Explore the various best tourist destinations in North Sumatra, from natural beauty, history, to culture, which are ready to provide an unforgettable holiday experience.
North Sumatra is one of the largest provinces in Indonesia, offering a variety of natural, cultural, historical and culinary tourist attractions.
From stunning mountains to the world’s largest volcanic lake, every corner of North Sumatra has a story and beauty worth exploring. Here are the best tourist attractions in North Sumatra that you must visit when you go on holiday there.
1. Holbung Hill
Holbung Hill is a must-visit destination for those of you who want to experience the tranquility and epic views of Lake Toba from a height.
This hill offers a stretch of green hills with a cool and calm atmosphere, perfect for relieving fatigue from daily routines. The very cheap entrance fee, only IDR 5,000 for motorbikes and IDR 10,000 for cars, makes Holbung Hill a pocket-friendly holiday destination.
2. Sipinsur Geosite
For those of you who love photography, Geosite Sipinsur is the perfect destination. Located in Pearung Village, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, this place offers spectacular views of Lake Toba and Samosir Island from a height of 1,213 meters above sea level.
Not only does it offer beautiful panoramas, you can also go trekking in the hills or take pictures in the Instagrammable pine forest. The entrance ticket is very affordable, only IDR 2,000 per person, making it a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists.
3. Lake Toba
Lake Toba is a tourist icon of North Sumatra that should not be missed. The world’s largest volcanic lake was formed from the eruption of Mount Toba thousands of years ago and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia.
Surrounded by lush green forests, Lake Toba offers cool air and stunning views. Visitors can enjoy various water rides such as jet skis, kayaks, or speedboats at affordable prices.
Entrance tickets to Lake Toba are only IDR 5,000 to IDR 10,000, and you are free to explore its beauty at any time because this place is open 24 hours.
4. Lumbini Natural Park
Lumbini Nature Park presents a unique tourist experience with a magnificent pagoda as high as 48.8 meters as its main attraction. This pagoda is a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar and has been recorded as the highest pagoda in Indonesia.
In addition, you can also enjoy the beauty of the flower garden, vegetarian restaurants, and souvenir shops around the area. Located in Karo Regency, Lumbini Nature Park offers a peaceful atmosphere with an entrance ticket in the form of a donation of your choice.
5. Sipiso-piso Waterfall
Located in Tongging Village, Karo Regency, Sipiso-piso Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia with a fountain height reaching 120 meters.
Surrounded by green hills, this waterfall offers spectacular views that amaze every visitor. To reach this place, you only need to travel about 45 minutes from Berastagi City.
The entrance ticket is also very affordable, only IDR 5,000 per person, and road access to the location is very good.
6. Bukit Lawang
Bukit Lawang is a paradise for nature lovers seeking tranquility. Located in the Leuser area, this place offers views of a clear river with a fast current which is the main attraction for tourists. Many people come to swim or go tubing in this river.
Bukit Lawang is also famous for its comfortable gazebos that are perfect for relaxing, as well as local shops selling traditional snacks. If you want to enjoy the natural beauty longer, modern accommodation is available around Bukit Lawang.
7. Sibea-Bea Hill
For those of you who want to see a giant statue of Jesus like in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, you don’t need to go far. Sibea-Bea Hill on Samosir Island has a 61-meter-high statue of Jesus which is even taller than the statue in Brazil.
In addition to being an aesthetic photo spot, Sibea-Bea Hill is also a religious place for Christians in Samosir. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy the stunning view of Lake Toba that is pleasing to the eye.
8. Tjong A Fie House
For those of you who are interested in historical tourism, Tjong A Fie House in Medan is a must-visit. This house was once the residence of Tjong A Fie, a successful businessman during the Deli Sultanate.
This house with Chinese architecture holds a lot of history, including photographs and relics that tell the story of Tjong A Fie’s life. The entrance fee is IDR 35,000 for the general public and IDR 20,000 for students.
9. Lau Kawar Lake
In addition to Lake Toba, North Sumatra also has Lake Lau Kawar located at the foot of Mount Sinabung. The lake is surrounded by tropical forests and cool mountain air, making it an ideal place for camping or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
You can set up a tent in the area provided or relax in the pavilion around the lake. The location of Lake Lau Kawar is in Karo Regency and can be reached by traveling about 3 hours from Medan City.
North Sumatra offers a variety of interesting tourism options, ranging from natural beauty, history, to unique religious places.
With affordable entrance tickets and adequate facilities, these various tourist attractions will provide an unforgettable holiday experience for you and your family. Plan your trip now and enjoy the charm of North Sumatra!

