Best places to see Orangutans in Sumatra: Locations, Travel Tips, and Local Insights

Best places to see Orangutans in Sumatra

Sumatra is one of the two places on Earth, besides Borneo, where you can see orangutans in their natural habitat. The island is home to the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, making it an extraordinary destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Here’s your guide to the best places to see orangutans in Sumatra, along with practical information on transfers, accommodations, tourist density, and local dining options to make your trip seamless and memorable.

1. Bukit Lawang: The Most Popular Place to See Orangutans in Sumatra

Bukit Lawang, located in North Sumatra, is the most famous place to see orangutans in Sumatra. The town sits on the edge of the lush Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last strongholds for the Sumatran orangutan population.

Transfers

Nearest Airport: Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, about 3-4 hours by car.
Getting There: From Medan, private taxis, public buses, and shuttle vans are available. Private transfers can be arranged for 55€, or you can take a bus for a more budget-friendly option (around $5-10). The drive takes around 4h.

Village Size and Tourist Traffic

Village Size: Small, with a relaxed, rural feel.
Tourist Density: Bukit Lawang is the most popular destination for seeing orangutans in Sumatra, so it attracts a fair number of tourists, especially during peak season (June to August). However, it’s still manageable, and you’ll often find a balance of both solo travelers, couples and families.

Best for Solo Travelers

Bukit Lawang is highly accessible for solo travelers, with affordable guesthouses, shared guided tours, and a welcoming traveler community. Solo visitors can easily find trekking groups to join, making it an ideal destination for making new friends.

What to expect

Bukit Lawang has a good size and offers a good mix of local and Western restaurants, shops and everything you could possibly need, without being to big and overcrowded on the other side. Accommodation ranges from basic guesthouses such as Sahnan to more fancy resorts such as Jungle Inn, Ecolodge or Sam’s Bungalow. This makes it a good places for families and groups who seek a little bit more comfort despite being close to the jungle.

Inquire about a jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang

2. Ketambe: A Quiet Alternative for a More Authentic Experience

If you’re seeking a more tranquil and less touristy experience, Ketambe is a fantastic alternative to Bukit Lawang. Located on the western side of Gunung Leuser National Park, Ketambe offers pristine rainforest with fewer tourists and excellent opportunities to spot orangutans.

Transfers

Nearest Airport: Medan’s Kualanamu International Airport (approximately 8-10 hours by road).
Getting There: You can take a shared or private taxi from Medan, which takes about 8-10 hours. It’s a long journey, so consider breaking up the trip in Berastagi if you’d like to explore more of Sumatra’s beautiful scenery. If you want to take the bus, take one to Kutacane first, then change to another bus to Ketambe.

Village Size and Tourist Traffic

Village Size: Very small, with minimal infrastructure.
Tourist Density: Low. Ketambe sees far fewer visitors than Bukit Lawang, making it ideal for those seeking a more remote orangutan experience.

Best for Solo Travelers

Ketambe’s off-the-beaten-path vibe attracts adventurous solo travelers who prefer tranquility over tourist crowds. However, it might be harder to find trekking groups to join, as there are less tourists.

What to expect

Ketambe is a very rural village. Dining options are limited to small warungs (local eateries) attached to guesthouses. They serve simple yet delicious Indonesian dishes, such as nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and fresh fruit. Accommodations are more basic bungalows.

3. Batu Katak: A Serene, Low-Key Village for Nature Enthusiasts

Just a short distance from Bukit Lawang lies Batu Katak, a quiet village surrounded by lush rainforest, limestone caves, and rivers. With fewer tourists and a more off-the-grid feel, it’s a great option for visitors looking for a more serene orangutan experience.

Transfers

Nearest Airport: Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, approximately 4 hours away.
Getting There: From Medan, you can hire a private taxi or arrange for transport through local guesthouses. The drive takes around 4 hours, similar to reaching Bukit Lawang, though Batu Katak itself has fewer direct transport options. If you want to come by bus, take the local minibus from Medan to Bukit Lawang and get off in Bohorok. Arrange a pickup from there.

Village Size and Tourist Traffic

Village Size: Small, with a very local, rural vibe.
Tourist Density: Very low. Compared to Bukit Lawang, Batu Katak sees a fraction of the visitors, offering a more tranquil experience where you can connect with nature.

Best for Solo Travelers

Batu Katak is ideal for solo travelers who appreciate solitude and nature. However, it might be harder to find trekking groups to join, as there are less tourists.

Dining Options

While the village lacks some of the infrastructure of Bukit Lawang, guesthouses and locals are welcoming, and arranging a trek with a local guide is easy. Dining is limited, with guesthouses and small warungs providing home-cooked meals. Try local dishes like ayam penyet (smashed fried chicken) and sayur asam (vegetable soup).

4. Tangkahan: Where Orangutans and Elephants Coexist

Tangkahan is a hidden gem located within Gunung Leuser National Park, where you can not only see orangutans but also interact with rescued elephants. Known as the “hidden paradise” of Sumatra, Tangkahan offers a unique and serene rainforest experience with river tubing, waterfalls, and eco-tourism projects.

Transfers

Nearest Airport: Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, around 4-5 hours by road.
Getting There: Private transfers from Medan are common, costing around 50-70€. If you want to come by bus, take the local minibus from Pinang Baris Busstation in Medan directly to Tangkahan. Takes around 4-5h.

Village Size and Tourist Traffic

Village Size: Small, with a very local, close-knit community vibe.
Tourist Density: Moderate, with fewer visitors than Bukit Lawang but slightly more than Ketambe. It’s still off the main tourist trail, providing a peaceful setting.

Best for Solo Travelers

Tangkahan is friendly for solo travelers, particularly those interested in eco-tourism and learning about conservation. Many accommodations organize group activities, making it easy for solo travelers to join in and meet others.

What to expect

Tangkahan is a small village, but a little bigger than Ketambe or Batu Katak. There are few restaurants and shops for basic needs. Accommodation is also more on the basic side, but great jungle views.

Read also: Elephant Trekking in Tangkahan

Key Tips for Seeing Orangutans in Sumatra

Hire a Guide: Seeing orangutans in Sumatra requires trekking with a certified guide. Guides not only know where to find orangutans, but they’re also knowledgeable about sustainable wildlife viewing. Read also: How to find a good trekking guide in Bukit Lawang?
Respect the Environment: Always follow eco-tourism practices. Don’t feed, call, touch or approach the orangutans, as human contact can be harmful to these endangered animals.
Be Prepared for Rainforest Conditions: Sumatra’s weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rains. Bring sturdy hiking boots, insect repellent, and lightweight rain gear.
Plan Your Budget: While basic food and accommodation are affordable, the prices for trekking are set by the Guide Association. Plan for these expenses accordingly. Read also: Prices for jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang

Sumatra’s orangutan habitats offer a blend of adventure and conservation, allowing you to experience the wonders of wildlife in a natural setting. From Bukit Lawang’s popular treks to the quiet forests of Batu Katak and the unique experience in Tangkahan, the places to see Orangutans in Sumatra suit every type of traveler looking to connect with nature and contribute to orangutan conservation.