SUMATRA AND PAPUA BALIEM FESTIVAL EXPEDITION 2026

Upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Jakarta. The evening is free for you to unwind after your flight, followed by your first dinner in the capital city.

Highlights:

• Arrival at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport
• Warm greeting & private transfer to your hotel
• Evening at leisure with dinner in Jakarta

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Medan, the gateway to North Sumatra. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and set out on a scenic drive through rural landscapes and lush countryside toward Bukit Lawang, a charming riverside village on the edge of the vast Leuser National Park. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure.

Highlights:

• Flight to Medan, gateway to North Sumatra
• Scenic drive through countryside & rural villages
• Arrival in Bukit Lawang, by the Leuser National Park
• Evening at leisure after hotel check-in

Awaken to the sounds of the jungle before setting off on a 3-hour trek through the Leuser National Park, a haven of rich biodiversity. With some luck, you may encounter semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat, along with Thomas-leaf monkeys, macaques, gibbons, and colorful birdlife.

After returning to your lodge for a short rest, continue your journey to the cool highlands of Brastagi. The scenic drive passes charming villages such as Sembahe, Sibolangit, and Bandar Baru. En route, stop at Lumbini Park to admire the golden replica of Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda, explore the bustling fruit market, and enjoy sweeping views of Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak from Gundaling Hill. Upon arrival in Brastagi, check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Highlights:

• Jungle trek in Leuser National Park with possible orangutan encounters
• Spot diverse wildlife including monkeys, gibbons, and birdlife
• Scenic drive through Sumatran highland villages
• Visit Lumbini Park and the Shwedagon Pagoda replica
• Explore a lively fruit market
• Take in panoramic views of Mount Sinabung & Mount Sibayak

After breakfast, set out on a scenic journey to Parapat on the shores of Lake Toba, along the way, stop at Dokan Village to discover the daily life of the Batak Karo people, then continue to the impressive Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, where a 120-meter cascade plunges dramatically into Lake Toba.

Visit Pematang Purba to explore the historic Rumah Bolon, once the royal palace of the Batak Simalungun kings, before ending the journey at Simarjarunjung, where sweeping views of the vast volcanic lake unfold before you.

From Parapat, board a private boat for the short crossing to Samosir Island, where you’ll check in to your lakeside hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Highlights:

• Cultural encounter at Dokan Village
• Admire the towering Sipiso-Piso Waterfall
• Explore the traditional Rumah Bolon of Pematang Purba
• Scenic stop at Simarjarunjung viewpoint
• Private boat ride to Samosir Island
• Overnight stay at a lakeside hotel

Enjoy a magical day exploring the legendary Lake Toba by private chartered boat. Begin at Tomok Village, where you’ll discover the 200-year-old sarcophagus of King Sidabutar and enjoy a lively Batak Toba cultural dance performance. Continue to Sigapiton Village to observe the rhythms of traditional farming and fishing life, with the chance to visit the small local school if it is in session.

Your journey continues with a stop at the breathtaking Situmurun Waterfall, a natural wonder that cascades directly into the lake, perfect for swimming or photography. End the day at Silima Lombu Village, where you’ll explore an eco-farm and witness inspiring examples of sustainable agriculture. In the afternoon, return to your hotel and relax by the peaceful lakeside.

Highlights:

• Visit Tomok Village and King Sidabutar’s sarcophagus
• Watch a Batak Toba cultural dance performance
• Explore Sigapiton Village and its local way of life
• Swim or photograph at Situmurun Waterfall
• Discover sustainable farming at Silima Lombu Village

After breakfast, cross back by boat to Parapat and continue the drive to Medan (approx. 5 hours), passing through the towns of Pematang Siantar and Tebing Tinggi along the way. Upon arrival in Medan, enjoy a short city tour, with visits to the historic Sultan’s Palace, the impressive Great Mosque, and a vibrant Chinese temple that reflects the city’s multicultural heritage. Check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Highlights:

• Boat transfer from Samosir Island to Parapat
• Scenic drive to Medan via Pematang Siantar & Tebing Tinggi
• Visit the Sultan’s Palace
• Explore the Great Mosque
• Stop at a traditional Chinese temple
• Overnight stay in Medan

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Minangkabau International Airport. Upon arrival, continue with a scenic 3-hour drive through the lush Anai Valley, passing waterfalls and tropical landscapes, before reaching the charming highland town of Bukittinggi, the cultural heart of the Minangkabau people. After checking in to your hotel, the evening is free to relax at leisure.

Highlights:

• Flight arrival at Minangkabau International Airport
• Scenic drive through the Anai Valley
• Arrival in Bukittinggi, center of Minangkabau culture
• Evening at leisure after hotel check-in

Begin the morning with a tour of Bukittinggi’s highlights. Visit the iconic Jam Gadang Tower, the town’s beloved clock tower, explore the Bukittinggi Museum for insights into local history, and stroll through the lively Pasar Atas Market to experience the bustling daily trade.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Minangkabau culture with a visit to a traditional village. Explore rumah gadang (traditional houses), observe daily life in the rice fields, and enjoy a vibrant performance of Minangkabau dances. A traditional home-cooked lunch served inside a family home offers an authentic taste of local hospitality.

Highlights:

• Explore Jam Gadang Tower, Bukittinggi Museum & Pasar Atas Market
• Visit a traditional Minangkabau village
• See iconic rumah gadang houses & rice field life
• Experience Minangkabau dance performances
• Enjoy a traditional family-style lunch

After breakfast, set out for Harau Canyon, a dramatic valley framed by towering cliffs, lush rice fields, and waterfalls. Enjoy a gentle 2-hour trek with a local guide, offering a closer look at rural village life and the surrounding landscapes. Continue onward to Batusangkar, with stops along the way to see a traditional coffee mill and a local snack-making workshop.

In Batusangkar, explore the impressive Pagaruyung Palace, a striking replica of the royal residence of the Minangkabau kings. On your return journey to Bukittinggi, stop at Pandai Sikat Village, renowned for its intricate woodcarving and weaving traditions.

Highlights:

• Trek through the stunning Harau Canyon with local guide
• Discover village life and rural landscapes
• Visit a traditional coffee mill and snack-making workshop
• Explore the majestic Pagaruyung Palace in Batusangkar
• Stop at Pandai Sikat Village for woodcarving & weaving crafts

Begin the day with a visit to the historic Japanese Tunnel, an underground network built during World War II. Continue with a 1–2 hour trek through the scenic Sianok Canyon, surrounded by lush cliffs and rice fields, ending in Koto Gadang Village, famous for its exquisite silver craftsmanship.

In the afternoon, transfer to Minangkabau Airport via the picturesque Anai Valley for your evening flight.

Highlights:

• Explore the historic Japanese Tunnel from WWII
• Trek through the stunning Sianok Canyon
• Visit Koto Gadang Village, known for silver crafts
• Scenic transfer via the Anai Valley
• Departure from Minangkabau Airport

Arrive in Jayapura in the morning and take a connecting flight to Wamena, the gateway to the Baliem Valley. After checking in to your hotel and enjoying lunch, explore the lively local market, where the Dani people gather to trade fresh produce and daily goods. Later, continue to Napua Hill to take in sweeping views of the valley’s dramatic landscapes.

Highlights:

• Morning arrival in Jayapura, flight to Wamena
• Hotel check-in and lunch in the Baliem Valley
• Visit a traditional market with the Dani people
• Scenic views from Napua Hill

After breakfast, drive about 50 minutes to Wosilimo Village, the main stage of the annual Baliem Festival. This cultural spectacle gathers the Dani, Yali, and Lani tribes, dressed in striking traditional attire, to celebrate their rich highland heritage with mock battles, tribal parades, archery contests, and the symbolic pig caravan.

Spend the day immersed in chants, dances, and proud displays of tradition, capturing unforgettable moments of one of Papua’s greatest festivals. A simple packed lunch will be provided before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Highlights:

• Witness the vibrant Baliem Festival
• See mock battles, archery contests, and the pig caravan
• Experience the traditions of the Dani, Yali, and Lani tribes

In the morning, return to the Baliem Festival for another day of celebrations. A key highlight is the traditional hot-stone cooking ceremony, an ancient communal feast of vegetables, sweet potatoes, and meat prepared with heated river stones.

In the afternoon, take a soft trek through Dani villages, passing gardens and daily village life, for a closer look at how highland communities live in harmony with their land. A packed lunch will be provided before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Itinerary Highlights:

• Witness the hot-stone cooking ceremony
• Gentle trek through Dani villages & farmlands
• Glimpse the traditions of the Baliem Valley

In the morning, drive about 40 minutes to Jiwika Village, where you’ll witness an extraordinary 300-year-old mummy, carefully preserved by the Dani people as part of their ancestral heritage. Continue to Tanah Merah and begin a medium trek through villages and sweet-potato gardens, where you can observe the rhythms of daily life in the highlands. The path may involve narrow ditches and muddy sections, making the walk an authentic adventure. The trek ends at Aikima Village, followed by a short drive back to your hotel.

Highlights:

• Visit Jiwika Village and see a 300-year-old Dani mummy
• Scenic trek through villages & farmland
• Observe daily Dani life in the Baliem Valley
• Trek ends at Aikima Village before returning to hote

Fly back to Jayapura and set out for a day of culture and scenery. Begin with a boat trip across Lake Sentani, stopping at Assei Island to meet the Sentani tribe and admire their renowned bark paintings. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed lakeside lunch before heading to the Red Bridge, where sweeping views extend to the Pacific Ocean. The day concludes with a stroll through Hamadi Market, a lively hub known for its fresh fish and handicrafts, before checking in at your hotel for the night.

Highlights:

• Boat trip on Lake Sentani
• Meet the Sentani tribe on Assei Island
• Admire traditional bark paintings
• Lunch with lake views
• Scenic stop at the Red Bridge
• Explore Hamadi Market

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Bali. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and escorted to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to relax and unwind at leisure.

Highlights:

• Morning hotel breakfast
• Smooth airport transfer & flight
• Arrival in Bali
• Comfortable private transfer to hotel

Spend two relaxing days enjoying Bali entirely at your own pace. You may choose to unwind on the beach, explore the local markets, or simply enjoy the comfort of your resort. For those looking for more adventure, a wide selection of optional activities is available, from cultural experiences in Ubud and cooking classes, to spa indulgence, day trips, or a sunset dinner by the sea. These days are designed for you to relax, recharge, and make the most of your Bali escape.

Highlights:

• Beach time and resort relaxation
• Explore lively markets and local life
• Optional Ubud tour, cooking class, or sunset dinner
• Time to enjoy spa treatments or poolside leisure

After hotel check-out, enjoy a private transfer to Ngurah Rai International Airport for your onward flight.

Highlights:

• Hotel check-out
• Comfortable private airport transfer
• Departure from Ngurah Rai International Airport