Your adventure begins! Our local guide will meet you at your hotel or guesthouse in Bukit Lawang. After a short briefing and gear check, we head towards the jungle entrance.
Bukit Lawang Jungle Trek 2 days / 1 night
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√ Best rated √ Free hotel pickup
Duration
2 days
Level
Moderate
Availibility
All-year
Languages
Eng
Bukit Lawang Jungle Trek 2 days and 1 night
As you explore the lush forest, your guide will share stories about orangutan behavior, rainforest survival, and the incredible biodiversity of this UNESCO-protected area. After a few hours of trekking, we’ll reach a peaceful riverside campsite where you can swim, relax, and enjoy a traditional jungle dinner. In the evening, we gather around a campfire before falling asleep in tents, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
On the second day, there’s time for more trekking, and more chances to see orangutans, before rafting down the river back to Bukit Lawang. It’s the ultimate overnight jungle experience for nature lovers, adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Highlights
Included
Meeting point & time
We also offer convenient transport with pick-up and drop-off directly from your hotel in Medan, the easiest way to start your jungle adventure stress-free. Read more
What to bring
• Raincoat or poncho
• Swimwear & small towel
• Change of clothes
• Camera + extra battery & memory card (in a waterproof bag)
• Insect repellent, sunscreen
• Toilet paper, personal meds
• Plastic bag for wet clothes
For more details about what to bring, click here.
What to wear
• Waterproof shoes with grip – the jungle can be slippery!
• Keep your luggage light (max 10kg recommended)
For detailed directions and information, read our guide here.
Itinerary
Begin your adventure surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of one of the last remaining strongholds of wild orangutans. As the trail gently winds through the dense tropical forest, your senses will come alive. The rustle of leaves, distant calls of gibbons, and the vibrant colors of butterflies fluttering past.
Keep your eyes on the treetops, where orangutans may appear, gracefully swinging from branch to branch. Spotting one in the wild is a magical moment you won’t soon forget.
Your experienced local guide will not only help you find these gentle primates but also share fascinating insights into their daily habits, diet, and social behavior. You’ll learn about their role in the rainforest and how they help maintain the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.
This is more than just a trek, it’s a journey into a fragile world that few ever get to witness up close.
After a morning of jungle trekking, it’s time to relax and enjoy a freshly prepared local lunch in the peaceful shade of the rainforest. Every day, our team cooks with love using fresh ingredients brought in from the village that same morning. Depending on the day, you’ll be treated to either delicious nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles), both served with vegetables, egg, and chicken.
To top it off, you’ll also enjoy a refreshing selection of seasonal tropical fruits. Sweet, juicy, and perfect after a hike. You’ll be amazed how good food tastes surrounded by nature!
With new energy after your forest lunch, you’ll continue your journey deeper into the jungle. The trail leads into wilder, less-traveled parts of Gunung Leuser National Park, the true domain of the Sumatran orangutan. This is where the forest comes alive.
Keep your eyes on the trees and your camera ready: this area offers some of the best chances to observe orangutans in their natural habitat. Watch as they swing gracefully through the canopy, build nests high in the trees, or pause to inspect curious visitors below. Seeing one of these incredible great apes up close is a truly unforgettable moment, a quiet connection between two worlds.
But the orangutans aren’t the only ones watching. Along the way, you may also spot Thomas’ leaf monkeys with their mohawk-like hair, agile gibbons calling through the treetops, long-tailed macaques darting through the undergrowth, and hornbills gliding overhead.
Your local guide will share jungle wisdom along the way, pointing out edible plants, natural remedies, and traditional uses of the rainforest’s resources. Every step offers something to discover, from hidden wildlife to the deeper rhythms of the ecosystem.
This part of the trek is where adventure and awe come together: when the forest grows quieter, the trees taller, and the sense of wonder more profound.
After an exciting day of trekking and wildlife encounters, you’ll arrive at our peaceful jungle campsite nestled along the banks of the Bohorok River. The setting is magical, surrounded by towering trees, with the sound of flowing water and birdsong echoing through the valley. Take a moment to settle in and enjoy the calm of the late afternoon. You’re free to take a refreshing swim in the river, sip on a cup of jungle-brewed tea or coffee, or simply rest your legs while watching the light fade through the forest canopy.
While you freshen up and change after your swim, our jungle cook will be preparing a variety of delicious Indonesian dishes over an open fire. You can look forward to an extensive and flavorful dinner, including rice, curry, fresh vegetables, tempeh, and more. Dietary preferences can be accommodated upon request. This traditional Indonesian feast, offers a rich taste of local flavors and makes for a hearty and satisfying meal after a day in the jungle.
As night falls and the jungle comes alive with new sounds, we gather around the campfire. This is a special moment of the trek, sharing stories, laughter, and a delicious meal together beneath a sky full of stars.
After dinner, your guides might teach you jungle games, tell tales from the forest, or join you in singing a song or two by the fire. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with the soft glow of the flames lighting up the night.
Finally, you’ll crawl into your tent and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the rainforest, rustling leaves, distant animal calls, and the gentle murmur of the river. It’s the kind of night that stays with you long after your jungle adventure ends.
Greet the day with birdsong and a warm cup of ginger tea or coffee. After a jungle breakfast, we continue our trek for another few hours, with more opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy scenic views.
We stop at a tranquil spot for one last jungle meal together. Recharge with nasi goreng or mie goreng, fruits, and time to swim in the river.
End your adventure with a fun and scenic ride on a traditional jungle raft (made of inner tubes) floating down the Bohorok River, the perfect way to return to the village with unforgettable memories.
Travelers rate us 4.9 out of 5!
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What Makes Us Unique?
Small Groups & Private Treks
Avoid the crowds & experience nature in peace with our carefully designed small-group & private tours. This ensures a more personal and immersive experience, allowing you to fully connect with the jungle and its wildlife, far from the hustle and bustle.
Unmatched Wildlife Encounters
We know the jungle inside and out, giving you the best chance to see orangutans and other exotic animals. Our expert guides ensure every trek brings you closer to the heart of the rainforest, where unforgettable wildlife moments await at every turn.
Top-Quality Camps & Local Food
Sleep in jungle camps with clean bedding, and enjoy freshly prepared meals made from local ingredients. From jungle river tubing to campfire dinners, every detail is designed to make your adventure feel both wild and welcoming.
Frequent Asked Questions
Lightweight, breathable clothing
The jungle is hot and humid, so it’s important to stay cool and comfortable.
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Wear quick-drying, breathable clothes to help manage sweat.
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Long sleeves and long pants protect you from insects, scratches, and irritating plants.
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Choose light, natural colors like beige, brown, or green, they don’t attract mosquitoes and help you blend into the forest.
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Avoid bright or dark colors, which can scare animals or attract bugs.
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Pro tip: wear long socks to cover the space between your pants and shoes.
- Bring swimwear if you’d like to take a dip in a jungle river. There may be a chance to cool off during the trek!
Comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers
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Trails can be muddy, slippery, and uneven. Good grip and ankle support are essential.
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If your shoes aren’t waterproof or dry quickly, bring sandals or flip-flops for river crossings or camp.
A small daypack (25–35 liters)
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You’ll only carry your personal items, our team takes care of the tents, food, and gear.
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Pack essentials like water, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a rain jacket.
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Don’t forget a rain cover for your backpack, rain can come unexpectedly.
Insect repellent, sunscreen & a hat
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Mosquitoes and other insects are common, use strong repellent to protect yourself.
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Even under the trees, the sun can be strong, apply sunscreen regularly.
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A wide-brimmed hat offers extra sun protection for your face and neck.
Personal medications
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Medical help may not be nearby, so bring what you might need.
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Useful items include:
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Anti-diarrhea tablets
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Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
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Antihistamines (for allergies)
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Painkillers like aspirin
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Any prescribed antibiotics
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Bring enough of any daily medications for the entire trip.
Our jungle trekking groups are kept small to ensure a personal and immersive experience. We accommodate between 2 and 7 people per group.
The trek begins at 8:30 AM. Our guide will pick you up directly from your guesthouse, so you don’t need to worry about getting there yourself.
We offer jungle trekking tours all year round, as the rainforest is always an adventure. However, the best time to visit is between February and October, when the weather tends to be drier and trails are easier to navigate. During the rainy season (November to January), you can still trek, but expect wetter conditions and muddier paths. Either way, the jungle’s beauty and wildlife can be enjoyed anytime, just come prepared!
Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with a sturdy, non-slip sole and good ankle support. The jungle trails can be muddy, slippery, and uneven, so stable footwear is essential for safety and comfort.
You can leave your large luggage safely at your accomodation or with us. Your bags will be kept clean and protected during the trek, free of charge.
Yes, children pay the full price for the jungle trekking. Only kids under 2 years old can join for free.
Our 1-day and 2-day jungle treks are great options for young children, as they include plenty of breaks and a manageable amount of hiking. The 3-day trek is also possible for active kids who enjoy walking and nature, it just depends on your child’s energy and experience.
Yes, we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, especially during high season. It helps us prepare your guide, meals, and permits in time. Last-minute bookings are possible depending on availability, but to avoid disappointment, it’s best to reserve early.