About Bukit Lawang, Gunung Leuser and Our Story

Bukit Lawang: Orangutan Trekking in North Sumatra

Nestled on the edge of the jungle in North Sumatra, Bukit Lawang first gained international recognition in the 1970's with the establishment of an orangutan rehabilitation centre in the Gunung Leuser National Park. A feeding platform was created to support the rehabilitation and reintroduction of rescued orangutans, attraction early visitors interested in wildlife and conservation. Over time, Bukit Lawang developed into one of the leading destinations for orangutan trekking and jungle trekking in North Sumatra. However, in 2003, a devastating flash flood struck Bukit Lawang, reshaping the village and its tourism industry. Following the disaster the community rebuilt with a stronger focus on ecotourism and sustainable travel, establishing Bukit Lawang as a key gateway for ethical jungle trekking in Sumatra.

About Sumatran Ethical Expeditions: A Family-Run Jungle Trekking Company

In late 2017, a 22 year old English teacher moved to Bukit Lawang to take up the position of Head of Education at the Bukit Lawang Trust. During her two year placement, she worked, taught and lived alongside the local community, and grew ever more entwined and enamoured with the local culture. There she met man, so different to all those she had met before, but one whose mind invoked discussions that challenged her very understanding and perception of the world. After finishing the placement and returning to work at an international school in Poland, she realised her fast-paced, achievement-based European outlook was lost forever; the Indonesian sunny disposition — and a certain Indonesian man —was now central to her life, and she knew she must return. This led to a year of separation yet preparation, as piece by piece of the jungle dream was put into place. In 2021 she returned, in 2022 they married and opened the door to Sumatra Expedition Lodge; the second chapter of jungle life had truly begun! The pair went on to welcome their first son in September 2022, along with their second in September 2024; they are expecting their third later this year (2026).

Gunung Leuser National Park: Regulations, Permits & Conservation

Located in North Sumatra, Gunung Leuser National Park is a UNESCO-listed rainforest and one of the most important habitats for endangered wildlife, including the Sumatran Orangutan. As one of the last remaining places in the world where orangutan trekking in the wild is possible, Gunung Leuser National Park is strictly protected through clear regulations:

All visitors must obtain an official trekking permit (from both the National Park and Indonesian Guide Association) before entering the national park.
Jungle trekking is only permitted with HPI (Indonesian Guiding Association) registered local guides.
A strict no feeding wildlife policy is enforced at all times.
A safe distance (7-10 metres) from Orangutans and other wildlife must be maintained.
A no littering policy is enforced — all litter must be carried out of the jungle.
Camping is only allowed in designated areas with proper permits.
Flash photography and loud noises near wildlife are prohibited.
Visitors showing signs of illness should not be allowed to trek in order to prevent disease transmission.

By following these Gunung Leuser National Park Regulations and choosing ethical, permit-based jungle trekking in Sumatra, visitors directly support conservation, protect endangered species and contribute to responsible ecotourism in Bukit Lawang.

Our Practices: Eco-friendly & Ethical Jungle Trekking and Touring Practices in Sumatra

Our family run jungle trekking and tour company specialises in ethical, eco-friendly adventures in the Gunung Leuser National Park and greater North Sumatra. With our dedication to ecological and ethical travel and tours at the heart of everything we do, all our trekking and touring teams pride themselves in adhering to the sustainable tourism practices as outlined by the Indonesian Tourism Board and National Guiding Association (HPI), along with abiding to our own set of ecological and ethical practices.

1. Protect the environment

Through a serious commitment to waste minimisation, responsible recycling, water conservation, small trekking groups, the supply and use of eco-friendly hygiene products, and a strong adherence to the Indonesian Tourism Board and HPI's sustainable tourism practices, our treks, tours and guesthouse aim to limit our impact on our beautiful environment, and to preserve it's delicate balance.

2. Support Local Communities

In order to support the local community we only employ staff (guesthouse, trekking, touring and transport providers) from the immediate local villages. Secondly, when possible we out source guest experiences to relevant specialists, for example, our off-site cultural activities-such as cooking/carving/batik classes- or non Gunung Leuser trekking experiences- such as the Batu Katak flower experience, or Tangkahan Elephant Experience. This ensures a fair distribution of income and fair celebration of authentic skill and knowledge. Thirdly, we buy as much produce from local farmers/grocers as possible, and only advertise and sell products created by local artisan craftsmen (such as Mini's Eco Soap and floral batik, and The Wood Doctors carving's and key rings).

3. Conservation Education

Every year we partner with the Bukit Lawang Trust to support "one of (their) flagship programs" the Youth Ranger Program, which aims to "teach children about the importance of environmental care from an early age [to] help them understand the value of nature and ecosystems around them". We provide the program and its students with educational treks into the Gunung Leuser National Park, to ensure they have a first hand experience and understanding of the incredible ecosystem that sits on their back door. SEE co-owner Lily actually founded this student trekking program whilst Head of Operations at the Bukit Lawang Trust (2017-2019).

Additionally, we aim to provide all of our guests with a comprehensive understanding of the many conservation issues facing the Gunung National Park. We consider these to be:

Deforestation and Habitat Loss: namely unauthorised or illegally authorised logging, land clearing and palm oil expansion.
Poaching and Wildlife trafficking: the hunting of protected wildlife for body parts, or for resale within the pet trade.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: a huge issue along the jungle border lands, as wildlife is unable to recognise the end of the jungle and the start of private agricultural land.
Illegal mining and extraction: unauthorised or illegally authorised activities which degrade the environment and delicate ecosystem.

All of these issues are complex and multi faceted and cannot be understood without a sincere understanding of the poverty and economical hardship the majority of the local population faces. Where possible we endeavour to educate guests on the relevant local conservation initiatives aiming to eliminate or alleviate the consequences of said conservation issues.

4. Respecting and Preserving local culture

Through carefully considered architectural design, traditional material selection, building practices, soft furnishings, cooking methods and available cultural experiences, we endeavour to respect and honour both the local Jawanese culture along with our Batak cultural heritage. We hope our guests feel that the whole environment at Sumatran Ethical Expeditions celebrates the beauty and variety of Indonesian cultural ethnicities, and we look forward to sharing more cultural stories with you! Additionally, all the products available for purchase on site, have been created using traditional and authentic practices.