Two Japanese travellers chose motorbike rental Medan for an unforgettable journey across North Sumatra and West Sumatra. Instead of joining a regular tour, they decided to explore the island on two Honda Vario scooters.
Starting in Medan, their route took them through Sikulikap, Berastagi, Sidikalang, Tarutung, Sibolga, Padangsidimpuan, Panyabungan, Rao, and Bonjol before reaching Bukittinggi and finally Padang.
Along the way, the journey included waterfalls, coffee plantations, mangrove forests, mountain roads, and famous landmarks. The highlight came in Bonjol, where they visited the Equator Monument before continuing towards West Sumatra’s major destinations.
Starting the Journey with Motorbike Rental Medan
The adventure began in Medan, North Sumatra.
The travellers picked up two Honda Vario scooters for their multi-day journey. They planned to travel from Medan across North Sumatra and eventually reach Padang in West Sumatra.
Using motorcycles gave them more freedom. They could stop at interesting places, enjoy local scenery, and adjust their journey along the way.
After preparing the motorcycles, they left Medan and headed towards the highlands.
Motorbike Ride from Medan to Sikulikap Waterfall and Berastagi
Their first destination was Sikulikap Waterfall, located near Berastagi.
The journey from Medan to the highlands brought a quick change in scenery. Busy city roads gradually gave way to greener landscapes and mountain views.
At Sikulikap, they stopped to enjoy the waterfall and surrounding nature.
Afterwards, they continued to Berastagi.
Berastagi is one of the most popular highland destinations in North Sumatra. The cooler weather also made it a comfortable place to rest after their first day on the road.
They spent their first night in Berastagi.
The next morning, the real long-distance adventure would begin.
Berastagi, Sidikalang Coffee Plantations and Tarutung
The second day started with a ride towards Sidikalang.
This area is famous for its coffee-growing tradition. For the Japanese travellers, visiting a coffee plantation was a chance to experience another side of North Sumatra.
Instead of simply passing through, they took time to enjoy the plantation and the rural scenery.
The route then continued towards Tarutung.
The road offered a mixture of hills, villages, plantations, and open countryside. It was very different from the busy streets of Medan.
After a full day of riding, they reached Tarutung.
They spent the night there before continuing west on the following morning.
Motorbike Journey from Tarutung to Sibolga and Padangsidimpuan
The third day brought another interesting change of scenery.
Their main destination was Padangsidimpuan. However, they decided to make a stop in Sibolga along the way.
Sibolga is located on the western coast of North Sumatra. The coastal environment was completely different from the highlands they had experienced earlier.
One of their stops was a mangrove tourism area.
They enjoyed the mangrove landscape before getting back on their Honda Vario scooters and continuing the journey.
Eventually, they reached Padangsidimpuan.
After another long day on the road, they checked in and spent the night in the city.
Day 4: Riding from Padangsidimpuan to Panyabungan and Rao
The fourth day took them further west.
Their destination was Rao, but they first travelled through the Panyabungan area.
Along the way, they visited the area around Batang Gadis National Park.
This part of the journey showed them a quieter side of Sumatra. The route passed through natural landscapes, hills, forests, and rural communities.
For motorcycle travellers, these sections can be just as memorable as major tourist attractions.
There is also something special about travelling slowly enough to see the landscape change.
After exploring the Panyabungan area, they continued towards Rao in West Sumatra.
They eventually arrived in Rao and spent the night there.
The following day would take them to one of the most special destinations on their route.
Motorbike Journey to the Equator Monument in Bonjol
The fifth day was one of the highlights of their journey.
From Rao, they continued towards Bonjol, home of the famous Equator Monument.
The Equator Monument in Bonjol, also known as Tugu Khatulistiwa Bonjol, marks the location where the Equator crosses this part of West Sumatra.
For international travellers, standing at the Equator is a unique experience.
For these Japanese travellers, reaching the Equator by motorcycle made the experience even more memorable.
They had already travelled through several areas of North Sumatra. Now they had crossed into West Sumatra and reached one of Indonesia’s most interesting geographical landmarks.
It was not simply another sightseeing stop.
It became one of the main memories of their entire motorcycle journey.
Riding from Bonjol to Bukittinggi and Jam Gadang
After visiting the Equator Monument, they continued towards Bukittinggi.
Their next major stop was Jam Gadang, the famous clock tower in the centre of Bukittinggi.
Bukittinggi is known for its highland atmosphere, cultural heritage, and dramatic surrounding landscapes.
After several days of travelling through smaller towns and rural areas, the city offered a different experience.
They took time to enjoy Jam Gadang before continuing towards Padang.
Passing Lembah Anai on the Way to Padang
The final section of their road journey took them through Lembah Anai.
The area is known for its tropical forest, mountains, and scenic road connecting the highlands with the west coast.
For travellers riding a motorcycle, this part of the route can be particularly enjoyable.
The scenery changes as the road moves from the highlands towards Padang.
After passing through Lembah Anai, they continued to Padang.
Their long motorcycle journey from Medan had finally reached its destination.
Returning the Motorbikes in Padang
Their rental arrangement was slightly different from a standard return to Medan.
From the beginning, they had requested to return the two Honda Vario scooters in Padang.
The one-way return was agreed in advance, including an additional fee for the service.
This arrangement made sense for their itinerary.
They did not need to ride back to Medan after reaching Padang. Instead, they could finish their journey in the city and prepare for their flight home.
For travellers planning a longer Sumatra adventure, a one-way return can be a useful option.
It allows you to explore more destinations without spending additional days retracing the same route.
Why Choose a Motorbike for a Sumatra Adventure?
A motorcycle gives travellers flexibility.
You can stop when you see an interesting view. You can visit smaller attractions that may not be included in regular tours. You can also change your route when needed.
This journey is a good example.
The travellers did not simply travel from one major city to another.
They stopped at Sikulikap, explored coffee plantations around Sidikalang, visited mangroves in Sibolga, explored the Panyabungan area, crossed the Equator in Bonjol, visited Jam Gadang, and passed through Lembah Anai.
Each stop added something different to the trip.
Tips for Tourists Planning a Long Motorcycle Trip
A long-distance motorcycle journey in Sumatra requires preparation.
First, make sure you have the correct driving documents before starting your trip.
Next, check the motorcycle carefully. Pay attention to the tyres, brakes, lights, engine condition, and fuel level.
It is also important to plan your overnight stops.
Some areas between major cities have fewer accommodation options. Therefore, knowing where you will stay can make the journey more comfortable.
Weather is another important factor.
Rain can appear quickly in mountainous areas. A rain jacket and waterproof protection for your luggage are useful items to carry.
Finally, do not try to cover too much distance in one day.
Enjoy the journey and take breaks when necessary.
A Japanese Motorcycle Adventure Across Sumatra
What started as a motorcycle rental in Medan became a much bigger adventure.
Two Japanese travellers travelled across two provinces using two Honda Vario scooters.
They experienced the highlands around Berastagi, coffee plantations near Sidikalang, the roads around Tarutung, the coastal environment of Sibolga, the landscapes of Panyabungan, and the remote roads towards Rao.
Then came the highlight: standing at the Equator Monument in Bonjol.
From there, they continued to Bukittinggi, visited Jam Gadang, passed through Lembah Anai, and finally reached Padang.
The next day, they left Sumatra through Minangkabau International Airport and returned to Japan.
Their journey is a great example of how travelling by motorcycle can turn a simple holiday into a real adventure.
Planning Your Own Journey from Medan?
You do not have to follow exactly the same route.
You could explore Berastagi and Lake Toba. You could continue towards West Sumatra. Or you could create your own route based on the destinations you want to visit.
If you are looking for motorbike rental Medan for a multi-day trip, choosing the right motorcycle and planning your return location in advance can make your journey much easier.
For travellers who want to finish their adventure outside Medan, ask about one-way return options before booking.
Your Sumatra adventure can start in Medan and end wherever your journey takes you.
Ride. Explore. Discover Sumatra on two wheels.
