Mount Sibayak Sunrise Hike from Berastagi with Hot Springs

Summary

Sunrise colors on Sibayak volcano, steam rising and laughter over tea

You’ll start before dawn hiking Mount Sibayak near Berastagi, guided by a local who knows every twist of the trail. Watch sunrise paint Sinabung’s outline across misty valleys, then soak in natural hot springs as steam rises around you. Coffee and snacks warm your hands—and maybe your heart too.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sulfur smell—kind of sharp, not quite rotten eggs but close. We were still half asleep when our guide, Pak Dedi, handed out flashlights and grinned at us like he knew what we were in for. The path up Mount Sibayak was rocky but not too hard, just enough to wake up my legs. It was still dark and quiet except for the crunch of gravel and someone’s phone alarm going off behind me (which made us all laugh). I kept thinking: why am I doing this before sunrise? But then the sky started turning that weird blue-grey and I forgot about being tired.

At the top, the wind was colder than I expected. You could see Mount Sinabung off in the distance—just sitting there with a little haze around it—and all the hills rolling out below Berastagi. Our guide poured hot coffee from a battered thermos while we tried to take photos with numb fingers. There was this moment where everyone went silent at once, just watching the sun creep over the Karo Highlands. Someone tried to name all the villages you could spot from up there; I think they got maybe half right.

Afterwards, we headed down toward these hot springs (I think it was called Air Panas by locals). The water felt fizzy against my skin—like soda water almost—and honestly I didn’t want to get out. The air smelled like wet stone and something metallic. Pak Dedi told stories about hiking here as a kid, which made me wonder what it’s like growing up with volcanoes in your backyard. Anyway, if you’re looking for a day trip from Berastagi that isn’t just snapping photos and leaving—this sunrise tour has a way of sticking with you. I still think about that view sometimes when I can’t sleep.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise hike and hot spring visit

• Hike to Mount Sibayak peak
• View Mount Sinabung, Berastagi, Medan
• Enjoy hot spring or soda water

Top questions

How long does it take to hike Mount Sibayak from Berastagi?

The hike typically takes about 1-2 hours each way depending on pace.

Is hotel pickup included for this sunrise tour?

The tour includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle.

Do you need to be very fit to join the Mount Sibayak hike?

The hike is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What do you see from the top of Mount Sibayak?

You can see Mount Sinabung, Berastagi town, Medan city, and surrounding valleys from the summit.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, snacks plus coffee or tea are included during the sunrise hike.

Can you visit hot springs after hiking Mount Sibayak?

Yes, after hiking you can enjoy local hot springs or soda water pools nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Berastagi or nearby areas, a guided sunrise hike on Mount Sibayak with plenty of stops for snacks and hot drinks along the way, plus time to relax in local hot springs before heading back down again.