Explore the best tourist destinations in North Sumatra that offer exotic natural beauty and unforgettable experiences.
North Sumatra is one of the largest provinces in Indonesia, which is famous for its enchanting natural beauty. From spectacular waterfalls, green mountains, to exotic beaches, North Sumatra offers a variety of natural tourist destinations worth visiting.
Each tourist spot has its own charm that can provide a memorable holiday experience. If you are planning to visit North Sumatra, here are recommendations for the best tourist attractions that you must explore.
1. Sipiso-piso Waterfall
Sipiso-piso Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia with a height of 120 meters. Located in Tongging Village, Merek District, Karo, this waterfall offers an incredibly beautiful view.
Situated at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, visitors can witness the rushing water falling into the abyss with the stunning backdrop of Lake Toba.
Access to Sipiso-piso Waterfall is quite easy, only about 45 minutes drive from Medan City or 35 km from Berastagi.
The entrance ticket is very affordable, only IDR 5,000 per person. With a well-maintained path, you can enjoy the journey along the natural beauty of the surroundings until you reach the waterfall location.
2. Gibeon Hill Baths
Gibeon Hill is a popular family tourist destination in Toba Regency. This hill offers a natural atmosphere, complete with a natural waterfall that flows directly into the bathing pool.
The sensation of bathing in cool mountain water provides a different experience from other bathing pools.
With an entrance ticket price of IDR 10,000 on weekdays and IDR 20,000 on weekends, this place is suitable for family vacations. You can swim in the natural pool while enjoying the view of the green hills.
3. Mount Leuser National Park
As one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites, Gunung Leuser National Park is a natural tourist destination rich in biodiversity. This park stretches across two provinces, Aceh and North Sumatra, and covers an area of more than 1 million hectares. Here, you can find various tropical forest ecosystems that are habitats for rare flora and fauna, such as Sumatran orangutans, tigers, and elephants.
To visit this national park, the best time is between June and October. The entrance fee is IDR 7,500 for domestic tourists and IDR 225,000 for foreign tourists. Traveling around this park will provide an unforgettable adventure experience.
4. Lagundri Beach
For surfers, Lagundri Beach in Nias is a paradise that offers high waves that are suitable for surfing. In fact, this beach is often used as a location for international surfing competitions. Apart from the stunning waves, Lagundri Beach also has clean white sand and turquoise sea water which further beautifies the view.
5. Green Hill City
Green Hill City is an elite residential area in Sibolangit, Deli Serdang, which also offers various family entertainment rides.
Here, you can enjoy various attractions such as roller coasters, giant ferris wheels, and 4D cinemas. The cool air in this area makes it comfortable to be used as a family tourist destination.
The entrance ticket to Green Hill City is only IDR 10,000 per person, while the pass ticket to enjoy all the rides is priced at IDR 45,000. This place is an interesting choice for those of you who want to relax while enjoying various entertainment.
6. Bukit Lawang
Located in the Gunung Leuser National Park area, Bukit Lawang is a destination that offers natural tourism with views of clear rivers and tropical forests. Here, you can do tubing activities in the fast-flowing river, swim, or just relax in the gazebos available along the river.
If you want to enjoy it longer, there are accommodations available around Bukit Lawang, which offer beautiful natural views and a peaceful atmosphere.
7. Simolap Hot Springs
For those of you who want to relax, Simolap Hot Springs in Langkat is the ideal place. This hot spring is surrounded by cool green forest, providing a comfortable and refreshing sensation for visitors. The natural hot water here is perfect for relieving body aches.
This place is also equipped with huts for relaxing, and you can visit until night time because this location is equipped with adequate lighting.
8. Sibolangit Nature Reserve
Located in the same area as the Sibolangit Tourism Park, the Sibolangit Nature Reserve is a natural tourism destination that offers a diversity of flora and fauna.
Here, you can find various types of rare plants such as angsana trees, meranti, and forest durian, as well as wild animals such as langurs.
This place is perfect for those of you who want to enjoy nature while learning about the biodiversity in Indonesia.
9. Gundaling Hill
Gundaling Hill in Berastagi offers a beautiful view of Mount Sinabung and the city of Berastagi. With a height of 1,575 meters above sea level, this hill is the perfect place to enjoy the sunrise or sunset.
This place also provides various spots for taking pictures with a stunning natural panorama background.
10. Sipinsur Geosite
If you want to enjoy the panorama of Lake Toba from a height, Geosite Sipinsur is the right place. Located in Humbang Hasundutan Regency, this place offers stunning views of Lake Toba, Sibandang Island, and Muara Village.
Surrounded by cool pine forests, you can have a picnic here while enjoying the stunning natural beauty.
In addition, Geosite Sipinsur is also often used as a location for outbound activities, making it a suitable destination for family vacations or company gatherings.
With its extraordinary natural beauty, North Sumatra offers a variety of tourist destinations that are ready to pamper your eyes and provide a memorable holiday experience. Whether you love beaches, mountains or other natural attractions, this province has everything to enjoy.