Contact Us About Your Sumatran Adventure
Tell us a little about your plans and we'll help create the right combination of accommodation, jungle trekking, transport and local experiences for your visit to Bukit Lawang!
Find us in Bukit Lawang
Sumatran Ethical Expeditions is located in the peaceful village of Jawa Dalam, just outside the main tourist area of Bukit Lawang. Surrounded by rice fields, local homes and everyday village life, our location offers a quieter and more authentic experience of North Sumatra, while remaining within easy reach of local amenities, jungle trekking, wildlife encounters and the attractions of the Gunung Leuser National Park.
Getting Here
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Approximately 4-5 hours from Medan
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Private airport transfers available
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Private airport minibus transfer available
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Shared airport transfers available
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Private and shared transport available from all Sumatran tourist locations (e.g. Berestagi, Lake Toba, Padang, Sipirok, Banda Aceh etc.)
Why Trek with Sumatran Ethical Expeditions?
Jungle Trekking in Bukit Lawang
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Custom private and group jungle treks
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Ethical orangutan trekking experiences
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Family friendly trekking options
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Local, highly experienced guides
Paddy Field Eco-lodge Accommodation
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Spacious and airy accommodation
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Family friendly rooms and playground
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Air-conditioned rooms and hot water showers
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On-site fusion style restaurant
Transport, Tours and Local Experiences
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Private and shared transfers from Medan
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Cultural activities
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Insight into authentic village life
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Custom North Sumatra Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How difficult is the jungle trek?
Our Bukit Lawang jungle treks range from gentle half-day walks to more challenging overnight rainforest adventures. Most guests with a moderate level of fitness can comfortably join our standard treks, yet we also offer slower-paced routes suitable for families and beginners. Your guide will adapt the pace to the group while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in the Sumatran rainforest.
2. Can children join the jungle trek?
Yes. We offer family-friendly jungle trekking experiences in Bukit Lawang suitable for children and parents. We will always run your trek as a private one (at no extra cost) so that our trekking team can tailor the whole experience to your families needs. We also have family-friendly camps, fitted with bamboo huts and toilets, situated along shorter and easier jungle trails. For all these reasons, many families find jungle trekking is one of the highlights from their time in North Sumatra!
3. How do we get to Bukit Lawang?
Bukit Lawang is approximately 4-5 hours from Medan and can be reached by private or shared car. We can arrange comfortable airport pickups from all major North Sumatra airports or tourist locations (Berestagi, Lake Toba, Banda Aceh, Padang etc). We will need your flight number and arrival time, or the name and address of your hotel. Private car is the easiest, quickest and most comfortable way to travel, especially for families or guests arriving after a long flight.
4. What should we pack for jungle trekking in Sumatra?
We recommend lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, long socks (football socks), comfortable trail shoes or shoes with some grip or tread, long sleeved warm clothes for at the camp (the jungle can get cold at night!) insect repellent, swimwear, sunscreen, towel and personal hygiene products. We provide all overnight treks with eco friendly, locally made soap and we encourage you to try and use other eco-friendly hygiene products as you will be bathing in the river. Sumatra is warm, wet and humid all year-round, so breathable, quick-drying clothing is ideal.
5. Are your jungle treks ethical and responsible?
Yes. We believe wildlife encounters should always respect the wellbeing of the animals and the rainforest ecosystem. Our guides follow the Gunung Leuser National Park regulations and employ responsible trekking practices designed to minimise disturbance to orangutans and the other wildlife, whilst supporting the local Bukit Lawang community. We implore guests to familiarise theirselves with the National Park Guidelines, and to observe animals respectfully.
6. Will we see orangutans during the trek?
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed — this is a real rainforest, not a zoo — but sightings are very common on our treks. Our experienced local guides know the forest intimately and will help maximise your chances of seeing orangutans and other wildlife respectfully. You may also encounter Thomas leaf monkeys, macaques, gibbons, hornbills, monitor lizards, snakes and tropical butterflies and insects during your trek.