Karo Highlands & Lake Toba Private Tour with Volcanoes

See two active volcanoes and a waterfall over Lake Toba in one day from Medan

A private full-day tour from Medan takes you to Brastagi in the Karo Highlands, where two active volcanoes (Sinabung and Sibayak) frame the landscape. You visit a traditional Karo Batak village with authentic occupied houses, then drive to Sipisopiso waterfall, which drops into Lake Toba. Hotel pickup and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. The drive from Medan takes about three hours each way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sightseeing Karo Highlands and Lake Toba

• Drive 3 hours from Medan to Sipiso Piso waterfall
• Enjoy view of Sipiso Piso waterfall and Lake Toba
• Visit Brastagi highland and view Sibayak volcano
• Explore authentic Karo Batak houses

The experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup and a three-hour drive north from Medan into the Karo Highlands, climbing to Brastagi at 1,400 meters above sea level. On clear days, you can view Sibayak volcano from Gundaling Hill. The region sits between two active volcanoes (Sinabung and Sibayak), and the subtropical climate and fertile land shape everything you see: the fruit market, the way the villages are built, the crops that grow here.

You'll spend time in an authentic Karo Batak village, walking through houses with their distinctive architecture that are still home to eight families. This is not a museum setup. People live and work here. After the village, the route continues to Sipisopiso waterfall, which sits on the edge of Lake Toba. The waterfall view alone takes in the whole northern stretch of the lake. If you want to reach the base of the waterfall itself, a one-hour walk down takes you there. Most visitors stay at the overlook.

Your private driver handles all the navigation and timing, and the air-conditioned vehicle means the long drive stays comfortable. The tour runs about nine and a half hours total, which accounts for the drive time, stops and the pace needed to see each place without rushing.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private air-conditioned vehicle.
• experienced private driver for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (20 to 54 years) · Senior (55 to 70 years) · Youth (11 to 19 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tri Jaya Tour and travel

Is this one for you?The tour runs nine and a half hours with a three-hour drive each way, so it suits travelers with a full day free and comfort with long stretches in a vehicle. The one-hour optional walk down to the waterfall base is there if you want it. The main stops work just as well from the overlook.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 19 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are Sinabung and Sibayak?

Sinabung and Sibayak are two active volcanoes in the Karo Highlands near Brastagi. On clear weather days, you can see Sibayak from Gundaling Hill during the tour. The volcanoes shape the landscape and the subtropical climate of the region.

Can I walk down to Sipisopiso waterfall, or do I just see it from above?

Sipisopiso waterfall overlooks Lake Toba from above, and you can enjoy the view from the top. If you want to reach the base of the waterfall itself, a one-hour walk down is possible, though most visitors stay at the overlook.

How long is the drive from Medan to Brastagi?

The drive from Medan to Brastagi takes about three hours. The total tour runs nine and a half hours, which includes the drive time, stops at the village and waterfall, and the return to your hotel.

Is this tour private, or will I be with other travelers?

This is a private tour, so you travel with your own driver and vehicle. A minimum of two participants is required for the booking.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and an experienced private driver are all included. Food and drinks are not included, though you'll pass the Brastagi fruit market where you can purchase items.

Do I need to arrive early in Medan for this tour to work?

If you're flying into Kualanamu Airport and want hotel pickup from there, your flight must arrive before 8am so the driver can collect you and start the tour on time.