Mount Sibayak Sunrise Hiking: Volcano & Hot Spring Tour

Climb a stratovolcano's geothermal slopes, then cool off in natural hot springs

This hiking tour from Medan takes you up Mount Sibayak, a stratovolcano in North Sumatra with active steam vents and sulfur deposits, followed by a visit to a 120-meter waterfall and natural hot springs. A live English or Malay-speaking guide leads the hike, and hotel pickup with an air-conditioned vehicle is included. The tour runs 5 to 8 hours depending on the pace and which stops you choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking Mount Sibayak and Nearby Attractions

• Hike Mount Sibayak volcano
• Visit tall waterfall in Tongging Village
• Explore biggest fruit market in North Sumatera

The experience

Mount Sibayak is a stratovolcano overlooking Berastagi, and although it last erupted in 1881, geothermal activity still shapes the mountain. As you climb, you'll pass steam vents that produce crystalline sulfur, mined here in the past, and the vents have discolored the small crater lake with acidic gases. The hike itself is the centerpiece, and the guide sets the rhythm. Most travelers complete it within the morning hours if you choose the sunrise option, or you can take a slower pace across a longer day.

After descending, the tour moves to Tongging Village, home to one of Indonesia's tallest waterfalls at 120 meters, located 45 kilometers north of Berastagi at the edge of Lake Toba. From there, you'll soak in natural hot springs fed by the same geothermal system that powers the volcano's vents. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and tea or coffee is provided during the day, though you'll want to bring or arrange lunch separately if the tour runs into the afternoon.

Your guide speaks English or Malay and handles the route and timing. Hotel pickup from Medan is included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the trailhead. The fruit market in Berastagi, the largest in North Sumatra, is sometimes a stop on the way back, though it depends on your group's interests and the time remaining.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup from Medan.
• live guide in English or Malay.
• tea and/or coffee during the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 02:00

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Malay

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Berastagi Adventure

Is this one for you?The hike is steady and takes several hours, so choose this tour if you are comfortable walking uphill on a volcano's slopes and starting early for the sunrise option. The geothermal vents and crater lake are the draw here. If you want the geology and the natural hot springs without a strenuous climb, a different Medan tour may suit you better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Malay.

What is Mount Sibayak and why is it still active if it hasn't erupted recently?

Mount Sibayak is a stratovolcano that last erupted in 1881, but geothermal activity remains high. Steam vents across the mountain produce crystalline sulfur, and seeping sulfurous gases have discolored the crater lake. The volcano is still geologically alive even though it is not erupting.

How long does the hike up Mount Sibayak take?

The tour runs 5 to 8 hours total, depending on whether you choose a sunrise hike, a slower-paced full-day option, and which stops you include. The hike itself is the main activity, with the waterfall and hot springs visited afterward.

What is the 120-meter waterfall and where is it?

The waterfall is one of Indonesia's tallest, located in Tongging Village about 45 kilometers north of Berastagi at the northern edge of Lake Toba. It is a separate stop after the Mount Sibayak hike.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included. The tour provides tea or coffee during the day, but you will need to arrange or bring your own food if the tour runs into the afternoon hours.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from Medan to the mountain?

No. Hotel pickup from Medan is included, and you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with your guide to Mount Sibayak and all the stops.