Essential West Sumatra
In the heart of West Sumatra, between smoking volcanoes and the distinctive horned roofs of Minangkabau houses
Duration
7 days
From
€675/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Sumatra is a land rich in wildlife, notably harboring some of the last Asian elephants and orangutans on the planet. The world's fifth largest island also offers untamed nature, with an infinite variety of landscapes. Smoking volcanoes (some of which reach over 3,000 m) bristle along the spine (formed by the Mt Barisan chain) marking this island. Sumatra is also inhabited by a multitude of ethnic groups, including the Minangkabau, who reveal all their nuances along your itinerary.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Padang
From Padang
Airport pick-up in Padang, the capital of the Minangkabau land, then transfer to Harau Valley.
In the Heart of Harau Valley
A day of trekking through the forest and across the rice fields, during which you discover nature and the traditional life of Minang farmers.
Visit of neighboring villages by becak, local transport, swimming at the waterfall and picnic.
You will have the opportunity to climb to the top of a hill to admire the panoramic view over the valley or to search for eels in the river.
You discover not only some waterfalls, but also many species of birds and flowers.
Minang Culture
In the morning, you head towards the ancient capital of the Minang country, Batusangkar, and visit the palace of the king Pagaruyung, transformed into a museum of local culture. Along the way, you make a few stops, including to admire the magnificent panorama of Tabek Patah.
At Sungai Tarab, you also visit a coffee processing factory.
Upon arriving in the surroundings of the Singkarak Lake, you visit a few weaving and wood carving workshops.
Indonesian Romance
Early in the morning, you head first towards a few traditional villages, then towards the "Puncak Lawang", an elevated point overlooking the magnificent Lake Maninjau and which exudes a very romantic atmosphere.
You then embark on a lovely walk towards the shores of the lake, through the tropical forest.
You spend the afternoon on the banks of the lake, where the silhouettes of fishermen gathering their nets are reflected on the purple waters.
Return to Batusangkar in late afternoon.
Bukittinggi
In the morning, take a walking tour around the hotel and visit the charming town of Bukittinggi, situated at 930m altitude above sea level, and framed by the two active volcanoes of the region: Singgalang and Merapi.
Visit the central square with its local Big Ben (Jam Gadang), the Sianok canyon with views of the volcanoes, the Japanese tunnel, a remnant of war, and its two markets (pasar atas and pasar bawah) teeming with life and colors.
Also treat yourself to Minang cuisine and taste the famous rendang, a (very) spicy beef dish, cooked in coconut milk and many spices. If during the flowering season, take a short trek to Palupuh to try to admire the world's largest flower: the Rafflesia Arnoldi or taste Luwak coffee, prepared in a very special way.
Towards Padang
Drive to Padang in the morning, where you discover the old town and its old port.
Visit to the Adityawarman museum, the great mosque with Minangkabau architecture, and a stroll on Padang hill from where you will have a magnificent view over the entire city and the ocean for sunset.
Dinner in a fish restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International & domestic flights
- Insurance & Assistance
- Visas & possible airport taxes
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- English-speaking guide
- Land transfers in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodations with full board
- Site entries, trekking permits & donations
- Mineral water and energy supplement during trekking days
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sumatra
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
