Mount Sibayak (Gunung Sibayak) is a stratovolcano that looming over the town of Berastagi in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Understand

Sibayak is a term from the Karo Batak language referring to a founding community.

Get in

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 Lestari post from the west.

• Easiest route is from 1 Lestari post.  as it starts from attitude about 1000 meters and 1-1½ 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 2 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, the crater may be filled with water to form a volcanic lake. If you love camping, 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 locals. 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 locals. 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.

See and do

• Every August 17th, a yearly ceremony and pole climbing competition held on Mount Sibayak
• Enjoy and took a bath in hot springs

Go next

• Mount Sinabung, another mountain in North Sumatra.