Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is jungle trekking in Sumatra like?

Jungle trekking in Sumatra is a guided rainforest adventure through one of the world's oldest tropical ecosystems, where travellers can see wild orangutans, rare wildlife, waterfalls, rivers and traditional jungle landscapes.

Most treks take start at 0900 and take place in the rainforest surrounding Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO-listed ecosystem famous for its biodiversity. Trekkers walk through dense jungle trails with experienced local guides whilst learning about wildlife, medical plants, conservation, and traditional jungle survival knowledge.

Guests then return from our jungle treks along the Bukit Lawang river by traditional jungle boat, giving them an incredible perspective on the sheer scale of the jungle canopy. We have a specialist boating team to navigate the raft down the river, and lifejackets are available for all ages. Guests can opt to return from the jungle on foot, however the boat ride is quite tame and is suitable for children.

2. Are the orangutans in Bukit Lawang truly wild?

Yes — the orangutalns living in Gunung Leuser National Park are free-ranging wild orangutans living in their natural rainforest habitat. Some orangutans near Bukit Lawang are descendants of rehabilitated orangutans released decades ago after the closure of the former rehabilitation centre.

Today, ethical jungle trekking focuses on observing orangutans naturally without feeding, touching or disturbing them. Responsible guides, such as ours, follow strict wildlife protocols to protect both guests and the critically endangered animals. You can read more about our ethical practices, and how to behave correctly in the jungle here.

3. Is jungle trekking in Sumatra safe for tourists?

Yes — jungle trekking in North Sumatra is generally very safe when organised with experienced local guides and ethical operators.

Professional guides understand the rainforest terrain, weather patterns, river conditions, wildlife behaviour and emergency procedures. Most trekking routes are suitable for healthy beginners with moderate fitness level.

Guests are normally advised to:

wear appropriate footwear (shoes with grip, such as trail shoes)
Bring 2litres of water (our trekking team will refill throughout the day/trek)
Follow guide instructions,
Adhere to the Gunung Leuser National Park regulations,
Use insect repellent
Avoid touching wildlife
Leave all unnecessary valuables (passport, money, jewellery etc.) in our hotel locker room.

Ethical trekking companies prioritise both guest safety whilst also adhering to wildlife conservation efforts.

4. How difficult is a Bukit Lawang jungle trek?

Most of our Bukit Lawang jungle treks are considered moderate rather than extreme. Half-day and one-day treks are suitable for many beginners, children, grey traveller and reasonably active travellers. The rainforest terrain includes:

hills,
jungle paths,
tree roots,
hanging lianas,
slippery sections,
occasionally steep climbs/descents,
all the while being very hot and humid!

In regards to overnight treks, the longer the expedition, the more challenging it is going to be. Whilst our guiding team will do everything they can to keep you comfortable in the jungle — such as adapting routes, break frequency, hiking duration and pace — the heat, humidity, and lack of creature comforts does take its toll. Please make sure to constantly communicate how you are feeling with the guiding team, so they can help you in whatever way they can.

Whilst the campsites on our overnight treks are fitted with foam mattresses, pillows, blankets and mosquito nets, some city-dwelling guests often find it a little difficult to get a truly good nights sleep in the jungle. This is namely due to the jungle symphony or lack of creature comforts. Other guests report they've never slept better than when in the jungle, so the experience is definitely a very personal one!

The most important thing to remember, is that our guiding team is there to support you and assist you in anything that you need, and so ensuring open and honest lines of communication is vital for the success of the trek.

5. What animals can you see during a jungle trek in Sumatra?

The Leuser rainforest is one of the richest ecosystems in Southeast Asia. During a jungle trek you might encounter:

Sumatran orangutans,
Thomas leaf monkeys,
Long tailed macaques,
Pig-tailed macaques,
Hornbills,
Monitor lizards,
White handed gibbons,
Black gibbons,
tropical birds,
giant butterflies,
jungle insects,
and rare rainforest plants.

The jungle is completely wild, so every trek is different and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

6. What is the best time of year to visit Bukit Lawang?

Jungle trekking is Sumatra is possible all year round because the rainforest remains green and active in every season. The driest months are generally June to September, but as these coincide with European summer holidays, they are also the busiest months. Therefore, many travellers enjoy trekking outside peak — October to May — season because:

the jungle feels quieter,
the weather is cooler, but wetter,
rivers are fuller making rafting much more exciting,
and wildlife activity can still be excellent.

Please note, heavy rain and thunder storms are possible at any time of the year, so make sure to prepare accordingly using our jungle pack guide. The jungle is often at its most beautiful after rainfall, when wildlife activity increases and waterfalls are strongest.

7. What should I pack for a jungle trek in Sumatra?

The rainforest is a very specific, and intense climate, so suitable clothing is essential! Our tried and tested recommended items include:

lightweight breathable clothing,
shoes with grip,
knee high socks (football socks),
rain jacket or poncho,
insect repellent,
reusable 1litre water bottle,
swimwear,
small backpack,
sunscreen,
plastic bag for personal rubbish,
power bank,
personal hygiene products,
personal medications,
and a dry bag for electronics.

Please note, trail shoes are usually better than hiking shoes as they are much lighter. We would also suggest long sleeved clothes to help minimise insect bites and scratches from the foliage. Additionally, we provide you with a locally made eco soap we would suggest using eco friendly hygiene products as you will be bathing in the river.

8. Do you sleep in the jungle during overnight treks?

Yes — overnight jungle trekking usually includes camping beside a rainforest river inside the Gunung Leuser National Park. Our guests typically sleep in simple jungle shelters or tents and enjoy:

freshly cooked Indonesian meals,
river swimming,
campfires,
jungle sounds at night,
and sunrise in the rainforest.

For many travellers, sleeping and waking up in the jungle becomes the most unforgettable part of the experience.

Having said this, many guests prefer NOT to sleep in the jungle, whilst still enjoying multiple days trekking in the jungle. In such cases, we usually trek for the first day in the Gunung Leuser National Park and return to our guesthouse by raft. On the second day we take our guests to the jurassic caves in Batu Kapal, before returning on foot to the guesthouse. If they are interested in a third day we often take our guests to Tankgahan for the elephant trekking experience.

9. Is Bukit Lawang ethical for orangutan trekking?

The Indonesian Guiding Association and Gunung Leuser National Park have set trekking prices and behavioural guidelines for whilst in the jungle (which you can read about more on our ethical trekking page), to ensure ethical and sustainable trekking practices in the jungle. Nevertheless, the reality of ethical jungle trekking very much depends on the trekking operator you choose. Ethical trekking companies:

never feed orangutans,
maintain safe wildlife viewing distances,
avoid overcrowding wildlife,
keep group sizes small,
and follow national park conservation rules.

Responsible tourism helps empower the local community whilst protecting the rainforest and its inhabitants for future generations.

9. Is Bukit Lawang ethical for orangutan trekking?

never feed orangutans,
maintain safe wildlife viewing distances,
avoid overcrowding wildlife,
keep group sizes small,
and follow national park conservation rules.

Responsible tourism helps empower the local community whilst protecting the rainforest and its inhabitants for future generations.