Indonesia Uncovered: Orangutans, Lake Toba & Komodo

Your journey begins with a regional flight from Singapore to Medan, followed by a private overland transfer to Bukit Lawang, the gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park. As you leave the city behind, the scenery gradually shifts to plantations, villages, and increasingly lush forested landscapes, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

Arriving in Bukit Lawang, you will settle into your riverside ecolodge on the banks of the Bohorok River. This is true wild Sumatra — a place of dense jungle, river sounds, misty mornings, and the distant calls of wildlife. The rest of the day is left free to settle in and absorb the atmosphere of one of Southeast Asia’s last great rainforest frontiers.

Today, set out on a full-day trek through Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world and one of the very best places in Indonesia to see orangutans in the wild. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will trek through dense rainforest in search of orangutans, while also keeping an eye out for gibbons, hornbills, macaques, and a huge variety of plant life.

This is a deeply immersive jungle experience, far removed from structured wildlife-viewing platforms, and offers a far stronger sense of the rainforest’s wildness and scale. Along the way, your guide will point out edible plants, orangutan nests, and the finer details of the ecosystem around you. It is one of the most adventurous and rewarding days of the journey.

This morning, return to Gunung Leuser National Park for a shorter 3-hour trek on a new route, giving you another chance to explore the jungle and seek out orangutans and other wildlife. With fresh trails, hidden river valleys, and dense vegetation, the experience feels completely new and offers another perspective on this extraordinary ecosystem.

Later, depart Bukit Lawang by private vehicle and travel to Berastagi in the Karo Highlands. The journey takes you out of the rainforest lowlands and into cooler mountain landscapes, with small villages, farmland, and roadside markets along the way. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening in this laid-back highland town.

Begin the day with a gentle visit to Taman Lumbini, home to a striking golden pagoda inspired by Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda. Set amidst gardens and cool mountain air, it offers a peaceful and photogenic start to the day.

Continue onwards to Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, one of Indonesia’s tallest waterfalls, where a dramatic drop into the vast Lake Toba caldera creates one of North Sumatra’s most spectacular viewpoints. From here, travel onwards towards Lake Toba and board a ferry to Samosir Island, located in the middle of this immense volcanic lake. On arrival, transfer to your accommodation and settle into the calm, lakeside atmosphere of one of Indonesia’s most magical and overlooked destinations.

After breakfast, set out on a half-day boat journey to explore the villages and communities that dot the shores of Samosir Island. Your first stop is Tomok, a historic Batak Toba village. The Toba are the largest group within North Sumatra’s Batak people. Here, you’ll visit the tomb of King Sidabutar, a 16th-century ruler who, according to local legend, was the first person to set foot on the island. The tomb is marked by a striking sculpture of the king’s head, and you’ll also see other cultural sites that offer a glimpse into Batak Toba traditions before the arrival of Christianity in the 1800s.

Next, continue by boat to Ambarita, another traditional Batak village. The village is famous for its stone chairs, once used for council meetings—and, historically, for meting out punishment. You’ll also have the chance to see some museums and attend a traditional Batak dance performance!

After exploring Ambarita, return to your hotel by boat. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—rent a bicycle to wander between villages, try kayaking on the lake, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings.

Today is yours to enjoy Samosir Island at your own pace, soaking up the calm rhythm of Lake Toba and the surrounding highlands. Mornings tend to be cool and peaceful here — perfect for a slow breakfast overlooking the water, a short lakeside walk, or simply switching off and enjoying the stillness that makes Samosir so special.

If you'd like to be more active, there are plenty of gentle ways to explore independently. Bicycles can be rented locally, allowing you to pedal between nearby villages and take in everyday life on the island, from traditional Batak houses to quiet farmland and lake views. Kayaking on Lake Toba is another lovely option, offering a completely different perspective of the island and its dramatic volcanic setting.

Optional add-on experiences (can be arranged): A guided boat excursion to Tomok, home to the tomb of King Sidabutar and an important centre of Batak Toba history and traditions A visit to Ambarita, where the famous stone chairs offer insight into ancient Batak governance and customs A short guided cultural walk with a local expert, providing deeper context into Batak Toba beliefs, village life, and the island’s spiritual significance

Alternatively, the afternoon can be spent unwinding — reading by the lake, enjoying a swim, or simply listening to the sounds of nature as the light shifts across the water. As evening falls, Samosir’s peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place for a relaxed dinner and a quiet night under the stars.

This morning is left free to enjoy Samosir at your own pace. The island’s calm atmosphere makes it ideal for a slow breakfast overlooking the lake, a quiet walk, or simply time to switch off and enjoy the stillness.

If you would like to be more active, local bicycles and kayaks can be rented, or optional guided visits can be arranged to Tomok, Ambarita, or other cultural sites. Later in the day, say farewell to Lake Toba and board a rustic wooden boat back to the mainland before continuing by road to Medan. The changing landscapes and glimpses of rural life make the drive an enjoyable one, and on arrival you will check into your airport hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s onward flight.

Today, leave North Sumatra behind and fly to Labuan Bajo on Flores. Once a quiet fishing village, Labuan Bajo has become the charming coastal gateway to Komodo National Park, surrounded by turquoise waters, dramatic island silhouettes, and some of the best marine scenery in Indonesia.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. The rest of the day is left at leisure, allowing you to enjoy the coastal atmosphere, prepare for the sailing adventure ahead, and ease into the different rhythm of eastern Indonesia.

Today, board Vinca Voyage for a 3-day, 2-night sailing trip through Komodo National Park. This open trip offers a relaxed and sociable way to explore the region’s highlights, with comfortable cabins, an onboard chef, dedicated crew, and plenty of time for snorkelling, trekking, and enjoying the scenery.

Over the course of the trip, you will visit destinations such as Kelor Island, Manjarite, Padar Island, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Taka Makassar, Manta Point, and Kanawa Island. The first day sets the tone for the journey ahead, combining island stops, marine experiences, and sunset views with the ease of having everything handled for you on board.

Today is one of the true highlights of the itinerary. Begin early with a trek on Padar Island, home to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Indonesia, where dramatic hills and crescent-shaped bays stretch out below.

After breakfast on the boat, continue to Pink Beach for swimming and photos before heading to Komodo Island itself, where you will join a guided trek to see the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Later, head to Manta Point for the chance to snorkel alongside majestic manta rays, before continuing to Taka Makassar for more snorkelling and sunset views from the boat. It is a full, exciting, and unforgettable day.

Your final morning on board begins with sunrise and breakfast, followed by a snorkelling stop at Kanawa Island. Surrounded by clear water and marine life, this is a beautiful final taste of Komodo National Park before beginning the return journey.

Later, head back to Labuan Bajo and return to your hotel. With the major adventure complete, the rest of the day can be spent relaxing and reflecting on the extraordinary marine landscapes, wildlife encounters, and island scenery you’ve experienced over the past few days.

Today, depart Labuan Bajo and begin your journey back home..

Although it is a travel day, the journey is structured to allow comfortable connections and a smooth end to your trip. You leave Indonesia having experienced a remarkable combination of deep jungle trekking, orangutan encounters, highland and lakeside culture, and one of the country’s most iconic island adventures.