5-Day Medan to Lake Toba & Berastagi Tour: North Sumatra

Cross Lake Toba by ferry, then climb from tropical plantations to mountain villages

A 5-day tour of North Sumatra starting in Medan, crossing Lake Toba by ferry to Samosir island for two nights, then moving to Berastagi in the highlands and returning to Medan. The itinerary includes a guide, private air-conditioned transport, ferry passage and entrance fees. You stay four nights across three towns and visit plantations, waterfalls, traditional villages and colonial landmarks without a rushed pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Medan to Lake Toba

• Meet at hotel or Kualanamu airport
• Drive to Lake Toba with plantation stops
• Cross Lake Toba by ferry to Samosir Island
• Check in hotel on Samosir Island

Day 2: Explore Samosir Island

• Visit Tomok village
• Visit Ambarita
• Visit Bukit Holbung
• Visit Efrata waterfall

Day 3: Samosir Island to Berastagi

• Cross Lake Toba to mainland
• Drive to Berastagi with stops
• Stop at Simarjarunjung hill
• Stop at Sipiso-piso waterfall
• Stop at Dokan village
• Stop at fruit market
• Stop at Gundaling hill
• Check in hotel in Berastagi

Day 4: Berastagi to Medan

• Check out from hotel
• Drive to Medan
• Visit Maimun Palace
• Visit Grand Mosque
• Visit Kesawan Square
• Visit Post Office
• Visit Traditional Market
• Check in hotel in Medan

Day 5: Medan to Kualanamu Airport

• Visit souvenir shop
• Visit batik center
• Have lunch
• Transfer to airport

The experience

The route opens with a drive from Medan toward Lake Toba, stopping at working palm oil and rubber plantations on the way. You cross the lake by ferry to Samosir island, where you spend two nights exploring the Batak culture: Tomok village, the ancient stone monuments at Ambarita, Bukit Holbung viewpoint and Efrata waterfall. The second half of the tour climbs into the cooler Berastagi highlands, passing Simarjarunjung hill, Sipiso-Piso waterfall, a fruit market and Gundaling hill before a night in town.

The final two days return you to Medan. You visit Maimun Palace, the Grand Mosque, Kesawan Square, the colonial post office and the traditional market, then check in for your last night. On departure day, a stop at a batik center and souvenir shop precedes your transfer to Kualanamu Airport. A live English-speaking guide travels with you throughout, and all transport is private with air conditioning.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport for all five days.
• English-speaking guide throughout.
• ferry crossing to and from Samosir island.
• entrance fees to all sites visited.
• pickup from your Medan hotel or Kualanamu Airport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Saroha global tour

Is this one for you?Five days is long enough to skip the rush: you spend two full days on Samosir island instead of a single afternoon, and the route moves through three distinct zones (lake, highlands, city) without backtracking. If you have less time, the 3-day version covers fewer stops. If you want to linger longer in one place, this itinerary keeps a steady pace.

Top questions

What do you actually do on Samosir island during the two nights there?

Samosir island offers visits to Tomok village, the stone monuments and royal tombs at Ambarita, Bukit Holbung for views across the lake, and Efrata waterfall. The pace allows time to walk through these sites without hurrying.

Does the tour include meals and hotel rooms?

The tour covers guide, transport, ferry passage and entrance fees, but hotels and meals are separate bookings you arrange yourself.

How does the ferry crossing to Samosir island work?

After driving from Medan and stopping at plantations along the way, you board a ferry that carries you and the vehicle across Lake Toba to Samosir island, where your hotel is located.

What colonial landmarks do you see in Medan?

Medan's stops include Maimun Palace, the Grand Mosque, Kesawan Square, the historic post office and a traditional market where locals shop for daily goods.

Is the driving manageable if I have back or joint concerns?

The tour involves five days of driving and walking at various stops. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Discuss any mobility concerns with the operator before booking.