After visiting Bukit Lawang and exploring the rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park, many travelers continue their journey through northern Sumatra. The region offers a wide range of natural landscapes and cultural destinations, from volcanic highlands and waterfalls to historic cities and large crater lakes. The following destinations are among the most commonly visited after Bukit Lawang.
Berastagi and the Karo Highlands
Berastagi is a highland town located in the Karo region, approximately halfway between Bukit Lawang and Lake Toba. Set at a higher elevation, it has a cooler climate and is surrounded by fertile farmland and volcanoes.
The area is best known for Mount Sibayak, an accessible volcano that can be climbed for sunrise views, as well as for its traditional markets selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Berastagi also provides insight into Karo Batak culture and architecture.
Lake Toba and Samosir Island
Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world and one of the most significant natural landmarks in Indonesia. It was formed by a supervolcanic eruption and now fills a vast caldera in the Batak Highlands.
At the center of the lake lies Samosir Island, which is home to traditional Batak villages, historic stone tombs, churches, and lakeside viewpoints. Many visitors spend several days in the area, enjoying boat trips, swimming, cultural sites, and the slower pace of life around the lake.
Sipiso-Piso Waterfall
Sipiso-Piso is one of the tallest waterfalls in Indonesia, plunging approximately 120 meters from the northern rim of the Lake Toba caldera. The waterfall is fed by an underground river and is set against a dramatic backdrop of cliffs and farmland.
Viewpoints near the parking area offer wide panoramas over Lake Toba, while a steep path leads down to the base of the falls for those wishing to hike closer. Sipiso-Piso is commonly visited in combination with Berastagi or as a stop on the way to or from Lake Toba.
Medan
Medan is the capital of North Sumatra and the main transport hub for the region. Many travelers pass through Medan either before or after visiting Bukit Lawang, as it is home to the international airport and major bus connections.
The city offers a mix of cultural and historical attractions, including Maimun Palace, the Grand Mosque, colonial-era architecture, and a diverse food scene influenced by Malay, Batak, Chinese, and Indian traditions.
Tangkahan and Ethical Considerations
Tangkahan is a small village within the Gunung Leuser ecosystem and is often promoted as a destination for elephant encounters. While it is sometimes described as an “elephant sanctuary,” it is important for visitors to understand the ethical concerns associated with elephant tourism in this area.
According to research and reporting by non-profit organizations, the Tangkahan Elephant Patrol is not a true wildlife sanctuary or rehabilitation center in the conservation sense. Elephants there are used for tourist activities such as bathing and close interaction, practices that do not meet widely accepted standards of ethical wildlife tourism.
These concerns are documented in detail in the article Why You Shouldn’t Visit Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary in Sumatra.
Visitors interested in responsible travel are encouraged to research wildlife experiences carefully and prioritize observation-only activities that do not involve direct handling, riding, or forced interaction with animals.
Planning the Next Step
Bukit Lawang is well positioned for onward travel through northern Sumatra. Many travelers continue toward Berastagi and Lake Toba before returning to Medan, while others use Medan as a gateway to further destinations in Indonesia.
Each of these locations offers a different perspective on Sumatra’s landscapes and cultures, making them natural extensions to a visit to Bukit Lawang.
