of Southeast Asia.
- Local meals: 10,000–40,000 IDR
- Basic double room: 100,000–220,000 IDR per night
- Long-distance buses: 200,000–335,000 IDR, depending on comfort level
Transport and multi-day activities (such as orangutan trekking) tend to be the biggest expenses. In my experience, accommodation is also more expensive in North Sumatra than in West Sumatra.
Quick Tips
- Some accommodation, particularly in parts of West Sumatra, does not allow unmarried mixed-gender couples to share rooms. I travelled with another backpacker, and because we were male and female, we had to book two separate rooms at one location.
- Bring mosquito repellent from home; good-quality skin repellent can be difficult to find locally.
- Weather and road conditions can cause delays, so the more flexible your travel dates are, the better.
- Monitor the local news for updates during the rainy season or periods of seismic activity.
WiFi and Internet in Sumatra
WiFi in mainland towns is generally stable, but mobile data is pretty inconsistent. To get data, you’ll need to purchase a tourist SIM card, which is easiest to find at arrival points such as Medan Airport.
We missed our chance to get a tourist SIM card upon arrival, and struggled to find one after that; the local SIM cards won’t work in your phone. We then tried a couple of eSIMs, but the coverage was really unreliable depending on location.
FAQ
While Sumatra does not have a ‘set’ backpacking trail, it’s great for hiking, trying local food and seeing wildlife such as orangutans. The island has volcanoes, crater lakes, valleys, and canyons.
The average temperature in Sumatra is 32 °C. The temperature is consistently hot and humid all year round.
The southernmost point of Sumatra is a short ferry journey from the north of Java. If you’re travelling from Medan to Jakarta, however, the flight covers over 1,800 kilometres.
Sumatra is a developing country with rural and urban poverty. Wealth is distributed unevenly, with very few benefitting from the island’s oil fields, coalfields, gold and silver.
Sumatra is located in the Ring of Fire, so it is considered to be prone to natural disasters such as volcano eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. The crime late is low. Overall, Sumatra is safe as long as you know the proper precautions to take in the event of a natural disaster.
A flight from Denpasar in Bali to Medan in Sumatra takes approximately 3 – 4 hours non-stop.
Your post is amazing and really brings Sumatra to life! It would be helpful to add info on transportation between cities and time estimates for activities. A note on cultural sensitivity, especially with the Mentawai tribe, would also be great.
Enjoyed your guide, it fits well with the thoughts and plans I have, although you have made me reconsider my dates due to to Ramadan. You mention no bars or clubs, but a nice cold beer after a days hiking would be good. Do shops/restaurants there sell beer ? I saw a lot of Orangutangs when I was in Malaysian Borneo, so I wasn’t planning on going to Bukit Lawang. My planned route is a couple of nights in Medan, then on to Berestagi for a night or two, next a couple of nights in Tuk Tuk on lake Toba. Then I thought I’d head south and west, because as you say it looks beautiful and is less travelled :). I’d break the journey with a night in padang simenpuan, before continuing to Bukittingi for a couple of nights and finally a stay in Padang, from where I would fly to KL and then back to Bangkok. I spend most of my time in Thailand these days in the north east region so I have a Thai sim. I guess this should work on Sumatra and will be cheap so long as I add Indonesia to my package. Thank you for all the great details and insights into Sumatra.
@Colin,
Hi,
When do you plan your journey to Sumatra?
I’m landing on 20.02. In Medan. Maybe you want to travel together.
Best regards Ana
This is a great guide! Only thing I would add to it is some more information about the interior route of Gunung Lesseur park. Ketambe is a more authentic place to see truly wild orangutan (as opposed to ones that were released or their children in Bukit Lawang), but it takes a full day to get to it. Takengon has a lovely lake and is renowned for its coffee made there.
Its the road less traveled for sure, and there’s a definite language barrier to overcome, but I highly recommend Medan-Berestagi-Ketambe-Blangkejeren(Kedah)-Takengon-Banda Aceh-Pulau Weh for those who truly want to get off the tourist track and be amongst the locals 🙂 It was my best adventure I’ve had thus far. Sumatra and Aceh are so beautiful.
@Trevor, Nice suggestions! There are so many spots to visit in Sumatra, but this sounds like a great offbeat adventure.
Hi Katie,
I am enjoying your blog and appreciating it for all the travel tips through Sumatra.
I have about 4 weeks to spend flying from Kuala Lumpur and have pencilled out the following itinerary.
Day 1: Travel KL – Medan, overnight Medan
Day 2: Travel Medan – Samosir/Lake Toba – 3 nights
Day 6: Travel Samosir/LT – Bukit Lawang – 4 nights
Day 10: Travel Bukit Lawang – Medan, overnight Medan
Day 11: Travel (fly) Medan – Padang, (road transfer) Padang – Bukittingi, overnight Bukittinggi – 3 nights
Day 14: Travel Bukittingi – Harau Valley – overnight HV – 4 nights
From here, my itinerary is vague as initially I thought I would go to Nias for a minimum of a week. I am unsure about the connections as it would seem I am needing to travel back to Medan and lose time? Can you advise? Currently, this looks like:
Day 18: Travel (road) HV to Padang – (fly) Padang – Medan, overnight Medan
Day 19: Travel (fly) Medan – Gunungsitoli, (road-boat) G – Nias – boat to Asu – overnight Asu 7 nights
Days
Day 26: Travel (boat) Asu – Nias, (road) Nias – Gunungsitoli, overnight Gunungsitoli
Day 27: Travel (fly) Gunungsitoli – Medan, (fly) Medan – KL
Is this do-able? If not, perhaps go to Mentawei Islands instead? I am not sure. I would love to hear your comments.
Thank you so much and best wishes for your travels too!
Lin
@Lin, I would take advantage of being near to the Mentawai Islands instead. In general, it’s best to assume that you will experience some travel delays at some point during your trip (for whatever reason – weather, road conditions or transport delays) so leaving some wriggle room in your itinerary is a good idea.
Hi Katie
Amazing blog! Thank you so much
I wanted to spend 3 weeks backpacking in Sumatra with my wife and 14 and 12 year old. Due to their summer vacation we can only go in June.
Do you think travel during the “burning season” is bad enough to change our travel destination?
Thank you
@Niraj Patel, I would say it depends on where you want to go and what you want to see. For example, if you’re only going to Medan/Bukit Lawang for orangutan trekking, I would still go. However, if you’re planning lots of hiking and beach time, I would avoid burning season entirely.
Thank you Katie! I was planning on going to Sumatra to begin my indonesian trip. But unfortunately, I could only go in September and had no idea about the burning season. Therefore, I will not visit Sumatra. You are the only in depth blog on Sumatra that I’ve found. So thank you!!!
@Janet D., I’m so glad you found it useful!
Loved this blog thank you, so informative.
I am a Deaf Solo Traveller.
My “priveleged” dilemma is which trek/company to use for the orang utans jungle activity. I want to do something ethical here, but need to feel safe. Perhaps you can give me a couple suggestions?
Arriving Medan on 21st January.
I see it is wet season from your blog, and am slightly worried! Assume its not like raining all day everyday when its wet season?! Sorry to sound naive here.
With thanks
Tyron
Forgot to add my contact!
Hello Katie…thanks for the thorough post! I was in Sumatra in 2010 and am heading back in January. I’m planning to fly to Padang and then slowly work my way to Lake Toba. From Bukittinggi onward, I don’t really know much about the country on the way to Lake Toba? Any recommendations for that stretch? Thank you and enjoy your travels!
Hi Larry! Have a brilliant trip. I also started my trip in Padang. In Western Sumatra, I’d highly recommend visiting Padang, Mentawai Islands (if you have time), Harau Valley, Maninjau Lake, and Sikabu (they are all quite accessible from Bukittinggi). After speaking to locals about the areas between Bukittinggi and Lake Toba, I decided against making any stops due to time constraints. Nias Island is the main place – it requires a small detour. Sipirok is around halfway too – locals told me that this area has some guesthouses and it’s mainly popular for trekking and waterfalls.