Three-Hour Trek
A short introduction to the rainforest and its wildlife — perfect for a first taste of the jungle.
More info →Sumatran orangutan
◦ critically endangered 03°33′N 98°08′E
Bukit Lawang
◦ Gunung Leuser NP
Gunung Leuser National Park · UNESCO World Heritage
Trek the Sumatran jungle with the guides who grew up in it.
We're a locally-owned team of ethical, fully-licensed jungle guides in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra — leading orangutan treks, river jungle kayak trips and multi-day rainforest adventures with 16+ years of experience.
16+Years guiding
100%Locally owned
HPILicensed guides
4hrsFrom Medan
About us — Sumatra Orangutan Explore
Real guides. Real ethics. A jungle we call home.
We're one of the only genuinely locally-owned tour companies in Bukit Lawang. Every one of our guides grew up beside this forest and has more than 16 years of experience leading visitors safely into it.
All of our guides are fully licensed through the Indonesian Guide Association (HPI) and have completed the required three-month guide training. Beyond the paperwork, we hold ourselves to strong ethics and a deep respect for the wildlife and the rainforest we share.
"Join us to explore the jungle and spot wild orangutans with people who know every trail, river and call within it."
Indonesian Guide Association
Ethical wildlife practice
Locally owned
Small-group trekking
Bukit Lawang · Sumatra
From a short morning walk to a four-night expedition — every trek is guided, ethical and tailored to your pace.
One-Day Trek
A full day searching for orangutans, gibbons and macaques deeper into the forest, with lunch in the jungle.
More info →2D / 1N Trek
Camp overnight by the river and wake to the sounds of the rainforest before a second day on the trails.
More info →3D / 2N Trek
Reach quieter parts of the park with the best chances of undisturbed wildlife encounters.
More info →4D / 3N Trek
A proper expedition for keen walkers, covering varied terrain and remote riverside camps.
More info →5D / 4N Trek
Our longest deep-jungle trek — the fullest immersion in Gunung Leuser's ecosystem.
More info →Bukit Lawang's newest way to see the wild: glide down the crystal-clear Bohorok and Landak rivers, straight from the mountains, and watch the jungle come to life along the banks. Swim with the local kids, picnic riverside, and just listen to the forest.
Both rivers run fresh and clear from the mountains, framed by rainforest. With a little luck you'll spot wildlife right along the water's edge:
●Thomas leaf monkey
●Silvered leaf monkey
●Hornbills & toucans
●Monitor lizard
A day on the river
- 09:00Pickup from your hotel or guesthouse, transfer to the kayak office, then a 30-minute walk to the start point on the Bohorok or Landak river.
- 10:00Safety briefing and paddling practice, then the first stretch of kayaking downstream.
- 12:00Riverside picnic on the banks — with the chance to dive in for a swim.
- 13:00Second stretch of kayaking through the rainforest.
- 14:00Finish and transfer back to Bukit Lawang (~20 min) by local Oplet. Trip ends around 15:00.
Combine orangutan trekking with elephants at Tangkahan, Rafflesia, Lake Toba and more.
7 days · 6 nights · from €975
View tour →7-Day Sumatra Explorer — Bukit Lawang, Berastagi & Lake Toba
3 days
View tour →Bukit Lawang Tour — 3 Days
4 days
View tour →Bukit Lawang Tour — 4 Days
5 days
View tour →Bukit Lawang Tour — 5 Days
5 days · trek + kayak
View tour →Bukit Lawang Tour — 5 Days: Trek & Jungle Kayak
5 days · wildlife
View tour →Orangutans, Rafflesia & Gibbon Watching
Day trip
View tour →Tangkahan — Elephant Tour
5 days
View tour →Orangutans & Elephants — Bukit Lawang & Tangkahan
6 days · 5 nights
View tour →Bukit Lawang → Lake Toba
Custom
View tour →Orangutan Trekking & North Sumatra Tour
Activities
Day trips & activities
Short adventures to round out your stay in Bukit Lawang.
Jungle Kayak
Paddle the clear Bohorok and Landak rivers, watching for riverbank wildlife.
View activity →Bike Tour
Cycle through rice fields, plantations and villages around Bukit Lawang.
View activity →Becak Village Trip
Tour the village by traditional becak — crafts, palm sugar and local food.
View activity →Bat Cave & Landak River
Explore the bat cave’s rock formations, then swim in the clear river.
View activity →
Meet the team
Your licensed jungle guides
All members of the Indonesian Guide Association, each with many years of experience in leading treks in Bukit Lawang.
Marwan Sitepu
"Marwan"
HPI Licence140/DPC.HPI.KAB.LKT
Suprayetno
"Yetno"
HPI Licence066/DPC.HPI.KAB.LKT
Sunarto
"Kinol"
HPI Licence087/DPC.HPI.KAB.LKT
Arjuna Fadhilla
"Zidane"
HPI Licence371/DPC.HPI.KAB.LKT
Photo gallery
Scenes from the jungle
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bukit Lawang and how do I get there?+
Bukit Lawang is a small riverside village on the eastern edge of Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra, Indonesia — about 3–4 hours by road from Medan. We can arrange private transport from Medan, the airport or other towns.
Can I see wild orangutans on the tour?+
Yes. Gunung Leuser is one of the last places on Earth to see wild Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) in their natural habitat. Sightings are common on our treks, though as with all wild animals they're never guaranteed.
What is the Bukit Lawang jungle kayak tour?+
The jungle kayak is a guided day trip down the clear Bohorok and Landak rivers, watching for riverbank wildlife like Thomas leaf monkeys, hornbills and monitor lizards, with a riverside picnic and swim. It runs roughly 09:00–15:00, needs a minimum of 2 people, and includes transport, guide, kayak, helmet, life jacket, dry bag, lunch and insurance.
How much do the tours cost?+
Prices depend on the tour, length and group size, and we run a book-now-pay-later policy. Message us on WhatsApp (+62 813-6125-7538) for a fast quote.
Are your guides licensed and ethical?+
All of our guides are fully licensed members of the Indonesian Guide Association (HPI) with 16+ years' experience and formal training. We're one of the few genuinely locally-owned operators in Bukit Lawang and follow ethical, low-impact wildlife practices.
When is the best time to visit?+
Tours run all year. The drier months (roughly March–October) are most popular for trekking, and the rivers are great for kayaking when levels are good. We adapt routes to conditions on the day.
What should I know before visiting Bukit Lawang?+
Bukit Lawang is a small, laid-back jungle village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park — the gateway to some of Sumatra's best rainforest trekking and wild orangutans. A few things worth knowing:
- Trekking ranges from a few hours to several days, on steep, muddy and often sweaty trails — sturdy shoes with good grip are essential.
- Wildlife: orangutans are the highlight, but you'll also share the forest with gibbons, siamangs, macaques and plenty of birds. Sightings are never guaranteed, so enjoy the jungle itself as much as the animals.
- On the water: a jungle kayak day on the Bohorok and Landak rivers is a relaxed way to see the rainforest from a different angle.
- Weather: it's hot and humid and rain can arrive quickly — pack light clothing, a rain layer and plenty of water.
- The village: don't expect luxury. Bukit Lawang is simple, unhurried and surrounded by nature, which is much of its charm.
- Travel responsibly: choose a licensed local guide and avoid any tour that feeds, touches or crowds wild animals.
Book your adventure
Let's plan your jungle trip.
Tell us your dates and what you'd love to see — orangutans, elephants, a jungle kayak day, or a full North Sumatra route. Book now, pay later.