I'd heard about Gunung Leuser National Park for a long time. If you're interested in wildlife and enjoy watching animals in their natural habitat, sooner or later you come across this place. I'd wanted to visit for years, and now I completely understand why it's so highly recommended. Being able to spend so much time watching orangutans in the wild is something really special. I also liked the itinerary itself. Nothing unnecessary, just a few days in the jungle, plenty of walking, and lots of time observing wildlife. That's exactly what people come here for. We stayed in a small guesthouse. It was simple, but clean and comfortable. The food took a little getting used to. Of course, there were moments when I missed more familiar dishes, but everything was tasty, so for a few days it really wasn't a problem. Being able to see orangutans in the wild is more than worth that small compromise.
North Sumatra Orangutan Journey
North Sumatra is one of the few places on Earth where you can observe Sumatran orangutans in their natural habitat. This journey takes place in Bukit Lawang—a charming village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, where the tropical rainforest begins just beyond the last houses and encounters with wildlife are part of everyday life.
During your stay, you will venture into the rainforest with a licensed guide in search of orangutans, macaques, Thomas's langurs, gibbons, and many other jungle inhabitants. The program also includes a traditional river tubing adventure, time to discover village life, and a meeting with the famous Snake Man, who will introduce you to the snakes and other wildlife of North Sumatra. Because this part of the national park is home to both rehabilitated orangutans that have returned to the wild and their offspring, the chances of seeing these remarkable primates are higher here than in many other parts of Sumatra.
In just a few days, you will experience the Sumatra that attracts nature lovers from around the world: ancient rainforests, extraordinary wildlife, and landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. There is no need for a demanding multi-day expedition—just a short walk beyond the village brings you into the heart of one of Southeast Asia's oldest tropical forests.
Tour options:
What to Expect
Upon arrival at Kualanamu International Airport, you will be met by a member of our local team before departing for Bukit Lawang, a charming riverside village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park. The drive passes through Medan, rural countryside, and vast plantations, offering your first glimpse of North Sumatra's diverse landscapes.
Upon arrival, you will check in to a cozy lodge or guesthouse by the river. After some time to rest, you can explore Bukit Lawang at your own pace, stop by one of the local cafés, or simply relax beside the river while listening to the sounds of the surrounding rainforest.
After an early breakfast, you will meet your licensed local guide and set off into Gunung Leuser National Park, one of Southeast Asia's largest remaining tropical rainforests.
Following natural jungle trails, your guide will introduce you to the rainforest ecosystem, explaining its unique plants, towering trees, insects, and wildlife. The highlight of the day is observing Sumatran orangutans in their natural habitat. Around Bukit Lawang, both wild orangutans and rehabilitated individuals that have successfully returned to the forest can often be seen together with their offspring, allowing visitors to observe these remarkable primates from a respectful distance without disturbing their daily lives.
You may also encounter Thomas's langurs, macaques, gibbons, monitor lizards, and a variety of tropical bird species. Short breaks for drinking water and light refreshments will be made along the trail.
The adventure ends with a traditional river tubing ride back to the village, a favorite local activity and a refreshing way to finish the day.
The evening is free to relax.
After breakfast, enjoy a slower-paced day focused on discovering everyday life in Bukit Lawang. Weather permitting, you may take a leisurely walk along the river or near the edge of the national park, with the route adapted to trail conditions and the group's fitness level.
Later, you will meet Bukit Lawang's famous "Snake Man," who has spent many years studying the snakes and other rainforest wildlife of Sumatra. During the meeting, you will learn about the region's snake species, how local people distinguish venomous snakes from harmless ones, the important role reptiles play in the ecosystem, and how to behave safely if you encounter one in the wild.
The exact format of the experience depends on weather conditions and the Snake Man's availability. No animals are captured for demonstrations—the encounter is conducted with full respect for wildlife and the surrounding environment.
Afterwards, you will have free time to relax at the lodge, explore the village, swim in the river if conditions are safe, or enjoy optional activities.
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin the journey back to Kualanamu International Airport.
Enjoy the last views of North Sumatra's landscapes before arriving at the airport for your onward flight.
Important Information:
during orangutan observation, it is prohibited to touch the animals, approach them without the guide’s permission, or feed them independently, as this violates national park regulations;
all animals live in their natural habitat, therefore encounters with specific species cannot be guaranteed and always depend on nature;
orangutans are highly susceptible to human viruses, therefore if you feel unwell, it is important to inform the organizer in advance;
the route and schedule may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and natural factors; however, the overall experience and program content will remain unchanged.
Travelers reviews
I've loved monkeys ever since I was a kid and can watch them for hours. It's fascinating to see how they communicate with each other, take care of their babies, get annoyed, outsmart one another, and in so many ways behave almost like people. That's why I really wanted to see orangutans living in the wild rather than in a zoo. I also really liked our local guide. You could immediately tell he truly loves this place. He shared so many interesting stories about the jungle, the animals, and the plants. He even spotted a king cobra. I would never have noticed it myself, even though it was very close to us. Overall, the trip was easy, enjoyable, and incredibly interesting. The jungle wasn't nearly as intimidating as I had imagined, and Bukit Lawang turned out to be a very cozy place. If you've ever dreamed of seeing orangutans in their natural habitat, I definitely recommend this trip.
Included
- private airport–Bukit Lawang–airport transfers
- three nights of accommodation in Bukit Lawang - accommodation in a double room
- daily breakfast
- meals specified in the itinerary
- trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park
- entrance permit
- services of a licensed local guide
- light snacks and drinking water during the main trek
- river tubing experience
- nature and village program on Day 3
- meeting with the local Snake Man (subject to availability)
- support from the local team throughout the program
Not included
- flights to and from Medan
- personal expenses
- additional expenses beyond the program (for example cancelled flights)
- insurance
- meals not specified in the itinerary
- additional beverages
- tips for guides, drivers, and staff
- optional excursions and activities
- additional transfers and transportation
- single-room accommodation
- lodge or room upgrade
- Russian-speaking tour escort
lightweight, quick-drying clothing
comfortable closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles
sandals or flip-flops
a rain jacket or lightweight waterproof jacket
a hat or cap
sunscreen
insect repellent
a small daypack
a waterproof case for your phone and documents
a change of clothes and extra socks for trekking
swimwear
personal medications
cash for personal expenses and tips
binoculars and a camera (optional)
the transfer between Kualanamu International Airport and Bukit Lawang takes several hours and depends on traffic conditions
the trek follows natural forest trails in a humid tropical environment
rain, mud, slippery roots, steep sections, and uneven terrain should be expected in the rainforest
the difficulty and duration of the trek are adjusted to the fitness level of the participants
orangutans live freely in the wild, so sightings of specific individuals cannot be guaranteed
some orangutans around Bukit Lawang are accustomed to the presence of people, but they remain powerful and unpredictable wild animals
feeding, touching, calling, or chasing orangutans is strictly prohibited
participants must keep a safe distance and follow all instructions given by the guide
participants showing signs of a cold or any infectious illness may not be allowed to join the trek, as human diseases can be transmitted to primates
the river tubing activity is operated only when water levels are safe
in case of unfavorable weather or unsafe river conditions, the tubing activity will be replaced by a hike back or another form of transportation
the meeting with the Snake Man is subject to his availability
sightings of snakes and other wildlife cannot be guaranteed, and no animals are captured for demonstration purposes
accommodation in Bukit Lawang is more basic than in city hotels
mobile phone coverage and internet access may be unreliable
comprehensive travel insurance covering trekking and outdoor activities is strongly recommended
single occupancy accommodation
lodge room upgrade
private trekking experience
extended jungle trekking route
additional river tubing activity
extended village experience
Russian-speaking tour escort
additional night in Bukit Lawang
accommodation in Medan before or after the program
The itinerary can be tailored to your travel duration, preferred comfort level, and personal interests.
Additional options include:
extending your stay in Bukit Lawang
adding a longer jungle trekking route
arranging a private trek with a dedicated guide
including an overnight stay in the rainforest
adding a second day of orangutan trekking
expanding the village and nature experiences
adding additional river tubing trips and riverside walks
upgrading your lodge or choosing a more secluded accommodation
arranging single occupancy accommodation
adding accommodation in Medan before or after the main program
arranging airport meet-and-greet service, early check-in, or late check-out
arranging a Russian-speaking tour escort
adapting the program for families with children
adjusting the physical difficulty of the itinerary
arranging private premium transfers
After Bukit Lawang, your itinerary can be extended to explore other parts of North Sumatra.
Optional extensions include:
Lake Toba and Samosir Island
discovering the culture of the Batak people
visiting traditional villages and historic Batak houses
exploring North Sumatra's volcanic landscapes
the highland region of Berastagi
hikes to Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung
waterfalls and natural hot springs
additional nature and wellness retreats
longer trekking routes in Gunung Leuser National Park
Combined Indonesia Itineraries
Your trip can also be combined with other destinations across Indonesia:
Kalimantan — river cruise and orangutan encounters in Tanjung Puting National Park
North Sulawesi and the Sangihe Islands
Raja Ampat
Java
Komodo and Flores
Lombok
other islands and natural regions of Indonesia
The itinerary, logistics, accommodation level, and trip duration are customized individually according to your preferred route.
a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the tour price is required at the time of booking;
cancellations made less than 45 days before departure incur a 75% cancellation fee;
cancellations made less than 30 days before departure incur a 100% cancellation fee;
travel dates may be changed no later than 45 days before departure;
refunds are made at the exchange rate set by the Bank of Indonesia on the day of payment;
we give a full refund in case the provider can't render the service;
we review the issue of a refund up to 5 calendar days from the date of customer's application;
we provide a refund within 14 calendar days from the date of customer's application.
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