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Backpacking Indonesia: Sumatra Adventure

Backpacking Indonesia: Sumatra Adventure is a 9-day small-group trip through 5 stops, from $1,589 per person with a $350 deposit. Orangutan trekking and river tubing at Bukit Lawang, a Mentawai village stay, then island hopping and a turtle centre. For solo travellers aged 20-45, in groups of 6-20, with 17 meals. Departures run from 25 April 2027.

  • 17 Meals (Vegetarian Options)
  • All Trips and Excursions
  • All Accommodation
  • Flight to Padang
  • No Hidden Charges
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport Transfers

The Sumatra tour was the most insane experience of my life. From seeing orangutans, trekking through the jungle, learning about the Mentawai tribe and releasing turtles, I couldn’t ask for a better experience. Our guide, Med, was so much fun, so helpful and kind!! I met so many new people, made so many amazing friends and created memories I’ll remember forever! Thank you!!

Halina, Aug 2025
from$1589
Pay $350 deposit
  • Length9 Days
  • Starting PointMedan
  • Ending PointPadang
  • No. Of Stops5
  • Airport TransferNot included
  • Avg. Group Size6-20
  • Avg. Age20-45
  • No. Of Activities12
  • No. Of Meals17

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Tour Map

Tour Map for Backpacking Indonesia: Sumatra Adventure

Tour Itinerary

An aerial view of a winding river flowing through a dense, misty rainforest in Sumatra.
People walk outside the majestic white mosque with black domes in Medan, Indonesia.
Stylish hotel lobby in Medan featuring a curved reception desk and futuristic purple and blue lights.
DAY 1

Welcome to Sumatra

The adventure begins! Touch down in Medan and meet your crew and group leader. Get ready for 9 days of dense rainforests, incredible wildlife, and authentic local experiences. Spend the evening exploring what Sumatra's largest city has to offer. Let's do this! 🌴

  • Room TypeHotel
A wide river flows through the lush green jungle village of Bukit Lawang, Sumatra.
A woman walks a rustic bridge over a river, surrounded by lush jungle in Bukit Lawang, Sumatra.
A charming yellow guesthouse nestled among lush green trees and vibrant flowers in Bukit Lawang.
DAY 2

Exploring Bukit Lawang & Bat Caves

Up early and heading to Bukit Lawang, a hidden gem in the heart of Sumatra's lush wilderness. Drop your bags, grab lunch, then explore the mysterious Bat Cave. Watch these nocturnal creatures dance overhead (they're into selfies, not blood, don't worry!). Tonight, we're heading out for our first local dinner together!

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedBat Cave
A group of smiling backpackers enjoying a refreshing swim in a jungle river in Bukit Lawang.
An adult orangutan with reddish-brown fur hangs from a tree in the lush Bukit Lawang rainforest.
Smiling traveler and a monkey peeling a banana during a jungle trek in Bukit Lawang.
A charming yellow guesthouse nestled among lush green trees and vibrant flowers in Bukit Lawang.
DAY 3

Orangutan Trekking & River Tubing

Early start for an epic day! Trek through the rainforest spotting orangutans, monkeys, tropical birds, and more. Enjoy lunch in the heart of the jungle, then switch up the transport. Boots off, tubes on! We're floating down the river straight back to the hotel. What a wild ride! 🦏

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedOrangutan Trekking, River Tubing
Tropical coastal town in Padang, Indonesia, with a mosque, houses, and calm turquoise sea.
Vibrant aerial view of Padang city featuring a white clock tower and bustling market stalls.
A modern white hotel building with palm trees and warm lights in Padang, Indonesia.
Rooftop infinity pool reflecting a cloudy sunset sky over the ocean in Padang, Indonesia.
DAY 4

Fly to Padang

Travel day! After breakfast, we're catching an afternoon flight to Padang, West Sumatra's largest city. Take advantage of free time to explore the coastal vibes, hit the beaches, and catch an epic sunset painting the sky. Chill evening ahead!

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedFlight to Padang
Seven women, some in traditional leaf skirts, smiling in a shallow jungle stream in Mentawai.
A joyful group of backpackers poses in front of a traditional Mentawai hut surrounded by lush jungle.
DAY 5

Mentawai Village Experience

Local Experience Highlight! Early start for an unforgettable experience. We're heading deep into the jungle to Mentawai Village to spend time with the local community. Fast boat to Siberut, lunch with locals, exploring traditional farms, and staying in huts with a host family. Beach sunset, games, beers, and the sounds of nature. This is the real deal! 🌿

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeLocal Homestay
  • Activities IncludedMentawai Village
Two smiling Mentawai women joyfully preparing food or crafts with large green leaves inside a traditional house.
A traveler learns traditional crafting skills from a Mentawai elder in the lush Indonesian jungle.
DAY 6

Visit Village Shaman & Skill Learning

6:30 AM wake-up for an epic jungle adventure! Dive deep into Mentawai culture, chill in a traditional 'Uma' house, and connect with the locals. Learn foraging and hunting skills, meet the village Shaman, and discover indigenous wisdom. From crafting traditional threads to mastering survival skills, this day will change your life!

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeLocal Homestay
  • Activities IncludedVisit to Shaman, Survival Skills Learning
Colorful traditional fishing boats line a sandy beach with palm trees and a green hill in Padang.
Stunning aerial view of clear turquoise waters and forested islands near Padang, Indonesia.
Overhead view of a serene beach with rustic huts and piers along the coast of Padang.
A rustic beach hut with a metal roof and porch, nestled among green trees in Nagari Sungai Pinang.
DAY 7

Let's Go to the Beach!

Time to say goodbye to the jungle and hello to beach life! We're heading to Nagari Sungai Pinang, a traditional fishing village on Padang's southern coast. Check into beach huts just steps from crystal-clear waters. Chill morning, travel in the afternoon, dinner and drinks by the beach. Paradise mode: activated! πŸ–

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeBeach Hut
  • Activities IncludedFast ferry to Padang, Private transfer to Sungai Pinang
Two joyful women run and splash in the clear shallow water at Sungai Pinang.
Two people enjoy the clear turquoise water and white sand beach lined with palm trees in Sungai Pinang.
A stunning panoramic view of tropical islands dotting the clear blue waters of Sungai Pinang.
A rustic beach hut with a metal roof and porch, nestled among green trees in Nagari Sungai Pinang.
DAY 8

Island Hopping & Turtle Centre Visit

Special Adventure Moment! Island-hopping time! Jump in boats and explore marine hotspots. Snorkel with vibrant corals, colorful fish, and maybe even turtles at Turtle Point, Nemo Point, and Snake Island. This afternoon, visit a turtle volunteer project, learn about conservation, help bathe turtles, and get them ready for ocean release! Tonight, we're dancing on the beach, sipping cocktails, and enjoying live music. Last night with the crew, let's make it count!!

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeBeach Hut
  • Activities IncludedIsland Hopping , Turtle Centre Visit
Two people enjoy the clear turquoise water and white sand beach lined with palm trees in Sungai Pinang.
DAY 9

Chilled Checkout

All good things must end! Say goodbye to your travel fam and all the incredible memories made. But remember, once you travel, you're our Fam for life! Have a relaxed checkout, and we'll see you on the next adventure. Why not check out our Bali & Sumatra tour to keep the adventure going? ✌️

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast

Tour Dates

Optional Extras

$90
$75

All This Included & More!

  • Bat Caves
  • River Tubing
  • Visit a Shaman
  • Turtle Volunteering Project Visit
  • Traditional Fishing Lesson
  • Beachfront Hut Experience
  • Orangutan Trek
  • Local Village Stay & Cultural Experience
  • Survival Skills Learning
  • Island Hopping
  • Snorkelling
  • Live Music Bar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest airport to the end destination?

The trip finishes after breakfast on day 9 in Sungai Pinang, a fishing village about an hour south of Padang. The nearest airport is Minangkabau International Airport (PDG), which serves Padang. Airport transfers are not included, so allow plenty of time for the drive and book your flight for later in the day.

Are there luggage restrictions on the tour?

Yes! All included flights come with:

  • 15kg checked bag (max dimensions 35x35x30cm)
  • 7kg carry-on (max 40x30x20cm)
    Got extra or oversized bags? You’ll need to pay for them yourself.

What kind of accommodation is included?

Most nights are twin-share private rooms, but you'll also stay in a rural homestay for a unique local experience!

Which airport do I fly into?

You’ll need to fly into Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) in Medan.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Possibly, depending on your vaccination history and your plans. See your GP or a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before you travel, tell them your full route, including any time on the more remote islands, and check the Indonesia page on TravelHealthPro. They can advise you on vaccines, malaria and avoiding mosquito bites.

There is one entry requirement to be aware of: you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate only if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Is there a dress code for entering the temples and other religious sites?

Yes. Covering up is a sign of respect, and at Bali's Hindu temples it is required. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and tie a sarong around your waist with a sash (selendang). Most temples lend or rent them at the entrance, but carrying your own is easier. Swimwear, vest tops and short shorts are not appropriate.

By Balinese custom, women who are menstruating are asked not to enter temples, and signs at the entrance explain this. On Lombok and Sumatra most people are Muslim: if you visit a mosque, cover your arms and legs, women should cover their hair, and everyone takes off their shoes.