2-Day Orangutan Trekking & Rafting in Bukit Lawang

Hunt for orangutans in the rainforest, then paddle out on the river

A 2-day trek through Gunung Leuser National Park based in Bukit Lawang, where you search for wild orangutans, gibbons, macaques and hornbills in their natural habitat, then raft the Bahorok River back to the village on day two. Pickup from your accommodation is included; a certified English-speaking guide leads groups of any size; camp stays near the river with tent, meals and all park permits provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore jungle and wildlife

• 8:30 AM pick-up from accommodation
• Walk 30-40 minutes to national park border
• Observe orangutans, plants, and wildlife
• 10:30 AM rest and enjoy tropical fruits
• 11:00 AM continue jungle trekking
• 12:30 PM rest and have Indonesian lunch
• 1:30 PM continue trekking deeper into jungle
• 3:30 PM arrive at campsite, swim and relax
• 6:30 PM have dinner at campsite
• Relax and enjoy evening at campsite

Day 2: Trekking, waterfall, and rafting

• 8:00 AM breakfast at campsite
• 9:00 AM start jungle trekking from campsite
• Observe orangutans, monkeys, birds, and plants
• 11:00 AM break and enjoy tropical fruits
• 11:30 AM continue trek to river bank
• 1:00 PM rest and have Indonesian lunch
• 2:00 PM start traditional rafting on Bahorok river
• Return to accommodation in Bukit Lawang village

The experience

Day one starts with pickup around Bukit Lawang village at 8:30 AM, then a 30- to 40-minute walk to the Gunung Leuser National Park border. From there, the trek pushes deeper into the rainforest, moving through the canopy and along forest trails where you watch for orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques, flying squirrels, hornbills and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The pace includes rest stops for tropical fresh fruit at mid-morning and lunch (Indonesian food) at midday, with more trekking in the afternoon before you reach the campsite around 3:30 PM. You can swim in the river, relax or have tea while the guides set up camp and cook a local dinner like curry and rice.

Night falls to the sound of the jungle. Day two begins with breakfast at 8 AM, then another trek from the campsite through the national park, again watching for wildlife and stopping for fruit and lunch. Around 2 PM, you trade the forest for the Bahorok River and paddle back to Bukit Lawang on a traditional raft, arriving at your accommodation by late afternoon. The raft ride is the return transport, so the whole loop closes without needing a separate vehicle.

The campsite sits near the river with a tent, mattress, blanket and mosquito net. All park entrance fees, meals, drinking water, coffee and tea are included. Your guide is certified by the Indonesia Tourist Guide Association and speaks English. If you need accommodation or transport from Medan city, the airport or the harbour, those can be arranged separately at checkout.

What’s included

• All Gunung Leuser National Park entrance permits.
• tent, mattress, blanket and mosquito net at the jungle campsite.
• dinner on day one and breakfast on day two.
• lunch both days (Indonesian food).
• fresh tropical fruit twice daily.
• coffee and tea twice daily.
• mineral water.
• traditional raft ride back to Bukit Lawang on day two (your return transport).
• certified English-speaking guide and support team.
• pickup from your accommodation in Bukit Lawang village.
• access to the Seebukitlawang homestay locker for storage during the trek.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (23 to 55 years) · Youth (13 to 22 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by See Bukit Lawang

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're staying in Bukit Lawang without your own transport: accommodation pickup and river return to the village complete the loop without needing a separate car.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 22 years); Child (3 to 12 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I actually see on the trek?

Wild orangutans are the main draw, but the forest also holds gibbons, Thomas leaf monkeys, long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques, flying squirrels, hornbills and Argusianus argus pheasants. Sightings depend on the day and the season, but the guides know the territory and search the canopy and forest floor throughout both days.

What is the Bahorok River rafting like?

Traditional rafting on the Bahorok River is the return journey on day two, paddling downriver from the campsite back to Bukit Lawang village. It is a gentle float rather than whitewater, and it serves as your transport home.

How much walking is involved each day?

Day one includes a 30- to 40-minute walk to the park border, then several hours of trekking through the forest with rest stops, arriving at camp around 3:30 PM. Day two starts with another trek from camp through the national park before the afternoon raft ride. The pace is steady but includes breaks for rest, fruit and meals.

What is included in the meals and accommodation?

Dinner on day one and breakfast on day two are cooked at the campsite. Lunch is provided both days (Indonesian food). You sleep in a tent with a mattress, blanket and mosquito net near the river. Fresh fruit, coffee, tea and mineral water are included throughout.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to Bukit Lawang?

Pickup is included from accommodation around Bukit Lawang village. If you are arriving from Medan city, the airport or the harbour and need transport to the village, that can be arranged at checkout for an additional cost.