Discover Sumatra in a different way

Berastagi, the coolness of the high Karas plains

At an altitude of about 1,300 meters, two or three hours’ drive from Medan, Berastagi offers a respite of freshness in the heart of the Karo highlands. Here, the air is crisp, the hills are covered with crops, and two volcanoes watch over the city.

A colorful market
The market in Berastagi is a festival of colors and scents. Pyramids of tropical fruits, freshly harvested vegetables, flowers, spices: everything comes from the fertile lands of the surrounding area. Don’t leave without tasting the passion fruit syrup, a specialty of the region, or the orange and tangerine from the Karo region. The exchanges with the merchants, often smiling and curious, are part of the experience.

Sibayak and Sinabung, two giants to behold
The Sibayak, which reaches a height of over 2,200 meters, can be climbed in a few hours. It rewards hikers with a smoking crater and a panoramic view of the entire valley. At the foot of the volcano, hot springs allow you to relax after the effort. The Sinabung, on the other hand, is an active volcano that can be seen from afar, from the city viewpoints such as Gundaling Hill. Access is restricted; always check before leaving.

A culture to discover
Berastagi is also the ideal starting point for visiting the Batak Karo people, with their traditional houses and typical villages.