Bukit Lawang: 2-Day Jungle Trek & Ethical Orangutan Encounter

Summary

Sumatra’s rainforest calls with wild orangutans and riverside camping

You’ll trek deep into Sumatra’s rainforest from Bukit Lawang with local guides who know every call and shadow. Camp by a river after searching for wild orangutans, share spicy dinners under rain-soaked tarps, then raft or walk back to town — still buzzing from all those wild sounds.

What’s the experience like?

We’d already left Bukit Lawang behind when I realized how loud the jungle actually is — not city-loud, but alive in a way that makes you feel like you’re intruding. Our guide, Dedi, grinned at us as we tried to keep up. He could spot a Thomas leaf monkey from what felt like a mile away; I barely noticed them until they started shaking branches overhead. The air was thick and green-smelling, sticky on my skin. At one point, someone in our group whispered “orangutan,” and there she was — orange fur almost glowing against the leaves. She watched us for a while, then just melted back into the trees. Lunch was fruit and rice eaten cross-legged on the ground, ants everywhere (I gave up trying to keep them off my banana).

By late afternoon we reached camp — just a few tents pitched beside a river that moved slow and brown over stones. I dunked my feet in straight away; it felt cold enough to wake every muscle in my legs. Dinner was rice, vegetables, some chicken with chili sauce so hot it made me cough (Dedi laughed and handed me more water). Later, we played some silly group game under the tarp while rain hammered down on the plastic roof. I lay awake after everyone else had crashed out, listening to frogs and thinking about how far away everything else felt.

Next morning was all mist and birdcalls. Breakfast came with sweet tea strong enough to jolt me awake. We walked again — this time slower, stopping whenever Dedi wanted to show us which plants were good for fevers or stomach aches (he let me smell one leaf that reminded me of lemongrass and mud). Saw another orangutan high up; she had a baby clinging on like a little orange shadow. Heading back toward Bukit Lawang took hours but felt shorter somehow — maybe because we knew what was waiting: tube rafting down the river if you wanted (I did; it’s bumpy but fun). Honestly, I still think about that first quiet moment when the jungle closed in behind us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Start trekking from Bukit Lawang Village

• Breakfast at 8:30 am
• Meet guides at hotel
• Begin 6-7 hour jungle trek
• Look for orangutans and monkeys
• Break for lunch and tropical fruits
• Short walk to campsite
• Bathe in river and relax
• Enjoy tea, coffee, and snacks
• Dinner prepared by team
• Play group game
• Rest overnight in tents

Day 2 — Jungle trek and return options

• Breakfast provided by team
• Walk into jungle
• Learn about herbal plants
• Spot wildlife like orangutans and gibbons
• 5-6 hour jungle trek
• Lunch with fresh local fruit
• Choose to walk back or tube raft

Top questions

How long is the jungle trek from Bukit Lawang?

The first day is about 6-7 hours of trekking; the second day is usually 5-6 hours before returning.

Are meals included during the tour?

Yes, breakfast and dinner are included along with lunch each day featuring local dishes and fresh fruit.

Will I see orangutans during this trek?

If you’re lucky! Sightings aren’t guaranteed but guides do their best to find them safely.

Is tube rafting back to Bukit Lawang included?

Traditional tube rafting is offered as an option for an extra fee on your return journey.

Where do we sleep during the tour?

You’ll camp beside a small river in dome tents provided by the team.

Are guides certified or local experts?

Yes, your guides are ITGA-HPI certified locals who know the area well.

Is this trek suitable for beginners?

The trek requires moderate fitness but isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What’s included

Your two days include pickup from your hotel in Bukit Lawang each morning, all necessary permits and entrance fees for trekking in Gunung Leuser’s rainforest, English-speaking certified guides throughout both days, camping equipment beside a small river with dome tents provided overnight, plus hearty meals—breakfasts, lunches with tropical fruit, dinners cooked by your team—and an optional traditional tube rafting ride back to town if you want that last splashy adventure before heading home.