Discover the exotic islands of North Sumatra that offer stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and unforgettable adventures for the perfect vacation.
North Sumatra is a province rich in natural beauty, diverse culture, and stunning underwater natural wealth. This province has a number of islands that offer an extraordinary holiday experience, both for adventurers and those seeking tranquility.
From stunning beaches to rich underwater life, the islands of North Sumatra offer a wealth of amazing destinations to choose from. If you are planning to visit this region, here are the 10 best islands in North Sumatra that you must explore.
1. Samosir Island
Samosir Island is located in the middle of beautiful Lake Toba, making it one of the most iconic tourist destinations in North Sumatra. This island is known for its extraordinary natural beauty, as well as its strong Batak culture.
Besides enjoying the stunning views of Lake Toba, you can also visit historical sites, such as the tombs of the Batak Kings, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty.
One of the unique things about Samosir Island is the presence of Lake Sidihoni and Lake Aek Natonang, which are often referred to as ‘lakes on lakes’. This island is an ideal place for a holiday filled with adventure, culture and relaxation.
2. Nias Island
Nias Island is located on the west coast of North Sumatra and is famous for its exotic beaches, especially Sorake Beach which is a paradise for surfers.
Apart from its stunning beaches, Nias also has a very unique cultural heritage, such as the Fahombo Batu tradition, a stone jumping tradition that is a symbol of maturity among Nias Batak men.
This island offers a complete tourism experience, from sea adventures, enjoying the natural beauty, to getting to know the rich and meaningful local culture.
3. Island of Idols
Located in the Strait of Malacca, Pulau Berhala is the outermost island of Indonesia that borders directly with Malaysia. The island offers stunning scenery, with beautiful beaches and waters rich in fish species.
One of the unique attractions of Pulau Berhala is the natural phenomenon where turtles come to the island to lay eggs, which can be witnessed by visitors during certain seasons.
In addition, the history of Pulau Berhala is also interesting, with the tomb of Datuk Paduko Berhala, a king from Jambi, being part of the island’s historical story.
4. Mursala Island
Mursala Island is located on the west coast of North Sumatra, part of the Central Tapanuli Regency. This island became increasingly famous 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.
The spectacular view of this waterfall is a favorite photo spot for tourists. In addition, the underwater beauty is also very stunning, with many coral reefs that are interesting for snorkeling and diving activities.
5. Salah Namo Island
Salah Namo Island is located in the Strait of Malacca and is part of Batubara Regency. This island has a unique story about its name which was originally equated with “female intimate organs”, which later became “Salah Namo”, which means ‘wrong name’.
This island has a natural attraction that is still natural with red rocks scattered along the coast and many trees growing around it. The calm and cool atmosphere makes Salah Namo Island an ideal place to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
6. Pandang Island
Pandang Island is located in Batu Bara Regency and offers extraordinary natural charm. Its clean white sand and clear sea water make this island a perfect place to relax, as well as do snorkeling and diving activities.
The abundant coral reefs around the island also add to the appeal of marine tourism here. The uniqueness of Pandang Island lies in its beautiful landscape, with the east side of the island facing directly to Malaysia, as well as the view of large granite rocks that add to the charm of this island.
7. Badalu Island
Badalu Island is located in Barus District, Central Tapanuli Regency. This island offers extraordinary underwater beauty, with very beautiful coral reefs and rich in various species of tropical fish such as Moorish Idol, Angel Fish, and Lion Fish.
Badalu Island is quite far to reach, taking about 10 hours of travel from Medan City, but its natural beauty and amazing underwater life make it worth the effort.
This island is perfect for nature lovers who want to experience a marine adventure that has not been touched by many tourists.
8. Long Island
Panjang Island, located near Nias Island, offers a calming natural beauty, with white sand and clear sea water. This island is an ideal place for tourists who seek tranquility and want to enjoy the beauty of the pristine beach.
Apart from its serene beaches, Panjang Island is also known for its rich marine life, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and diving. This island is relatively unvisited, so visitors can enjoy an atmosphere far from the crowds.
9. Sibandang Island
Sibandang Island is located in the middle of Lake Toba and is a small island that is very interesting to visit. This island offers a stunning panorama of Lake Toba from a height, with views of green hills and clear waters surrounding it.
Apart from its natural beauty, Sibandang Island also has a very strong local culture, where visitors can interact with the Batak people who still maintain their traditions. This island is a perfect place to relax, explore nature, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere around Lake Toba.
10. Tello Island
Tello Island, located in the Nias Islands, is an island that offers extraordinary natural beauty. This island is known for its beautiful coral reefs and rich marine life, making it a perfect destination for snorkeling and diving.
The unspoiled natural beauty and calm atmosphere make Tello Island an ideal place for those who want to get away from the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of nature. With white sand and clear sea water, this island is a paradise for nature lovers.
North Sumatra has various beautiful and charming islands. Each island offers a different experience, from underwater adventures, enjoying the beauty of stunning beaches, to exploring unique local cultures.
Additionally, Simalem Park provides breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Toba, lush green landscapes, and exciting outdoor activities, making it a must-visit destination.
These islands are the perfect holiday destinations for those seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration. So, make sure you visit these 10 stunning islands in North Sumatra to experience unforgettable natural beauty!
