3-day jungle trekking & rafting: Gunung Leuser orangutans

Three days in the rainforest: orangutans, river camps and a traditional raft descent

A 3-day jungle trek through Gunung Leuser National Park based near Bukit Lawang, where you walk through dense rainforest, camp in the jungle and watch for Sumatran orangutans and other wildlife. The itinerary includes an English-speaking guide, all meals and camping equipment. On the final afternoon you descend the Bohorok River by traditional raft. Hotel pickup is included. Children from age 2 are welcome.

The experience

You start with pickup at your Bukit Lawang hotel at 8:30 AM, then meet the guide at the office before heading into the park. The first walk takes about 40 minutes to reach Gunung Leuser National Park proper. From there the trek moves through dense rainforest with stops for fruit and a local lunch in the jungle. The guide explains the trees, plants and wildlife you pass. By mid-afternoon you arrive at the campsite, where you can swim in the river, relax and have tea before the cooking staff prepares a local dinner like curry and rice.

Day two follows a similar rhythm: breakfast, a morning trek with wildlife observation, lunch in the jungle around 1 PM, then arrival back at camp by mid-afternoon. The evenings are yours to rest, play games or talk with the guide. On day three, after breakfast you choose between a 2–3 hour jungle walk or a shorter trek to a waterfall to relax. Lunch comes around noon, then at 1:30 PM you begin the traditional rafting descent of the Bohorok River back to Bukit Lawang village, ending the trek.

The campsite uses tent dorms with sleeping bags, mattresses and mosquito nets. You get three breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners, plus coffee, tea, snacks and fresh fruit throughout. All park entrance fees, camping equipment and documentation are included. Your backpack stays locked at the homestay base while you trek with just a day pack.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Bukit Lawang at 8:30 AM.
• English-speaking guide and assistant guide.
• all park entrance fees.
• two nights in jungle tent-dorm campsites with sleeping bags, mattresses and mosquito nets.
• three breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners, plus coffee, tea, snacks and fresh fruit.
• camping equipment and mosquito nets.
• documentation of the trek.
• backpack storage at the homestay during the trek.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (23 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 63 years) · Youth (13 to 22 years) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 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?Book this if you have three consecutive days free and want to stay immersed in the jungle without breaking for village exploration or rest days. Choose a shorter trek if you're splitting your time between trekking and other activities.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 22 years); Child (2 to 12 years).

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 are the chances of seeing orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park?

Gunung Leuser is home to Sumatran orangutans and the trek is designed to give you a big chance to observe them along with other wildlife like gibbons and macaques, though sightings depend on where the animals are on any given day. The guide will explain the trees and plants they use and point out signs of their presence.

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag and tent?

No. Camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and mosquito nets are all provided at the jungle campsites for the two nights you stay in the park.

What kind of food is served during the trek?

The cooking staff prepares local meals like curry and rice for dinner, and you eat lunch in the jungle each day. Breakfast is local style, and you get fresh fruit, coffee, tea and snacks throughout the trek, plus water.

How difficult is the walking, and what is the pace like?

The trek is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Days involve 2–3 hours of walking in the morning and afternoon with breaks for meals and rest at camp. On day three you choose between a longer 2–3 hour walk or a shorter waterfall visit, so you can adjust to how you feel.

What happens on the last day after the raft?

The traditional rafting ends at Bukit Lawang village around mid-afternoon, which is where the trek concludes. From there you can arrange onward transport. The operator does not include transfers back to Medan or other cities outside Bukit Lawang.

Is the guide English-speaking, and will there be other groups?

Yes, your guide speaks English and is assisted by a second guide. The trek operates as a group tour, so you will trek with other travelers booked on the same dates.