Rafting & jungle trekking in Mount Leuser: See orangutans

Walk into the jungle, float back down the river

A full-day jungle trek and traditional rafting trip in Mount Leuser National Park near Medan, starting with a 30–40 minute walk from Bukit Lawang village into the park to search for orangutans and other wildlife, then floating back downriver on the Bahorok. The guide speaks English, lunch and all park entry are included, and hotel pickup is arranged from the village.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jungle trekking and river rafting

• 8:30 AM pick-up from accommodation
• Walk 30-40 minutes to park border
• Observe orangutans and wildlife
• 10:30 AM rest with tropical fruit snack
• 11:00 AM continue trekking in jungle
• 12:30 PM lunch break with Indonesian food
• 1:30 PM trek to river bank
• 2:30 PM start traditional rafting on Bahorok river
• Return to accommodation in Bukit Lawang village

The experience

You start at 8:30 am with pickup from your accommodation in Bukit Lawang, then walk 30 to 40 minutes to reach the border of Gunung Leuser National Park. The trek itself takes you deeper into the jungle where the guide watches for orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, white-handed gibbons, long-tailed macaques and other animals that live there. Around 10:30 am you stop for tropical fresh fruit and a rest, then continue trekking until midday, when you break for Indonesian lunch at a rest point in the jungle.

At 1:30 pm the trek heads toward the river. By 2:30 pm you're on the Bahorok River for traditional rafting, floating back downstream to Bukit Lawang and your accommodation. The whole day (trekking and rafting combined) runs 6 to 7 hours. An English-speaking guide certified by the Indonesian Guide Association leads the entire trip, and the park entrance fee is covered in your booking.

What’s included

• Full-day jungle trek and traditional rafting in Mount Leuser National Park.
• English-speaking certified guide.
• all park entrance fees.
• Indonesian lunch.
• mineral water and tropical fresh fruit snacks.
• hotel pickup from Bukit Lawang village at 8:30 am.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 05:30, the last at 09:00

AgesAdult (24 to 60 years) · Youth (13 to 23 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 57

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by See Bukit Lawang

Is this one for you?Pickup starts in Bukit Lawang village, so you need to reach there on your own if you're staying in Medan or arriving at the airport. This works best if you're based in the village or can arrange transport there the night before. Children from age 3 are welcome, and infants sit on an adult's lap.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 23 years); Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 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.

Can I see orangutans on this trek?

Orangutans live in Mount Leuser National Park and the guide searches for them during the jungle walk, along with other wildlife like gibbons and macaques. Sightings depend on where the animals are on the day you go, so there's no guarantee, but the guide knows the park well and looks for them throughout the trek.

What's the rafting part like?

Traditional rafting on the Bahorok River is the final part of your day. You float back downriver toward Bukit Lawang after the jungle trek ends, which takes you back to your accommodation without a separate drive.

How much walking is involved?

The trek starts with a 30–40 minute walk to the park border, then continues deeper into the jungle with breaks for fruit and lunch. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

Does the price include lunch?

Yes, lunch is Indonesian food served at a rest point during the trek. Mineral water and tropical fresh fruit are also included throughout the day.

How do I get picked up if I'm staying in Bukit Lawang?

Hotel pickup from Bukit Lawang village is included at 8:30 am. If you're staying in Medan city or arriving at the airport, you'll need to arrange your own transport to Bukit Lawang to meet the pickup.