Although its last eruption was more than a century ago, geothermal activity in the form of steam vents and hot springs remains high on and around the volcano.

Seepage of sulfurous gases has also caused acidic discolouration of the small crater lake.

Sibayak is a term from the Karo Batak language referring to a founding community.

Mount Sibayak is relatively easy to climb and has been a tourist attraction since colonial times.

On July 11, 1979, a Fokker F28 operating under Garuda Indonesian Airways crashed into this mountain.