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.








Bukit Lawang North Sumatra
Gunung Leuser National Park
Orangutans, Gibbons & Hornbills
English & Indonesian
Small (6–8) private on request
Moderate uneven jungle trails
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This tour involves river tubing and jungle trekking, so it isn't suitable for:
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
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.
EXCELLENT Based on 6 reviews Posted on Google Alexia EmeryTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you’re wanting to do the orangutan jungle trek, please choose this company!!! From the beginning they were so helpful, arranging our transport from Medan to Bukit Lawang. We did the 2D 1N trek and we wish we did longer!! The guides were very knowledgeable with the wildlife, and always made sure we had the best view of the orangutans. They were so kind and patient, making sure everyone was safe and went at the pace of our team. And they were just the funniest and most genuine people, it was so lovely to spend the two days with them. On both days we seen many orangutans, and lots of different types of monkeys. The hikes aren’t too difficult but it gets very muddy and very sweaty. The food they provided was brilliant and the camp was basic but had everything you needed. The tubing was really fun, then when returning to the town, they let you shower and clean up!! We’d like to thank Dino, Wira and the owner of the company for giving us the most amazing 2 days. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.Posted on Google Laure WTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The trek was so amazing !! it’s a very unique experience that we will keep memories forever 🦧 My boyfriend and I did the 2-day/1-night trek. We saw so many orangutans, as well as 4 types of monkeys and wildlife ! The guides were amazing and took great care of us throughout the whole trip. The organization was incredible, especially the meals, which were really hearty we truly wanted for nothing. The trek was quite physically demanding but it worth the effort especially at the end with the rafting, so cool ! It was very beautiful and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We highly recommend this agency !Posted on Google Marit NellessenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience on the 2-day jungle trek in Bukit Lawang. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the jungle and its wildlife. We were lucky enough to see several orangutans and other animals in their natural habitat, which made the trek very special. The food during the trek was excellent and there was always plenty to eat. The campsite by the river was very basic, but sleeping in the jungle was a unique experience. The tubing back to the village was also a fun way to end the trek. The trek was sometimes quite challenging due to the steep and muddy terrain, but the guides were patient and helped everyone when needed. Overall, this was one of the highlights of my trip to Sumatra and I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Bukit Lawang.Posted on Google Saed aliTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really enjoyed my 2 days and 1 night trek. The staff were amazing and so hospitable I can’t wait to come back again!!Posted on Google Zoe CampbellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an amazing experience. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and are really passionate about Gunung Leuser National Park. Guides and locals are really friendly and helpful. We loved every minute of our trip and will come back again.Posted on Google Explizit WeltfremdTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great jungle trekking experience in Bukit Lawang with this guide and his team. They were all very friendly and professional and I felt really comfortable with them from the start. What I really appreciated was how respectful they were towards the animals. They didn’t force interactions and clearly cared about doing things the right and ethical way. That made the whole experience feel much more authentic. They were also very attentive to the group, adapting to what we wanted, and doing their best to help us see as much wildlife as possible. Communication was easy. Their English was very good and everything was well organized. During the trek I passed several other groups, which gave me a good comparison. It honestly made me feel like I chose the right guide. The overall vibe, organization, and care from this team really stood out. They also take care of everything on site, so you can just focus on enjoying the jungle. I’d definitely recommend them!!
Yes. Guides follow strict distance rules, never feed or touch wildlife, and keep groups small specifically to reduce stress on the animals and the forest.
Moderate fitness is enough, but expect steep, muddy, and uneven trails on both days. If you can hike for several hours with breaks, you'll be fine.
Bukit Lawang is a tropical rainforest; rain is possible any time of year, even in the dry season. Treks go ahead in light rain; trails can get slippery, so good footwear matters more than the weather itself.
Light, quick-dry clothing, a rain jacket, sturdy trekking shoes or sandals with grip, insect repellent, a headtorch, and a change of clothes for after the river tubing.
Yes. The 1-day trek covers the outer trails without an overnight stay. The 3-day trek pushes further into the park with two nights camping. The 2-day trek sits in between — enough time to properly experience the forest without committing several days.
Generally suitable from around 10 years old, depending on the child's fitness and comfort with camping. Message us if you're planning to bring kids and we'll advise honestly.
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:
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.