Medan is a surprisingly diverse city for those looking to fill a day with memorable experiences. Its proximity to lush rainforests, unique wildlife like orangutans, and scenic highlands makes it an ideal base for full-day tours that combine nature, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re eager to trek through the jungle for a chance to see orangutans or prefer exploring local villages and waterfalls, Medan offers options that cater to various interests. One tour we particularly recommend is the Bukit Lawang Jungle Trek, which is praised for its knowledgeable guides and animal sightings, especially orangutans. It’s a great choice for nature lovers wanting an authentic rainforest experience with no need to rent a car.
For travelers who want a more personalized experience, the Private Bukit Lawang Trekking offers a private guide, a jungle picnic, and the option to combine trekking with river tubing. And if you’re after a mix of adrenaline and fun, the Canyoning tour provides a day of jumping, sliding, and rappelling through waterfalls. For those interested in cultural sights, the Samosir Island tour and the Lake Toba and Karo Highlands highlight local villages, hot springs, and stunning views. Read on to find the perfect full-day adventure for your trip.
1. Bukit Lawang Full Day Jungle Trek
At number 1, the Bukit Lawang Full Day Jungle Trek is a standout for its lively small-group atmosphere—limited to just nine people—and its focus on spotting orangutans in the wild. This tour is highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 based on 64 reviews. You’ll be picked up from your Bukit Lawang hotel and taken into Gunung Leuser National Park, where a local guide with deep knowledge of the rainforest leads your hike. The guide’s expertise significantly enhances your chances of seeing orangutans, macaques, gibbons, hornbills, and maybe even a wild hornbill or two.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the combination of wildlife spotting, educational commentary about the rainforest, and a included lunch that fuels your trek. After a day in the canopy, you have the option to relax by tubing down the river—an added fun twist to your jungle adventure. The guide’s friendly attitude and thorough explanations leave many guests feeling they’ve learned a lot about the rainforest ecology and local wildlife. Tour price at around $69.51 offers excellent value considering the full day of activity, transfers, and entry to Gunung Leuser Park.
Bottom Line: If you want a small-group experience focused on orangutan sightings with good value, this trek hits the sweet spot.
2. Private Full-Day Bukit Lawang Trekking Tour From Medan
Number 2 on our list is the private Bukit Lawang trekking experience. For about $128.21 per person, you get your own guide and vehicle, making it perfect if you’re seeking a flexible, tailor-made day. This tour begins with a scenic 4-hour drive from Medan, followed by a trek into the rainforest where your guide—whose knowledge of local flora and fauna is extensive—leads you in search of orangutans and medicinal plants.
What sets this option apart is its privacy and customization. You can decide whether to continue hiking after lunch or add activities like river rafting, which makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a more personal pace. The guided walk involves plenty of uphill and downhill sections, ensuring a good workout—and that you see plenty of wildlife and native plants. The jungle picnic lunch provides a true outdoor experience, and the option to raft back offers a fun, relaxed way to conclude your day.
Guests often comment on the professionalism and friendliness of guides Ucok and Toni, who are praised for sharing their knowledge, especially about local plants and animals. While this tour is a bit pricier, the private nature and tailored approach make it a top pick for those wanting a more exclusive outing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a personalized, flexible adventure with the option to extend beyond jungle trekking.
3. Private Full Day Canyoning from Bukit Lawang
If jumping into waterfalls and zipping down rapids sounds more like your style, consider the Canyoning tour. Rated 5.0/5 from five reviews, it’s a full 8-hour adventure that takes you through a gorge with a series of exhilarating slides, jumps, and rappels. Guides focus on safety, but the emphasis remains on fun and adrenaline, making this a great choice for active travelers craving a day of physical challenge amidst lush surroundings.
This tour’s charm lies in its mix of adventure, nature, and safety. You’ll be led by experienced guides through a remote canyon, with options to slide down natural rock formations, jump into pools, or rappel down waterfalls. It’s a chance to experience a different aspect of the rainforest, one that combines scenic beauty with physical activity. The tour runs around $86.82, providing a full day of excitement in a setting few other tours can match.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventure-seekers who want to combine rainforest scenery with an active, adrenaline-pumping experience.
4. Full-Day Private Samosir Island Tour from North Sumatra
Number 4 offers a cultural and scenic experience with the Samosir Island tour. This private 8-hour trip focuses on exploring Batak culture and stunning lakeside sights. The tour starts with a visit to King Siallagan’s stone chairs at Kampung Ambarita, where you can see the ancient site of Batak judicial meetings. Nearby, the Batu Hoda Beach offers a relaxing stop for photos and lakeside views.
The tour emphasizes local history, traditional Batak houses, and the legend of water’s seven flavors, making it ideal for travelers interested in cultural insights and scenic photography. The private guide explains the significance of each site, and the tour includes round-trip transportation, making logistics hassle-free.
Rated 5.0/5 by two reviewers, travelers love the detailed storytelling and personalized attention. At around $107, this tour offers good value for a full day immersed in local culture and landscape.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history and culture enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive day exploring Samosir’s heritage and scenery.
5. Full Day Private Tour in Lake Toba View and Karo Highlands From Medan City
Number 5 is a versatile day trip to Lake Toba and the Karo Highlands. It combines mountain scenery, waterfalls, and traditional villages in a 10-hour adventure. Starting early from Medan, you’ll visit the Brastagi Fruit Market with its vibrant stalls and fresh produce, then move on to the Sipiso Piso Waterfalls, a striking 270-foot cascade.
This tour is highly customizable, with options to visit Aek Rangat hot springs or explore Batak houses. The guide provides insights into the volcanic history of the region, and the driver’s experience ensures smooth travel across the scenic landscapes. Visitors appreciate the flexibility and the chance to see local crafts and natural wonders in one day.
For around $80, it offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural exposure, and relaxation. Reviewers mention friendly guides and the convenience of private transport as major pluses.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers wanting a full, flexible day that blends nature, culture, and scenic views.
6. Full-Day Orangutans Adventure in Gunung Leuser
Finally, number 6 offers an intense, 8-hour immersion with orangutans in their natural habitat. Rated 4.5/5 from three reviews, the Orangutans Adventure is a straightforward, no-frills day geared towards wildlife lovers. The tour promises a life-changing encounter with orangutans and other rainforest creatures, guided by knowledgeable local experts.
Participants rave about the opportunity to see orangutans up close in Gunung Leuser National Park, often describing it as a profound, emotional experience. The tour emphasizes ethical wildlife viewing, with guides explaining conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these primates. The price at $69.81 makes it an accessible option for those eager to focus solely on wildlife.
The tour is best suited for travelers with limited time but a strong desire to connect with wildlife in Indonesia’s premier orangutan habitat.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts wanting an authentic, impactful orangutan experience.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Medan
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and fitness level. If wildlife viewing and rainforest scenery are your priorities, the Bukit Lawang Jungle Trek or the Orangutans Adventure are excellent choices. For a cultural and scenic experience, the Samosir Island tour or the Lake Toba and Karo Highlands offer immersive insights into local traditions and stunning landscapes.
Active travelers might prefer the canyoning adventure, while those seeking a private, flexible experience will find the private trekking or cultural tours more suitable. Budget considerations also matter—while some tours are more affordable, they often include transfers, guides, and meals, which enhance value.
Booking early is advisable, especially in high season, to secure your preferred date and tour. Always check whether the tour includes necessary gear, meals, and transportation to avoid surprises.
Final Thoughts
Medan’s full-day tours showcase the best of North Sumatra’s rich landscapes, wildlife, and culture. If you’re after a wildlife-focused day, the Bukit Lawang Jungle Trek and the orangutan-specific Gunung Leuser tours stand out. For cultural and scenic trips, the Samosir Island and Lake Toba & Karo Highlands offer memorable insights into Batak traditions and geothermal wonders.
Travelers with limited time or seeking a private experience will find options that fit their needs, from flexible custom tours to adrenaline-filled canyoning. No matter what you choose, booking your tour in advance will help ensure a smooth, enriching day exploring the natural and cultural treasures of North Sumatra.