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2 Day Orangutan Trekking in Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang sits on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the last places on earth to see wild Sumatran orangutans in the canopy. This 2 day orangutan trekking tour goes deep into the rainforest with a licensed local guide, includes a night camped by the jungle river, and ends with a river tubing ride back to the village. It’s more immersive than a day trek and lighter than a 3-day expedition, real chances to spot orangutans, gibbons, and hornbills, and a full night inside the jungle itself.

Location

Bukit Lawang North Sumatra

National Park

Gunung Leuser National Park

Wildlife

Orangutans, Gibbons & Hornbills

Languages

English & Indonesian

Group Size

Small (6–8) private on request

Difficulty

Moderate uneven jungle trails

2-Day / 1-Night Orangutan Trekking in Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang has been the gateway to orangutan trekking in Sumatra for decades, and it’s still the easiest place in the world to trek on foot into wild orangutan territory. Our guides grew up around this jungle. They know which trails are quiet in the mornings, where the fruiting trees are drawing wildlife that week, and how to move through the forest without disturbing what lives there.

Whether someone wants a short taste of the jungle or a full multi-day expedition, we shape each trek around real conditions on the ground, not a fixed script. That’s the difference between a jungle trek that feels rushed and one that actually gives you a chance to see something wild.

PRICE PER PERSON

€ 120 / person

Why Trek 2 Days Instead of 1

A single day trek gives you a solid few hours in the forest. Two days gives you something different: time to actually settle into the rhythm of the jungle. You trek further, you’re camped beside the river when the light changes and the insects start up at dusk, and you get a second morning of trekking when the forest tends to be at its most active.

It’s not about walking more for the sake of it — it’s about giving the trip enough time to actually feel like an expedition into Gunung Leuser, rather than a quick excursion.

A Night in the Jungle Camp

This is what separates a 2-day trek from a day trip: you actually sleep in the forest. Camp is set up beside the river, with simple tents, mats, and mosquito nets. Dinner is cooked over a fire by the guide team — usually rice, vegetables, and a protein, with tea or coffee afterward. There’s no electricity and no signal, just the forest doing what it does after dark.

For a lot of guests, this night is the part they remember most — not the wildlife sightings, but sitting by the fire in the middle of Gunung Leuser with nothing but jungle sound around them.

Full 2 Day Orangutan Trekking Itinerary

Day 1 — Into the Jungle

08:30: Briefing with your guide in Bukit Lawang village.

09:00: Enter Gunung Leuser National Park, steep start.

10:30–13:00: Trek and track orangutans, monkeys, hornbills. Fruit break on the trail.

13:00: Jungle lunch.

14:00–16:30: Deeper trek on quieter trails.

16:30–17:30: Arrive at the riverside jungle camp, rest and wash up.

Evening: Fire-cooked dinner, then a night in the jungle.

Day 2 — Deeper Trek & Return by River

Morning: Wake up, breakfast at camp.

08:00–11:00: Short morning trek, best time for wildlife activity.

11:00: Back to camp, pack up.

Midday: Final jungle lunch.

Afternoon: River tubing back to Bukit Lawang.

Arrival: Back in the village by mid-to-late afternoon.

Inclusions

  • Licensed Guide & Trackers: Certified local English-speaking guides specializing in wildlife tracking.
  • National Park Permit: All mandatory entry fees and permits for Gunung Leuser National Park.
  • All Jungle Meals: 1 Breakfast, 2 Jungle Lunches, 1 Dinner, plus afternoon snacks and fresh tropical fruits.
  • Jungle Cook: A professional camp chef to prepare hot, freshly cooked traditional dishes right by the river.
  • Full Camping Equipment: Clean tents, comfortable mattresses, pillows, blankets, and protective mosquito nets.
  • Traditional River Tubing: Fun white-water rafting ride back to the village on Day 2.
  • Safety & First Aid: Life jackets, safety gear, and standard first-aid kits on standby.
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Not For

This tour involves overnight jungle trekking and river activities, so it isn't suitable for:

  • Fitness Requirements: Involves multiple hours of uphill trekking; not recommended for pregnant women, young children under 5, or anyone with limited physical endurance and severe knee injuries.
  • Luxury Seekers: The jungle camp is very basic with no electricity, no phone reception, and a traditional riverside washing setup. It is not suitable for those looking for luxury amenities.
  • Travel Insurance: Personal travel and medical insurance are not included.
  • Personal Items: Tips, drinks outside of camp water, and personal toiletries are not included.
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Not Included

Transportation to and from Bukit Lawang is NOT included in the trek price. Optional transfers from Medan or Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) are available at an additional cost. Guests already staying in Bukit Lawang will meet their guide at their accommodation or an agreed meeting point.

€ 70

A half-day rainforest hike into Gunung Leuser National Park with a licensed local guide. Spot wild orangutans, gibbons, and Thomas leaf monkeys in their natural habitat.

€ 170

Our most immersive route, covering deeper trails and remote viewing areas. Two nights camping in the jungle, guided wildlife tracking, and a scenic river tube-out

€ 265

Spend 4 days and 3 nights exploring Gunung Leuser National Park with an experienced local guide, searching for wild Sumatran orangutans and other rainforest wildlife while camping in the jungle.

€ 320

Our 5-day orangutan trekking expedition is built for travelers who want to spend real time deep inside the Sumatran rainforest, not just pass through it.

Ready For Sumatra Orangutan Trip?

From your first step into Gunung Leuser National Park to your last night by the river, we’ll help you plan a trekking experience that fits your time, fitness level, and sense of adventure. Get in touch and let’s build your itinerary

Bukit Lawang Jungle Trekking with Local Guides

Our knowledgeable local guides have years of experience exploring the rainforest. They know the best trails, prioritize your safety, and help you discover orangutans and other amazing wildlife while respecting their natural habitat. Whether you’re looking for a one-day trek or a multi-day jungle expedition, we ensure every journey is safe, ethical, and filled with memorable wildlife encounters.


What Trekkers Speaks about us

Testimonials

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Nadine B profile picture
Nadine B
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Amazing jungle trekking I had such a great time trekking in the jungle! Everything was really well organised, from the pickup to the trek itself. The guides were super friendly and funny, and shared lots of interesting stories about the orangutans and the local way of life. We saw orangutans several times, which was amazing! The food was also so good, especially considering we were in the middle of the jungle. Thanks to the whole team for such a fun and unforgettable experience! I would definitely recommend this trek to anyone visiting Bukit Lawang. 😊🌿🦧
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Tristan C profile picture
Tristan C
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Two day Private Jungle trek I wanted a two day jungle adventure without tubing with photography being my main aim away from the crowds so contacted Sumatra Stone Stories to see if they could set up a private tour. From the first moment of contact communication was prompt and excellent. They arranged an airport transfer from Medan airport for half the price of the big operators and supplied a guide and porter both of which were excellent. We were certainly in a quiet area seeing no one else for 24 hours with rough camping and certainly got a taste of the real rain forest. To be fair, in more primary rainforest you don’t tend to see so many animals due to the density of trees, so on day two ventured back across the river back into more secondary rainforest and saw loads including a Orangutang with its baby. But it felt like an adventure on day one. In short, this is a young company, but can see why they attract five stars and confident if you tell them what you want, however bespoke. They will find a satisfactory solution. Recommended for sure. Thanks Sumatra Stone Stories.
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Relax47118798596 profile picture
Relax47118798596
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Hugo’s Review Amazing expérience i highly recommend it !
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FF v profile picture
FF v
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Enjoyable jungle trek We had a really nice trip. Aditya is a friendly guide. Enjoyed the card game in the jungle at night in the rain.
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Paula profile picture
Paula
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Incredibly great experience, we would do it again anytime! It was a really great tour. Our guides Aditya and Olli were super nice and spoiled us. The food is really fantastic and there is something for everyone, whether vegetarian or with meat. There was really enough and it was varied. The accommodations are bamboo huts and even when it poured at night, we stayed completely dry. We slept really well and didn't lack anything. There are 4 species of monkeys in the jungle and we saw all 4. The animals are all protected and are not fed; you really have to look for them. Every now and then some also come by the camp. The river trip was also super fun. All in all, it was a really incredibly great trip and we can only recommend it to everyone!
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Larrie_123 profile picture
Larrie_123
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Memories that will last a lifetime We had an amazing two-day jungle trekking experience with our guide, Sam, and his assistant in training. They took excellent care of us throughout the trek, always offering support whenever needed. What we appreciated most was their ethical approach to wildlife. They kept a respectful distance from the orangutans and never interfered with their natural habitat by feeding or disturbing them, allowing us to observe these incredible animals in the wild as they should be. Sam was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights about the rainforest, its wildlife, and the many fruits and plants we encountered along the way. He was also fun, friendly, and genuinely engaging to talk to, making the experience even more memorable. We highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for an authentic and responsible jungle adventure!
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Alex W profile picture
Alex W
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Sumatra stone stories trek I booked with Sumatra stone stories as it appeared to be an ethical, smaller hike than some other companies, which is what I was after. I chose the 2 days 1 night tour which was perfect for me, and I was out in a group with only 5 other people. We started our trek with some other groups but eventually split off, the walk was hard but it was very worth it, we saw an orangutan and her baby up so close to us, which we wouldn’t have seen if the guide hadn’t pointed it out. The pick up and drop off was amazing and we even got a tube down the river when we finished! The value for money is brilliant and the accomodation was also very comfortable (considering it was in the jungle!) delicious fruit and dinner was also provided for us when we wanted to stop, making the hike much better! I couldn’t recommend this company more thank you for an amazing time!
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Amel S profile picture
Amel S
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Amazing expérience Our 2-day, 1-night trek was absolutely amazing! The organization was perfect from start to finish. We were a group of four with two fantastic guides, and we shared unforgettable moments together. We were lucky enough to see many orangutans, including a huge dominant male, as well as other wildlife such as macaques. Every encounter felt truly magical. Our guides were incredible—funny, kind, knowledgeable, and always looking after us. The food was delicious, and spending the night in the jungle was an unforgettable experience in itself. I honestly have nothing negative to say. I 100% recommend Sumatra Stone Stories to anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable jungle adventure. A huge thank you to the whole team!
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Nim P profile picture
Nim P
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Super 2D1N trek in Bukit Lawang Excellent trekking tour with Sumatra Stories. Aditya, our guide, was brilliant - very attentive to each person in the group, knowledgeable about the jungle and animals and where best to spot them. His team (Deddy - assistant, and Malan - chef) were also excellent. The food - main meals and jungle fruit salad breaks were plentiful and tasty. We saw several orangutans which was our main interest. Overall - excellent.
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Mareike B profile picture
Mareike B
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Great expercience!! The Trekking with jungle D and Baiman was our absolute highlight of our journey! It was a lot of fun, so special and they were so nice and funny! Thank you a lot, it’s a big recommendation from us!:)
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Wildlife in Gunung Leuser National Park

Jungle Trekking in Bukit Lawang

River Tubing on the Bahorok River

Ecolodges & Cottages in Bukit Lawang

Ethical Trekking in Bukit Lawang, Done Properly

Orangutan trekking in Bukit Lawang only works long-term if it’s done in a way that doesn’t stress the animals or damage the forest. On this trek that means:

  • No feeding or touching wildlife, and keeping a safe, respectful distance at all times
  • Small group sizes to reduce disturbance to the forest and its animals
  • Local, licensed guides who know the park’s rules and enforce them
  • Sticking to trails and camp practices that minimize impact on Gunung Leuser National Park

This isn’t a photo-hunting tour. If an orangutan doesn’t want to be seen that day, your guide won’t force the encounter; that’s part of what makes the sightings you do get feel real.

Book your 2 Day Trek with Sumatra Stone Stories


    TRUSTED JUNGLE COMPANIONS

    Led by Local Experts: Meet Aditya & The Team


    Our treks are led by Aditya Pratama and a team of licensed guides who were born and raised on the edge of Gunung Leuser. They share their deep knowledge of the forest and its wildlife, following ethical trekking practices to ensure a respectful experience for both visitors and the animals.

    Learn More About Our Guides