Spots left for 8 day group tour from 17 Nov! More Info
Few spots left for our 8 day group tour from 11 Feb! More Info
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best season to visit Sumatra?
Sumatra can be enjoyed all year round, but our high season is from May through to September. November until February is considered the wet season and while we still trek during this time, there is a higher chance of rain.
How is the weather? What if it rains?
Sumatra has a mostly tropical climate – hot and humid. In North Sumatra, the dry season lasts from April to September and there are many sunny days. The rainy season does not mean that it rains all day like in Southeast Asia. It’s just more likely to rain, but mostly in the afternoon. Especially here in Bukit Lawang, rain is always possible next to the rainforest. Temperatures are around 30°C all year round. In the jungle, especially after the rain, the temperature can drop to 20°C at night. The treks start every day, whatever the weather, so pack rain gear.
How do I get to Bukit Lawang?
We gathered some information on how to get to Bukit Lawang.
Can you also arrange an accommodation?
Yes of course. We can recommend many guesthouses and hotels around Bukit Lawang suiting every budget. Read also: Accommodation in Bukit Lawang
How much is the trekking?
The prices can be found here.
Do you offer discounts?
The prices for jungle trekking are set by the guide association (HPI). This is to ensure that all those involved (guides, porters, cooks, national park) receive a fair salary. All prices include entrance fees, guide, food, accommodation (2/3 days), rafting back (except 3 hours).
Do you offer children's prices?
The guide association (HPI) has unfortunately not set any prices for children.
Where do the treks start?
Our jungle treks take place in Gunung Leuser National Park and we start in the small village of Bukit Lawang on the edge of the national park. The treks start at 9am and we will pick you up from your accommodation in Bukit Lawang.
Where can I leave my luggage?
You can leave your luggage and everything you don’t want to take on the trek in your accommodation. Also if you go on multiple day treks. All accommodations offer luggage storage.
Do I have to have a certain level of fitness?
Orangutan Trekking Tours are suited to people of all ages, who are in reasonably good health. If you have a health condition that might inhibit your ability to do a trek with us, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What happens when I get sick?
If you fall ill before the trek, please let us know immediately. Cancellation of the trek is free of charge and we will refund any deposits paid.
Should you fall ill or injure yourself during the trek, we are prepared for minor cases (stomach ache, skin rashes, scratches, insect bites). If in doubt, the trek can be cancelled at any time. The nearest doctor is about 5 kilometres outside Bukit Lawang and can treat fever and infections. In case of serious illness or injury, you must go to the hospital in Medan. We strongly recommend that you take out travel health insurance to cover hospitalisation costs.
Am I allowed to give the orangutans food or cuddle them?
No. We respect the orangutans and their habitat. Orangutans raised in the wild are typically shy and territorial, so we try to observe them without disturbing their natural way of life.
What do I need to bring?
See our page What to bring.
Do I need hiking boots? And what should I wear?
Hiking boots are not essentially necessary, you can also use trainers with a good sole. If you want we can also provide you with the local shoes all the guides are wearing. Regarding the cloths comfyness is most important. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. You don’t need to wear long clothes, as there are next to no leeches or dangerous plants.
Will I only see orangutans?
Of course not! Sumatra’s jungles are a widely diverse blend of wildlife and plants, such as macaques, snakes, gibbons, peacocks or tucans.Check out our blog post about the Wildlife in the jungle of Bukit Lawang.
How many people will be on my tour?
The 3-hour and 1-day treks take place from 1 person, the 2- and 3-day treks from 2 people. Maximum 6 people per group. With this group size we can trek freely in the jungle and support everyone equally. However, if you are travelling in a larger group, please contact us. We can organise additional guides or split the groups.
If you are travelling alone and you want to do a 2 or 3 day trek, please contact us. Thanks to our network of guides and tour operators we will find a tour for you.
What is included in the trek?
- We provide you with food throughout the day.
- Bedding per person (if you stay overnight)
- First aid if necessary
- Pickup from your accommodation
- The chance to see orangutans in the wild
- Lots of laughs, learning and memories!
- English speaking guide and own chef (the latte only when staying overnight)
- Admission fee and park entrance permit.
- Filtered water, tea and coffee in the camp (if you stay overnight)
- Tubing back to Bukit Lawang (except 3h trek)
What will I eat on the junlge trek?
Our cooks will prepare delicious Indonesian food. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available. We can cater to your dietary requirements – just let us know in advance.
Where do we sleep in the jungle?
You spend the night in a simple, half-open shelter that offers you a protected place to sleep in the heart of the jungle. Large plastic tarpaulins protect you from the rain. The ‘beds’ consist of mattresses about 5 cm thick that lie on the ground and are covered by a mosquito net to keep insects at bay. A blanket is also provided for the cooler hours of the night. Read all about the overnight stay in the jungle camp in Bukit Lawang here.
Are there toilets or showers in the camp?
There are no showers, instead you can refresh yourself in the river if you wish. There is an outside toilet or an area behind the shelters for the most important needs. Read all about the overnight stay in the jungle camp in Bukit Lawang here.
Is there electricity in the camp?
No, there is no electricity and no mobile phone reception. If necessary, bring a power bank or use the time for a digital detox. Read all about the overnight stay in the jungle camp in Bukit Lawang here.
How can I book?
If you would like to book a trek, please fill out the form below and we will be in touch shortly.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We recommend that you book at least two weeks in advance, so we can make sure everything is in place. However, we will try our best to book you in short notice as well, just ask!
What are the terms of payment?
Deposit
We always take a deposit of 50€, payable to an European bank account.
Final payment
The rest must be paid in cash in IDR on site or some days before again by bank transfer.
Note: There is no atm in Bukit Lawang.
Please see our terms.
What are the terms of cancellation?
Please see our terms.
Do you also offer package tours?
If you want to do more than just jungle trekking, we also offer a range of customisable package tours. Check them out here
Jungle Trek in Bukit Lawang
For questions and bookings please contact us
Get inspired, browse our tours, or contact us directly – we look forward to creating your tailor-made dream trip to Sumatra.
We started as a tour operator not only because we love the island and the nature, but also to connect and help the locals. We work with a selected bunch of locals for trekking, transport an guiding and also help local NGOs. More about us
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