Berastagi is a small farmer town in Karo. Berastagi means “city of rice”. It is famous for fruit, vegetable, and tourism. Flanked by two active volcanoes namely Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak and at the altitude of 1,300 meters (4,265 ft) above sea level, it is one of the coolest towns in Indonesia. Berastagi is about 2 hours from Medan. To see it on the map, click here.
On 17th December 2022, Medan-Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) through the Directorate General of Highways completed a work package for the construction of cantilever road widening and bends on the Medan-Berastagi road section, North Sumatra (North Sumatra). Widening the road serves to unravel the congestion that often occurs.
Head of the North Sumatra National Road Implementation Agency (BBPJN) Brawijaya said, the construction of cantilever road widening and bends on the Medan-Berastagi road section was built at 12 points, starting from the bend in the Sembahe Area to the border of Karo Regency towards Berastagi.
What’s Special
Berastagi has been a dream destination for visitors landing in Medan and Lake Toba. The town is also famous among local tourists. Why? There are 5 reasons for that.
- First, the town has elevated panoramic view and weather, in addition to fruit shopping. Hills, mountains, valleys and agricultural fields dominate the landscape, offering the sense of living deeply in nature.
- Second, it is the crossroad to access various attractions in Karo, including the two mountains and several theme parks such as Lumbini Nature Park and Mikie Funland.
- Third, the town has a lot of heritage and cultural attractions to see. Traditional life in certain parts of the town is similar to that in Dokan village.
- Forth, the location is rich in rain forest and hills. If you are from the Middle East you will find Berastagi a sensational tour due to its contrast look compared to your homeland.
Finally, if you want to understand the Karo Batak culture, which is slightly different from that of Toba Batak you see on Samosir, then the best place to go is the Karo Heritage Museum at Berastagi.
What to Enjoy
If you come with kids, consider visiting Mikie Funland for fund rides. There are easy rides and tough ones to choose. If you don’t like to take any of the rides, then you can relax on one of benches for guests. Order food and drinks while enjoying the views of Berastasi.
Then, visit the Tongkoh Botanical Garden to pick the fruit straight from the tree. This place is a tourist spot that is a pity to miss when visiting Berastagi. There are three types of fruit featured here, namely strawberries, oranges, and passion fruit. You can enjoy the fresh fruit at the location or take it home as a souvenir.
Depending on your taste of culture, you may also visit the Karo museum for knowledge that you won’t find elsewhere.
What to Expect
Berastagi is not by the lake, but miles away. Do not expect a lake experience there. Rather, expect the beauty of the rainforest, quality agriculture, and a deeper look into the Karo Batak culture.
What Visitors Say
“View is perfect, …” Faisal Faisal (Source)
“Ps: I suggest that people can bring or wear their jacket or sweater because this place is really cool.” Sisca Debora (Source)
“Gundaling hill is another recreation place in Berastagi. If you are tourist, I recommend you to come here. The cold breeze really refresh your body. You can also take some good photographies there. The view is great. From the top of this hill you can take Sibayak and Sinabung mountain photo directly with you. You can also find many good spots and dont need to worry about food and drink, you can find them there. You can also hire mat from people there to sit and enjoy that place.” Tony (Source)
“…,And don’t miss the view of Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung. This hill is overgrown by various types of trees that give a cool and shady sensation. The beauty of this tourist area lies not only in the shady trees. But the variety of beautiful flower plants, green rice fields,…” Visitgoid (Source)
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