Mount Sibayak (Gunung Sibayak)

2,212 m (7,257 ft)

It can take as little as 2-3 hours to complete the hike up to Gunung Siyabak’s crater but can take as long as 3-4 hours depending on the hiker’s fitness levels and the weather.

There are multiple ways up to the crater of Mount Sibayak. The easiest and most popular route starts near Sibayak Multinational Resthouse in Berastagi. This route is 7 km (4.3 mi) and follows a road most of the way. There is another route from the base of the volcano which is narrower and less well-maintained. The third route is the longest and takes you through the jungle.

We’ll be focussing on the most popular route and the general terrain up the mountain. 

The first part of the hike up consists of a badly maintained tar road, before reaching a hut where you pay your entrance fee.

Beyond the hut, the road turns into a path which leads you through the dense jungle.

As the hike progresses the trail gets steeper. 

After about 2 hours you’ll be greeted by the unpleasant scent of sulphur. The terrain now consists of yellow, green and grey jagged rocks, some spewing out noxious gasses and steam at high speed. There is a section of mud steps in this part of the trek. Beware of loose rocks beneath your feet. it is easy to slip and fall and can be very slippery when wet from rain.

The crater is a steaming grey hole with a sulphur lake at the bottom and volcanic rock surrounding it. You can make your way to the outer rim from the lake for a better viewpoint. 

It’s possible to take a different route back down, but most people like to take the same route so they can make a short detour to enjoy the hot springs

The weather in this area is generally comfortably muggy and overcast year-round. Average temperatures vary from 15°C to 24°C (58°F to 75°F). It is hotter between March and late June with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F). The cooler period is from mid-November to mid-January with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F).

The wet season is between early May and late December, and the dry season is between late December and early May. The driest month of the year is February. During the wet season, the trek up Sibayak can be very slippery and dangerous. There have been fatalities due to people hiking up without a guide, and slipping and falling. 

the best time to plan a climb is between early January and mid-April or from early June to mid-July when there is less rain and slightly cooler weather.

If you’re not camping at the crater lake, you will need some good hiking shoes, a raincoat, as well as a swimming costume and towel if you are visiting the hot springs on the way down. You’ll also need to take sunscreen and whatever snacks and water you need.

There are no facilities on the trail. You should buy drinks and snacks from Berastagi or the small shop at the end of the unmaintained tar road before embarking on your hike.

It is not safe to drink the water on the volcano.

You are not required by regulation to have a guide, however a guide is recommended. While it may be easy for some to find their way up Sibayak, there have been more than a few cases of people getting hurt or passing away due to hiking in wet weather and falling and injuring themselves badly, or getting lost. 

Hiring a guide is worth it. Otherwise, make sure to hike in a group.

Mount Sibayak is located in north Sumatra, Indonesia. More specifically, it can be found just outside the city of Berastagi. 

To get there, one can get a local flight from Medan, Sumatra’s largest city, to the nearest airport, Kuala Namu Airport. Other local airports also have flights going in this direction. Another option is to take a 2-hour drive to Berastagi from Medan via a bus, hired vehicle, ojek or taxi.

Do not attempt this climb alone. As already mentioned, some may find it easy to navigate to the crater, but the risk of getting lost or injured with no help is too high. The trail may be easily accessed, but other regions of the mountain are untouched and wild, so if you lose your way it can be dangerous.

If you choose to go without a guide, make sure to go in a group of at least 3 people and make sure you have a suitable navigation tool.  

Be aware of loose rocks under your feet.