Are you looking for a place that offers stunning natural beauty, thrilling outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage? If yes, then you should definitely visit Berastagi, a hidden gem in the heart of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Berastagi is a small town surrounded by lush green hills, active volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and traditional villages. It is a perfect destination for adventure seekers who want to experience the best of Sumatra’s nature and culture.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Berastagi. We will also give you some practical information and tips on how to get to Berastagi, where to stay in Berastagi, when to visit Berastagi, and what to eat in Berastagi. Whether you are planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer vacation, this article will help you make the most of your time in Berastagi.
How to Get to Berastagi
Berastagi is located about 70 km south of Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra. There are several ways to get to Berastagi from Medan Airport or other cities in North Sumatra, such as:
Bus:
You can take a bus from Medan to Berastagi, which costs about 20,000 IDR (1.4 USD) and takes about 2 hours. The buses depart from several terminals in Medan, such as Amplas, Pinang Baris, or Padang Bulan. The buses arrive at the main terminal in Berastagi, which is near the fruit market and the town center. The buses run from 6 am to 6 pm, and you can buy the tickets on the spot or online.
Car:
You can rent a car from Medan to Berastagi, which costs about 400,000 IDR (28 USD) per day and takes about 1.5 hours. You can either drive yourself or hire a driver, depending on your preference and skill. The road from Medan to Berastagi is well-paved and scenic, passing through plantations, villages, and hills. You can also stop at some attractions along the way, such as the Sibolangit Botanical Garden, the Lau Debuk Debuk Hot Springs, or the Bukit Lawang Orangutan Sanctuary.
Scooter:
You can rent a scooter from Medan to Berastagi, which costs about 100,000 IDR (7 USD) per day and takes about 2 hours. You can either rent a scooter from Medan or from Berastagi, depending on your itinerary and availability. The scooter gives you more flexibility and freedom to explore Berastagi and its surroundings, but you need to be careful and confident on the road, as the traffic can be chaotic and unpredictable. You also need to have a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit, as well as a helmet and insurance.
Taxi:
You can take a taxi from Medan to Berastagi, which costs about 300,000 IDR (21 USD) and takes about 1.5 hours. You can either book a taxi online or hail one on the street, depending on your convenience and budget. The taxi is the most comfortable and convenient option, but also the most expensive one. You can also negotiate the price and the route with the driver, and ask them to wait for you in Berastagi if you want to return to Medan on the same day.
Where to Stay in Berastagi
Berastagi offers a range of accommodation options for different types of travelers, such as:
Hotel:
You can stay in a hotel in Berastagi, which costs about 200,000 to 500,000 IDR (14 to 35 USD) per night for a double room. The hotels in Berastagi are mostly located near the town center, the fruit market, or the hot springs. The hotels offer basic amenities, such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, and hot water. Some of the hotels also have restaurants, pools, gardens, or spas. Some of the best hotels in Berastagi are:
Grand Mutiara Hotel:
This is a 4-star hotel that offers spacious and elegant rooms, with views of the volcanoes and the hills. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a gym, a spa, and a conference center. The hotel is located near the Gundaling Hill, which is a popular spot for watching the sunrise and the sunset.
Sinabung Hills Berastagi:
This is a 3-star hotel that offers cozy and comfortable rooms, with views of the garden and the mountains. The hotel also has a restaurant, a cafe, a pool, a playground, and a karaoke room. The hotel is located near the Berastagi Fruit Market, which is a great place to buy fresh and exotic fruits and vegetables.
Green Garden Hotel:
This is a 2-star hotel that offers simple and clean rooms, with views of the town and the volcanoes. The hotel also has a restaurant, a lounge, a terrace, and a laundry service. The hotel is located near the Taman Alam Lumbini, which is a beautiful park that features a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar.
Homestay:
You can stay in a homestay in Berastagi, which costs about 100,000 to 200,000 IDR (7 to 14 USD) per night for a double room. The homestays in Berastagi are mostly located in the outskirts of the town, near the volcanoes, the waterfalls, or the villages. The homestays offer a more authentic and intimate experience of living with a local family, who will provide you with a private room, a shared bathroom, and a home-cooked meal. Some of the homestays also offer activities, such as hiking, farming, or cooking. Some of the best homestays in Berastagi are:
Sibayak Homestay: This is a homestay that offers rustic and charming rooms, with views of the Gunung Sibayak volcano. The homestay also has a restaurant, a garden, a fireplace, and a library. The homestay is located near the trailhead of the Gunung Sibayak hike, which is one of the main attractions in Berastagi.
Berastagi Nachelle Homestay: This is a homestay that offers modern and stylish rooms, with views of the Gunung Sinabung volcano. The homestay also has a kitchen, a dining area, a lounge, and a balcony. The homestay is located near the Sipiso Piso waterfall, which is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Sumatra.
Lingga Homestay: This is a homestay that offers traditional and cozy rooms, with views of the rice fields and the mountains. The homestay also has a kitchen, a dining area, a lounge, and a garden. The homestay is located in the Lingga village, which is a cultural heritage site that showcases the ancient Batak architecture and lifestyle.
When to Visit Berastagi
Berastagi has a tropical climate, which means that it is warm and humid throughout the year. However, there are some variations in the weather and the seasons, which can affect your trip to Berastagi. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best time to visit Berastagi:
Temperature:
Berastagi is located at an altitude of about 1,300 meters above sea level, which means that it is cooler than the lowlands of Sumatra. The average temperature in Berastagi is about 20°C (68°F), but it can drop to 15°C (59°F) at night or rise to 25°C (77°F) during the day. The temperature is relatively stable throughout the year, but it can be colder during the rainy season or warmer during the dry season. You should bring some warm clothes and a jacket, especially if you plan to hike the volcanoes or visit the waterfalls.
Rainfall:
Berastagi has two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from October to April, and the dry season lasts from May to September. The rainy season is characterized by frequent and heavy rain, which can cause landslides, floods, and road closures. The dry season is characterized by less and lighter rain, which can cause droughts, fires, and haze. The rainfall can affect the visibility, accessibility, and availability of the attractions and activities in Berastagi, such as the volcanoes, the waterfalls, and the markets. You should bring a raincoat, an umbrella, and waterproof shoes, especially if you plan to visit Berastagi during the rainy season.
Crowds:
Berastagi is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, especially during the weekends, holidays, and festivals. The crowds can affect the availability, prices, and quality of the transport, accommodation, and food in Berastagi, as well as the atmosphere and experience of the attractions and activities. You should book in advance, avoid peak times, and be flexible, especially if you plan to visit Berastagi during the high season.
Events:
Berastagi has some events and festivals that showcase the culture and history of the region, such as the Karo Festival, the Berastagi Fruit Festival, and the Berastagi Flower Festival. The events and festivals can enhance your trip to Berastagi, as you can witness and participate in the colorful and lively celebrations, performances, and competitions. You should check the dates, locations, and schedules of the events and festivals, and plan accordingly, especially if you want to join or avoid them.
What to Do in Berastagi
Berastagi has a lot to offer for adventure seekers who want to experience the best of Sumatra’s nature and culture. Here are some of the main attractions and activities that you should not miss in Berastagi:
Hike up Gunung Sibayak
One of the main attractions in Berastagi is Gunung Sibayak, an active volcano that stands at 2,212 meters above sea level. Gunung Sibayak is one of the easiest and most accessible volcanoes to hike in Indonesia, as it has a well-marked and well-maintained trail that leads to the summit. The hike takes about 2 to 3 hours one way, depending on your fitness level and pace. The hike is suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike, as it has a moderate difficulty and a gradual slope. The hike is also rewarding and scenic, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, the crater lake, the steam vents, and the sulfur deposits. You can also see the Gunung Sinabung volcano, which is the bigger and more active sibling of Gunung Sibayak, from the summit.
Take a day trip to Lake Toba
Another attraction that you should not miss in Berastagi is Lake Toba, the largest and deepest volcanic lake in the world. Lake Toba is located about 80 km north of Berastagi, and it is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Lake Toba is a beautiful and serene place, where you can enjoy the views of the blue water, the green hills, and the white clouds. Lake Toba is also a cultural and historical place, where you can learn about the Batak people, who are the indigenous ethnic group of North Sumatra. Lake Toba is also a fun and adventurous place, where you can do various activities, such as swimming, boating, kayaking, cycling, or hiking.
Admire the views of Gunung Sinabung
Another attraction that you should not miss in Berastagi is Gunung Sinabung, an active volcano that stands at 2,460 meters above sea level. Gunung Sinabung is one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in Indonesia, as it has erupted several times in the past decade, causing massive destruction and displacement. Gunung Sinabung is also one of the most impressive and majestic volcanoes in Indonesia, as it has a symmetrical cone shape, a large crater, and a plume of smoke and ash. You can admire the views of Gunung Sinabung from various viewpoints in Berastagi and its surroundings, such as the Gundaling Hill, the Taman Alam Lumbini, or the Sibayak Hotel.
Take a dip in the Berastagi Hot Springs
Another attraction that you should not miss in Berastagi is the Berastagi Hot Springs, which are natural pools of hot water that are heated by the geothermal activity of the volcanoes. The hot springs are located near the base of the Gunung Sibayak volcano, and they are a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The hot springs are a relaxing and rejuvenating place, where you can soak in the warm water, enjoy the views of the volcanoes and the hills, and benefit from the minerals and the sulfur that are good for your skin and health. The hot springs are also a fun and social place, where you can meet and mingle with other travelers and locals, who are friendly and welcoming.
Visit the ghost villages around Gunung Sinabung
Another attraction that you should not miss in Berastagi is the ghost villages around Gunung Sinabung, which are the abandoned and destroyed villages that were affected by the eruptions of the volcano. The ghost villages are located near the base of the Gunung Sinabung volcano, and they are a haunting and fascinating destination for both locals and tourists. The ghost villages are a tragic and poignant place, where you can see the remains of the houses, schools, churches, and farms that were once inhabited by the people who had to flee and relocate due to the volcanic activity. The ghost villages are also a historical and educational place, where you can learn about the impact and the consequences of the eruptions on the environment, the economy, and the society of the region.
Experience Gundaling Farmstead Berastagi
Another attraction that you should not miss in Berastagi is the Gundaling Farmstead Berastagi, which is a farm and a park that offers various activities and attractions for families and children. The farm and the park are located near the Gundaling Hill, which is a popular spot for watching the sunrise and the sunset. The farm and the park are a fun and educational place, where you can interact with the animals, play with the games, and learn about the farming and the environment. The farm and the park are also a relaxing and enjoyable place, where you can have a picnic, a barbecue, or a coffee, and enjoy the views of the volcanoes and the hills.
Berastagi is a hidden gem in the heart of North Sumatra, Indonesia, that offers stunning natural beauty, thrilling outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage. It is a perfect destination for adventure seekers who want to experience the best of Sumatra’s nature and culture. In this article, we have provided you with a comprehensive guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Berastagi. We have also given you some practical information and tips on how to get to Berastagi, where to stay in Berastagi, when to visit Berastagi, and what to eat in Berastagi. Whether you are planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer vacation, we hope that this article will help you make the most of your time in Berastagi.
If you are interested in visiting Berastagi, you can book a tour package with Tripoto, which is a leading online travel platform that connects travelers with local experts and guides.
Tripoto also offers a community of travelers and locals, who can share their stories, tips, and reviews, as well as a blog of travel articles, videos, and photos, that can inspire and inform you about your next destination.