Berastagi

Berastagi is based in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Berastagi Halal Travel Guide

A small town in the primary street connecting Medan with Karo highland and Lake Toba, it's popular weekend getaway town for local residents from Medan. It is also home to two famous volcanoes and the Sibayak and the Sinabung and the latter which erupts quite frequently since 2013. The town is located in the Barisan mountains (Bukit Barisan) and the longest mountain range in Indonesia and extend from Aceh to Lampung. With a height of about 1300 meters above sea level and the annual mean level temperature is about 23° C. On rainy season, fog may occur frequently and wind may get chilly. A light jacket or windbreaker may help.

How to travel to Berastagi

All Flights from the Kualanamu International Airport are served by an airport train to Medan and airport buses to Medan, Binjai, Pematangsiantar and Kabanjahe. A bus ticket from Kabanjahe and the national capital of Karo Regency, 11 kilometers from Berastagi, was Rp 80,000 as of 2013. All buses from the airport are good and convenient, so if you don't need to visit Medan, you can go directly to Berastagi.

Renting a vehicle is expensive, but if you are short of time and plan to continue your journey beyond Berastagi, it's a more viable option.

How to get around in Berastagi

By public transport

Buses service many of the surrounding villages as is the case in the rest of Indonesia. Prices are similar to those elsewhere in Indonesia. You may get to ride on the roof of local shuttle vanes. Many run along the primary street all the time. Central market is main stop. Other than buses, no other form of public transport exist.

By foot

Berastagi is a small city and walking around is feasible if you stay at the city. You can cover the whole city in less than an hour. Walking to surrounding villages, though, is not recommended.

What to see in Berastagi

The tourist info is very helpful. However, booking trips is cheaper with local agencies, for example Losmen Sibayak Guesthouse (in the center, next to BRI bank).

• Bukit Barisan National Forest - Popular among local residents for picnicking and camping, especially on weekends. The forest is poorly managed and in poor condition, though.
• Gundaling hill - Bukit Gundaling | A small hill that give panorama view of nearby Sibayak and Sinabung. Sadly, it's packed with many small stalls around. You can take a picture with Sinabung with its volcanic plume as your background on a very clear day. Or you can ride a horse or horse carriage around Gundaling.* Taman Alam Lumbini - A large Buddhist temple complex and park. The main temple is a replica from Shewadgon Pagoda in Yangon. Dress code is applied; and cigarettes are forbidden to bring inside, a security checkpoint will ensure visitors comply before entering. Food stalls sell only vegan foods.

Top Travel Tips

• Lau Debuk Debuk thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) - Take a dip in the thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) on the foot of Gunung Sibayak while enjoying the view of the mountain. Feels so good especially after just climbed it. There are many thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) around that it may confuse you, but just pick the one which is clean. Purchase a small pack of sulfur powder and rub it in your skin before dip inside. The powder are supposedly very good for skin.

• Sibayak - Gunung Sibayak | A climb of Gunung Sibayak is a must. A guide is definitely required unless you are an experienced trekker as the path is very slippery, steep and confusing in some areas. The guides will also probably know many alternative paths to the top depending on the weather and your fitness level or time.

There are two common starting points - Pertamina power plant at Lau Debuk Debuk (Semangat Gunung village) from the south east or pos Lestari from the west. Easiest route is from pos Lestari as it starts from attitude about 1000 meters and only about 1 - 1.5 hours to the crater. The climb will go through forest trail about 15-30 minutes before changing to rocky path all the way to crater rim. Possibility to get lost on this route is very low as the path is very well defined. The more adventurous route is from the Pertamina power plant. The trail involves forest trail, which is very slippery and many branches exist that you may get lost, especially if you climb at night. After the forest trail about 2-3 hours, you will emerge in the rocky trail for final push to crater rim that takes about 1 hour.

This route is more rewarding as you can get a splendid view of Berastagi town and Lau Debuk Debuk valley from the rocky section. In a very clear morning day, you even can see all the way to Lake Toba. The crater is filled with rocks that tourists have inevitably made into all sorts of shapes and words. On rainy season and the crater may be filled with water to form a volcanic lake. If you love camping and the area around crater rim are splendid spot to pitch a tent. Beware of the strong wind and very chilly night! There are three summit if you dare to climb them - Puncak Antena, Takal Kuda and Pintau. Puncak Antena is the lowest summit of all three and so called because of the government seismic monitoring built at here. If you climb from Pertamina, your climb will emerge on the ridge connecting to Puncak Antena on your right.

Takal Kuda is the second highest summit and the most believed highest summit by local residents. Takal Kuda means "head of horse" in local language and it's easily recognized by a single tall granite on the top. The highest and true summit is Pintau, which can't be seen from crater and rarely climbed and even known by local residents. It is located just behind Takal Kuda and to see it, you have to climb Takal Kuda or Puncak Antena. It is not recommended to climb Pintau unless you are a very experienced climber, as the route is very treacherous.

• Sinabung - Gunung Sinabung | You can also climb Gunung Sinabung. The easiest way is to take a shuttle van to Danau Kawar (a lake at the foot of the volcano) and then hike up (you should ask for directions as the beginning is not obvious). After the initial pass through the farms the path is imfeasible to miss (although the usual stories about lost/dead tourists exist and are listed at the tourist information office in Berastagi), so no guide should be necessary. Good views from the top and excellent walk through the jungle (the walk up to Sibayak is not quite so pleasant). As of April 2023, Gunung Sinabung still on high alert status due to eruptions. The area around Gunung Sinabung (including Danau Kawar) may be a no-man zone. Consult with local authority before heading to there.

There are several waterfalls around, some can be visited with car/motorcycle, but some required trekking for several hours.

• Two Colors waterfall - Air Terjun Dua Warna | This waterfall's source origin from Gunung Sibayak and to reach it will need long trekking through rainforest. Guide is necessary. Start point trekking is from Sibolangit camp, but several other routes exist. The waterfall is uninspiring, but the trekking is quite adventurous.

If you bring kids, you may want to visit the theme parks.

• Hillpark Sibolangit - Smaller theme parks at Sibolangit, about halfway between Medan and Berastagi. Attractions are not a lot and are less packed then Mikie Funland. Most attractions are geared towards children, with only few attractions categorized as "extreme" that is more suitable to adults.
• Mikie Funland - The largest theme parks with many varieties of attractions. Always packed full with people, especially on weekend. Check for promotion.

Shopping in Berastagi

• Fruit market - Pasar buah | The Berastagi area supplies Medan and in part also Singapore with local fruits and vegetable. The wet market is well known for selling fresh fruits, vegetables, potted flowers and decorative shrubs. Prices are generally acceptable. Haggle is recommended.
• PIMS (Putra Indo Mandiri Sejahtera) - Gundaling Farm | A dairy farm that sell fresh pasteurized-milk and yogurts. Come early as it sold out very fast.

There are two banks with ATMs: Mandiri and BRI.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Berastagi

To be updated

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Berastagi

Berastagi - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Berastagi, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Berastagi. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Berastagi and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Berastagi. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Berastagi. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Berastagi: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Berastagi.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Berastagi: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Berastagi, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Berastagi.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Berastagi, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Berastagi, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Berastagi and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Berastagi, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Berastagi, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Berastagi without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Berastagi is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Berastagi.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Berastagi is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Berastagi, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Berastagi Media: info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Berastagi

Ramadan 2025 in Berastagi

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hotel Citi Holiday StoomVaart | Located at the historic site of Djakarta Lloyd resort house (old Dutch colonial resort), dated from 1922. It is nestled on top of a small hill with nice view and breezy wind. Next to old Bukit Kubu park. This hotel is excellent for budget traveler. Usually only open on weekends and public holidays. Will also open for group booking on weekdays.
• Green Garden Hotel - A large hotel by Sumatran standards, with one main building facing the primary street (reception and restaurant are here) and three detached buildings encircling the swimming pool. Used to be a 4-star hotel, but our agency has listed it as 3-star plus. Rooms have hot showers but ours only had cold water at the sink.No AC in our ground-floor room, but there was a TV set with several Indonesian programs. Large dining hall; seems to be popular for family parties and group meetings. A rather basic breakfast is included in the room price.
• Rudang Hotel - Formerly Horison Hotel | 72 rooms equipped with Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerator, sofa and table. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant and provides room service on request.
• The Hill Hotel & Resort - Most expensive hotel around Berastagi with a swimming pool, a mini zoo, large parks, bamboo forest and ponds. Hillpark is the only nearest attraction. To Berastagi town will need about 30 - 45 minutes, nearest Bandar Baru village is a viable option for local cuisine.
• Hotel Sibayak Internasional - A four-star property located on the road leading up to Gundaling Hills which is the scenic point for viewing the two volcanoes : Sibayak and Sinabung. The hotel has 112 rooms divided into several types including cottages. Facilities include heated swimming pool, restaurant, lounge, pub, karaoke and business center with internet access. The decor is mostly wooden with ornamental colours of the local Batak tribe. and is the only starred-hotel within walking distance ( 5 minutes ) of the traditional fruits and vegetables market of Berastagi. A good discount on the already low published rate is readily given if you ask for it, barring peak holiday seasons of Muslim New Year or Christmas-New Year.
• Grand Mutiara Hotel - A big five-star hotel just besides Mikie Holiday. It's a complete opposite of bustling Mikie Holiday (due to its nearby Funland) and the mood here is peaceful. If you want seclusion, thit is the place.
• Mikie Holiday Resort & Hotel - Offers 172 rooms in categories of superior, deluxe, family, 4 theme rooms, 4 floral theme rooms, 2 suites and a presidential suite. All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi access. Also serves international and local food. The resort provides a heated pool, a game room and private karaoke rooms. If you stay in the hotel, you can enter Funland free.

Telecommunications

Although in mountainous region, cellphone coverage is very good except if you find yourself in the middle of forest!

Area code for telephone is 628.

Go Next

• Medan
• Lake Toba

Public transport to Lake Toba/Parapat is feasible but involves 3 minivan changes and takes around 5 hours. Better to charter a taxi/minivan from the guesthouse and get there in 4 hours than whole day or Taxi Trans for 500,000 IDR (Private Van); like @/+6285261492668. You could also stop at the waterfall on the way ; Bukit Lawang seems to be best reached via Medan.

For Public Transport:

- Walk to the bus station south of the roundabout in central Berastagi and take the next bus headed towards Kabanjahe - 20 mins, 5,000 IDR (you can tell the driver you're going to Parapat and this message may be passed along to the other drivers making it slightly easier to communicate).

- In Kabanjahe grab the next bus going to P. Siantar and ask to be dropped off at Sinpong Dua - 3 hours - 25,000 IDR

- When dropped off at the Sinpong Dua junction, you'll need to cross the road and walk south a few minutes (just ask any local where the bus stop to Parapat is) Big bus costs 15,000 IDR and takes about an hour - drops you off right near the ferry to Samosir Island/Lake Toba

Total time takes about five hours or so including transfer time and it's best to leave Berastagi by about 10am in order to leave plenty of time to catch the ferry to Samosir (All prices correct as of August 2022).

For transport to Lake Toba (230.000 rps/person; leaves at 13:30 or 14:00 and arrives in time for last ferry to TukTuk - as of August 2022) , Medan and Bukit Lawang, seats in one of the tourist busses (minivan 5-7 persons; PT Bagus Holiday's Taxi) can be arranged through the local tourist agencies. Thit is much quicker and easier than public transport and just a little bit more expensive.

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