Bukit Lawang Village
Location
Located in northern Sumatra along the Bohorok River, Bukit Lawang is a small but bustling tourist village. The closest city is Medan, 90 km northwest. There are many ways to reach Bukit Lawang see our section on getting here.
Bukit Lawang lies on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park. The national park covers an area of 7,929 km² and is home to a number of endangered species, including the Sumatran orangutan, Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, and many others.
History
During the 1970s, Bukit Lawang became famous for its orangutan rehabilitation project. Set up by a Swiss organization, the project aimed to rehabilitate captive orangutans and teach them the necessary skills to survive in the wild.
Initially, the orangutans were quarantined and given time to readjust to their natural surroundings. Once released back into the jungle, the orangutans were monitored and given additional food at the feeding station. In the years following, Bukit Lawang became the most famous destination in Sumatra to see orangutans.
Once the need to rehabilitate captive orangutans decreased, the project was closed, and the feeding center also stopped.
Nowadays, it is still common to see these semi-wild orangutans, which were saved by the Sumatra Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP).
Future
Thankfully, the younger generation is helping shape the future of this important tourist village. Through hard work and dedication, Bukit Lawang tourism is becoming more sustainable and eco-friendly as more people recognize the importance of preserving this wonderful rainforest.
Facilities in Bukit Lawang
Bukit Lawang is a small village, and it is easy to get around on foot. Renting motorbikes is not common, although it is possible.
There is a wide choice of accommodation in the town and in the quieter surrounding village areas. Options range from more luxurious hotels to authentic homestays and guesthouses. If you need help organizing accommodation, please check our suggestions.
Please note: there are several money exchange businesses offering slightly higher rates, but there is no ATM in Bukit Lawang. To access an ATM, you can take a tuk-tuk or motorbike to Bohorok, a short 15-minute drive from Bukit Lawang.
What to do in Bukit Lawang
The main reason people visit Bukit Lawang is to trek in Gunung Leuser National Park and see the Sumatran orangutan—a fantastic reason to come! However, there are many other activities to enjoy here, some of which require a guide, while others do not.
-
Village Life Tour
-
White-water rafting on the Wampu River
-
Visit the Bat Cave and enjoy the scenery at the Landak River
-
Visit Tangkahan, famous for elephant conservation and hot springs
-
Indonesian cooking class
-
Hike to see the world’s biggest flower, the rafflesia (seasonal—contact us for availability)
-
Live music every Saturday night
-
Friday local market in Bukit Lawang
-
Sunday local market in Bohorok
-
Saturday film night at Eco Lodge
-
Carving and jewelry workshops
-
Learn about the ecosystem and eco-farming
-
Clothes and craft shopping