Gunung Leuser 3-Day Orangutan Trek & Stone Carving

Trek deeper into the forest each day, then carve what you've seen into stone

A 3-day trek through Gunung Leuser National Park combines jungle camping, wildlife observation, and a hands-on art class where you carve river stone or wood with a local artisan. The guide leads you ethically through the forest to spot orangutans and other animals in their habitat, you sleep in tents by a river, and on the final morning you create a keepsake inspired by what you've learned about the park. Pickup from Bukit Lawang is included. The guide speaks English.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Enter Gunung Leuser National Park jungle

• Guide leads ethical animal spotting
• Stay in tent near clear river

Day 2: Explore deeper jungle and wildlife

• Trek deeper into forest
• Observe orangutans and wildlife
• Stay in tent in forest heart

Day 3: Local art class and departure

• Breakfast
• Art class making river stone souvenirs

The experience

How do you actually see orangutans in their forest without disturbing them? The guide leads you carefully through Gunung Leuser National Park, watching for animal movement and listening to calls that tell you where to look. You trek deeper each day, sleeping in tents pitched near a small river, with a porter carrying the camp gear so you move through the forest unencumbered. The second night takes you further into the park's heart, where the soundscape of the forest at dawn becomes part of the rhythm of the days.

The trek includes a swim at a hidden waterfall and time to observe how orangutans and other animals live freely in their habitat. Food and drinks are provided during your time in the tent and forest. The camp equipment (mosquito nets, mattresses, blankets) is set up for you. On the morning of the third day, after breakfast, your guide prepares materials for an art class where you learn to carve river stone or wood from a local artisan, creating a personal souvenir that carries the story of what you've seen.

Pickup from Bukit Lawang is included in the booking. Transportation back to Medan after the trek can be arranged separately. The trek requires at least moderate physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. Children from age one are welcome, though infants must sit on an adult's lap during any transport segments.

What’s included

• Certified and ethical guide who speaks English.
• pickup from Bukit Lawang.
• all meals and drinks during the trek and forest camping.
• tent accommodation with mosquito nets, mattresses and blankets.
• porter to carry camp and kitchen equipment.
• tubing or jungle taxi transport as part of the route.
• art materials and instruction for the river stone or wood carving class on day three.

Before you book

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

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 to 70 years) · Youth (1 to 14 years)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.You can choose from 14 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

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

Operated by SumatraStoneStories

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and the wildlife spotting without language barriers. This trek suits anyone with moderate fitness who can walk for several hours and sleep in a tent. It's not designed for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or during pregnancy.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (1 to 14 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's the difference between the three days, does each one feel like a different part of the park?

Day one takes you into the forest and establishes camp by the river. Day two pushes deeper into the park's interior, where you spend more time observing wildlife and see the forest at its quietest. Day three brings you back toward the edge, ending with the art class in the morning before you leave.

Do I need to be an experienced hiker to do this trek?

Moderate physical fitness is required, but you don't need hiking experience. The guide sets the pace, and a porter carries the camp equipment, so you're moving through the forest without a heavy load. The trek is designed for people who can walk for several hours over uneven terrain and sleep in a tent.

What exactly do you carve in the art class, and do I get to keep it?

You learn to carve either river stone or wood from a local artisan, creating a unique souvenir inspired by the nature and wildlife you've observed. The piece is yours to take home. It carries the story of the orangutans and the forest you've seen.

Is there a waterfall swim, or is that just mentioned in the description?

Yes, the trek includes a stop at a hidden waterfall where you can swim and take photos. It's built into the itinerary as a break during the days in the forest.

What happens if I need to get back to Medan after the trek ends?

Pickup from Bukit Lawang to start the trek is included. Transportation from Bukit Lawang back to Medan after the trek can be arranged separately and is not included in the base booking.