Volcanic cones smoke and mist creeps over the jungle-dressed peaks of north-central Sumatra, the perch on which the breezy hill station of Berastagi can be found amidst sound of purring traffic and chatting holidaymakers out of nearby Medan city. Indonesia's European colonists were the first to find their way up to this highland town, where the temperature sits at a soothing average of 18 degrees Celsius. Once here, the enticing setting beneath the rises of the great Barisan Mountains are its biggest draw, with Berastagi tour guides often shunning the town's bustling fruit market in favor of the lush green Karo highlands. While day-long treks up smoke-spluttering Gunung Sibayak are possible, the ash-topped volcano of Gunung Sinabung that erupted as recently as 2015 is off limits. Be sure not to leave without visiting the traditional horn shaped roof homes at the Lingga village, or taking in the views from the top of Gundaling hill, and pampering yourself in the Lau debuk-debuk hot springs as well!