Discover the Serenity of Pulau Sikantan: A Hidden Gem in North Sumatra

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, start by heading towards the Labuhanbatu Regency. You can use the main road from Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. Take the Riau-Labuhanbatu road (Route 1) heading south. Continue driving until you reach the town of Rantauprapat, which is approximately 300 km from Medan. From Rantauprapat, take the road towards Panai Hulu. Follow the signs to Tanjung Sarang Elang and then look for signs leading to Pulau Sikantan. The total drive should take around 6-7 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Make sure to keep local maps or GPS handy as some areas may not have clear signage.

• Public Transportation

  For those using public transportation, first take a bus from Medan to Rantauprapat. Buses to Rantauprapat leave frequently from the Amplas bus terminal in Medan, and the journey takes approximately 6-7 hours. Once in Rantauprapat, you will need to transfer to a local minibus or 'angkot' that goes to Panai Hulu. Inform the driver that your destination is Tanjung Sarang Elang. After reaching the town, you may need to take a local motorcycle taxi (ojek) or walk to reach Pulau Sikantan, which is located in the nearby area. Make sure to check the bus schedules in advance and consider carrying some cash for local transportation costs.

• Boat

  If you prefer a more scenic route, consider taking a boat from nearby coastal areas. You would first need to travel by car or public transportation to a coastal town such as Tanjung Balai. From Tanjung Balai, you can hire a local boat to Pulau Sikantan. The boat ride may take about 1-2 hours depending on the weather conditions and the type of boat. Be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand and check for the availability of boat services, as they may vary.