FAMILY JUNGLE TOUR: Orangutan Trek (4-hours hike) by EcoTravel Bukit Lawang

Medan , Indonesia

FAMILY JUNGLE TOUR: Orangutan Trek (4-hours hike) by EcoTravel Bukit Lawang

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(10 reviews)

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About this experience

During this short jungle trek you have a big chance to see Sumatran Orangutans and other wildlife as well as a wide variety of plants and insects.

In the morning at 10:30 our English speaking guide will pick you up from your nearby guest house in Bukit Lawang. Afterwards your group will start your trek through dense rainforest passing unforgettable scenic viewpoints overlooking the whole valley, the Bohorok River and the village of Bukit Lawang. Towards the end of your trek you will arrive at the foot of Bukit Lawang and will be guided back to your guesthouse by around 15:00 pm.

Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time. This is the mantra of our trekking tours intending to leave nothing non-organic behind. Due to its continuous efforts our EcoTravel team has been awarded e.g. “Eco Friendly Tour Operator of the Year 2018”, “Travel & Hospitality Award Winner” and received the “Hall Of Fame Status” on TripAdvisor 2019.

Available options

FAMILY JUNGLE TOUR: Orangutan Trek (4-hours hike) by EcoTravel Bukit Lawang

What's included

Lunch, fruits and drinking water

Certified English speaking guide and assistant

What's not included

Accommodation in Bukit Lawang (the night before trekking start & after back from jungle trekking)

Transportation from/to Medan (hotel/airport - 4 hours), bookable directly at your accommodation

Permit to enter the national park/camera tax (150.000 IDR / person / payable before trekking start)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not suitable for small children younger than 5 years and travelers with high blood pressure, pregnancy, operations or fear of special insects.

A health check with your doctor is an absolute necessity before travelling to the Sumatran jungle and lies within the responsibility of each guest! Travel Insurance lies within the responsibility of each traveller and should cover accidents and injury!

We are happy to provide vegetarian, vegan or non-allergic meals on jungle treks, if required. Please just inform our team a the latest 1 day before trekking start about your preferred diet.

Comfortable walking shoes or good sports shoes, small 15 - 20 liter backpack, long trousers & T-shirt in natural colors, long socks, insect repellent, sun cream.

In Bukit Lawang there are no ATM machines! Please make sure you have enough cash with you! As an exclusive service to our guests we also change Euros and offer credit card payment (Mastercard and Visa / 3% charge) in our EcoTravel office.

There is a MEETING WITH YOUR GUIDE TEAM ONE DAY BEFORE TOUR START at our EcoTravel Tour Office between 15:00 pm – 19:00 pm, where you will be given essential information and an introduction to your jungle trek starting the next morning. Please make sure to be in Bukit Lawang in time! Please just remember that from Medan Airport the transfer to the jungle takes about 4.5 hrs, so the later you arrive the later you will get to Bukit Lawang. We recommend that you choose your accommodation near our EcoTravel Cottages/Office for this night. Your EcoTravel jungle trek starts from our base in Bukit Lawang at 11:00 am. You will explore the jungle in a small group of up to 8 persons. Your tour is limited in size and number due to environmental issues.

IMORTANT INFORMATION: At most times you will see orangutans on jungle treks but there is no guarantee! These animals live out in the wild and it’s hard to determine where they will be at any point of the day. But all EcoTravel guides have many years of experience and our team has a very good reputation in Bukit Lawang. We do not hire additional, external guides due safety reasons for our guests. Our handful of well-versed and enthuisiastic EcoTravel guides are locals from this region, speak English, have excellent knowledge of plants and animals - and are all certified by the local ITGA-HPI (Indonesia Tourist Guides Association – Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia).

Meeting point

Meeting point one day before trekking start (Friday!) between 16 pm and 17 pm at EcoTravel Office/EcoTravel Cottages, Jln Besar Orangutan, Bukit Lawang / Bohorok,
Kab. Langkat, North Sumatra, 20774 Indonesia

Important notes

There is a MEETING WITH YOUR GUIDE TEAM ONE DAY BEFORE TOUR START at our EcoTravel Tour Office between 15:00 pm – 19:00 pm, where you will be given essential information and an introduction to your jungle trek starting the next morning. Please make sure to be in Bukit Lawang in time! Please just remember that from Medan Airport the transfer to the jungle takes about 4.5 hrs, so the later you arrive the later you will get to Bukit Lawang. We recommend that you choose your accommodation around our EcoTravel Cottages/office for this night, your tour will start the next morning around 08:00 am from our office.

About Medan

Medan, the bustling capital of North Sumatra, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse architecture, and delicious cuisine. As the largest city in Sumatra, it serves as a gateway to the region's stunning natural wonders, including the famous Lake Toba and the lush rainforests of Gunung Leuser National Park.

Top Attractions

Maimun Palace

A stunning example of colonial architecture, the Maimun Palace was built in 1891 and served as the residence of the Sultan of Deli. It is known for its intricate design and historical significance.

Historical 1-2 hours IDR 10,000

Great Mosque of Medan

One of the largest mosques in Indonesia, the Great Mosque of Medan is an architectural marvel with a unique design that combines traditional and modern elements.

Religious 1 hour Free

Vihara Gunung Timur

One of the largest Buddhist temples in Indonesia, Vihara Gunung Timur is a beautiful example of Chinese architecture and a place of worship for the local Chinese community.

Religious 1 hour Free

Taman Alisah

A popular park in the heart of Medan, Taman Alisah is a great place to relax and enjoy the greenery. It features a lake, walking paths, and a variety of plants and flowers.

Park 1-2 hours Free

Lake Toba

One of the largest volcanic lakes in the world, Lake Toba is a stunning natural wonder located about 4 hours from Medan. It offers breathtaking views, water activities, and a glimpse into the local Batak culture.

Nature Full day or overnight Varies by activity

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bika Ambon

A popular cake made from tapioca flour, coconut milk, and sugar, baked in layers to create a spongy and sweet treat.

Snack Contains gluten (tapioca flour)

Lontong Medan

A dish made with compressed rice cakes in banana leaves, served with spicy peanut sauce, shredded chicken, and boiled eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian option available (without chicken)

Sate Medan

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically chicken or beef, served with a rich and flavorful sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, vegetarian options may be available

Nasi Goreng Medan

Fried rice cooked with a variety of ingredients, including spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat, served with a fried egg on top.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian option available (without meat)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Gunung Leuser National Park Tubing in Bukit Lawang Boat tours on Lake Toba Visiting Taman Alisah Enjoying a massage at a local spa Relaxing at a lakeside resort Exploring Maimun Palace Visiting the Great Mosque of Medan

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This period offers the most pleasant weather with slightly lower rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings.

24-32°C 75-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Indonesian
Widely spoken: English, Malay, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Medan is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, particularly in crowded areas. Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings
• Keep your belongings secure
• Use reputable taxis and tour operators

Getting there

By air

Kuala Namu International Airport • 24 km from city center

By train

Medan Railway Station

By bus

Pinang Baris, Pematang Siantar

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Medan. They are affordable but can be crowded and slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Petisah Graha Maria Titi Papan

Day trips

Lake Toba

180 km from Medan • Full day or overnight

One of the largest volcanic lakes in the world, Lake Toba offers stunning views, water activities, and a glimpse into the local Batak culture.

Gunung Leuser National Park

100 km from Medan • Full day or overnight

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gunung Leuser National Park is a biodiversity hotspot featuring lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and stunning waterfalls.

Bukit Lawang

90 km from Medan • Full day or overnight

A popular eco-tourism destination, Bukit Lawang is known for its stunning rainforests, diverse wildlife, and the opportunity to see orangutans in the wild.

Festivals

Eid al-Fitr • Varies by lunar calendar (typically June or July) Eid al-Adha • Varies by lunar calendar (typically August or September) Chinese New Year • Varies by lunar calendar (typically January or February)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Indonesian to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Try the local cuisine, including Bika Ambon, Lontong Medan, and Sate Medan
Visit the historic sites, such as Maimun Palace and the Great Mosque of Medan, for a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture
Explore the vibrant coffee scene and try the local blends, often served with sweetened condensed milk
Take a day trip to Lake Toba or Gunung Leuser National Park for a stunning natural experience