Highlights of Sumatra small group vacation

Planet

Carbon Reduction

As a travel company we're acutely aware of our impact on the environment. Each one of our tours displays a carbon footprint, and we're working to reduce our emissions by regularly reviewing our itineraries and embracing lower-impact styles of travel such as trains, public buses or walking – which aren't just better for the planet, but we believe offer a more enjoyable and authentic travel experience too. We're a Certified B Corp that's committed to creating unforgettable adventures while protecting our planet for future generations.
There are no internal flights on this itinerary. We travel by road and public ferry, including the ferry across Lake Toba to Samosir Island, and much of the trip is spent walking. Accommodation also takes practical steps to reduce energy use: rooms at the eco lodge feature fans rather than air conditioning, accommodation in Tabo utilises solar power for hot water and electric motorbikes for its operations, and almost all electricity at the Silimalombu Ecovillage comes from solar power. Meals highlight locally sourced ingredients, with vegetarian options like vegetables, tempeh, and tofu available throughout the journey, whilst select accommodations separate food waste for composting or send it to a local pig farm.

Environment and Wildlife

We strive to support nature and biodiversity through protection and regeneration projects, and for every customer that travels with us we make a donation to Rewilding Britain and Cool Earth. We encourage customers to avoid single-use plastic on tour, and our leaders give advice on refill points each day. Where tap water isn't safe to drink we recommend Water-to-Go bottles, a filtration bottle allowing you to drink water from any source.
The trip takes us into Gunung Leuser National Park, where local guides and certified park rangers accompany us on rainforest walks and wildlife spotting. We also visit the Wings Project, a community-led initiative tackling plastic pollution while supporting rainforest conservation and local livelihoods, where we see how plastic waste is turned into eco-bricks. Throughout the trip, we encourage responsible behaviour around nature, including avoiding single-use plastic and not taking or damaging plants or the environment.

People

Local Economy

Our leaders are the heart of tours. They bring passion and unrivalled knowledge of the destinations and communities that we visit. Their guidance ensures we observe the cultural norms in a destination, they act as a bridge between travelers and the local community and ensure that tourism is a positive experience for both host and guest. We believe in supporting local; staying in locally-run hotels, exploring markets, buying snacks from street vendors, and by doing this we add money to the local economy and enhance our connection with the local community.
Two of the three accommodations on this trip are locally owned, while the third is owned by someone who has lived in Sumatra for many years. We also use local guides and rangers throughout the trip and visit local markets and communities, helping keep tourism spending within the destinations we visit.

Employment, Inclusivity and Diversity

We believe that diversity is to be celebrated and as a Certified B Corp we're committed to championing equity and inclusion throughout our entire supply chain. We believe that an inclusive approach is essential, and that the best results occur when contributors have different opinions, experiences and backgrounds to bring to the table.
Our local operating team is made up almost entirely of Indonesian staff. We also prioritise opportunities for local tour leaders and guides in the destinations we visit, helping create employment within local communities. The team is committed to equal employment opportunities, including supporting women in office-based roles and providing opportunities for people with disabilities.