Trekking - Trailing the Sumatran Orangutan

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

Arrive at Medan Kuala Namu International Airport on an early morning flight and meet with the local English-speaking guide and driver outside the arrivals area for a private transfer to Bukit Lawang.

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
The journey to Gunung Leuser National Park takes approximately two and a half from Medan. Stop en route for a lunch of local specialties (own account) before arriving at the park’s outskirts in the town of Bukit Lawang around noon.

Gunung Leuser National Park is the last sanctuary of the legendary Sumatran orangutan.

Upon arrival, head on a short walking excursion along the river bank before crossing to the other side in a traditional canoe. From here, head further into the jungle for an up-close encounter with wild orangutans. While they feed, enjoy a special moment that will surely create a lasting lifelong memory. Afterwards, return to the hotel in Bukit Lawang.

Dinner at the hotel

Overnight in Bukit Lawang
 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Trekking distance: 6 hours Difficulty : Medium

In the morning, wake to a chorus of wildlife such as the gibbons and hornbills as they scramble around in search of fruit. The sheer array of sounds emanating from the jungle is both bewildering and magical.

Today’s trek heads through the mountainous interior of the national park, beginning with a steep incline and rewarded with spectacular views. Occasional breaks are taken as required.  

While venturing deeper into the jungle, try to be as quiet as possible to maximise the chances of glimpsing some of the endemic wildlife. With any luck, less commonly sighted species such as the Sumatran striped rabbit and a vast variety of birds and butterflies may also be seen. Close encounters with local wildlife are a distinct possibility. Be mindful to never approach or touch an orangutan if the opportunity presents itself, and pay close attention to the instructions of the guide.

To conclude the day, discover how to set up camp in the Sumatran jungle after arriving at the first campsite. Assist with building a fire in order to cook a delicious jungle dinner. The local guide is well versed in ‘camp cooking’ and will be sure to share some of the secrets of how to dine well under the stars surrounded by jungle.
After a long and rewarding day of jungle exploration, tuck in for the evening and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of tropical wilderness.

Lunch en route and dinner at the camp

Overnight local camp/Shelter
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Trekking distance: 4 hours Tubing: 1 hour Difficulty : Medium

Rise early in the morning for a hearty breakfast and pack up camp before embarking on what is perhaps the most challenging day of the adventure. The terrain is very steep and the guide will assess everyone’s abilities to ensure the safety of the group. Subject to the conditions, the routing may be adjusted to maximise the enjoyment and wellbeing of the group.

While hiking, 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. 

Arrive at Aras Pinang at noon, and prepare tubes for a relaxing river journey back to Bukit Lawang.

Lunch en route in the jungle.

Reminisce on the experiences of the last few days with a well-earned farewell BBQ dinner together with the local guide team.

Overnight in Eco-Lodge in Bukit Lawang 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

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

In the morning, check out of the lodge and return to Medan.

Flight schedule permitting, take a short city tour of Medan including a visit to Maimoon, the Sultan’s Deli Palace built in 1888. In former times the Palace was considered as the center of the town before Medan developed into a proper city.
The tour continues to the Great Mosque. Built in 1906 by the first sultan, it’s still considered as one the most beautiful mosques in Indonesia. Wrap the tour up with a visit to the beautiful Chinese Temple.

Afterwards, transfer to the airport for the onward flight.

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