//
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Sinabung erupts every now and then, sometimes spewing poisonous gases, and is presently (2026) off limits. The area around Gunung Sinabung (including Danau Kawar) may be a no-man zone. Consult with local authority before heading to there. Older info: You can also climb Gunung Sinabung. The easiest way is to take a minibus to Danau Kawar (a lake at the foot of the volcano) and then hike up (you should ask for directions as the beginning is not obvious). After the initial pass through the farms the path is impossible to miss (although the usual stories about lost/dead tourists exist and are listed at the tourist information office in Berastagi), so no guide should be necessary. Good views from the top and excellent walk through the jungle.
Mount Sinabung is an active stratovolcano consisting of andesite and dacite in the Karo plateau of Karo Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia, 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Lake Toba. Many old lava flows are on its flanks and the last known eruption, before recent times, occurred 1200 years before present, between 740 - 880 CE. Solfataric activities were last observed at the summit in 1912; recent documented events include an eruption in the early hours of 29 August 2010 and eruptions in September and November 2013, January, February and October 2014. The volcano has recently claimed the life of at least 23 people in a number of events since 2014. Between 2013 and 2014, the alert for a major event was increased with no significant activity. On 2 June 2015, the alert was again increased, and on 26 June 2015, at least 10,000 people were evacuated, fearing a major eruption. The long eruption of Mount Sinabung is similar to that of Mount Unzen in Japan, which erupted for five years after lying dormant for 400 years. A major eruption began on 10 August 2020.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Bukit Gundaling
A small hill that give panorama view of nearby Sibayak and Sinabung. Sadly, it's packed with many small stalls around. You can take a picture with Sinabung with its volcanic plume as your background on a very clear day. Or you can ride a horse or horse carriage around Gundaling. Skyview at "Jembatan kaca puncak gundaling berastagi" for Rp20,000.
Gunung Sibayak
A climb of Gunung Sibayak is a must. Guides are available if you're so inclined, but there's even a road that motorcycles can use almost to the top, so a guide is definitely not necessary. The guides know many alternative paths to the top depending on the weather and your fitness level or time. Students from Medan like to camp at the top on weekends. There are two common starting points - Pertamina power plant at Lau Debuk Debuk (Semangat Gunung village) from the south east or Pos Lestari from the west. Don't take the route known as The Steps unless you have strong shoes and love mud! That route hasn't been maintained for about 30 years and is not for the faint of heart.
Pemandian air panas Lau Debuk Debuk
Take a dip in the hot springs on the foot of Gunung Sibayak while enjoying the view of the mountain. Feels so good, especially after having just climbed the volcano. There are now many places to choose from and some have rooms for rent also. You can purchase a small pack of sulfur powder and rub it in your skin before your soak. The powder is supposedly very good for skin. In late afternoon the springs become crowded with local families.
The largest theme parks with many varieties of attractions. Always packed full with people, especially on weekend. Check for promotion.
Taman Hutan Raya Bukit Barisan
Popular among locals for picnicking and camping, especially on weekends. The forest is poorly managed and in poor condition, though.
A large Buddhist temple complex and park. The main temple is a replica from Shewadgon Pagoda in Yangon. Dress code is applied; alcohol and cigarettes are forbidden to bring inside, a security checkpoint will ensure visitors comply before entering. Food stalls sell only vegan foods. temple has a park up/down hill next to it, has a bridge (closed at Mar 2024).