Walk into the last
wild rainforest of Sumatra

Fly into Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) near Medan. From there it is about four hours by car to Bukit Lawang. We arrange a private driver who meets you in the arrival hall — tell us your flight when you book and we send you the price. Shared tourist minibuses and public buses also run from Medan, but they take longer and drop you in the village centre.

They are wild animals, so nobody can promise it — but Bukit Lawang is one of the best places on earth to try. Our guides know which fig trees are fruiting and where the orangutans have been sleeping, and most groups see them, often along with Thomas leaf monkeys, gibbons, macaques and hornbills. The longer the trek, the better the chances.

The trails are steep, muddy and rooty, but there is no climbing and no rush — we walk at the pace of the slowest person and stop often. If you can manage a full day of hiking with a daypack, the one- and two-day treks are for you. Four days and more mean long days in humid heat and are meant for people who hike regularly. Tell us honestly how you feel and we choose the route together.

Yes. Families are regular guests, and children who enjoy walking usually love the one-day trek. Message us with the ages of your children and we adapt the distance, the pace and the campsite.

It is a rainforest — a shower can come on any day of the year, and the treks go ahead in rain. Bring a light raincoat and a dry bag for your camera. Most rain falls in the late afternoon when you are already at camp. The wettest months are usually October to January; the driest are roughly May to August.

After rain you will meet leeches. They are harmless and easy to flick off; long socks and repellent help. Mosquitoes are around at dusk, so bring repellent and a long sleeve for the evening. Ask your doctor or a travel clinic about vaccinations and malaria advice for North Sumatra before you travel.

At riverside camps deep in the park: a roofed shelter, a mattress, blanket and pillow per person, mosquito nets and a simple toilet. Our jungle cooks make dinner and breakfast there, and the river is your bath. The camp is set up before you arrive, so you carry only your daypack.

Your guide and, on longer treks, porters and a cook; the national park permit; all meals, fruit, tea, coffee and drinking water from the start of the trek to the end; camp equipment; and the tubing or rafting back down the Bohorok River. Not included: accommodation before and after the trek, transport to Bukit Lawang, personal expenses and tips.

You reserve online with a 30 % deposit by Wise or bank transfer (or pay the full amount, if you prefer). The rest is paid in cash when you arrive. We hold your places for 48 hours while the transfer is on its way, and confirm on WhatsApp as soon as it lands.

Yes. Treks run with a minimum of two people, so message Brian with your dates and he puts you together with another traveller or a small group. Solo guests are very common in Bukit Lawang.

Cancellation is free up to 7 days before departure and we refund your deposit. Closer to the date the deposit covers the guides and food we have already booked. If your flight is delayed, message us — we do our best to move your trek instead.

Very little once you are past the first hour, and none at the camps. Tell people at home that you will be offline. Your guide carries what is needed for emergencies, and the village has mobile coverage. Bring a power bank for your camera.

We keep a distance of at least ten metres, never feed or touch wildlife, keep our voices down and use no flash. Orangutans can catch human illnesses, so if you have a cold, tell your guide and keep extra distance. Everything we carry in comes back out with us.

We strongly recommend a travel insurance that covers hiking and medical evacuation. The nearest hospital is in Medan, several hours away. Bring any personal medication and tell us about allergies or conditions when you book.