Sumatra Uncovered

The time has come! No more waiting, your bags are packed and you are on your way and so is the rest of the TruFam. Meet up with the rest of your group (future best travel pals) and your Tru Leader before you discuss the next 9 exciting, fun-filled days where we will explore dense rainforests, encounter majestic wildlife, and connect with local communities that call this enchanting place home. Are you squeaking with excitement, because we are! Spend the rest of your evening exploring the wonders of Medan, Sumatra has to offer before you start your journey around Indonesia’s largest island.

Want a sneak peek of the Sumatra tour? Check out our Tru Stories Series here!🌴

We’re up bright and early for our breakfast before heading onto our first stop. We’re off to the lush wilderness of Bukit Lawang , a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Sumatra. Prepare to be captivated by the untamed beauty of nature as you set foot in this breathtaking paradise.Once we arrive we will have some time to drop of our things and grab a bite to eat before we spread our wings ‘metaphorically, of course’ and experience adventure of the enigmatic Bat Cave. The stars of the show are the winged wonders themselves – bats! Watch in awe as these nocturnal creatures flutter and dance overhead, revealing their nighttime rituals. Don't worry, they're more into selfies than sucking blood. As the adventure draws to a close we will make our way back to our accommodation before heading out for dinner on our first local night out.

Ah, the early morning alarm – a symphony of sound that signals a new day, which means a new adventure! Once we have had our fuel of the morning, and trust us you’re going to need it today. We are putting our trekking boots on as we head off to spot the local wildlife. Be on the lookout for Orangutans, monkeys, tropical birds and so much more as we venture into the rainforest. Work up an appetite from all the walking, as your local guide has prepared an ape-tizing lunch for you to eat in the heart of the jungle. (You’re not eating apes don't worry, we just love puns) After we have refueled we take a small walk before switching up our mode of transport. Take off the boots and let's hit the river! Skip the Road, Take the Flow: Tubing on a river adventure from jungle straight to the hotel doorstep. Now that’s a wild time.

It’s travel day! After breakfast we will transfer to the airport to catch an afternoon flight to Padang city. Padang is characterized by its coastal location, facing the Indian Ocean. The city is surrounded by lush green hills and is known for its scenic landscapes. The nearby coastal areas offer beautiful beaches, so take advantage of some free time in the afternoon once we arrive. Why not head out and see what the largest city and capital of West Sumatra has in store. After the past few days of excitement we are taking a slower pace this evening to really soak up the atmosphere and appreciate those sunsets, a spectacle that paints the sky with a symphony of colors, casting a magical glow over the urban landscape. Tru bliss.

It’s another early start today but for a very good reason. We make our way to our very own TruExclusive. We head deep into the jungle to the Mentawai village to spend some time with the local people of Sumatra. This is a moment that will be remembered forever. We take a fast boat to Siberut and head directly to Mentawai village where your time here is more than just a stay – it's an authentic experience of the rural life. Dive straight into village life as we have lunch with the locals before exploring the surrounding farm. Prepare to be enchanted by the warm hospitality and unique traditions that define this unforgettable homestay experience. Our host family welcomes us with open arms or high fives into their traditional home where we’ll stay in huts. Step into the realm of sustainable living and agricultural heritage as we venture into a traditional Mentawai Village farm and head to the beach for sunset! We'll end the night with a wholesome night playing games, sipping beers and falling asleep to the sounds of the birds around us.

Check out Bonnie's POV the tour here!🦧 Warning: May cause instant FOMO...

Wake up, rub your eyes and get ready to jump into a crazy jungle adventure that promises to awaken your senses and ignite your sense of adventure. When the clock hits 6:30 AM, you'll be all set to head out on this unforgettable journey that mixes morning zen with the wild spirit of the jungle. Get ready to dive deep into the Mentawai culture as you spend the rest of the day chilling in a traditional house called a "Uma." Trust us, this isn't your typical visit – it's your chance to make genuine connections, learn foraging and hunting skills and get to know the village’s Shaman. We’ll head into the heart of nature and learn the wisdom of the indigenous tribe. From crafting their traditional threads to mastering survival skills, your time in the jungle is gonna be educational and life changing.

It’s time to say goodbye to the jungle and head to the beach! We say goodbye to the locals of the Mentawai village and hello to a slow beach life. In the afternoon we head to Padang Harbor and check out Nagari Sungai Pinang, this cool traditional fishing village hugging the southern coast of Padang. We’ll be spending our last few days in beach huts just a stones throw from crystal clear waters and surrounded by nature. Have the morning to chill before we travel to Padang. We arrive in the late evening, have dinner, a drink or too and get ready our last few days spent on the beaches of paradise.

It’s time to island-hop, we’ll jump into boats and head to surrounding marine hotspots to jump in! Grab your mask and snorkel and dive down as we swim along the vibrant corals, colourful fish and even maybe a turtle or 2! Our day will have us visiting Turtle Point, Nemo Point and Snake island to witness the natural beauty of Indonesia’s quieter island. Head to the beach and feel the sand between your toes, the breeze in your hair and the sun on your face as we have a chilled afternoon before heading to a turtle volunteer project. We’ll learn the importance of conservation, how Sumatra supports turtles within the ocean’s ecosystem and we’ll also help bathe turtles and get them ready for their release into the ocean! An incredible day and a s’hell of a good time! In the evening it’s back to our beach huts and dinner and drinks as the sun goes down. We’ll dance on the beach, sip cocktails and sing along to the live music. It’s our last night together as TruFam, it’s only right.. Right?

*Please note that the opportunity for releasing the turtles is extremley dependent on seasons, tides and the number of turtles ready for releasing*

As the sun sets on our incredible journey through Sumatra, it's time to say goodbye to all the memories, adventures, and bonds we've created along the way. These 10 days have been a mix of discovery, laughter, and shared moments that will always hold a special place in our hearts forever. Once you’ve travelled Tru you’re a part of the TruFam for life so it’s not goodbye it’s see you later. Have a chilled check out and we’ll see you soon! If you’re looking to carry on your adventure why not check our Bali & Sumatra Adventure!