Hiking Up Gunung Sibayak In Sumatra: What To Know!

If you’re planning to visit Sumatra, there are tons of unique experiences on offer. This includes hiking through the rainforest, visiting the caldera of a supervolcano, and diving off the coast.

One experience you don’t want to miss out on is climbing Gunung Sibayak. This towering active volcano is over 2,200 metres (7,218 feet) high and you can hike right up to the crater. From here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the nearby Mount Sinbung.

If you want to hike up Gunung Sibayak, then this guide will cover everything you need to know. This includes how to get there, information about the hiking route, and where to stay!

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Where Is Gunung Sibayak?

Mount Sibayak is found in the highlands of North Sumatra. It overlooks the town of Berastagi, and can easily be accessed from here. This stratovolcano is often mistaken for Mount Sinabung, another towering volcano that surrounds the town.

You could previously climb Gunung Sinabung as well, but since the volcano started erupting again in 2010, this is now impossible. There’s now a red zone surrounding Sinabung and the villages in this area have had to be evacuated.

Wait, you can climb this active volcano?

Yes, and this was our first reaction too. Before our trip to Sumatra, I don’t think we knew that climbing active volcanoes was even a thing! Of course, once we found out about Gunung Sibayak, we knew this was an adventure that we had to include on our bucket list.

Climbing an active volcano is definitely one of the most adventurous things we have ever done (and one of our best experiences to date). Although it felt nerve-wracking at first, we soon felt at ease and didn’t encounter any issues with the hike. Of course, you should always have your wits about you though.

What To Expect When Hiking Gunung Sibayak (Mount Sibayak)

How To Climb Gunung Sibayak

There are several volcanoes in Indonesia which you can climb, but each one has its own set of rules. When it comes to Gunung Sibayak, you hike with a guide or go independently, the choice is yours.

After speaking to our guesthouse owner (who used to work for the Indonesian Tourism Board), we decided to hike up without a guide. He outlined the route for us and told us what to expect. He also organised for other people staying here to go up together, as he said it was safer to travel as a group.

For those who aren’t confident hikers or who are heading up for sunrise/sunset, we’d recommend hiring a guide. Sticking to the trail in the dark would be difficult and people have gotten lost on this hike (some have even died).

You’ll also be helping the local economy by hiring a guide. If you’d prefer to have someone with you, then check out this Gunung Sibayak sunrise tour!

The Mount Sibayak Hiking Route

When it comes to hiking up Mount Sibayak, there are a couple of routes to choose from. The easiest route starts just North of Berastagi and this is the trail we took.

From the town, you’ll walk up Jl. Pendidikan past the Sibayak Multi-National Rest House. You can follow the route on Google Maps, but be mindful as there seem to be two listings for Mount Sibayak.

From the entrance gate, you’ll head up the main trail. It’s easy to follow and this is the route which the majority of travellers take, so you’ll pass plenty of other hikers (which always makes you feel better). But first, you’ll stop off at a small hut, where you’ll pay an entrance fee and fill in your details.

There’s also a route up the volcano that starts from the Semangat Gunung hot springs. Although this route is quicker (it takes closer to two hours), the trail is much steeper so it’s not a route we’d recommend.

Entrance Fees And Opening Hours

Gunung Sibayak is open all year round. However, it’s always best to keep an eye on the weather conditions and volcanic activity, to make sure the hike is accessible during your visit.

Based on our experience, it costs 10,000 IDR (£0.50) per person to hike Mount Sibayak. That’s if you’re hiking solo. For those who want to hike with a guide, you’ll need to pay extra for this. The average price for hiking Gunung Sibayak with a guide is between 200,000 IDR – 300,000 IDR (£10 – £15)

Of course, prices may have changed since our last visit so please keep this in mind.

Our Experince Of Hiking Up Gunung Sibayak

First of all, we highly recommend staying at Kaesa Homestay for the best experience! The owner is lovely and used to work for the Indonesian Tourism Board so he knows his stuff when it comes to this hike.

From our accommodation, we headed up to hike the trail with a group of other travellers. After walking out of town, we made our way up to the hut, where we signed in. This is so there’s a record of who’s climbing the volcano. Then it was time to start the hike!

The route is relatively easy to follow but does get steep in some areas. The main challenge we found was the humidity, as this can make the hike feel much more difficult. As such, take plenty of breaks if needed and pack lots of water.

As you climb higher up Mount Sibayak, the smell of sulphur will start to get very strong. Although you’ll get a powerful smell of egg as you hike to the crater, the view from the top will be worth it.

As we were walking through the crater, we were blown away by the amount of vents. These constantly let out steam and sulphur, so they can be really loud. Just make sure you don’t get too close as these vents are really hot.

Although you can admire the views from the crater, there’s another viewpoint located higher up. It’s a steep climb to the top, and you’ll likely have to go on your hands and knees at some points. However, we didn’t find it too challenging and the views were phenomenal. It was a little bit nerve-wracking though.

The Best Time To Visit Mount Sibayak

You can hike up Gunung Sibayak all year round. However, there are a few things you’ll want to think about first. First of all, hiking in the dry season is a good idea as the weather conditions will be more favourable.

The dry season in Sumatra typically falls between April and October. During this time, average temperatures are still high, ranging from 27°C – 28°C (80°F – 82°F). However, there’s less chance of rainfall in the dry season, so this time of year will offer better hiking opportunities.

If you can, avoid hiking Gunung Sibayak when it’s raining (or has previously been raining). In this case, parts of the route can be extremely slippery, especially up at the crater where there’s loose rock.

It’s also a good idea to hike on a weekday, as on weekends, the hiking route up Gunung Sibayak can be more crowded. Make sure you head up early too so you’re not battling with the afternoon heat.

Important Things to Know When Hiking Gunung Sibayak

Climbing Sibayak Volcano is an amazing experience. However, without the right care and attention, it can also be dangerous. Below are some things to remember when hiking this volcano:

• Don’t climb the volcano alone – The climb itself is pretty simple if you stay on the main path. However, people have died on this hike and others are still missing (they have not been found to this day). As such, don’t hike up the volcano on your own and stick to the main bath.

• Bring plenty of water and snacks – From Berastagi the climb will take a good 3 hours, so bring lots of water and snacks. It will do you some good to pick up some sugary snacks or sweets to have at the top too! This way you’ll have some energy for the hike back down.

• Wear appropriate footwear – This may sound like an obvious one but flip-flops just won’t cut it here. The path can be steep in places and you’ll have to almost climb in some areas if you’re hiking to the top viewpoint. As such, wear good-quality trainers or hiking shoes.

• Be aware of falling rocks – Jack’s feet got swept out from underneath him whilst in the crater of the volcano as the rocks under his feet just fell away. Be careful where you’re standing, and watch your footing. You’re climbing an active volcano at the end of the day, so keep your eyes peeled.

Where To Stay In Berastagi

You won’t be short of options in the charming town of Berastagi. Although there aren’t any luxurious options, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly guesthouses here making it great for backpackers.

Below we’ve listed some of our recommendations!

Budget: Kaesa Homestay

We stayed in Kaesa Homestay during our stay in Berastagi and couldn’t recommend this place enough. Not only is it a 5-minute walk from town but the owners are lovely!

If you stay here, you’ll have breakfast included in your stay and it’s a great place to meet other travellers. The owner will also help you plan your Gunung Sibayak hike which is super helpful.

Mid-Range: Alloyna Country Cottage Berastagi

Alloyna Country Cottage Berastagi is still very affordable but it’s more expensive than Kaesa Homestay. There are a variety of options here, but most of the rooms sleep two people.

If you decide to stay here, you’ll benefit from on-site free private parking, free WiFi, and a shared lounge. Breakfast is also available at the property and you’ll be in a great location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gunung Sibayak

How long does it take to climb Mount Sibayak?

Climbing Gunung Sibayak takes at least three hours, possibly more. Those with high fitness levels may be able to do the hike quicker, but we’d recommend allowing 3-4 hours just to be on the safe side.

The time taken for this hike will also depend on where you start. Some people choose to hike from Berastagi, while others take a minibus to the base of Sibayak which will shorten your trek.

What is the difficulty level of Mount Sibayak?

Hiking Gunung Sibayak is moderately challenging in our opinion. We didn’t find it too difficult and if you stay on the main trail, the route is easy to follow. Just be aware that the humidity can make it harder.

That being said, people have died on this trail and some are still missing to this day. This is because people choose to hike off the trail and this is extremely dangerous.

How tall is Mount Sibayak?

At over 2,200 metres (7,218 feet) high, Gunung Sibayak is certainly impressive. The name ‘Sibayak’ actually translates to ‘King’ in the Karo Language and it’s not hard to see why!

This volcano can sometimes be confused with the neighbouring Gunung Sinabung, another volcano. Sinabung is 2,460 metres (8,070 feet) so is slightly higher.

Final Thoughts On Hiking Gunung Sibayak

There are tons of awesome things to do in Sumatra but climbing Gunung Sibayak is one of the best! Hiking up an active volcano offers an experience like no other and you’ll really feel like you’re at the hands of nature.

For the best experience, time your visit on a clear day and don’t hike alone. You’ll also need to wear suitable footwear and take your time, as the heat and humidity can make the hike challenging.

If you have any questions about hiking Gunung Sibayak, then be sure to get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

Here are some other guides that you may find helpful:

• Visiting Sipiso-Piso Waterfall In North Sumatra
• Visiting Gunung Leuser National Park In Sumatra
• The Ultimate North Sumatra Itinerary

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