1. Search for wild Sumatran orangutans
Explore the rainforest with your local guide and look for orangutans moving through the trees. You may also encounter long-tailed macaques, Thomas’s leaf monkeys, gibbons, hornbills, and other tropical wildlife. Sightings are never guaranteed, as these are wild animals living in their natural environment.

2. Explore the tropical rainforest
Walk beneath towering rainforest trees, follow natural jungle trails, and discover the extraordinary vegetation of one of Sumatra’s most important ecosystems. Your guide can introduce you to native plants, forest ecology, animal behavior, and the importance of rainforest conservation.

3. Spend a night in the jungle
Experience the peaceful atmosphere of a rainforest camp, surrounded by the sounds of flowing water, insects, frogs, and nocturnal forest life. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, relax with your trekking group, and experience a night away from the noise and crowds of the city.

4. Enjoy river tubing back to Bukit Lawang
After trekking out of the forest, enjoy a traditional tube rafting experience on the river, conditions permitting. Surrounded by tropical greenery and the sounds of the water, it is a fun and memorable way to finish your rainforest adventure.

Day 1: Medan – Bukit Lawang – Jungle Trekking – Overnight Camp

Approximate driving time: 3–4 hours each way, depending on traffic and road conditions

Morning: Pick-up in Medan and transfer to Bukit Lawang

Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Medan or another agreed meeting point. Travel through the countryside of North Sumatra, passing local villages, plantations, small towns, and beautiful rural landscapes on the way to Bukit Lawang.

Upon arrival, meet your local jungle guide, receive a briefing about the trek, and prepare your equipment. Your guide will explain the route, wildlife-watching guidelines, jungle safety, and the importance of respecting the natural environment.

Late morning: Begin your rainforest expedition
After the briefing, start hiking into the tropical rainforest near Gunung Leuser National Park. The trail leads through dense vegetation, towering trees, and the rich green landscape that makes Bukit Lawang such a special destination for nature lovers.
Along the way, your guide will help you look for wildlife and explain the behavior of animals you may encounter. Keep your eyes on the forest canopy, where orangutans sometimes move between trees, and listen for the calls of gibbons and tropical birds.
The hike includes uneven natural trails, slopes, roots, and potentially muddy sections. You will take breaks along the way to rest, drink water, take photographs, and appreciate the rainforest scenery.

Afternoon: Deeper jungle exploration and lunch
Continue exploring the forest, enjoying the opportunity to learn about its plants, wildlife, and ecological importance. Your guide will select a suitable route based on the group’s fitness, weather, trail conditions, and wildlife activity.
Stop for a freshly prepared lunch or a packed jungle meal, depending on the arrangements. After lunch, continue your exploration before gradually making your way toward the designated camping area.

Late afternoon: Arrive at the jungle camp
Reach the camping area near a suitable forest stream or river, where available and safe. Settle into your campsite and enjoy the special feeling of being surrounded by tropical nature.
Take time to relax, enjoy the sounds of the forest, and watch the changing light as the afternoon turns into evening. Your guide and support team will help organize the camp and prepare dinner.

Evening: Dinner and rainforest camping
Enjoy a warm dinner prepared by the trekking team, often featuring Indonesian-style dishes, rice, vegetables, and other locally available ingredients. Please communicate any dietary requirements in advance.
After dinner, relax with your group, exchange stories from the day’s hike, and listen to the nighttime sounds of the rainforest. This is a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from everyday routines and appreciate the simple pleasures of outdoor adventure.
Overnight in a basic jungle campsite. Facilities are rustic, and comfort levels are different from those of a hotel.

Day 2: Jungle Breakfast – Morning Trek – River Tubing – Return to Medan

Morning: Wake up to the rainforest

Wake up to the fresh air and natural sounds of the forest. Enjoy breakfast at camp and prepare for the second day of your adventure.

Before leaving the campsite, take a moment to appreciate the peaceful surroundings. The morning can be a beautiful time to observe birds and other wildlife, although sightings depend on natural conditions.

Morning to midday: Continue trekking through the jungle
After breakfast, pack your equipment and continue walking through the rainforest toward Bukit Lawang. Your guide may choose a different section of trail for the return journey, depending on the terrain, weather, and group’s physical condition.
Along the way, you may have further opportunities to observe wildlife, learn about native plants, and take photographs of the tropical forest. The pace will include rest stops and will be adjusted to the group.

Midday or early afternoon: River tubing experience
As you approach Bukit Lawang, enjoy the traditional river tubing experience, subject to suitable river conditions and the operator’s safety assessment. Sit in a securely arranged group of tubes and float downstream with the guidance of the local team.
This enjoyable activity offers a different perspective on the area, with river scenery, jungle-covered banks, and the sounds of flowing water. River tubing is weather-dependent and may be changed or cancelled if conditions are unsafe.

Afternoon: Arrive in Bukit Lawang and return to Medan
After the rafting experience, return to the village, where you can freshen up and collect your belongings. Depending on the booking arrangements, enjoy a final meal or a short rest before departing.

Your driver will then take you back to Medan, with an expected road journey of approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and weather.
Arrive in Medan in the late afternoon or evening. Your two-day rainforest expedition concludes with unforgettable memories of Sumatra’s wildlife, tropical scenery, jungle camping, and local hospitality

Evening: Dinner and rainforest camping
Enjoy a warm dinner prepared by the trekking team, often featuring Indonesian-style dishes, rice, vegetables, and other locally available ingredients. Please communicate any dietary requirements in advance.
After dinner, relax with your group, exchange stories from the day’s hike, and listen to the nighttime sounds of the rainforest. This is a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from everyday routines and appreciate the simple pleasures of outdoor adventure.
Overnight in a basic jungle campsite. Facilities are rustic, and comfort levels are different from those of a hotel.

A genuine rainforest experience

Bukit Lawang is a gateway to one of Indonesia’s most remarkable rainforest landscapes. This trip combines guided hiking, opportunities to observe wildlife, and a night spent in the forest, providing a more immersive experience than a short jungle walk.

Wildlife in its natural environment

Gunung Leuser’s rainforest supports a rich diversity of wildlife. Depending on luck, location, and conditions, you may see orangutans, macaques, leaf monkeys, gibbons, monitor lizards, butterflies, and many bird species. Your guide will help you observe animals responsibly and maintain a respectful distance.

A taste of Indonesian hospitality

Food is part of the adventure. Enjoy simple, freshly prepared meals during the trek and experience the welcoming hospitality of local guides and support staff. Meals can often include Indonesian dishes made with rice, vegetables, eggs, and other available ingredients

Adventure without a long holiday

With only two days required, this package is ideal for travelers based in Medan who want to experience the rainforest without committing to a longer expedition. It can also fit into a wider North Sumatra itinerary that includes Berastagi, Lake Toba, or Samosir Island.