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Sumatra to Nusa Lembongan: Wild Islands & Zen Beaches

18 days, Medan to Nusa Lembongan

Map of the route for Sumatra to Nusa Lembongan: Wild Islands & Zen Beaches
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Itinerary

Day 1Medan

Welcome to Indonesia, and the Island of Sumatra! Arrive at anytime and meet your group and CEO in the evening for a welcome meeting. Then head out for your first night out alongside the crew! Maybe grab a beer or a fresh local juice at a bar in town to start getting to know Indo and your group better!

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Day 2Medan

Nothin' like a city tour to get to know the lay of the land. Walk and cruise on a becak, an Indonesian cycle rickshaw, through Medan today, visit the must-see spots like the Al-Mashun Great Mosque and Maimun Palace. Marvel at an ancient Chinese temple, explore the jewel of Medan, wander through the bustling local market, a fish market-turned fabric shop and chow down on a delicious family-style Padang lunch together. After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to explore the wonderful city of Medan.

The Great Mosque of Medan and Maimun Palace Visit
Medan

Visit the Grand mosque of Medan, Al-Mashun. Built in the early 1900's, this beautiful mosque is a mix of Middle Eastern, Spanish and Indian architecture. It was part of the Maimun Palace complex, so after visiting the mosque, walk to the palace and explore the property built by to the sultan of Deli in the year 1888 with Malay, Mogul and Italian influences.

Vihara Gunung Timur
Medan

Visit the beautiful Vihara Gunung Timur. This Chinese temple is the largest in the city of Medan and on the island of Sumatra. This temple was built in the 1962 and dedicated to Dongyue Dadi. Enjoy your visit and admire the classic Chinese architecture.

Tjong Afie Mansion
Medan

Visit the "historical jewel in Medan," a 35-room, 2-story mansion built in 1895. It is a registered historical landmark as well as a cultural heritage building and museum.

Your Foodie Moment: Padang Lunch

Fill up on an amazing lunch as the locals do in West Sumatra. We'll sit down together for a delicious Padang style meal, where our host will serve a large number of small platters of different dishes. The charm of Padang cuisine lies not only in its range of dishes but also in its serving style, called hidang. Diners are charged only for the platters that have been eaten from; untouched platters are taken away and served to other guests.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3Medan/Bukit Lawang

Drive west after breakfast to Bukit Lawang, a village tucked away in the jungle. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. We'll arrive in the afternoon. Check in to the hotel, then chill out or get out and explore! Enjoy that free time! Local cooking class, anyone?

Private Vehicle
Medan – Bukit Lawang3h85km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Bukit Lawang

Spend the afternoon free to explore this small jungle village.

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Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Local Cooking Class
Bukit Lawang

Take a becak to a local cooking class for dinner. Learn to make famous dishes from the Batak ethnic group in North Sumatra like flavorful fish stew or aromatic rendang chicken and acar campur, a local pickled vegetable salad.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Bukit Lawang/Gunung Leuser

The trek of a lifetime begins today as we head out into the Gunung Leuser National Park, home of the beautiful orangutan. This rainforest is one of the richest and most vibrant in the whole world! Our destination today is our campsite, deep in the jungle! We'll trek for around 6-7 hours today, on the look out for animals that most people only dream of spotting. Think orangutans, monkeys, giant monitor lizards and a bunch of colorful birds! We'll stop when we encounter animals (fingers crossed for a bunch of orangutans), take lots of breaks throughout the hike and stop for a picnic lunch halfway. Camp will already be set up for us when we arrive so that's your cue to relax and prepare for a delicious local cookout made by our local guide. A much deserved feast after today's adventure!

You will be hiking with your belongings on your back, so make sure to bring a small backpack to carry the few things you'll need for this 2 day/1 night jungle trek. Your main luggage will be left safely in Bukit Lawang.

Gunung Leuser National Park Trek
Bukit Lawang – Gunung Leuser6h-7h 5-7km

Trek into Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the richest tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, until you reach your campsite this afternoon. The hike starts from Bukit Lawang Village and enters the dense jungle terrain. Cross over streams, climb hills and enjoy the shade from the canopy above. The trails are narrow, often muddy, sometimes steep and uneven, winding through dense rainforest. On the hike, we hope to encounter semi-wild orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, gibbons, and possibly hornbills or monitor lizards. Gunung Leuser National Park is a special place because it is one of the only places on Earth where orangutans live naturally. Keep your eyes and your camera peeled!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Gunung Leuser/Bukit Lawang

Your tropical jungle adventure continues today, starting with a camp breakfast. Taking a different path, we'll hike through more of Gunung Leuser National Park, keeping an eye out for more endangered animals and admiring the insanely awesome jungle surroundings. We’re hoping for more interactions with orangutans especially today! At our destination, we'll have a riverside lunch then hop into an inner tube and raft down the river, returning to Bukit Lawang on a traditional raft. How cool is that? Enjoy free time to chill or visit the Bat Cave. Then get ready! ‘Cause we’re going out! Tonight is your Big Night Out alongside the crew. We’ll hit up a jungly bar and have ourselves a night!

Gunung Leuser National Park Trek Day 2
Gunung Leuser3h-4h 3-5km

Continue the epic trek through the beautiful Gunung Leuser National Park. This is a steeper hike but we'll have plenty of breaks and shade. Make sure to keep your voice low in hopes to see as much wildlife as possible.

Sumatra River Tubing
Gunung Leuser – Bukit Lawang

Go with the flow on this cool and exciting river rafting experience. In a traditional Sumatra raft, all tied together, float down the river, leaving Gunung Leuser National Park and returning to Bukit Lawang.

Bukit Lawang Big Night Out
Bukit Lawang

Hit the jungle-y town of Bukit Lawang tonight with the crew for your Big Night Out. It's about to be a WILD night! Wild... get it?.. like the jungle? You get it!

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Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

Bat Cave Trek
Bukit Lawang
15USD per person

Marvel at the geological formations and thousands of bats that suspend from the roof of the cave as you make your way through the darkness with a flashlight. Please note, appropriate footwear is advised as the ground can be uneven and slippery.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 6Bukit Lawang

We said it before and we'll say it again, Bukit Lawang is an adventurers paradise! So today is yours to live that! Choose to explore the town on your own terms or head out on an epic full day white water rafting adventure or cycle through the jungly bamboo homes and rural magic of Bukit Lawang. Get out there!

Free Time
Bukit Lawang Full Day

Time for adventure! Get out and explore Bukit Lawang!

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Sei Bingei River White Water Rafting
Bukit Lawang

Drive along the beautiful Sei Bingei river to the starting point (which can take about 2 hours). Then the rafting adventure begins! This is an excellent opportunity to see birds and other wildlife, as well as getting your blood pumping (mildly) during the rafting. Raft until you reach the waterfall where we'll stop on the bank of the river to swim and eat. Then return to Bukit Lawang.

Half day Cycling Bukit Lawang Kampung Tour
Bukit Lawang

Meet the local English Speaking guide will pick you up at your guesthouse and take you through rice paddy panoramas to see the marvelous irrigation system at work. The area around Bukit Lawang is hardly touched by tourism and has retained much of its rural magic. On this unique tour you will observe the ancient routine of planting and harvesting rice and explore everyday village life. En route you will see how people live in Kampung Bukit and how they produce brown sugar, tofu and rubber or how they weave bamboo for their houses. Guided talks with the villagers will deeply immerse you in Indonesian culture. The last stopover on this tour will be at Simpang Mursal Timbangjaya for a typical local lunch together with villagers.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Bukit Lawang/Medan

Leave Bukit Lawang today as you head back to Medan. On the way, we have the opportunity to spend the day at Kampung Lama, a special village where Malay, Javanese and Bataknese communities live peacefully together. While enjoying a local snack and drink, learn about the history and uniqueness of the village. Then get hands on making traditional crafts made of coconut leaves and learning local games. Next up, enjoy a delicious lunch and some time on the farm. After an amazing day with the villagers, return to Medan for the night.

Private Vehicle
Bukit Lawang – Kampung Lama3h118km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Kampung Lama Village Experience
Bukit Lawang – Kampung Lama

Visit the unique village of Kampung Lama where Malay, Javanese, and Bataknese communities live together. Learn about the interesting history of the village, enjoy a delicious lunch, and join the locals in the fields for some farming activities. Depending on the season, we may help plant rice, harvest it or get our hands dirty in the vegetable garden.

Private Vehicle
Kampung Lama – Medan30m21km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8Medan/Canggu

Fly from Sumatra to Bali, from one Indonesian Island to another! Then drive to Canggu for a free evening in this wild town!

Private Vehicle
Denpasar – Canggu1h30m12km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Plane
Medan – Denpasar3h45m

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Canggu

You came to an island known around the world for having epic surf, so whether you shred or have never seen a board, today is for you! Join a surf lesson for all levels, getting your footing on land before hitting the water to practice with the instructors. After the lesson, the day is yours! Rent a board to keep practicing, relax on the beach or grab a beer at a cute warung, local Indonesian restaurant.

Surf Lesson in Canggu
Canggu

You came to the one of the world's surf capitals! Now it's time to try it out for yourself! Join a lesson on land to learn the basics and some safety tips. Then catch some waves and shred the gnar.

Free Time
Canggu

Enjoy the rest of the day in Canggu!

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Canggu/Bulian

Take a break from Bali's wild side and head north to Bulian. Here we can connect will locals, slow down and enjoy Bali's famed rice terraces. On the way up, we'll stop at the breathtaking Ulundanu Temple, sitting on the edge of Lake Beratan. Continue to Bulian where we'll be welcomed with a drink and lunch. Fuel up for a trek alongside waterfalls, through rice fields and in the local village to connect with the natural and cultural side of Bali. Learn to make Balinese offerings then head to the nearby temple and join a local priest for the ceremony.

Private Vehicle
Canggu – Ulundanu2h55km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ulun Danu Temple Complex Visit
Danau Beratan

Bring your camera for this floating temple visit; the captivating Ulun Danu Temple, founded by the King of Mengwi in the 17th century, is one of Bali’s most important and most photographed temples.

Private Vehicle
Ulundanu – Bulian2h45km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your G for Good Moment: Bulian Village Tour

Learn the unique history of this isolated village and why it's sometimes referred to as the "Lost Kingdom" or "The Land of Curse." We'll embark on a tour of the village and get to know the local people as you wander past plantations, schools, and temples. Dress in local clothing and prepare offerings made of leaves and flowers before heading to a spiritual ceremony where you meet a local priest.

Your G for Good Moment: Bulian Guesthouse Experience

Bulian Homestay is a community run guesthouse, managed by a strong, dedicated woman of that village, who created an employment opportunity for other women and vulnerable youth of the community, with the hope of preserving their culture and preventing rural urban migration. By supporting this experience you will be directly impacting close to 50 people from the local community and indirectly impacting around 100 people living in the community. Bulian Homestay is a traditional Balinese Style house, converted into a comfortable guesthouse for travelers coming to this quaint village, around 2 hours from Ubud, Bali.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 11Bulian

Enjoy all that the beautiful village of Bulian has to offer today on a free day to choose your own adventure. Choose to trek through Lemukih Village to see a durian plantation, beautiful rice terraces, coffee fields and waterfalls! You'll even have the chance to slide down a natural waterslide! Or choose to head out on a bike tour through Bulian to get acquainted with Northern Bali.

Free Time
Bulian Full Day

Take today to explore Bulian your way!

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Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow

Lemukih Village Trek
Bulian

Trek through Lemukih Village and enjoy the view of rice terrace fields. Stop at a durian plantation and natural water slide, where of course we will have a chance to slide down the water slide! Trek through a coffee plantation, and stop at a local warung for lunch before continuing to two of Bali's most incredible but still undiscovered waterfalls, Fiji and Sekumpul.

Bulian Village Cycling
Bulian – Kubutambahan 20km

Get on your mountain bike and ride through the surrounding hills of Bulian Village, past farms and dragon fruit plantations. The route to Kubutambahan goes both up and down hill on paved and dirt roads. Take in the views of North Bali and be rewarded with a swim in the river at the end.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Bulian/Kintamani

A free morning gives you the chance to explore the rest of Bulian on your terms. Choose to just chill, or join a local cooking class or sunrise fishing trip. Then jump in the van and drive to Kintamani, the town nestled at the base of Mt Batur to arrive to our campsite for the night. Did we mention this campsite has a hot spring pool? Soak in the hot springs then join us 'round the campfire for a cozy night of camping!

Free Time
Bulian Morning

Spend the morning free in Bulian.

Private Vehicle
Bulian – Kintamani1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your Wellness Moment: Local Hot Spring Pool

Relax in the pools filled with warm mineral waters from a local spring to soothe tired muscles and ease worries away.

Free Time
Kintamani

Enjoy the afternoon free to explore Toya Bungkah in Kintamani.

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Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow

Bulian Cooking Class
Bulian

Learn how to cook local recipes during this immersive cooking class at the homestay, then enjoy your creations and a buffet dinner.

Sunrise Fishing Trip
Bulian

Head out on the sea early this morning to catch some fish, take a dip and enjoy a sunrise breakfast.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 13Kintamani/Ubud

Rise and shine as we are getting after it today! Waking well before the sun, we'll start our 2 hour trek to reach the Mt Batur summit in time to enjoy an absolutely stunning sunrise. And what's a picturesque sunrise without a lil picnic breakfast, amirite? With the sun finally up, we'll hike back down for a proper breakfast and a well-deserved hot spring soak. Then it's goodbye Kintamani and hello Ubud! On the way, we'll stop at G Adventures-supported PKP Community to meet with the women leaders, visit the garden and enjoy a local lunch. Then, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Ubud. But in the evening, put your party hat on because we're going out! Join your group and CEO for your Big Night Out in Ubud.

Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Kintamani4h

Climb to the summit of Mt Batur (1700m), for an amazing sunrise and scenic views. Rest easy—this active volcano is an accessible climb of about two hours.

Your Wellness Moment: Local Hot Spring Pool

Relax in the pools filled with warm mineral waters from a local spring to soothe tired muscles and ease worries away.

Private Vehicle
Kintamani – Ubud2h53km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your G for Good Moment: Pusat Kegiatan Perempuan (PKP) Community Visit

Visit the PKP Community, a G-Adventures supported project, for a delicious local lunch made by the women of this enterprise. This centre works to support gender equality and help empower local women through job skill training. PKP is a safe space for women in the community who have experienced discrimination from divorce. We'll meet them over a cup of their specially made tea, tour the garden and learn about the amazing work this organization is doing over lunch.

Free Time
Ubud

Spend the rest of the day free to explore Ubud.

Your Big Night Out Moment: in Ubud

We're going out! Get yourself a beer, or maybe some cacao and be ready for a fun night out with your crew in Ubud!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 14Ubud

There is always something to discover in the great town of Ubud. Today is yours to explore however you’d like.

Your Discover Moment
Ubud Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Ubud, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like attending a yoga class, learning about Balinese cuisine with a cooking class, and indulging in a traditional massage. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

North Ubud Bike Tour
Ubud

See the beauty of Ubud from the seat of bicycle just outside the hustle and bustle of the city. Ride through rice terraces, sacred temples, and traditional Balinese communities. The tour ends at a local family's home where we will get to enjoy a traditional homemade lunch.

Medahan Village Happy Local Family Adventure
Ubud

Drive to Medahan Village and enjoy a welcome from the local villages complete with Balinese cake and tea. Take a walking tour of the village, visiting the traditional market, temples, rice paddies and spring. After working up an appetite, sit down for a delicious local lunch before returning to your hotel.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Ubud

With seemingly never-ending things to do in Ubud, choose to spend it how you want! Choose between incredible local experiences like a Balinese Spiritual tour at Widya Guna Foundation, a cooking class at G for Good PKP Community, a bike tour through the rice terraces or an experience with a local family! The choice is yours!

Your Discover Moment
Ubud Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Ubud, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like attending a yoga class, learning about Balinese cuisine with a cooking class, and indulging in a traditional massage. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow

Ubud Spiritual Tour
Ubud

Visit Widya Guna Foundation, a G for Good support project to learn how to make traditional Indonesian prayer offerings. Then visit some of Bali's holiest sites like Gunung Kawi Temple, the tomb of the king. Then visit Tirta Empul spring water temple for a holy bath before returning to Widya Guna Foundation for lunch.

Cooking Class with PKP Community Project
Ubud

Visit the G Adventures-supported project PKP Community. We'll be greeted with a homemade cup of herbal tea while meeting the community members. Visit the garden to collect some of the fresh produce used to make the meal then cook alongside the women of PKP. Together we'll make and enjoy 3 delicious dishes.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 16Ubud/Nusa Lembongan

Say bye-bye to Bali because today we head to another island, Nusa Lembongan! Jump in the car with the breeze in your hair to the Yellow suspension bridge, an icon of the island. Walk across and admire the oh-so-stunning views. Then we continue on to the seaweed farm (yes, people actually farm seaweed!) Next, we visit Dream Beach, but not without a stop at Devil’s Tear, an incredible lookout point, first. At Dream Beach, dig your toes in the soft white sand, take a dip, or rot in the sun! This evening, at the hotel, don’t miss some time to chill by the pool or walk to Mushroom Bay!

Nusa Lembongan is way less touristy than Bali- so much less so that it doesn’t have a harbour. Our feet will get wet as we disembark onto the island so wear appropriate clothing. Don’t worry- our team will keep your bags dry!

Private Vehicle
Ubud – Sanur1h30m18km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Boat
Sanur – Nusa Lembongan45m

Climb aboard and get your float on.

Yellow Bridge
Nusa Lembongan

See the amazing contrast of the bright yellow bridge above the sparkling turquoise water and walk across the suspension bridge. A picture perfect spot!

Seaweed Farm
Nusa Lembongan

Visit the beautiful Seaweed farm where local farmers work in the ocean to sow seeds, harvest and use it to craft seaweed-based products. These farming techniques are a major part of the island's economy. We'll have a chance to see the process, learn about its importance and meet the farmers in this beautiful coastal farm.

Devil's Tear
Nusa Lembongan

Watch as the powerful waves crash into the cliff to make the beautiful, dramatic landscape of Devil's Tear. The natural phenomenon creates a stunning view, especially at high tide. It's a popular spot to witness the raw beauty of the ocean and enjoy breathtaking coastal views.

Dream Beach
Nusa Lembongan

So perfect, it feels like a dream! Dream beach lives up to the hype as one of Nusa Lembongan's most beautiful beaches. Enjoy the perfectly white sand contrasting with the crystal clear water.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 17Nusa Lembongan

Free day in Nusa Lembongan! Woop Woop! How do you want to spend today? Fancy an off-the-beaten-path adventure to see the beighbouring island of Nusa Penida's temples, caves and beaches? Maybe a day trip to Nusa Penida for a chance to see snorkel the vibrant reefs of this other b-e-a-utiful island! Or how about a snorkel trip around Nusa Lembongan to see manta rays in the coral reefs and to admire the interesting ecosystems around the mangroves. So many good choices!

Free Time
Nusa Lembongan Full Day

Today is yours to explore the island of Nusa Lembongan!

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Optional Activities - Day 17 HideShow

Snorkelling to Manta Point
Nusa Penida

Explore Nusa Lembongan the best way possible, from the ocean! Snorkel the top spots around the island, specifically Manta Point, with the hopes of seeing the amazing creatures in the wild.

Off the beaten path in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida

Take a boat to the neighboring island, Nusa Penida. Explore the natural beauty of the island through caves, coast lines views, beaches and freshwater pools. Visit temples and explore the best parts of this island!

Nusa Penida Snorkel day trip
Nusa Penida

Take a boat to Nusa Penida, about 45 minutes off the coast of Nusa Lembongan. Snorkel through some of the island's most stunning beaches in search of sea turtles and tropical fish. Visit the famous Kelingking Beach, known as one of the most beautiful in the entire world. Finish the day at Angel’s Billabong for breathtaking views and return to Nusa Lembongan.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 18Nusa Lembongan

Depart at any time. If you are headed home, take a ferry back to the Bali to get to the international airport. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to take the ferry and drive to the airport, arriving to the airport 4 hours before your flight. We suggest taking the 10:00 am ferry for a flight after 4:00 pm.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Sumatra to Nusa Lembongan: Wild Islands & Zen Beaches

| 18 days - Medan to Nusa Lembongan - from $1999 USD