The Sumatra Trekking Challenge

📍 Transfer from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang (108 km): 4 hours Trekking distance: 1 hour 30 minutes Difficulty : Easy

Arrive to Medan Kuala Namu International Airport on an early morning flight.

Recommended flights: (Not included and quoted separately– Tariffs and schedule subject to change without prior notice)

• International: By Silk Air from Singapore with MI234 arriving Medan at 07:55 (daily)
• International: By Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur with MH840 arriving Medan at 06:15 (daily) or with MH860 arriving Medan at 08:50 (daily)
• Domestic: By Garuda Indonesia from Jakarta with GA180 arriving Medan at 08:00 (daily) or with GA142 arriving Medan at 08:55

After clearing immigration and customs, our guide and driver will be waiting at the arrival’s hall. From the airport, transport will be provided to Bukit Lawang, part of Gunung Leuser National Park. The journey will take approximately 3-4 hrs from Medan, passing Binjai town along the way.

Lunch can be taken at a local restaurant en route or upon arrival to Bukit Lawang (not included). Arrive to Bukit Lawang around 12:00.

After settling in, embark on an afternoon walking excursion along the riverbank before crossing over in a traditional canoe. The hike continues, traversing thick exterior jungle, which eventually emerges at wooden platforms tucked inside the rich, verdant flora. This is the site where orangutans are fed twice a day for couple years, nowadays the feeding station is closed following the succeed of Bukit Lawang conservation supply enough foods in the jungle.

From here the tour delves further into the jungle where there will be the first chance to view the orangutans in their natural environment. After the walk, return to the hotel in Bukit Lawang.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Bukit Lawang

(Note: Orangutans are usually seen at the feeding platform all year round but note during the fruit season, usually from August to September and December to January, there might be days the Orangutans prefer to stay in the jungle as they already have plenty of food available.)

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Trekking distance: 6 hours Difficulty : Hard

Leaving the comfort of the hotel behind, the day's trek through the mountainous National Park begins with a steep incline, which is rewarded with many spectacular views. Breaks will be taken along the way upon request.

During the course of the trek, the guide will point out and explain (amongst many other things) the medicinal qualities of the jungle plants, used for centuries by the local people.

After arriving at the first night's campsite, discover how to set up camp in the Sumatran jungle and assist with building a fire in order to cook a delicious dinner. The local guide is well versed in ‘camp cooking’; dine under the stars surrounded by a myriad of jungle sounds.

While there’s always the possibility of sighting a wild or semi-wild orangutan during these days, be mindful to never approach an orangutan, always paying attention to the guide’s instructions.

Lunch will be had en route and dinner at the camp

Overnight local camp/shelter
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Trekking distance: 6 hours Difficulty : Medium

Acclimatized to the sights and unusual sounds of the surroundings, continue heading deeper into the jungle, learning (with the guide’s help) how to trace and recognize the different animal sounds.

Upon arrival at the camp, learn some traditional fishing methods (if the river conditions allow) and put them to use to try and catch a fish for the evening’s dinner. Enjoy a restful night’s sleep in preparation for the following day’s adventure!

Lunch will be had en-route, dinner will be had at the camp in the evening

Overnight local camp/shelter

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Trekking distance: 6 hours Difficulty: Medium

This morning, wake to a chorus of wildlife such as shy gibbons or massive hornbills, scrambling around the treetops in search of fruit.

Today, venture deeper into the jungle to try and catch a glimpse of some endemic wildlife, such as the magnificent orangutan. With any luck, less commonly sighted species such as the Sumatran Striped Rabbit and a vast variety of birds and butterflies may also be spotted.

Today’s terrain is steady, traversing lush jungle running through towering trees and ferns.
Enjoy a good night’s sleep after another strenuous day.

Lunch will be had en-route, dinner will be had at the camp in the evening.

Overnight local camp/shelter.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Trekking distance: 6 hours Difficulty: Hard

Rise early for a hearty breakfast and pack up camp before embarking on the most challenging day of the adventure. The terrain is quite steep; the route on this day can be adjusted to maximize the enjoyment and wellbeing of the group.

The guide will keep an eye out for tell-tail signs of orangutans while trekking through the dense jungle. Aside from orangutans, a plethora of birds and smaller jungle animals may be visible through the mottled backdrop of the jungle.

Trek to the third night's camping spot at Batu Rangring.

Lunch will be had en-route, dinner will be had at the camp in the evening.

Overnight local camp/shelter.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer from Bukit Lawang to Wampu River: 2 hour / one way Trekking distance: 1 hour Rafting duration: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy

Today marks the last day of the jungle experience with a short trek to Bukit Lawang. Meet with the guide at the village for a transfer to the Wampu River, preparing for a thrilling rafting adventure.

After a two-hour drive, arrive at the starting point of the white water rafting adventure. Following a safety briefing from the highly qualified and experienced staff, head into the waters. The route heads downstream navigating two sets of rapids. There will be brief pauses between rapids to observe the abundant birdlife and wildlife of the area.

A highlight of this course is rafting under a magnificent waterfall and enjoying a natural shower!
After the refreshing waterfall experience, enjoy lunch on the river bank. The rafting then continues downstream until reaching the finishing point. Enjoy a quick local coffee break before driving back to the hotel.

Reminisce on the experiences of the last few days with a well-earned farewell BBQ dinner.
Dinner and overnight in eco-lodge in Bukit Lawang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer from Bukit Lawang to Medan City Center (72 km): 3 hours Transfer from Medan City Center to Medan Airport (33 km): 1 hours

Check out of the lodge in the morning and return to Medan.

Depending on the time of the departing flight, there may be time to take a short city tour of Medan, including a visit to Maimoon, the 19th century Sultan of Deli Palace. Continue the tour to the early 20th century Great Mosque before finishing off at a beautiful Chinese temple.

Recommended flights: (Not included and quoted separately– Tariffs and schedule subject to change without prior notice)
International: By Silk Air to Singapore with MI237 departing from Medan at 20:05 and arriving in Singapore at 22:20 (daily).
International: By Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Lumpur with MH865 departing from Medan at 15:45 and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 17:45 (daily)
Domestic: Garuda Indonesia late afternoon flight to Jakarta (no possible connection in Jakarta)
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast