Explore the stunning islands of North Sumatra that offer incredible natural beauty, unique culture, and unforgettable adventures.
North Sumatra, known for its extraordinary natural beauty, has a variety of islands that offer a stunning holiday experience.
From white sandy beaches to rich underwater life, the islands of North Sumatra are a paradise for travelers seeking tranquility, adventure, and stunning natural beauty. If you are planning to explore North Sumatra, here are 10 must-visit islands to enjoy the unforgettable natural charm.
1. Samosir Island
Samosir Island is the most iconic destination in North Sumatra, located in the middle of beautiful Lake Toba. The island offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, Batak culture, and rich history.
In Samosir, you can enjoy spectacular views of the largest lake in Indonesia, as well as explore various natural and cultural tourist destinations.
One of the main attractions on Samosir Island is the presence of Lake Sidihoni and Lake Aek Natonang which are often referred to as ‘the lake above the lake’.
In addition, you can also visit historical sites, including the tombs of the Batak Kings, and enjoy the extraordinary natural beauty. This island is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday, camping, and enjoying the local culture.
2. Nias Island
Nias Island, located on the west coast of North Sumatra, offers stunning beaches with big waves that are a paradise for surfers. Sorake Beach is one of the famous beaches in Nias that is often visited by international surfers.
In addition, Nias is also rich in culture, with unique traditions such as Fahombo Batu, a stone jumping tradition performed by adult men as part of a traditional ceremony.
Nias Island, with an area of 5,625 square kilometers, also has extraordinary natural wealth and is the right place for tourists who love water and cultural adventures.
3. Island of Idols
Berhala Island is located in the Strait of Malacca, in Serdang Bedagai Regency, and is Indonesia’s outermost island which directly borders Malaysia.
This island has extraordinary tourist attractions, ranging from the beauty of its beaches, waters rich in fish species, to amazing natural phenomena, such as turtles that come to this island to lay eggs.
Besides enjoying the natural charm, you can also fish around this island or enjoy other activities that are at one with nature. Berhala Island also has historical value, because here there is the tomb of Datuk Paduko Berhala, a king from Jambi who is part of the history of this island.
4. Mursala Island
Mursala Island is located on the west coast of North Sumatra and is part of the Central Tapanuli Regency. This island began to be widely known after becoming the filming location for the Hollywood film “King Kong”.
One of the main attractions of Mursala Island is the waterfall that falls directly into the sea, which originates from a small lake in the middle of the island. This waterfall creates a very spectacular view and is a favorite photo spot for tourists.
In addition, the underwater beauty is also very stunning and suitable for snorkeling and diving activities. This island offers an unforgettable adventure experience, especially for those who love the wild and the beauty of the beach.
5. Salah Namo Island
Located in the Strait of Malacca, Salah Namo Island is located in Batubara Regency. The name of this island has a unique story, where the locals initially called it ‘female intimate organs’, and finally called it “Salah Namo” which means “Wrong Name”.
This island has an attraction in the form of its natural beauty, with red rocks scattered around the island. In addition, the many trees growing on this island create a cool and peaceful atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the tranquility.
6. Pandang Island
Pandang Island, located in Batu Bara Regency, has stunning natural beauty, with clean white sand and clear sea water. The island is known for its rich coral reefs around it, making it a perfect place for snorkeling and diving.
The uniqueness of Pandang Island lies in its beautiful landscape, with the east side of the island facing directly to Malaysia and white sandy beaches combined with large granite rocks.
The north and south sides of the island are also filled with rocks with unique shapes, providing a different view from other islands in North Sumatra.
7. Badalu Island
Badalu Island is located in Barus District, Central Tapanuli Regency, and is the perfect destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Its underwater beauty is extraordinary, with vibrant coral reefs and many species of tropical fish inhabiting its waters, such as Moorish Idol, Angel Fish, and Lion Fish.
This island is quite difficult to reach, with a journey of about 10 hours from Medan City, but its natural scenery and stunning underwater beauty make it worth the effort. Badalu Island offers a marine tourism experience that should not be missed by sea adventurers.
8. Long Island
Panjang Island is one of the small islands located near Nias Island, which offers a calm beach atmosphere with white sand and clear sea water. This island is suitable for tourists who want to enjoy a peaceful holiday while enjoying the natural beauty.
In addition, Panjang Island also has rich marine life, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and diving. The island is relatively uncrowded, making it a perfect place for those looking to get away from the crowds.
9. Sibandang Island
Sibandang Island is located in the middle of Lake Toba, and is a smaller island but very interesting to visit. On this island, you can enjoy the beautiful panorama of Lake Toba from a height, as well as interact with local people who still maintain Batak traditions.
Sibandang Island is also known for its natural beauty, offering green views of the hills and clear waters that surround the island. Activities that can be done here include touring the island, enjoying the natural beauty, and relaxing around the lake.
10. Tello Island
Tello Island is a hidden destination in North Sumatra which is located in the Nias Islands area. The island offers a natural beach atmosphere and incredible underwater beauty. Known for its beautiful coral reefs and rich marine life, Tello Island is a great place for snorkeling and diving.
With its white sand and crystal clear water, the island is a paradise for nature lovers and those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature without any disturbance.
North Sumatra offers a variety of beautiful islands, each with its own unique charm. From serene beaches to rich underwater life, this destination provides an extraordinary experience for every traveler.
These islands, with their natural beauty and rich culture, are well worth exploring, whether for relaxation or adventure.
Additionally, Simalem Park, with its breathtaking views of Lake Toba and lush greenery, offers a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers. So, make sure to add these islands to your next travel list and enjoy the stunning natural charm of North Sumatra.
