Berastagi Karo highland with active volcanoes and hot springs

Berastagi (sometimes spelled Brastagi) is a serene highland town located in the Karo Regency of North Sumatra, Indonesia, just about 70 kilometers south of Medan, the provincial capital. Nestled at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters above sea level in the cool Karo Highlands, Berastagi is famed for its refreshing mountain climate, fertile volcanic soil, and breathtaking views of two active volcanoes—Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung.

This charming destination has long been a favorite weekend getaway for locals and tourists alike, offering a perfect escape from the tropical heat and hustle of the city. Berastagi’s pleasant temperatures range between 17°C and 23°C, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers, trekkers, and those looking for a relaxing highland atmosphere.

good view of Mount Sinabung

Gateway to Adventure and Culture

Berastagi is more than just a hill station—it’s a vibrant mix of natural beauty, traditional culture, and agricultural richness. The town is surrounded by lush farmland and colorful flower fields, producing some of Indonesia’s finest tropical fruits and vegetables. In fact, the name “Berastagi” translates roughly to “rice store” in the Karo language, reflecting its agricultural roots.

The town is predominantly inhabited by the Karo people, one of the indigenous people in Sumatra, who have preserved their unique customs, architecture, and cuisine. Visitors can experience this rich heritage firsthand by exploring traditional Karo villages, tasting KARO delicacies, and witnessing traditional dances and ceremonies.

Berastagi, also spelled Brastagi, is a breathtaking highland town located in the Karo Highlands of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Known for its cool mountain climate, lush farmlands, and iconic views of Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung, Berastagi is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sumatra. Only a 2-hour drive from Medan, Berastagi is famous for its volcanic landscapes, vibrant fruit markets, and authentic Karo culture.

Whether you’re a hiker, cultural explorer, or just seeking relaxation in a scenic setting, Berastagi offers something for everyone.

Why Should you Visit Berastagi?

What makes Berastagi special is the unique combination of volcanic landscapes, eco-tourism activities, and cultural immersion opportunities—all within easy reach from Medan or Lake Toba. Adventurers can hike to the summit of Mount Sibayak, soak in natural hot springs, and witness sunrises above the clouds. Families and casual travelers can enjoy the lively fruit markets, horse-drawn carts, and theme parks like Mikie Funland.

Meanwhile, spiritually-inclined visitors may find peace at Taman Lumbini, a replica of Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda, symbolizing the harmony of religions in the region.

Berastagi is one of Indonesia’s hidden highland gems and a perfect destination for:

Hiking and volcano adventures (Mount Sibayak & Mount Sinabung)
Agritourism and fruit markets
Relaxation in hot springs and nature escapes
Cultural experiences with the Karo people / Karo Tribe
Delicious local cuisine and culinary tours

Nature can be unpredictable. There is many time the peak can be foggy and misty with very chill temperature

There are many mosquitos around medan city. Make sure put on some mosquito spray or repellent. We can obtain the local mosquito repellent in any shop in Medan area. No mosquito in the higher altitude. The DEED max only 13%. If you need higher deed or stronger mosquito repellent, you need to obtain it yourself.

The weather can be unpredictable, a sudden rainy and misty might happened during your trip to the mountain. Be prepared and ready, bring your rain coat and jacket to protect you from the wind and cold temperature during foggy and misty.

Where is Berastagi Located?

Berastagi is situated approximately 70 kilometers south of Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, at an altitude of 1,300 meters (4,265 ft) above sea level. This elevation gives Berastagi a refreshing temperate climate rarely found elsewhere in tropical Indonesia. It’s located along the main travel route between Medan and Lake Toba, making it a popular stopover for travelers exploring northern Sumatra.

With its cool mountain air, active volcanoes, fertile valleys, and authentic local traditions, Berastagi stands out as one of Indonesia’s most accessible and rewarding highland destinations. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural insight, culinary delights, or just a tranquil escape in nature, Berastagi is a destination that captivates the senses and soothes the soul.

Top Attractions in Berastagi

1. Mount Sibayak Volcano Hike

One of Berastagi’s most popular attractions, Mount Sibayak is a semi-active volcano with accessible trails, ideal for beginner to moderate hikers. The sunrise trek to the summit rewards climbers with panoramic views, steamy sulfur vents, and surreal volcanic landscapes.

2. Mount Sinabung Viewpoint

Though currently more active and less accessible than Sibayak, Mount Sinabung provides dramatic photo opportunities from viewpoints around Berastagi. Eruptions have shaped the land and the lives of nearby communities, offering a deeper understanding of living with nature.

3. Berastagi Fruit Market

The Berastagi Fruit and Flower Market is a bustling open-air market in the town center, filled with fresh tropical produce like passion fruit, oranges, strawberries, tamarillo, and flowers. It’s a fantastic place to immerse yourself in local life.

4. Gundaling Hill (Bukit Gundaling)

Just minutes from downtown Berastagi, Gundaling Hill offers panoramic views of both Mount Sibayak and Sinabung. Locals enjoy picnics, horseback rides, and cool mountain breezes at this peaceful hilltop.

5. Taman Lumbini (Lumbini Natural Park)

A replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, this golden Buddhist temple is a serene place to explore Buddhist culture in Indonesia and take stunning photographs.

6. Traditional Karo Villages

Berastagi is home to the indigenous Karo Tribe people. Villages such as Lingga and Dokan feature traditional longhouses, known as rumah adat, with sharply peaked roofs and communal living spaces.

7. Hot Springs (Lau Debuk-Debuk)

After a long hike, relax your muscles in the natural hot springs located near Mount Sibayak. The sulfur-rich waters are believed to have healing properties.

Highlights on this tour

✅ Early morning drive from Medan
✅ Breakfast in Berastagi
✅ Scenic hike to the summit of Mount Sibayak
✅ Explore active volcanic features (sulfur vents, crater)
✅ Relaxing soak in thermal hot springs
✅ Optional local lunch before returning

Tips for Hiking Mount Sibayak

Go with a local guide – they know the best routes and ensure safety.
Start early – to catch the sunrise and avoid afternoon rain.
Avoid walking too close to fumaroles or sulfur vents — they can be dangerously hot and emit toxic gases.
Respect the environment and don’t litter on the trail.

Why Choose the Mount Sibayak Volcano Hike?

Mount Sibayak is:

One of the most accessible volcanoes in Indonesia
Suitable for first-time volcano trekkers
A gateway to exploring Karo culture and the Berastagi highlands
A unique chance to witness volcanic activity up close — safely
Paired perfectly with natural hot springs for post-hike relaxation

THINGS YOU NEED TO BRING

Comfortable hiking shoes
Light jacket or windbreaker (it can be chilly in the morning)
Hat and sunscreen
Drinking water (at least 1L)
Towel and change of clothes for the hot spring
Snacks or energy bars

Light backpack

Camera

Walking Shoes

Long trousers & socks

Large Bottle water

Mosquito Repellent

Swimming Clothing

Add extra to your travel arrangements will give you discounted prices with hassle free. Lets us organize it for you..

Pick up and Transfer back to the Airport : 750.000 IDR | fit 4 px with luggage| one way
Village Day Tour : 350.000/ person | go around the village by tuk tuk to interact and observe the daily life of the locals. visit the Tofu and tempeh home production, palm leaf and bamboo weaving, try out some the durian fruit or young coconut, observing the palm sugar home production
Batcave and Landak River: 300.000| person. It is one hour walking distance from Bukit lawang. A dark cave with very beautiful shape of stalactite and stalagmite rocks. it takes 2 hours to complete the cave tour
Sumatra Elephant Sanctuary: Get along and participate in one of the Sumatran Elephant activity at the border of the national park Tangkahan. Walk with the elephant to the river trough the Sumatra jungle, then bath the elephant in the river. This activity is 8.30 am and 3.30 pm. For the walking and bathing the elephant, the CRU will charge for 1.000.000 IDR, 600.000 IDR for only bathing the elephant. We will organized the transport to go and back to Bukit lawang village for 1.200.000, IDR. The car fit 4px max. Lunch will be provided

Volcano Hike Mount Sibayak – BERASTAGI: 500.000 IDR| 2px Min. You need to be in Beratagi to do this Tour. Climb a magnificent active volcano in Berastagi Region- Mount Sibayak. Suitable almost for everyone. The summit is only 2200 meter. You could do it early in the morning for the sunrise or at anytime during the day. Volcano views with many Fume Holes all over the crater. Take a dip into the Thermal bath pond at the bottom of the mountain on your way down.

Sumatra Tour & Travel provide a pick up and transfer from various destination and places in the North Of Sumatra. Mainly from the Airport, Medan City, Tangkahan, Bu8kit Lawang, Berastagi and lake toba or Samosir Island. We have and can provide various type of cars and buses to suit your travel need and requirement. Combine it with the tour and accommodation plus the transport or transfer will be less hassles for you and very convenient other wise we provide the transport only is also possible. The prices are vary from pick place and to destination. please find it below about the prices

Pick up and Transfer From Airport to Bukit Lawang : 750.000 IDR |One way| fit 4 px with luggage. This trnasfer will take about 3.5 hours to 4 hours. Going via tol road will slighly faster. Driving through the rugged and broken asphalt road in some areas. Mainly palm oil plantation view on the rural part.
Pick up and transfer From Airport to Tangkahan : 750.000 IDR| One way | fit 4px with luggage. The trip will take about 4 hours through the medan city, binjai city then the rural and palm oil plantation. Some road are bumpy and rugged.
Transfer from Bukit Lawang to Tangkahan : 750.000 IDR | One way | Fit 4px. Driving through the palm oil plantation and some rural villages. Expect the rugged road.
Transfer from Airport to Berastagi : 800.000 IDR| One way | Fit 4 people | Driving through the medan city to the Mountainous direction. Very windy road with mountain and jungle view in some area. Expect the traffic jam during the weekend. The trip will trake about 4 hours depending on the traffics condition

Transfer from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi : 900.000 IDR| One way | Fit 4 people | Driving through the rural area under the palm oil plantation, rural area with villages. Very windy road with mountain and jungle view in some area. Take a rest at the rest area under the mount sinabung volcano and try some local coffee

Transfer from The Airport to Parapat : 1.000.000 IDR|One way| Fit 4 people. Driving via toll road. Very scenic road and much faster traveling. This trip will takes about 3 .5 hours. Mainly going through the toll road. From P.SIANTAR city will go on the national road. Slower drive. Make sure that you have enough time to catch the last boat that leaving from the harbor to the Samosir island. The last boat will leave by 5.30. There is also a ferry option for this trip, WE NEED TO BOOK the ferry in advance. also you will need to pay for to go and return ferry ticket which will cost about 500.000 IDR

Transfer from Bukit Lawang to Parapat : 1.200.000 IDR| One way | Fit 4 people | Driving through the plantation, villages and rural area through the mountainous road and under the mount sinabung volcano. This trip will takes about 7-8 hours with multiples stop at the outlook area like the volcano mountain, waterfall and some other interesting places. Alternatively we could also take the TOLL road via highway. This option will takes about 5-6 hours. There will be some Toll road charges