8. MOUNT SIBAYAK (THE VOLVANO THAT NEAT MEDAN)
A visit to Brastagi would not be complete unless it includes a hiking trip to Mount Sibayak.Situated at 2172 meters above sea level; the volcanically active mountain offers a breathtaking panorama with steam plumes rising from its crater and sulphur –lined walls. It takes 4 hours to hike to the crater that continues to emit sulphur fumes. The volcanic trek starts with a straight ascending path through lush forest where the orangutans roam.
The trail maybe slippery and challenging but it is worth the spectacular vista that awaits you at the peak. Be warned that on weekends, the mountain trek can normally attract roughly 300 domestic tourists from Medan who will unfortunately leave a dirty trail of plastic drinking bottles and sandals with broken straps. Remember to bring along passion fruit and oranges from the local market to quench your thirst.
Depart early in the morning from Brastagi and you will need a reliable guide to accompany you through the dark roads between Brastagi and Mount Sibayak . Descending through the local village, you can take the opportunity to soak your weary bones in nearby hot sulphur springs.
The trail maybe slippery and challenging but it is worth the spectacular vista that awaits you at the peak. Be warned that on weekends, the mountain trek can normally attract roughly 300 domestic tourists from Medan who will unfortunately leave a dirty trail of plastic drinking bottles and sandals with broken straps. Remember to bring along passion fruit and oranges from the local market to quench your thirst.
Depart early in the morning from Brastagi and you will need a reliable guide to accompany you through the dark roads between Brastagi and Mount Sibayak . Descending through the local village, you can take the opportunity to soak your weary bones in nearby hot sulphur springs.
LOGISTICS
Sibayak can be reached from Brastagi , a hilly town on Kara Highlands situated 70 km or an hour from Medan through back country roads leading to Lake Toba. A direct bus service plies the route from the Pangkap Pinang bus terminal in Medan which departs every half hour from 5.30 in the morning to evening. A hired taxi or tourist minibus is also available.
9. MOUNT DEMPO (THE HIGHEST PEAK IN SOUTH SUMATRA)
Mount Dempo is a volcano that mostly in the district of Lahat, South Sumatra Province, while a small section of it is situated within Muna District of Bengkulu Province. The mountain is geographically located at latitude 4.02 degree south and longitude 103.8 degree east. This dormant volcano is the highest peak along the Pasemah Plateau and has 2 prominent summits - Dempo and Merapi .
Lying at 3173 meters above sea level, Merapi is the highest summit while Dempo stands at an elevation of 3049 meters above sea level. The mountain slopes are the perfect setting for a vast tea plantation with Pagaralam as the nearest city. Situated at a height of 1650 meters, the tea plantation is the highest village accessible by small minibuses from Pagaralam. Visitors to the plantation can start their mountain hike from here and expect to reach the summit within 6 hours with the optional overnight stay at the Sawaah Plateau (300m) where water springs abound. Dempo is the highest peak in South Sumatra along the Bukit Barisan and Gumai mountain range. Seven craters can be found at the summit.
Lying at 3173 meters above sea level, Merapi is the highest summit while Dempo stands at an elevation of 3049 meters above sea level. The mountain slopes are the perfect setting for a vast tea plantation with Pagaralam as the nearest city. Situated at a height of 1650 meters, the tea plantation is the highest village accessible by small minibuses from Pagaralam. Visitors to the plantation can start their mountain hike from here and expect to reach the summit within 6 hours with the optional overnight stay at the Sawaah Plateau (300m) where water springs abound. Dempo is the highest peak in South Sumatra along the Bukit Barisan and Gumai mountain range. Seven craters can be found at the summit.
LOGISTICS
Flying from Jakarta or Bandung en route to Palembang is the easiest mode of transportation to reach the city.The journey from Palembang can continue either by car or bus to Pagaralam which shall take 7 hours. You can stopover and stay overnight in Pagaralam with a choice of several modest hotels. Another 20 minute drive will get you the Dempo tea plantation where you can start your climb to the summit of Mount Dempo.
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