Explore the 10 best tourist destinations in North Sumatra that offer natural beauty, cultural richness, and history, from Sipiso-Piso Waterfall to the Medan Grand Mosque.
North Sumatra, a province located in the northern part of Sumatra Island, offers a variety of interesting tourist destinations that combine natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical value.
As one of the largest regions in Indonesia, North Sumatra has extraordinary natural charm, from spectacular waterfalls, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, to various historical and cultural sites that are no less interesting.
For those of you who are planning a vacation to North Sumatra, here are 10 tourist attractions that you must visit.
1. Sipiso-Piso Waterfall
Sipiso-Piso Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia, reaching a height of 120 meters. Located near Lake Toba, this waterfall offers a magnificent view. Its beauty lies in the water falling rapidly, surrounded by green scenery that is pleasing to the eye.
Its location at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level provides very refreshing air, and can be reached by traveling for about 45 minutes from Medan City. The natural beauty around this waterfall makes it one of the most visited tourist destinations in North Sumatra.
2. Mount Leuser National Park
Gunung Leuser National Park is the largest conservation area that stretches across two provinces, Aceh and North Sumatra. This area, which covers more than 1 million hectares, is famous for its extraordinary biodiversity, including the rare Sumatran orangutan.
In addition, Gunung Leuser National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. For nature lovers and adventurers, this place is the main choice for trekking, exploring the pristine tropical forest and meeting flora and fauna that are rarely found elsewhere.
Not only that, this area is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit place for those who want to experience the sensation of a vacation in the wild.
3. Porcupine River
If you are looking for a quiet and beautiful natural tourist destination, Landak River in Langkat Regency is the perfect choice. This river is famous for its clear, bluish-green water, and is surrounded by dense, natural tropical forest.
This area is perfect for activities such as river tubing, where visitors can enjoy the sensation of rafting down a cold river while enjoying the enchanting natural scenery. Landak River provides calm and peace, making it an ideal place to relieve stress.
4. Lake Toba
Lake Toba is a destination not to be missed when visiting North Sumatra. The largest volcanic lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia has an area of around 1,130 square kilometers, with very clear water and surrounded by green hills.
Lake Toba is a perfect place to rest and enjoy the natural beauty. Around the lake, there are various inns, restaurants, and other tourist activities, such as going around by boat or enjoying local culinary specialties.
The trip to Lake Toba takes about 5 hours from Medan City, but the beauty of this lake is worth the travel time.
5. Tangkahan: The Hidden Paradise
Tangkahan is a hidden tourist area within the Gunung Leuser National Park. Known as the “Hidden Paradise”, Tangkahan offers an extraordinary nature tourism experience.
Here, visitors can do various exciting activities such as trekking, playing in the clear river, or even interacting with the Sumatran elephants there.
One of the most popular activities is bathing the elephants, which provides a unique and unforgettable experience. Tangkahan is an ideal place to enjoy the beauty of nature while having a fun adventure.
6. Lau Kawar Lake
Lake Lau Kawar is located at the foot of Mount Sinabung, precisely in the Berastagi area, Karo. With an altitude of around 2,451 meters above sea level, this lake offers very cool air and stunning views.
Surrounded by green trees and majestic mountains, Lau Kawar Lake is a perfect place for camping, trekking or simply enjoying the serenity of nature.
The beauty of this crystal clear lake makes it a popular spot for tourists who want to experience peace and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city .
7. Lawang Hill
Bukit Lawang is a popular destination for nature lovers, especially those who want to see Sumatran orangutans in their natural habitat. Located in a dense tropical forest area, Bukit Lawang offers an exciting trekking experience.
Visitors can explore the forest, go rafting on the Bohorok River, and enjoy the fresh mountain air that is free from pollution. Bukit Lawang is also known as a very friendly place for tourists, with adequate facilities to enjoy nature while preserving the environment.
8. Sipinsur
Sipinsur is one of the best places to enjoy the panorama of Lake Toba from a height. Located in the Humbang Hasundutan area, Sipinsur has an altitude of 1,213 meters above sea level, allowing visitors to see Lake Toba from a different perspective.
In addition to enjoying the natural beauty, visitors can also enjoy local culinary specialties, such as gomak noodles, which are made from flour and eggs and served with a rich spice sauce.
Sipinsur offers the perfect experience for those who want to enjoy the spectacular views around Lake Toba.
9. Pandan Beach
Pandan Beach, located in Central Tapanuli, is a beach with white sand and clear sea water. Although not yet very crowded, this beach offers a very calm and peaceful atmosphere, with quite calm waves, suitable for swimming or just playing in the water.
Around the beach, there are various facilities such as gazebos, food stalls, and lodging, which make visitors more comfortable. One of the best times to visit this beach is at sunset, where the sunset view at Pandan Beach is very stunning.
10. Grand Mosque of Medan
The Medan Grand Mosque is one of the iconic buildings in the city of Medan. Built during the reign of Sultan Ma’moen Al Rasyid Perkasa Alam, this mosque has a magnificent and very prominent architecture.
With an area of about 5,000 square meters, this mosque has four main halls and a large dome that towers high. The Grand Mosque of Medan is one of the oldest and largest buildings in the city, which also attracts tourists who are interested in religious tourism. The beauty and grandeur of this mosque making it a very popular tourist destination.
North Sumatra is a province rich in natural beauty, culture, and history. From green mountains, stunning lakes, to historical sites, North Sumatra offers a variety of tourist destinations that are suitable for all types of travelers.
Each place has its own uniqueness and charm, including Way Kambas, making North Sumatra a holiday destination that should not be missed. Don’t hesitate to plan a trip to this province and enjoy all the charms it has to offer!
