Sumatra’s Tourism Sector Recovers Post-Cyclone: New Safe Travel Options for Visitors

Published on December 3, 2025

Due to Cyclone Senyar, severe flooding and landslides affected parts of Sumatra, Indonesia, in late November 2025. Casualties, injuries, and displacement affect multiple provinces. As water recedes, the affected provinces recover tourism more than the others. Most of the province’s primary tourist destinations open to the public and resume operations.

The Devastating Impact of Cyclone Senyar

Between November 19 and 28, Cyclone Senyar unleashed heavy rains and severe flooding across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reports a tragic toll: at least 659 lives lost, 464 people still missing, and over 570,000 displaced. The devastation affected local communities, infrastructure, farmland, and businesses, with many roads and bridges rendered impassable.

Despite the overwhelming damage, tourism in Sumatra is slowly getting back on its feet. While several areas remain affected, destinations such as Lake Toba in North Sumatra remain operational with minimal disruption. Other regions are gradually recovering, with local authorities and tourism stakeholders working to ensure the safety and comfort of travelers.

West Sumatra Faces Initial Disruptions but Gradual Recovery

West Sumatra was one of the worst-hit areas, especially the key cities of Padang and Bukittinggi, where floods and landslides disrupted tourism operations. Several tourists were temporarily stranded in Padang, but travel agencies and the local tourism office have ensured their safe return to their onward destinations. Darmawi, the chairman of the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) in West Sumatra, reported that tourists stuck in Padang are now being transported to their next destinations, and most visitors in Bukittinggi are returning to Padang.

Despite the disruptions, many other tourist destinations in West Sumatra have remained unaffected. The West Sumatra Tourism Office confirmed that areas such as Payakumbuh and Tanah Datar continue to be safe for travelers. However, certain regions including Limapuluh Kota, Solok, and Pariaman experienced partial disruptions. While some roads remain inaccessible due to flooding, authorities have prioritized the clearing of bridges and secondary routes to restore access.

Minimal Impact on North Sumatra: Lake Toba Remains Unaffected

North Sumatra, in contrast, experienced much less disruption. The region, famous for its stunning Lake Toba, Parapat, and Medan, remained operational throughout the disaster. While Tapanuli Tengah and Sibolga, located further away from the major tourist areas, were affected by flooding, areas like Lake Toba remained largely unaffected. Surya Salim, chairman of ASITA North Sumatra, reassured travelers that despite the flooding, the Kualanamu Airport-Medan toll route experienced minimal disruption, and alternative roads ensured continued access to Lake Toba.

Travel operators confirmed that Lake Toba remained open, with tours running smoothly. Christine Kowandi, tour manager at Horas Tours in Medan, shared that their seven-day group tour to Lake Toba went ahead as scheduled, with adjustments made to the itinerary to ensure smooth travel. Another group of tourists is scheduled to arrive this week, and everything remains on track for their visit.

Hotels and Services Continue to Function in North Sumatra

Hotels and accommodation providers in North Sumatra, particularly in Medan, have also maintained steady operations. Denny S Wardhana, chairman of the Indonesia Hotels and Restaurants Association North Sumatra chapter, reported that most hotels in the Medan city center were not affected by the flooding and continued to operate with high occupancy rates. Many of these hotels also provided shelter for residents displaced by the floods, showcasing the resilience of the hospitality industry.

While the situation in West Sumatra remains fluid, the recovery process is well underway. The West Sumatra Tourism Office is coordinating with local authorities to ensure that destinations meet safety standards ahead of the upcoming Christmas and New Year period. Lila Yanwar, head of the office, emphasized the importance of assessing each destination for safety and preparing holiday programs to offer secure travel experiences to tourists.

Tourism Still On Track for the Year-End Season

Despite the challenges posed by Cyclone Senyar, tourism stakeholders remain optimistic for the rest of 2025. Year-end bookings in West Sumatra are largely unaffected, and while the low season has seen some cancellations, the upcoming festive period is expected to see a recovery. The Minang Geopark Run 2025 event, which was initially impacted, is expected to be rescheduled, and bookings are expected to pick up in the coming weeks.

In North Sumatra, the tourism sector is experiencing a steady flow of visitors to Lake Toba and other popular destinations. With the infrastructure repairs underway and alternative routes in place, travelers can expect a smooth and enjoyable experience in the region.

The Path Forward: Ensuring Safe and Enjoyable Travel

The recent work being done to restore access to certain areas of the Island of Sumatra will strengthen the Island’s standing as one of the prime tourist locations in the country of Indonesia. With slight inconveniences in the Northern part of Sumatra and slow improvements in the western part of Sumatra, the Island of Sumatra will continue to be an interesting place for tourists in search of cultural and natural beauty.