Eleven Days Exploring Sumatra with Amazing Women from Eastern Europe

  

NINNA.ID -On the evening of May 4, 2026, Kualanamu Airport was still busy as I waited for three very special guests from Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

As a tour guide who has spent years guiding travelers around Lake Toba and Sumatra, I know every journey begins with a first impression. Their flight arrived around 8:40 PM, and the warm Medan air welcomed them that night.

I still clearly remember seeing Maria, Pavla, and Hana walking out of the arrival gate with large suitcases and tired faces after their long journey.

We immediately took a photo together. It became the first photo of our eleven-day journey full of stories and unforgettable moments.

[caption id="attachment_37297" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Picking up Maria, Pavla, and Hana at Kualanamu Airport was not only the beginning of a journey, but also the start of eleven days filled with stories, laughter, and new friendships growing in Sumatra. (Photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

That night, my driver and I brought them to Emerald Garden Hotel to rest. Inside the car, the atmosphere was still a little awkward at first, but slowly we started talking comfortably.

Maria asked me many questions about Sumatra, Batak culture, and local life. As a travel writer and tour guide, I always enjoy sharing not only destinations but also the stories behind them.

The next morning, we started our city tour in Medan. We visited Al Mashun Grand Mosque and Maimun Palace before continuing our journey to Tangkahan.

When we arrived at the mosque, there was a large prayer gathering happening. Many people were dressed neatly, and the atmosphere felt peaceful and respectful. Even so, we were still able to admire the beauty of the mosque closely.

At Maimun Palace, something funny happened. Some vocational school students were very curious about seeing foreigners.

They quietly watched Maria, Pavla, and Hana while whispering “bule… bule…” until finally Maria was asked to take photos with them. Within minutes, our tour leader became an unexpected celebrity in the palace yard.

[caption id="attachment_37298" align="alignnone" width="960"] At Maimun Palace, Maria instantly became an unexpected celebrity. The students whispered excitedly, “bule… bule…,” and within moments Maria was invited to take photos in the palace yard. A simple moment that turned into laughter and unforgettable little stories. (Photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

The journey to Tangkahan was quite long. On the way, we stopped at Bosmen Coffee in Langkat Regency. It turned out all four of us loved coffee.

[caption id="attachment_37330" align="alignnone" width="960"] A short stop at Bosmen Coffee in Langkat. The long journey to Tangkahan felt warmer because of the coffee and conversations we shared together. Even Maria, an espresso lover with very high standards, finally smiled with satisfaction that day.[/caption]

Maria especially loved espresso and had very high standards for coffee. Luckily, the coffee we ordered that day made her smile with satisfaction.

Before continuing our trip, we bought bananas and mangoes from local fruit sellers. Maria shared the bananas with all of us one by one.

That moment became the beginning of me teaching her funny Batak words like “bodat.” I love introducing local language and culture through simple moments because it makes the journey feel warmer and more fun.

That small stop beside the road reminded me of something important. Tourism does not always begin with luxury hotels or expensive buildings.

Tourism lives through simple things: local coffee, fruit bought directly from farmers, and small shops that survive because travelers come.

When tourists buy local products, the money goes directly back to the village. Farmers can support their families, children can continue school, and small businesses stay alive.

As a travel writer, I always enjoy seeing how simple travel experiences can create real impact for local communities.

I noticed how Maria was always interested in trying local products. She did not only look for beautiful places to take pictures.

She also wanted to know the people living behind those places. Honestly, she knew more Indonesians in several places we visited than I did myself.

When we arrived at Mega Inn Tangkahan parking area, Pavla and Hana were shocked by the long suspension bridge we had to cross.

They laughed nervously while carrying their luggage. Some local women came to help us carry our bags. Small acts of kindness like this often make foreign guests amazed by the friendliness of Sumatra people.

[caption id="attachment_37300" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Lunch atmosphere by the riverside in Tangkahan
(photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

That afternoon, we had lunch beside the river in Tangkahan. The food was simple homemade cooking, but the sound of the river and trees made everything feel special.

[caption id="attachment_37299" align="alignnone" width="960"] Maria enjoys a simple lunch by the riverside, accompanied by the gentle sound of flowing water and the shade of lush trees. In the calm embrace of nature, every bite feels warmer, more alive, and more memorable.
(photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

Then our adventure in river truly began.
We walked to waterfalls, played in the water, and tried river tubing. Our laughter mixed with the sound of the strong river current.

Sometimes we joked, sometimes we screamed when our tubes hit rocks. It felt like childhood came back again.

The next morning became one of the most memorable days of the trip. We visited the elephant camp in Tangkahan, where Maria and Pavla joined the mahouts in bathing the elephants.

As a guide, I always love seeing foreign travelers become excited when they experience nature and local life directly.

From Tangkahan, we continued to Bukit Lawang by 4x4 jeep. Muddy roads, palm plantations, small villages, and simple schools filled the journey. Sometimes the car shook so hard that we all laughed together.

In Bukit Lawang, the sound of the Bahorok River welcomed us through the night.
The next day, we trekked into the Gunung Leuser forest searching for orangutans.

When we finally saw one above the trees, everyone became silent in amazement. Pavla and Hana looked truly fascinated. Moments like that always feel special for me as a guide.

The following days continued like a long flowing story.
We enjoyed the cold air of Berastagi, saw Mount Sinabung from afar, and walked through the fruit market.

We also stopped at Erdillo Café for coffee. Once again, Maria loved the espresso there. The strong aroma and rich taste convinced her to take photos with Mount Sinabung in the background.

[caption id="attachment_37317" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Erdilo Coffee, a cozy coffee hangout near Mount Sinabung.
(photo: special documentation)[/caption]

I always enjoy writing about small details like coffee aroma, road trips, and simple conversations because those things make travel stories feel alive.

Very early one morning at 4:00 AM, we climbed Mount Sibayak. The cold air cut through our skin, and the steep road tested our strength. In the darkness, only flashlight beams and our spirits guided us to the top.

[caption id="attachment_37301" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Before dawn at Mount Sibayak, we began the hike at four in the morning, surrounded by darkness and the piercing cold.[/caption]

There we learned that climbing a mountain is not only about reaching the summit, but also about overcoming fear, exhaustion, and doubt inside ourselves.

After resting at the hotel, we continued to Dokan Traditional Village, an old Karo village that still protects its culture today.

The traditional wooden houses without nails, the old roofs, and the buffalo head decorations all carried deep meaning about Karo history and philosophy.

As a guide, I always try to explain culture not only as information, but as stories that help travelers feel connected to local people.

Later we continued to Sipiso-piso Waterfall, where they were amazed by the giant waterfall falling directly toward Lake Toba.

One of the moments Maria waited for most was meeting her friends at Morias Café. Slowly I realized Maria was similar to many Batak people who love friendship and connection everywhere they go.

[caption id="attachment_37315" align="alignnone" width="960"] Maria with the nephew of the owner of Cafe Morias Simarjarunjung.
(photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

After spending time enjoying coffee and beautiful scenery there, we continued our trip to Samosir Island.

When we arrived in Samosir Island, the atmosphere became much calmer. Lake Toba made our journey feel peaceful and slow.

The next day, we visited Huta Siallagan, where I told them stories about the ancient stone chairs of the Batak kings. There, I could see that Maria, Pavla, and Hana truly appreciated the cultural stories I shared.

While talking about Batak traditions, I explained the meaning of the gecko ornament and the four-breast symbol often seen on traditional Batak Toba houses and ancestral tombs.

The gecko represents the Batak people, while the four breasts symbolize the important role of women as the continuation of the family line. The direction of the gecko toward the breasts reminds Batak people never to forget their mother and their homeland.

This philosophy also explains why many Batak families build large and beautiful tombs in Samosir, sometimes even more luxurious than their own homes. For them, it is a way of honoring those who have passed away.

For many Batak people, tradition remains very important, even before Christianity arrived through missionaries such as Ludwig Ingwer Nommensen.

From Huta Siallagan, we continued to Kampung Ulos Hutaraja, my ancestral village. Before arriving, I intentionally showed them Tugu Simanihuruk, one of the most luxurious clan monuments in Samosir, so they could understand how Batak people honor their ancestors and protect the dignity of their family name.

[caption id="attachment_37318" align="alignnone" width="960"] I intentionally showed them Tugu Simanihuruk (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

After that, we enjoyed coffee in Kampung Ulos Hutaraja while admiring the beautiful scenery that kept Maria, Pavla, and Hana busy taking photos.

I then brought them to Rumah Belajar Hutaraja, a small learning center I once opened in my great-grandmother’s inherited house. Even though, as a Batak woman, I know the house will most likely never be inherited by me, I still wanted it to stay alive and be useful.

[caption id="attachment_37310" align="alignnone" width="1200"] We took a group photo at Rumah Belajar Hutaraja, a learning house I once founded but eventually had to close because I could no longer sustain its operations.
(photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

From that simple place, I taught English to local children so they would feel confident welcoming foreign tourists and have wider opportunities for their future.

Our journey continued to Air Terjun Nai Sogop, although rain slowed us down for a while. Because we were hungry, we finally stopped for lunch at Panorama Tele.

Maria, who was visiting for the first time, looked very excited to capture the scenery with her camera. Once again, she became the center of attention as local children asked to take photos with her.

[caption id="attachment_37320" align="alignnone" width="1600"] I stand in the foreground while Maria and Pavla enjoy the view around Sky Bridge Panorama Tele.
(photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

After the rain stopped, we finally arrived at Nai Sogop. Even though the waterfall looked browner because of the heavy rain, Maria and Pavla still enjoyed the wild and peaceful atmosphere of the place.

The next day was a long rest day, which happened to be Sunday. Some of us attended church, while others were busy doing laundry or taking care of other small activities.

[caption id="attachment_37319" align="alignnone" width="960"] Maria loved Air Terjun Nai Sogop and kept moving closer even as the powerful water splashes poured down from above. (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

The journey then continued toward Padang Sidempuan and Bukittinggi. But before that, we stopped at Kampung Girsang, where I live now.

[caption id="attachment_37302" align="alignnone" width="960"] We took a group photo with the residents of Kampung Girsang, where we were welcomed with simple and sincere warmth. (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

As someone who will probably never inherit family land, I have to think about my own future. I deliberately invited Maria to see my home, a small hut in Kampung Girsang.

I told her that when I am not guiding travelers, I spend my time managing a small candlenut business that I recently started.

[caption id="attachment_37321" align="alignnone" width="1600"] A group photo in front of the candlenut business in Girsang, a simple place that is part of my daily life. I intentionally brought Maria to see where I live, a small hut in Kampung Girsang. (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

Not to become rich, but simply to survive in a small village where economic opportunities are limited.

Since 2018, I have chosen to live around Lake Toba and focus on promoting it through my work as a travel writer and tour guide. But for me, being a tour guide is not only about bringing visitors to beautiful places. It is also about building something meaningful for local people and for my own future.

That is why I dream of developing Kampung Girsang into a small tourism village supported by the strength of its own community. Here, people grow coffee, cloves, and pineapples, while others run small businesses such as roasted coffee production and local products.

Little by little, I try to help through whatever small things I can do, including supporting a coffee seedling group that we started this year.

For me, this journey was not only about tourism. It was about showing the real side of Lake Toba — the lives of local people, small dreams, and hopes for the village to stay alive.

After leaving the village, we continued to Padang Sidempuan. On the way, we visited Aek Rangat Sipoholon and had lunch at Café Gorga. Later, we stayed at Hotel Mega Permata.

 

The next morning, we continued our journey toward Bukittinggi. As usual, we stopped at several interesting places along the road.

One stop was at a traditional knife-making workshop, where many local people make machetes and knives for a living. I became interested in buying a sharp knife to use for peeling fruit.

[caption id="attachment_37322" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Exploring the warmth of nature and the unique traditions at Aek Rangat Sipoholon. (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

But as always, Maria found a way to make me laugh. She joked that maybe I wanted the knife for self-defense in case someone tried to hurt me.

Maria always had a way of making me smile.

[caption id="attachment_37312" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Knife-making workshop near Padang Sidempuan, where local craftsmen produce traditional blades. (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

After that, we continued toward the Equator. But before arriving, we heard that a giant corpse flower, Amorphophallus titanum, was blooming nearby.

The flower attracted many people passing by the road. Even in the light rain, we stopped to take photos of it.

[caption id="attachment_37313" align="alignnone" width="960"] Amorphophallus titanum in bloom (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

Later, we arrived at Taman Wisata Equator Bonjol, where we stopped at the equator line to take photos together.

We also supported the local T-shirt sellers who kept following us around, trying to convince us to buy their products. I already had three Equator shirts, and Maria also had many because she often works as a tour leader bringing guests from Eastern Europe.

Still, after all the persuasion from the sellers, we bought more shirts anyway. Not because we needed them, but because we saw it as a small way to support local vendors. Later, we could give the shirts to people close to us.

[caption id="attachment_37323" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Photo taken at the equator line at Taman Wisata Equator Bonjol, while local vendors approached us, trying to persuade us to buy their goods (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

Afterward, we headed to Hotel Santika Dyandra Bukittinggi. Meanwhile, I stayed at a small guesthouse owned by my friend Erwin from the Indonesian Tour Guide Association. Many tour guides and drivers stay there because the price is affordable.

[caption id="attachment_37327" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Admiring the grandeur of Istano Basa Pagaruyung (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

The following day, we visited Panorama Sianok, Istana Pagaruyung, and finally Kiniko Coffee and Souvenir Center.

[caption id="attachment_37325" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Scenic view of Panorama Sianok (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

There, we could see how local coffee is processed and explore many traditional souvenirs from West Sumatra.

[caption id="attachment_37314" align="alignnone" width="960"] Hana choosing which local souvenir to buy as a gift from West Sumatra. (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

Without realizing it, the final day — our eleventh day — had arrived.

[caption id="attachment_37305" align="alignnone" width="960"] We visited Kiniko Coffee and Souvenir Center. (photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

We traveled to Minangkabau International Airport through Lembah Anai. The road felt much quieter compared to the first day because it was finally time to say goodbye.

Eleven days passed very quickly.

This journey was not only about the beautiful places of Sumatra.

[caption id="attachment_37326" align="alignnone" width="960"] Saying goodbye to them at Minangkabau International Airport.
(photo © Damayanti)[/caption]

It was about the laughter inside the car, coffee shared together, bananas divided during the road trip, the sound of the river in Tangkahan, orangutans in the forest, and the small stories that made us feel like old friends.

Maria, Pavla, and Hana arrived as guests.

But they returned home as part of a story I will always remember.

And perhaps, hope for Sumatra can grow from simple journeys like this — journeys that help travelers not only see nature, but also learn to love the people and the lives behind it.

*Writer/Editor: Damayanti Sinaga

Sumatra Tour Guide