Jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang Sumatra
Explore the rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park through ethical and locally guided jungle trekking experiences in Bukit Lawang. From short rainforest walks to multi-day jungle expeditions, our treks offer the opportunity to encounter wild orangutans, discover Sumatran wildlife, and experience one of the world’s most important rainforest ecosystems.
Whether you are travelling as a family, a couple, or a solo adventurer, we offer a range of Bukit Lawang jungle trekking tours suited to different experience levels and travel styles.
Our Jungle Trekking Experiences
We offer a variety of trekking experiences ranging from shorter jungle walks to deeper multi-day rainforest expeditions. Click on each trekking title for more information.
€55 p.person
Our shortest family friendly jungle trek, perfect for little or tired legs!
€120 p.person
A more immersive experience including overnight jungle camping, river crossings, and extended time in the rainforest.
€250 p.person
Expect the jungle to challenge you like never before, and learn some tricks of the trade!
€400 p.person
Delve even deeper into your survival skills and camp out at the salt lick.
€70 p.person
Ideal for visitors short on time who still wish to experience the rainforest and potentially encounter wild orangutans.
€170 p.person
Prepare to delve deeper into the Leuser National Park, with 2 nights of camping!
€350 p.person
Challenge yourself further, and learn how to scavenge, cook and build your own jungle camp.
€700 p.person
Trek from Bukit Lawang to Kota Cane on our most intense trek through the Gunung Leuser.
The Gunung Leuser and it's Wildlife
Since the late 1970's tourists have been visiting Bukit Lawang to fulfil their dreams of witnessing one of our oldest cousins, the orangutan, in the wild. However, many are unaware the Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) is actually the very last place on earth where orangutans, elephants, tigers and rhino's co-exist together in the wild. Our Gunung Leuser National Park treks range from 3 hours- 7 days, allowing every member of the family, and all levels of fitnesses to enjoy this ancient and unique ecosystem. Here are just a few of the species you might spot on your jungle trek!
Thomas Leaf Monkey
Presbytis thomasi
20yr lifespan
7-8kg weight
Vulnerable (VU)
Sumatran Hornbill
Buceros rhinoceros
30+yr lifespan
2-3kg weight
Vulnerable (VU)
White-handed gibbon
Hylobates lar
20-30yr lifespan
4-7kg weight
Endangered
Agile gibbon
Hylobates agilis
20-30yr lifespan
4-7kg weight
Endangered
Sumatran Orangutan
Pongo Abelii
30-40+yr lifespan
30-90kg weight
Critically endangered
Pig-tailed Macaque
Macaca nemestrina
20-30yr lifespan
4-10kg weight
Endangered
Ethical and Responsible Jungle Trekking in the Gunung Leuser
We believe tourism should help protect the rainforest rather than harm it. Our trekking practices focus on wildlife respect, low-impact tourism, local guiding knowledge, and follow the Gunung Leuser National Park regulations.
Gunung Leuser National Park Regulations
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All visitors must obtain an official trekking permit (from both the National Park and Indonesian Guide Association) before entering the national park.
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Jungle trekking is only permitted with HPI (Indonesian Guiding Association) registered local guides.
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A strict no feeding wildlife policy is enforced at all times.
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A safe distance (7-10 metres) from Orangutans and other wildlife must be maintained.
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A no littering policy is enforced — all litter must be carried out of the jungle.
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Camping is only allowed in designated areas with proper permits.
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Flash photography and loud noises near wildlife are prohibited.
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Visitors showing signs of illness should not be allowed to trek in order to prevent disease transmission.
Find out more about our ethical jungle trekking practices and learn how you can help us preserve the rainforest for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is jungle trekking suitable for children or beginners?
Yes— many jungle treks in Bukit Lawang are suitable for beginners and families with children. Our trekking team can tailor the pace, route and duration of the trek to suit different ages and fitness levels. Our family-friendly treks generally offer gentle trails, with regular breaks and additional assistant guides to help with carrying any little ones! All our treks are led by our experienced team of local guides, who will do anything they can to assist you during your jungle trek.
2. Will we see orangutans on a jungle trek in Bukit Lawang?
Most probably, yes— orangutan sightings are very common on jungle treks in Bukit Lawang, as the rainforest surrounding Gunung Leuser National Park is home to wild and semi-wild Sumatran orangutans. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, our experienced local guides know the jungle well and regularly encounter orangutans, along with monkeys, hornbills, and other native wildlife during our ethical rainforest treks!
2. What should we bring on a jungle trek in Bukit Lawang?
For day jungle treks in Bukit Lawang, we recommend wearing lightweight, long-sleeved trekking clothes, long socks, trail shoes or shoes with grip, a reusable water bottle, insect repellent, sun cream, swimwear, a towel and a small bag to carry your personal items. For overnight treks we suggest a warmer set of comfortable clothes and flip flops for at the camp, a second set of light weight trekking clothes, all personal toiletries, a head torch, a power bank and a poncho in case of rain! For a more detailed explanation, check out our jungle pack guide!
Plan Your Jungle Trek in Bukit Lawang
Whether you are hoping to encounter wild orangutans, explore deeper jungle trails, or share the experience with family and friends, we would be delighted to help you choose the right trekking experience for your visit to Sumatra.
Explore our family-friendly jungle treks, multi-day rainforest expeditions, or contact us to begin planning your adventure in Sumatra.
