Friends, picture mist lifting off a giant volcanic lake, orangutans rustling in emerald canopy, and palm‑lined bays with soft breaks.

Sumatra rewards curious travelers with big scenery and living traditions, fewer crowds, and fair prices. Use these concise picks—each with costs, transit, and food notes—to weave a flexible route across the island.

Medan Flavors

Base in Medan for a night to sample Soto Medan, curry‑laden Nasi Padang, and street snacks ($2–$6 per dish). Ride‑hails from the airport to the center run $6–$12; midrange rooms sit around $30–$60. Visit Maimun Palace ($2–$4) and Tjong A Fie Mansion ($3–$5); both are easy on foot or via short taxis.

Lake Toba

Travel 3.5–5 hours by car ($35–$70) or bus ($6–$12) to Parapat, then ferry to Samosir Island ($1–$3, 30 minutes). Scooter rentals are $6–$9/day to reach viewpoints, hot springs, and Batak villages. Rooms vary from lakeside guesthouses ($12–$25) to boutique stays ($35–$80). Set meals run $3–$7.

Bukit Lawang

For ethical orangutan trekking, hire certified guides ($25–$45 per person/day; park fees extra $10–$15). Transfers from Medan take 3–4 hours: private car $35–$60 or shared van $8–$15. Budget riverside rooms are $8–$20; midrange $25–$50. Try tubing back to town ($5–$10) after half‑day jungle loops.

Berastagi

Cool highlands two hours from Medan (car $20–$35; bus $3–$6). Walk fruit markets, visit Karo architecture, and day‑hike nearby falls. Simple hotels cost $12–$30. Warm up with corn soup or grilled corn on the cob ($1–$2) at evening stalls.

Mt. Sibayak

A forgiving volcano for sunrise or daytime hikes (3–5 hours round trip). Guides are optional but helpful ($15–$30 per group); entry/parking $1–$3. Soak at hot springs afterward ($2–$5). Pack a wind layer and headlamp for pre‑dawn summits.

Padang Eats

Stay a night for the original Nasi Padang: rice with a spread of curries ($2–$5 per plate). City taxis are $1–$3 for short hops. If continuing to Mentawai boats, choose a central hotel ($20–$45) and prep cash for surf transfers.

Mentawai Surf

Reach via Padang fast boat (3–6 hours; $20–$40). Budget homestays are $15–$35; surf charters and camps vary widely ($80–$250+ per day including meals). Non‑surfers can snorkel, swim, and trek village trails; day boats $15–$35.

Bukittinggi

Minangkabau highlands with canyons and horn‑roofed houses. Buses from Padang $3–$6 (3–4 hours). Rooms $12–$35. Visit Sianok Valley, markets, and nearby Lake Maninjau (minivan $2–$4). Try rendang plates for $2–$4 in simple eateries.

Weh Island

Ferry from Banda Aceh (45–90 minutes; $3–$6). Shore dives/snorkel trips $15–$45; fun dives $30–$45 per tank. Beach bungalows $15–$35; boutique stays $45–$90. Scooters $6–$9/day to reach coves and viewpoints.

Banda Aceh

Stop for the Tsunami Museum (often free/donation) and city heritage walks. Airport rides to center $4–$8. Coffee culture is strong; a cup is $1–$2 with sweet pastries $1–$2. Dress modestly in town and check ferry schedules a day ahead.

Palembang River

Historic South Sumatra city on the Musi River. Riverfront eateries serve fish cakes and noodles ($2–$5) with bridge views. Hotels range $20–$60. Short river cruises and museum visits are $2–$6; rideshares make crossing neighborhoods simple.

Nias Waves

Fly from Medan (1 hour; fares vary), then head to Lagundri Bay. Board rental $6–$12/day; lessons $20–$40. Guesthouses $12–$30. Between sessions, explore megalithic sites and traditional jump displays (local fees $1–$3).

Batusangkar

Cultural heart near Tanah Datar with Dutch‑era forts and seasonal pacu jawi (cow‑race) festivals. Base in Bukittinggi and day‑trip by car ($15–$30 round trip). Museum entries $1–$3. Confirm event dates locally as schedules shift.

Belitung Bays

Fly from Jakarta (1 hour) to granite‑rimmed beaches like Tanjung Tinggi. Day island‑hopping boats are $25–$50 per group; snorkeling sets rent $3–$6. Rooms $20–$70. Seafood plates at warungs $3–$7.

Lampung South

Near Sumatra's southern tip: white‑sand beaches and dolphin trips from Kiluan ($8–$20 per person; dawn starts). National park hikes in Bukit Barisan Selatan often need guides ($20–$40/day). Guesthouses $12–$30, midrange $35–$60.

Smart Logistics

Intercity buses are $3–$15; private cars with driver $45–$80/day including fuel. Domestic flights shorten long hauls ($30–$120). Budget meals run $2–$6; comfortable doubles $20–$45 outside peaks. ATMs cluster in cities; carry small bills in rural areas. Respect wildlife: no feeding, keep distance, and choose certified guides.

Conclusion

Sumatra shines when lake days, jungle walks, and highland kitchens string together into one unhurried journey. Which combo fits—Toba plus Bukit Lawang, or Padang flavors with Mentawai waves? Share travel dates, pace, and target budget, and a tailored route with transit, stays, and ethical operator picks can follow.