Sumatra – Bukit Lawang: The Kingdom of Orangutans

Nestled on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park in northern Sumatra, Bukit Lawang is one of Earth’s last places where you can observe Sumatran orangutans in their natural habitat. This area also serves as a crucial rehabilitation center for these critically endangered primates.

Did you know? “Bukit Lawang” translates to “Gateway to the Mountain,” referencing its strategic position at the jungle’s entrance. Gunung Leuser National Park is part of the UNESCO-listed Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra.

Orangutan Rehabilitation Center

Established in 1973, the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center plays a vital role in species conservation. Twice daily (at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM), staff feed the animals on special platforms, allowing visitors to observe them from just meters away.

Conservation fact: Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered – only about 14,000 remain. Primary threats include deforestation for palm oil plantations and illegal wildlife trade.

Orangutan
Sumatran orangutan – one of our closest relatives in the animal world

How to Reach Bukit Lawang?

Medan serves as northern Sumatra’s main transportation hub. From Europe or America, the most convenient routes connect through Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta. We chose to fly from Penang, Malaysia (about $50 USD).

Transport from Medan:

  • Public bus (20,000 IDR) – budget-friendly but requires patience
  • Taxi (400,000 IDR) – comfortable but significantly pricier

Money exchange tip: Avoid airport currency exchanges and those recommended by taxi drivers. The best rates are in central Medan or Bukit Lawang itself.

Jungle Treks – Which One to Choose?

Bukit Lawang offers various trekking options to suit different schedules and fitness levels:

  1. 1-day trek (not recommended) – too brief for a proper jungle experience
  2. 2-3 day trek (ideal choice) – best chance to see orangutans and other primates, includes jungle camping
  3. 7-14 day expedition – for true adventurers, reaches deep into pristine rainforest

Prices: Standard rates are €20-25 per day (depending on whether you include river rafting). Longer expeditions can be negotiated.

Thomas's langur at Sumatra
Leaf monkey (langurs)

Feeding Platforms vs. Jungle Treks

Feeding platforms (20,000 IDR entry + 50,000 IDR camera fee) virtually guarantee orangutan sightings, but trekking offers more authentic encounters. We recommend experiencing both ways to observe these intelligent creatures.

Jungle etiquette:

  • Maintain a safe distance from wildlife (minimum 10 meters)
  • Never feed or touch orangutans
  • Stay quiet to increase wildlife observation opportunities
Sumatran orangutan

Other Bukit Lawang Highlights

Bat Cave – an hour’s walk through rubber plantations leads to a cave housing thousands of sleeping bats. Don’t forget your flashlight!

Bohorok River Rafting – an exhilarating way to return from treks, especially popular during rainy season.

Bukit Lawang Village – immerse yourself in local culture and sample authentic Sumatran cuisine.

Sumatran orangutan

Where to Stay?

Green Inn is a backpacker favorite (100,000 IDR for a 3-person bungalow). Other recommended options include Jungle Inn and Sam’s Bungalows, all offering direct nature immersion.

Pro tip: During dry season (June-September), book accommodations in advance. In rainy season (October-May), tourists are scarce but treks become more challenging.

Bukit Lawang offers a unique blend of nature and culture that creates unforgettable memories. Encountering orangutans in their natural habitat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.