2-day Sumatra orangutan jungle trek from Medan to Bukit Lawang

Trek deep into Sumatra's jungle and sleep at a riverside campsite

A 2-day jungle trek from Medan to Bukit Lawang with an English-speaking local guide, overnight camping next to the river, and all meals included. Day one is a 6–7 hour trek through steep terrain to the campsite. Day two includes a 4-hour morning trek, waterfall visit, and tube raft back to the village before afternoon return to Medan. The tour is physically demanding and requires moderate fitness. Your hotel pickup starts at 5:30 am.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Bukit Lawang and jungle trek

• Pick up from hotel at 5:30 am
• Drive to Bukit Lawang (3 hours)
• Meet jungle guide, have tea and breakfast
• Start 6-7 hour jungle trek

Day 2: Jungle trek, rafting, and return

• Breakfast and morning relaxation at campsite
• 4-hour jungle trek and visit waterfall
• Tube rafting back to Bukit Lawang village
• Drive back to Medan hotel or airport

The experience

The trek begins with hotel pickup from Medan at 5:30 am, followed by a 3-hour private car drive to Bukit Lawang village. After tea and breakfast with your guide, you start the jungle trek: a 6–7 hour hike through steep, inclined terrain depending on your pace and stamina. The landscape is hot, humid, and uneven. Bring plenty of water, light clothing, proper trekking shoes, and a raincoat if rain is forecast. Mosquito repellent (13% DEET maximum is locally available, though stronger versions are recommended) and a swimsuit or bathing clothes are essential. All food, drinking water, and fresh tropical fruits are provided throughout the trek.

You'll spend the night at a campsite on the riverbank, immersed in the jungle environment. On day two, breakfast and tea are served at the campsite. After relaxing into the morning, you have the option to trek for another 4 hours or visit a nearby waterfall before leaving the campsite by 2 pm. The return journey uses tube rafting down the river back to Bukit Lawang village, then your driver picks you up for the afternoon drive back to Medan, typically arriving late afternoon. Let your guide know which hotel or the airport you need to reach.

The company is locally owned and staffed: guides, porters, and drivers all come from the village, so your spending directly supports the community. The tour operates with ecological responsibility: no trash is left behind, and there is no physical contact with wild animals in the jungle.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Medan at 5:30 am on day one and return transfer on day two.
• private car transport to and from Bukit Lawang.
• English-speaking local guide for both days.
• overnight campsite accommodation on the riverbank.
• all meals including dinner, breakfast, tea, and fresh tropical fruits.
• drinking water throughout the trek.
• tube raft transport back to Bukit Lawang village on day two.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sumatra tour and travel

Is this one for you?This trek suits travelers with moderate to good fitness who are ready for steep terrain, heat and humidity, and a night in a basic jungle camp. The 2-day format lets you trek deeper into the jungle than a day trip allows, spending a night at the river and experiencing the environment fully before returning to Medan in the afternoon.

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Top questions

How physically demanding is the 2-day jungle trek from Medan?

The trek is demanding and requires at least moderate fitness. Day one involves 6–7 hours of hiking through steep, inclined terrain in hot and humid conditions. Day two offers a 4-hour trek or a waterfall visit. Steep hills are common, and the terrain is uneven throughout.

What should I pack for the Bukit Lawang jungle trek?

Bring light, breathable clothing, proper trekking shoes, a raincoat, swimsuit or bathing clothes, towel, extra dry clothes, plenty of water, and mosquito repellent (stronger than the 13% DEET available locally is recommended). All food and drinking water are provided by the tour.

Where do I sleep on the 2-day trek, and what is the campsite like?

You overnight at a campsite next to the river in the jungle. It is a basic camp setup where you live in the jungle environment. Bring dry clothes and be prepared for the natural setting.

What time does the tour start, and when do I return to Medan?

Hotel pickup from Medan is at 5:30 am on day one. After the 3-hour drive to Bukit Lawang and the jungle trek, you overnight at the campsite. On day two, you leave the campsite by 2 pm via tube raft, then drive back to Medan, typically arriving late afternoon.

Is the guide English-speaking, and are they local?

Yes, your guide speaks English and is from the local village. All guides, porters, and drivers are community members, and your payment supports their livelihoods directly.