Berastagi Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Berastagi with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to stay and eat, local culture and customs, and more.


Berastagi Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Berastagi

Berastagi is a charming town situated in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Known for its stunning natural scenery, adventurous outdoor activities, historical landmarks, and delightful culinary scene, Berastagi is an excellent destination for travelers seeking a unique and enriching experience.

In this comprehensive tour guide for Berastagi, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to this beautiful town. From the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, to the local culture and customs, safety, and health, we’ve got you covered.

Introduction to Berastagi

Berastagi is a picturesque town situated in the highlands of North Sumatra, Indonesia. It is surrounded by two active volcanoes, Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung, which offers breathtaking views and excellent hiking and trekking opportunities. The town is also home to an extensive fruit and vegetable market and colonial-style buildings, which adds to its charm.

List of Places to Visit in Berastagi

There are many places to visit in Berastagi, from cultural landmarks to stunning natural parks. Here are some of the most popular attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gundaling Hill: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding areas and mountains from this hilltop observation deck.
  • Taman Simalem Resort: A beautiful resort with a vast range of outdoor activities to offer, including trekking, zip-lining, cycling, and more.
  • Unjung Bocor: A fascinating stone monument of a mythical tiger-shaped creature that plays a significant role in local folklore.
  • Sipisopiso Waterfall: A spectacular waterfall that stands 120 meters high.

Natural Attractions of Berastagi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Sibayak: A picturesque hike that takes 2-3 hours and offers stunning views of the town, volcanoes, and valley.
  • Mount Sinabung: An active volcano that erupted in 2010 and is continuously erupting offers a unique experience of feeling hot steam of the volcano.
  • Lau Kawar: A beautiful trail that leads to hot springs for relaxing.
  • Sipiso-Piso Lake Toba: Semi-mountainous topography with serene Lake Toba, surrounded by mesmerizing waterfalls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Berastagi

Berastagi is known for its many hiking and biking trails, each offering its unique experience of nature. Bindu Crater, Sibayak Mountains Trail, Pak Kasur Waterfall Trek, and Pines Forest Trail are among some popular hiking and biking routes to explore breathtaking and scenic views of the area.

Best Things to Do in Berastagi: Activities and Tours

Berastagi offers many exciting experiences, activities, and tours. From hiking to active volcanoes, water rafting, and cultural shows, here are some of the most popular things to do:

  • Hiking Tours: Trek to the top of active volcanoes, Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung, for panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
  • Rafting Tours: A thrilling experience of rafting from Berastagi to the Wampu River.
  • Cultural Shows: Experience the culture of the Karo Batak people with their traditional music and dances.

Week-Long Itinerary for Berastagi

Berastagi is a destination that deserves at least a week to explore fully. Here is a sample week-long itinerary for Berastagi:

Day Plan
1 Arrival in Berastagi, explore the city market
2 Trek to Mount Sibayak, spend the day exploring the mountain
3 Visit Taman Simalem Resort, enjoy outdoor activities
4 Visit Gundaling Hill, explore the local area
5 Visit Unjung Bocur, Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, and Lau Kawar
6 Enjoy cultural shows and local cuisine
7 Departure from Berastagi

Food and Drink Scene of Berastagi

Berastagi offers a range of culinary delights that feature unique flavors of the Karo Batak people. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sambal (chilli paste): A spicy mix of chillies, onions, garlic, and shrimp paste, eaten with rice or noodle dishes.
  • Babi Panggang Karo (grilled pork): A tasty and spicy grilled pork dish.
  • Arsik (spicy fish stew): Made with fresh fish or shrimp and flavored with spices and herbs.
  • Nasi Panci (rice wrapped in leaves): A delicious rice dish wrapped in banana leaves and served with various side dishes.

Local Beverages

  • Sidikalang Coffee: A specialty arabica coffee grown in the Sidikalang area.
  • Tuak (palm wine): Made from the sap of palm trees and fermented into an alcoholic drink.
  • Jus Alpukat (avocado juice): A refreshing drink mixed with condensed milk and sugar.

Where to Stay in Berastagi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Berastagi has several options for accommodation, catering to all budgets. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Berastagi:

  • Grand Mutiara Hotel: A luxury hotel with beautiful views of the surrounding areas.
  • Green Garden Hotel: A mid-range hotel that offers comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.
  • Wisma Sibayak Guest House: A budget-friendly option located near Mount Sibayak.

What to Buy in Berastagi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Berastagi is known for its unique local produce and handicrafts. Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring back home:

  • Ulos cloth: A traditional, handwoven, and brightly colored cloth worn by locals during ceremonies.
  • Karo honey: A pure honey harvested from the Karo Batak community’s forests and farms.
  • Marquisa jam: A sweet and sour jam made with the fruit of the passionflower.
  • Coffees: Locally prepared and grown Sumatra Arabicas are some of the best in the world.

Local Culture and Customs of Berastagi

The Karo Batak people make up the majority of the population in Berastagi. They have strong cultural and religious beliefs, following a blend of Christianity and their indigenous animism and shamanism practices. Visitors should respect the local culture and observe local customs such as greetings, dress codes, and behavior, which may differ from their own.

Best Time to Visit Berastagi

The best time to visit Berastagi is during the dry season from June to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Berastagi

Here are some do’s and don’ts while visiting Berastagi:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs and observe any rules and regulations when visiting temples or other religious sites.
  • Try the delicious local cuisine.
  • Bargain and negotiate the price when shopping in the marketplaces.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing. Berastagi is a conservative town, and it is essential to dress modestly.
  • Take pictures of sensitive events or local people without their permission.
  • Take any natural produce without permission; it is strictly forbidden.

Safety and Health

Berastagi is generally considered a safe destination. Still, visitors should be aware of safety concerns such as pickpocketing or theft. As for health, visitors are encouraged to take appropriate vaccinations before arrival and bring necessary medical supplies.

Safety in Berastagi

  • Always keep valuable items secured and out of sight in public places.
  • Be cautious when traveling at night or in isolated areas.

Health in Berastagi

  • Drink plenty of bottled water as tap water may not be safe for consumption.
  • Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and any necessary medications.

Getting to Berastagi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Berastagi is accessible from Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, via several transportation options.

Airports Near Berastagi

  • Kualanamu International Airport (KNO): Located in Medan, Kualanamu International Airport is the nearest airport to Berastagi.
  • Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU): Located in Pekanbaru, another alternative airport to catch a flight.

Bus Stations Near Berastagi

  • Pinang Baris Station: A major bus station in Medan.
  • Kampung Rakyat Station: Located in the city center of Berastagi.

Other Options

  • Private Car Hire: Private cars and taxis can be hired in Medan.
  • Shared Public Transportation: Public minivans and buses also transport passengers to Berastagi from Medan.

How to Get Around in Berastagi

Getting around Berastagi is easy with several options like local transportation, car rental, and bikes. However, trekking would be the best way to explore Mount Sibayak and other places.

Where to Go Next from Berastagi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Berastagi is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas and attractions. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Lake Toba: Located two hours away by car from Berastagi, Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world, offering a rich cultural experience and stunning natural scenery.
  • Medan: The capital city of North Sumatra is home to historical landmarks and cultural attractions.
  • Bukit Lawang: An hour away by public transport, Bukit Lawang is home to the orangutan sanctuary and Gunung Leuser National Park.

Conclusion

Berastagi is a fantastic destination for travelers seeking a unique experience of nature, culture, and adventure. Its stunning natural scenery, culinary scene, outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage make it a destination worth exploring. Plan your trip to Berastagi with this comprehensive travel guide, and experience the best of this charming town.

Sibayak volcano's south face from Lau Debuk Debuk hot springs Sibayak volcano's south face from Lau Debuk Debuk hot springs