Volcanoes in Sumatra offer the thrill of hiking to high altitude from the craters of Mount Sibayak to the Mount Kerinci which is fourth highest mountains in Indonesia. The volcanoes in Sumatra has beautiful volcanic landscape providing unique feature and picturesque sunrise view you don’t find anywhere else.
There are many mountains to choose for hiking, such as Mount Sibayak, Mount Kerinci, Mount Burni Telong, Mount Merapi, Mount Sibuatan, and Mount Dempo. Additionally, there are Mount Leuser, Mount Talamau, Mount Seulawah, Mount Kunyit, Mount Talang, Mount Tujuh, Mount Peut Sagoe, Mount Sumbing, and Mount Geureudong.
Each mountain has hiking trails and varying levels of difficulty that can be tailored to the hiker’s ability, whether they’re a beginner or a professional. Furthermore, each mountain offers unique attractions, ranging from its distinct flora and fauna to the breathtaking views from the summit.
Hiking Trip
Hiking packages for volcanoes in Sumatra offer a variety of options. Here are the Sumatra hiking packages:
Mount Sibayak Sunrise Hike
Mount Sibayak Sunrise Hike is an exciting and popular activity among tourists. The terrain is easy, making it suitable for beginners.
It takes only about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the unique crater and geothermal activity of Mount Sibayak.
Upon reaching the summit, hikers can witness the beauty of the sunrise. The fresh air and views of the surrounding mountains enhance the experience of enjoying the sunrise at the stunning summit of Mount Sibayak.
Mount Sibayak is one of Sumatra’s active volcanoes featuring hot springs. Known as Lau Sidebukdebuk, it is located at the foot of Mount Sibayak in Semangat Gunung Village.
After a tiring hike, hikers can relax and unwind in these hot springs. With a sulfur content of about 16% and a temperature of 40–45 degrees Celsius, the waters are excellent for your health.
Other Sumatra Tours:
Sumatra has a lots of places to visit. To explore the Sumatra we recommend you to choose Sumatra overland tour to visit many interesting places in Sumatra.
Table of Contents
- 1. Mount Sibayak: The best Volcano for Beginner and Pro
- 2. Mount Kerinci: The highest Volcano in Indonesia
- 3. Mount Burni Telong
- 4. Mount Merapi
- 5. Mount Sinabung
- 6. Mount Dempo
- 7. Mount Leuser
- 8. Mount Talamau
- 9. Mount Seulawah
- 10. Mount Kunyit
- 11. Mount Talang
- 12. Mount Tujuh
- 13. Mount Peut Sago
- 14. Mount Sumbing
- 15. Mount Geureudong
- Hiking Tips
- Comparison of Mountains in a Table
- FAQs
- Sumatra Tours & Trek
- Conclusion
15 Best Volcanoes to Hike in Sumatra
1. Mount Sibayak: The Great Volcano for Beginner and Pro
Mount Sibayak is located in Berastagi District, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. Mount Sibayak stands at an elevation of approximately 2,094–2,181 meters above sea level.
Highlights: The hiking trail is fairly easy and short, taking about 2–3 hours. Suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Attractions include beautiful sunrise views, hot springs, and a crater.
Personal Tips: The best time to hike is at 4:00 AM to catch the sunrise. Hikers must bring gear such as a waterproof or windproof jacket, a headlamp, a raincoat, long pants (not jeans), and hiking boots. The Mount Sibayak hike is not suitable for children under 2 years old, pregnant women, and people over 80 years old. Additionally, the hike is not recommended for people with back problems, heart conditions, or high blood pressure.
2. Mount Kerinci: The highest Volcano in Indonesia
Mount Kerinci is located in Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS), Jambi. As Indonesia’s highest active volcano, it stands at approximately 3,805 meters above sea level.
Focus: The hiking trail on Mount Kerinci is quite challenging due to its steep terrain and dense tropical forest, making it unsuitable for beginners. It takes about 2 days and 1 night to 3 days and 2 nights to reach the summit. Upon reaching the summit, hikers are treated to views of the Indian Ocean, an active crater, and Lake Gunung Tujuh.
Personal Tips: Before climbing Mount Kerinci, ensure you are in good physical condition. Carefully check all your climbing gear, as weather conditions can change frequently. For safety reasons, it is mandatory to hire a local guide.
See Also:
3. Mount Burni Telong
Mount Burni Telong is located in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh. This volcano stands at 2,624 meters above sea level.
Focus: The hiking trail on Mount Burni Telong is quite challenging, as it takes approximately 6–8 hours to reach the summit. Mount Burni Telong offers breathtaking views, including edelweiss meadows, sea of clouds, and tropical forests.
Personal Tips: Hiking on Mount Burni Telong requires good physical fitness and stamina due to the steep and rugged terrain. Hikers must bring standard hiking gear, such as a tent, a thick jacket, and an adequate water supply. Before hiking, always check the latest status of Mount Burni Telong according to the Geological Agency’s guidelines. Hikers are prohibited from camping at the summit or Shelter 3 due to dangerous toxic gases, especially during the rainy season.
See Also:
4. Mount Marapi
Mount Marapi is located in Agam and Tanah Datar Regencies, Sumatra. This is the most active volcano in Sumatra, standing at 2,891 meters above sea level.
Highlights: Mount Marapi offers views of lush, green rice fields. It stands side by side with Mount Singgalang, earning them the nickname “twin mountains.”
Personal Tips: While the beauty of this volcano is truly breathtaking, it is extremely dangerous. Hiking on Mount Marapi has been permanently closed due to high volcanic activity and frequent eruptions.
See Also:
5. Mount Sinabung
Mount Sinabung is located in the Karo Highlands, North Sumatra. It stands at an elevation of approximately 2,460–2,461 meters above sea level and is the second-highest volcano in North Sumatra.
Highlights: Mount Sinabung features a relatively easy hiking trail, as it takes only about 4–5 hours to reach the summit. This volcano offers views of Lake Lau Kawar and dense forests.
See Also:
- Sumatra Travel Guide
- 20 Things to do in Sumatra
- Best Natural Tourist Attractions in Sumatra
- 15 Best Islands in Sumatra to visit
- 15 Best Waterfalls in Sumatra
Personal Tips: Mount Sinabung has a restricted zone or danger radius that must not be crossed. Before hiking, always check the latest information regarding volcanic activity and eruptions. Don’t forget to bring a mask to prevent inhaling volcanic ash.
See Also:
6. Mount Dempo
Mount Dempo is located in Dempok Makmur Village, North Pagar Alam, Pagar Alam City. More specifically, it lies on the border between South Sumatra and Bengkulu. Mount Dempo stands at an elevation of 3,195 meters above sea level.
Focus: Hiking on Mount Dempo is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Beginners can choose the Kampung IV trail, as it features gentle terrain. Meanwhile, experienced hikers can tackle the Tugu Rimau and Jara trails, which offer more challenging terrain. While hiking on Mount Dempo, hikers will be treated to views of lush, green forests.
See Also:
- 20 Beautiful Beaches in Sumatra
- 8 National Parks in Sumatra
- Best Lakes in Sumatra to visit
- 20 Best Places to Visit in Sumatra
- 10 River Rafting in Sumatra
Personal Tips: For first-time hikers on Mount Dempo, it’s best to choose the Kampung IV trail as it’s safer. The hike takes about 9–10 hours, so it’s recommended to start early in the morning. Hiking alone is prohibited, as Mount Dempo is home to the Sumatran tiger.
See Also:
7. Mount Leuser
Mount Leuser is located in Gunung Leuser National Park, Aceh. It reaches an elevation of 3,466 meters above sea level.
Focus: Volcanoes in Sumatra offer a wide variety of trekking routes, but Mount Leuser boasts the longest and most challenging one in Indonesia. It is not recommended for beginners as the trek takes 11 to 14 days. The landscape of Mount Leuser is filled with dense, lush tropical forests.
See Also:
- 15 Best Hills in Sumatra
- Spearfishing in Sumatra
- 50 Most Beautiful Places in Sumatra
- 12 Best Fishing Spots in Sumatra
- Golf Courses in Sumatra
Personal Tips: Before climbing Mount Leuser, you must apply for a permit at least one month prior to departure at the Mount Leuser National Park Office. Given the length of the trail, it is recommended to hire a local guide. Due to the duration of the climb, ensure your logistical needs are met and that you are in good physical and mental health.
See Also:
8. Mount Talamau
Mount Talamau is located in Pinaga Village, Aua Kuniang Sub-district, Pasaman District, West Pasaman. This dormant volcano stands at 2,982 meters above sea level.
Highlights: The hiking trail is quite long, requiring 3 days and 2 nights to complete. Mount Talamau is famous for the views of 13 natural lakes near the summit, waterfalls, and lush forests.
Personal Tips: When hiking on Mount Talamau, do not violate local customary laws. For first-time hikers, it is recommended to choose the Pinaga trail as it is safer.
See Also:
9. Mount Seulawah
Mount Seulawah is located in Lembah Seulawah District, Aceh Besar Regency, Aceh. It stands at an elevation of approximately 1,810 meters above sea level.
Focus: Many volcanoes in Sumatra are safe for climbing, such as Mount Seulawah, which has a normal status. It takes about 6–8 hours to reach the summit, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. Mount Seulawah offers views of lush, dense tropical rainforest.
Personal Tips: It is recommended to start the hike in the morning. For safety and security, follow the provided directions.
See Also:
- Sumatra Hot Springs
- Best Time to Visit Sumatra
- Reasons to Visit Sumatra
- Caving in Sumatra
- How to get to Sumatra
- Best Sumatra Foods to try
10. Mount Kunyit
Mount Kunyit is located in Talang Kemuning Village, Gunung Raya Subdistrict, Kerinci Regency, Jambi. The mountain stands at 2,151 meters above sea level.
Focus: The hike takes only 3–5 hours, but the terrain is steep and quite challenging. Beginners are advised to exercise caution at all times. Hikers can enjoy the beauty of the dense protected forest, sulfur craters, and cinnamon forests.
Personal Tips: It is highly recommended to start the hike in the morning to avoid rain and to clearly see the surrounding scenery. It is best to hire a local guide from Talang Kemuning Village to avoid crossing wildlife paths, ensuring a safer experience.
See Also:
- Things to do in Medan
- Things to do in North Sumatra
- Things to do in Berastagi
- Things to do on Lake Toba
- Things to do in Bukit Lawang
11. Mount Talang
Mount Talang is located in Solok Regency, West Sumatra. The mountain stands at 2,597 meters above sea level.
Highlights: Mount Talang has three main trails: Bukik Bulek, Air Batumbuk, and Seroja. The Bukik Bulek trail is the quickest route, making it ideal for beginners. The hike takes 2–3 hours. Mount Talang offers the exotic beauty of a dead forest and three lakes (Danau Diatas, Danau Dibawah, and Danau Talang).
Personal Tips: Monitor the mountain’s activity status, as Mount Talang is an active volcano. Hikers can shorten the hiking time by using an ojek service from Post 1 to Post 2.
See Also:
- Things to do in Samosir
- Things to do in Batam
- Things to do in Padang
- Things to do in Bukittinggi
- Things to do in Palembang
- Things to do in Mentawai
- Things to do in Jambi
- Things to do in Lampung
12. Mount Tujuh
There are several volcanoes in Sumatra that are suitable for beginners, such as Mount Tujuh. This mountain, which stands at approximately 1,950 meters above sea level, is located in Pelompek Village, Kerinci Regency, Jambi.
Focus: It features easy terrain with a hiking time of about 3–4 hours. The attractions include views of sunrise or sunset and the highest caldera lake in Southeast Asia.
Personal Tips: It’s best to avoid hiking during the rainy season to prevent accidents caused by slippery trails. To ensure safety, report your hiking plans to TNKS staff in Pelompek.
13. Mount Peut Sagoe
Mount Peut Sagoe is located in Geumpang District, Pidie Regency, Aceh. The mountain stands at 2,780 meters above sea level.
Focus: The hiking trail on Mount Peut Sagoe is still under development due to the pristine condition of the forest.
Personal Tips: If you plan to hike, it is advisable to hire a professional local guide because access is still limited.
14. Mount Sumbing
Mount Sumbing is located in Jangkat District, Merangin Regency, Jambi. The mountain stands at 2,507 meters above sea level.
Focus: Mount Sumbing is suitable for both beginner and experienced hikers. The mountain’s main attractions include its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and hot springs.
Personal Tips: It’s best to hike during the dry season to avoid slippery trails. Excellent physical conditioning is essential, as the hiking route is quite long.
15. Mount Geureudong
Mount Geureudong is located in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh. The mountain stands at 2,855 meters above sea level.
Focus: The Mount Geureudong hiking trail is suitable for beginners, with a hiking time of about 6–7 hours. Hikers can enjoy the beauty of the mossy forests and savannas all the way to Telaga Hitam.
Personal Tips: Hiking is recommended on sunny days so that hikers can see the beauty of the open area at the summit more clearly.
Hiking Tips
When climbing volcanoes in Sumatra, safety must be a top priority. For this reason, there are several tips to keep in mind—from obtaining permits to the importance of local guides and the necessary equipment you need to prepare.
- Permits: To obtain entry permits for the hiking area, hikers must complete the registration process first. Registration can be done online through the official BKSDA website. After that, create an account by providing accurate personal information. Next, select a hiking schedule based on available quotas. Then, complete the payment. Finally, verify your entry by presenting your e-ticket and ID card upon arrival.
- Local Guides: Hiring a local guide is essential for enhancing safety and risk management. Local guides have a thorough understanding of volcanic activity in Sumatra. Additionally, they are trained to navigate the trails and terrain.
- Equipment: When hiking, make sure to bring the required gear. This includes a backpack, hiking boots, a tent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a raincoat, and a flashlight.
- Physical Preparation: Some volcanoes in Sumatra have steep trails. Therefore, physical training is necessary at least 2–4 weeks before the hike to avoid exhaustion and injury.
Comparison of Mountains in a Table
| Volcano | Altitude (mdpl) | Difficulty | Best For |
| Mount Sibayak | 2,212 | Easy | Sunrise & Craters |
| Mount Kerinci | 3.805 | Hard | Views of the Indian Ocean, Active Craters, and Lake Gunung Tujuh |
| Mount Burni Telong | 2.624 | Moderate | Edelweiss Meadows, Sea of Clouds & Tropical Forest |
| Mount Marapi | 2.891 | Hard | A View of Lush, Green Rice Fields |
| Mount Sinabung | 2.460 – 2.461 | Easy | Views of Lake Lau Kawar & the Lush Forest |
| Mount Dempo | 3.195 | Easy | A View of Lush Green Forests |
| Mount Leuser | 3.466 | Hard | Dense and Lush Tropical Forest |
| Mount Talamau | 2.982 | Moderate | Scenic Views of 13 Natural Lakes, Waterfalls, and Lush Forests |
| Mount Seulawah | 1.810 | Easy | A View of the Lush, Dense Tropical Rainforest |
| Mount Kunyit | 2.151 | Moderate | Dense Protected Forest Area, Sulfur Crater, and Cinnamon Forest |
| Mount Talang | 2.597 | Easy | The Beauty of the Exotic Dead Forest & Lake |
| Mount Tujuh | 1.950 | Easy | Sunrise, Sunset, and the Highest Caldera Lake in Southeast Asia |
| Mount Peut Sagoe | 2.780 | Moderate | The Beauty of the Untouched Forest |
| Mount Sumbing | 2.507 | Easy | Various Animals & Hot Springs |
| Mount Geureudong | 2.855 | Easy | Moss Forest, Savanna & Black Lake |
FAQs
Mount Sibayak, because the trail is well-maintained and suitable for beginners.
The dry season, from April to October.
Get in shape, obtain permits through the official BKSDA website, hire an experienced local guide, and always monitor volcanic activity and eruptions.
Climbers can register online through the official BKSDA or TNKS websites.
It is highly recommended, especially for mountains with long and difficult trails.
Mount Sibayak and Mount Tujuh are famous for their beautiful sunrise views.
The hike usually takes 2 days and 1 night to 3 days and 2 nights.
Hiking boots, a warm jacket, a raincoat, and a headlamp are mandatory.
Recommend Sumatra Jungle Trek & Caldera Tours
Bukit Lawang Jungle Trekking
Bukit Lawang is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world. Its forest ecosystem is home to rare wildlife, such as Sumatran elephants, orangutans, rhinos, and Sumatran leopards.
Bukit Lawang has been designated a World Heritage Site protected and recognized by UNESCO. This tourist destination serves as the gateway to Mount Leuser National Park.
While exploring and Bukit Lawang jungle trekking, visitors can not only witness the beauty of the dense, pristine forest but also observe various wildlife living freely in their natural habitats.
Bukit Lawang offers 4 trekking trails. Each trail varies in duration, distance, and difficulty level.
First, the short trail takes about 3 hours. The journey begins in Bukit Lawang Village, the entrance to Gunung Leuser National Park, through secondary forest and an orangutan viewing spot, before returning to Bukit Lawang Village.
The short trail features gentle terrain with few inclines, making it suitable for children and seniors. Visitors have the opportunity to spot langurs, long-tailed macaques, and even orangutans.
Second, the medium-length trail, which takes 1 day or 6–7 hours. The route starts from Bukit Lawang Village, passes through Batu Kapal, primary and secondary forests, Panorama Point, a waterfall, a river, and tubing, before returning to the village.
The terrain is quite steep and rugged as it passes through hills and follows the river. On the medium trail, visitors can spot monkeys, orangutans, and hornbills.
Third, the overnight trail, lasting 2 days and 1 night. The route on the first day includes Bukit Lawang, then Batu Kapal, Panorama Point, a waterfall, and on to Camp Riverside. The second-day trekking route includes the river, forest, tubing, and a return to the village.
Fourth, a 3–5-day trekking route. The route starts from Landak River, Bahorok River, then Jamur Batu, Kala Tongah, followed by Gunung Tua, and ends at Batu Katak.
Other Tours:
- Batam Tour Package
- Labuan Bajo Tour Package
- Bromo Tour Package
- Jakarta Bandung Package
- Surbaya Tour Package
- Padang Tour Package
- Aceh Tour Package
- Sumatra Holiday Packages
- Bali Tour Package
- Lombok Tour Package
- Yogyakarta Tour Package
- Mentawai Tribe Tour
Medan Lake Toba Tour Package
Your volcano-hiking experience in Sumatra will be even more memorable if you try a Medan Lake Toba tour package. Lake Toba is the second-largest lake in the world. While crossing Lake Toba, travelers can enjoy the beauty of various tourist destinations, from Samosir Island to Sipiso-piso waterfall.
There are various Lake Toba tour packages to choose from based on your needs. These range from 2-day/1-night tour packages, 3-day/2-night tour packages, 4-day/3-night tour packages to 5-day/4-night tour packages.
The tour packages offered generally include Samosir Island, Parapat, and Berastagi. Each tour package includes accommodation, meals, a tour guide, and entrance fees.
Inquiries Whatsapp: +6281282334883
Conclusion
Not all volcanoes in Sumatra have easy hiking trails. For safety and security reasons, be sure to understand the difficulty level of the trail. Beginners should choose the easiest trail. Experienced hikers can opt for moderate to difficult terrain to enhance their hiking experience.