Code of Conduct for Jungle Trekking

Code of Conduct for Encounters with Orangutans and Nature in Gunung Leuser National Park

As a responsible tour operator, we are committed to protecting Gunung Leuser National Park and its unique wildlife. The protection of wild orangutans is especially close to our hearts. That’s why we follow strict ethical guidelines on all our trekking tours – for the well-being of the animals, the preservation of nature, and the benefit of future generations.

Our Code – for Respectful Encounters in the Wild:

  1. No Feeding of Wildlife
    Feeding orangutans (or any other wildlife) is strictly prohibited. It disrupts their natural behavior, creates dependency, and can spread diseases.
  2. No Calling, Luring or Touching
    We are guests in the animals’ natural habitat. We do not call or provoke animals to get a better view or photo. Physical contact is absolutely off-limits – for their safety and ours.
  3. Keep a Safe Distance
    We always maintain a minimum distance of 10 meters from orangutans. If an animal approaches, we respectfully move back.
  4. We Observe – We Don’t Interact
    Our goal is to witness the animals’ natural behavior without interfering or disturbing their environment.
  5. No Litter in the Forest
    Our guides carry out all waste – including trash left behind by others. We leave the forest as untouched as we found it.
  6. Small Groups, Licenced Guides Only
    Our tours are conducted in small groups with professional, licenced guides who are trained in wildlife ethics and conservation.
  7. Highest salary in Bukit Lawang for our guides
    Guests want to make sure that their money actually goes to the locals. We can assure you: All income from our jungle treks go directly to our local team in Bukit Lawang. The guides, cooks and porters are farily paid for their work. Christine, as the managing director of Discover Sumatra, does not earn anything from the trekking fees.
  8. Respect for Flora, Fauna, and Local Communities
    We stay quiet, stick to designated trails, and treat all living beings – animal, plant, or human – with respect.

Why This Code Matters

The future of orangutans depends on how we choose to encounter them today. Ethical ecotourism can support conservation – but only when carried out with awareness, respect, and responsibility.

Thank you for being part of the solution.

What our guests say

Google
Eileen Sparpana profile picture
Eileen Sparpana
25 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Best experience ever!!! I can't express how wonderful our experience was with Discover Sumatra! Our main guide Imran, our main driver Farried and the other guides went above and beyond. They took such good care of us and were so much fun! They really felt like family by the end of the week ♥ Having never experienced Sumatran driving I should have been scared but Farried was such a good driver that I was completely comfortable. Everyone we encountered in Sumatra was SO friendly. Thank you for a trip of a lifetime ♥♥ Tarima Kasih!
Google
Christoph Göttert profile picture
Christoph Göttert
21 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The tour with Discover Sumatra was very memorable and well-organized. Everything went smoothly, and communication with the agency was straightforward and proactive. We would recommend Discover Sumatra anytime.
Tripadvisor
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Christoph G
21 August 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
Fantastic Trip Through Northern Sumatra The tour with Discover Sumatra was very memorable and well-organized. Everything went smoothly, and communication with the agency was straightforward and proactive. We would recommend Discover Sumatra anytime.
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Brooke Heaton
11 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Fabio and Angga gave us an amazing experience on this trek! It was really hard in spots but they were super patient and kept us really safe! Wonderful food, so much variety! Really grateful to the team who organise everything behind the scenes too ☺️
Google
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Paul Ranzijn
30 July 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We spent seven unforgettable days exploring North Sumatra with Discover Sumatra, and it exceeded all our expectations. From the very first contact, Christine and Saprol were friendly, responsive and extremely well organized. Every transfer, activity and accommodation was arranged perfectly, allowing us to fully enjoy the trip. The itinerary offered a fantastic balance between nature and culture. Our jungle trek in Gunung Leuser was an absolute highlight, but we also loved climbing Mount Sibayak, visiting the spectacular Sipiso-Piso Waterfall and discovering the Batak culture during our tour around Samosir and Lake Toba. What made this trip truly special were the people. Our guides and drivers were knowledgeable, professional and incredibly kind. They shared so much about the local culture and way of life, making the experience far more authentic than we expected. We highly recommend Discover Sumatra to anyone looking for a well-organized and authentic adventure in North Sumatra. Thank you, Christine, Saprol and the entire team for an unforgettable experience!
Google
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Annabel Ecroyd
15 July 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Discover Sumatra is VERY highly recommended by us. Christine and the team provided our family of 4 (2 adults + 2 young adults) with an incredible 2.5 week adventure around North Sumatra. All communication, transport, accomodation, guides, drivers and general support was top notch. Our highlights were the overnight Jungle Trek from Bukit Lawang and the stunning snorkelling and diving on Pulau Weh Island, all just magic!
Tripadvisor
Bel profile picture
Bel
15 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
Incredible private family tour of North Sumatra Our 2.5 week private tour of North Sumatra through Discover Sumatra was absolutely incredible. From my first contact with Christine to the moment we arrived home, her communication, organisation and support was exceptional. Christine worked with us to create the perfect trip for our family of 4 (2 adults + 2 young adults) and was incredibly patient with my many questions and alterations. All the tours, guides, drivers, transport and accomodation were outstanding. Special thanks to Fabio and Dickie for leading us on our incredible orangutan adventure in the Jungle (two day trek). They were extremely professional and knowledgeable while having fun and really connecting with us as a family. Thank you also for our extra visit to the Jungle Gym! 💪 Our 3 days (Bukit Lawang -Berestagi-Lake Toba) with driver/guide Ariss was also fantastic. We felt safe at all times. His driving was exceptional as well as his ability to answer our never-ending questions and share so much of his life and culture with us. A highlight of our trip was our week diving and snorkelling on Pulau Weh Island, amazing underwater adventures. This section of our trip involved lots of moving parts and Christine handled all of this and was easily contacted at anytime. If you’re looking for help with a trip to Sumatra, this is the place for you. Highly recommend.
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Tom Weiss profile picture
Tom Weiss
14 July 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We had a fabulous family vacation across Northern Sumatra. Highly recommend the overnight jungle stay, climbing the Sibayak volcano, and visiting lake Tabo. A great team and outstanding memories.
Tripadvisor
Tom W profile picture
Tom W
13 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
A well organised and fascinating week We did a private tour around North Sumatra and had a fabulous time. Highlights for us were the overnight stay in the jungle camp, waking up to take a “shower” in the river, dawn from the top of Sibayak volcano, and touring around the incredible Batak villages on Samosir in Lake Toba. Highly recommended!
Tripadvisor
Eileen S profile picture
Eileen S
8 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
Best experience ever!!! I can't express how wonderful our experience was with Discover Sumatra! Our main guide, Imran, our main driver Farried and the other guides went above and beyond. They took such good care of us and were so much fun! They really felt like family by the end of the week ♥ Having never experienced Sumatran driving I should have been scared but Farried was such a good driver that I was completely comfortable. Everyone we encountered in Sumatra was SO friendly. Thank you for a trip of a lifetime ♥♥ Tarima Kasih!

Read our comprehensive guide about jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang incl. itinerary, prices and guides.

Why book your jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang with us

Great Guides

Experienced tour guides all born in Bukit Lawang. They are all licenced by the ITGA-HPI, the Indonesian Tourist Guides Association.

Low impact

We try to minimise our impact on the environment; our guides collect rubbish in the jungle and we use Waterdrop water filters.

Wildlife

See orangutans, monitor lizards, snakes and other wildlife on one of our junge treks in Bukit Lawang.

Small groups

Our treks take place in small groups of no more than 6 people.

Ethical conduct

We are committed to protecting Gunung Leuser National Park and adhere to strict ethical principles.

Hazzle free

On request we can also organise airport pickup or accommodation before and after the trek

Dschungeltrekking in Bukit Lawang

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Hinweis: Der Trek startet immer 9 Uhr morgens in Bukit Lawang. Das heißt, Sie müssen vorher eine Nacht dort in einer Unterkunft schlafen.
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