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 overnight jungle trekking and river activities, so it isn't suitable for:
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.
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.
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.
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