National park · Indonesia
Batang Gadis National ParkTaman Nasional Batang Gadis
Enter Batang Gadis for a day hike to Mount Sorikmarapi (2‑3 h) or a full‑day river raft; go May‑Oct, avoid the rainy season, and budget IDR 30,000 entry.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1,350 km² (521 sq mi)521 sq mi (1,350 km²)
approximate
Established
2004
Best months
May–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Indonesia ↗Buy the visa on arrival or e-visa only on the official Immigration portal; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Indonesia ↗Complete the All Indonesia digital arrival and customs form before landing; it is free.
- Indonesia ↗Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy; keep the payment proof on your phone.
- Indonesia ↗Riding a motorbike needs a valid licence that covers motorbikes (an international permit alongside your own) and a helmet; check your insurance covers it.
- Sumatra ↗Aceh applies sharia-influenced rules: modest dress, no alcohol sold in most places.
- Sumatra ↗Do not drive the Trans-Sumatran Highway after dark; sharp curves are poorly signed and roadside theft is reported.
- North Sumatra ↗Kualanamu International Airport is the main gateway for the province.
At a glance
- Country
- Indonesia
- Area
- 1,350 km² (521 sq mi)521 sq mi (1,350 km²)
- The park spans roughly 1,350 km² of highland swamp, limestone and lowland forest (check).
- Established
- 2004
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Medan
Batang Gadis National Park in North Sumatra protects diverse ecosystems—from swamp forests to limestone hills—and offers a moderate summit hike to Mount Sorikmarapi and river rafting on the Batang Gadis River.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2004.
Size and age
1,350 km² (521 sq mi)521 sq mi (1,350 km²) · national park since 2004
The park spans roughly 1,350 km² of highland swamp, limestone and lowland forest (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Medan.
Why go
- Highland swamp and limestone forests with rare wildlife.
- Mount Sorikmarapi offers panoramic views.
- Rafting on the Batang Gadis River provides a water adventure.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanWet, trails muddy
- FebWet, trails muddy
- MarIncreasing rain
- AprTransition to dry
- MayDry, clear skies
- JunDry, good for trekking
- JulDry, ideal for rafting
- AugDry, ideal for rafting
- SepDry, good visibility
- OctStart of rains
- NovRainy, trails slippery
- DecRainy, limited access
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sumatran tiger (rare sightings)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Malayan tapirAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds (including Salvadori's pheasant)Mar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Park headquarters (Trikora area) | Visitor centre, ticket office, short trails | Open daily |
| Mount Sorikmarapi sector | Trail to summit, viewpoint | Guided recommended |
| Batang Gadis River stretch | Rafting launch point | Operator controlled |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate, based on park centre.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult) | IDR 30,000 (≈ US$2) | person | Check latest price at gate |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Mount Sorikmarapi hike no permit
River rafting permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for river rafting and recommended for summit trek
- Camping
- Not allowed outside designated areas; use nearby villages for accommodation
- Fires
- Open fires prohibited; use camp stoves only
- Wildlife
- Do not approach large mammals; keep distance
Where to stay
Near the park
Mandailing Natal town
Guesthouses and small hotels, 30 min from gate
In the park
Village homestays (e.g., near Sorikmarapi)
Basic rooms, support local communities
Safety
Wildlife encounters medium
River rapids high
Heavy rain medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Headquarters area reachable by car with short walks.
- Summit trail steep; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use local guides and homestays to benefit communities.
- Do not litter; pack out all waste.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Batang Gadis National Park?
Entry is IDR 30,000 per adult (check at gate for latest price).
What are the best hikes in Batang Gadis National Park?
Mount Sorikmarapi summit (2‑3 h) and short forest loops near the headquarters are the most accessible; longer treks need a guide.
When is the best time to visit Batang Gadis National Park?
May to September offers dry weather and clear trails; the rainy season (Oct‑Mar) can make routes slippery.
Can I camp inside the park?
Camping is only allowed in designated sites; most visitors stay in nearby villages.
Is a guide required for the summit hike?
Not mandatory, but a guide is recommended for safety and navigation.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Batang Gadis National Park
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