Exploring Berastagi: A Highland Retreat in Sumatra

Today on Go Nomad, senior writer Qin Liang takes us on a trip down the road less traveled through North Sumatra to a highland town sitting in a valley between two volcanoes.

Yes, you heard that right.

Two active volcanoes right in the heartland of the Karo tribe.

We are heading to Bagastagi, Sumatra, Indonesia is near the equator.

It's pretty much hot all year round.

Bhirastagi, up in the Karo highlands, more than 4,000ft above sea level, has a cooler climate and makes it a perfect retreat for anyone looking to escape the humidity and heat.

If you're flying into Medan, capital of Sumatra, you can easily get to bear a on a bus waiting just outside the airport.

It takes about three to four hours depending on the traffic.

Remember, traffic in Sumatra is always chaotic, so wherever you go, don't expect a smooth ride.

English is not widely spoken in Sumatra, but you will know that you are in bare stock when the bus comes to a big roundabout with an eye catching monument.

Soldiers and warriors built to remember their fight for the freedom of the nation, their independence.

Chin suggests that if you're not in a hurry to check into your hotel, there's an interesting little museum right next to that roundabout that you might want to check out.

It's the Museum Haka karo.

For only 8,000 rupiah, less than a dollar, you can learn so much about the history and culture of the Karo people who have lived in this area for centuries on all.

In this small unique museum you'll find everything on display from traditional clothing to weapons, spiritual artifacts.

The museum is a nice introduction that gets you to appreciate this beautiful town just as it did for Chin.

You can take an easy hike up Gondoling Hill from the town.

The hill has many scenic viewpoints and truly instagrammable spots like a life size bird's nest where visitors can sit for a photo.

Locals will approach you to take the popular horse cart ride with them, locally called sailors.

One thing that Shin found interesting is that there are tree houses here at pavilions in the Karo style architecture with tapered roofs that point up to a buffalo horn.

The horn symbolizes strength, prosperity and protection in Karo culture.

You also don't want to miss the sunrise hike up Mount Sebayak.

The hike starts as early as 4 in the morning and by 5:30am you'll be at the peak standing at the rim of the crater just in time for a stunning sunrise.

Remember to bundle up as it gets really cold in the morning and as you hike, expect a strong sulfur smell in the air.

I mean it is a volcano, so on a clear day you'll see Mount Sinabung looming in the distance like a sleepy beast, sometimes puffing out volcanic plumes into the sky.

After the hike, you can go to the nearby hot spring to soak in the mineral rich water before heading down back to Baristaki.

If you love unique architecture, chin recommends visiting St.

Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

This church is special in the way it it combines local architecture elements such as multi tiered pointed rooflines, triangular gables, and again, that buffalo horn at the top.

Another baristagi highlight is Lumbini Natural Park.

It's a Buddhist temple built as a replica of the world famous Shwaragan Pagoda in Myanmar.

This tallest pagoda in Indonesia keeps many Buddha statues and sacred relics, all brought in from Myanmar.

There are many homestay options in Baristaghi.

Chin recommends Kaisa Homestay.

If you search most hotel booking websites, you'll find Kaiser K A E S A this homestay consistently ranks at the top of the list.

Owner and his family are extremely friendly and they go out of their way to help plan your trips and share their great tips to save money.

While you're in Baristagi, do not miss their famous Karo style roasted pork.

The pork is marinated in a mix of local spices and roasted until golden brown and served with steamed or fried rice.

By the way, fried rice and fried noodles are are common in North Sumatra.

You'll find them on almost every menu at all restaurants.

And if you have no idea what to eat, the server will look at you and suggest fried rice.

Sir Berestagi is always covered in mist, especially in the morning.

It's the kind of place where you go and need a mental reset or find inspiration.

Nearby Berostagi, you can travel to the beautiful Lake Toba, the largest crater lake in the world.

And did you know that this underrated lake has an island the size of Singapore?

On that island there's a Jesus statue that's taller than the one in Rio.

Oh, that's another story.

For another episode of the Go Nomad podcast.