Meet Our Team and Partners
Sumatra Orangutan Discovery is a small, friendly team made up of carefully selected local guides and staff. Managed by Sitesen wardana,Sitepu and Team they are a down-to-earth team dedicated to making you feel like part of the family.
We believe in community-based tourism: responsible travel that benefits local people and improves livelihoods. We partner with guides, farmers, and local artists in Bukit Lawang and across Sumatra to support their projects and businesses. We practice ethical trekking and work only with certified guides who follow the Jungle guidelines set by the Indonesian Tourist Guide Association (ITGA-HPI). All profits remain in Bukit Lawang and are reinvested into the local community.
Sitesen W. Sitepu (Tyson)
Tyson is the co-founder of the agency and has spent his life exploring the outdoors. He has a deep connection with the jungle and its wildlife. With many years of experience in tourism and as a jungle guide, he organizes trekking and tour logistics and serves as a local expert guide. He has a lifelong passion for conservation and ecology.
The Jungle Chef Alif
Alif works as our cook and caretaker. Affectionately nicknamed “camp mother” by many guests, she takes wonderful care of everyone at camp and prepares the most delicious meals.
Levi Mentawai
Levi Mentawai Islands. included in the team to discover new things about places where you will experience something different in every location, the environment, the atmosphere, and the people who can make the journey unforgettable. He works to support and preserve the traditions and culture of the Mentawai tribe. As a native Mentawai, he serves as both a guide and tour organizer.
Laddi (BRIAN)
Ladi works as our jungle assistant. He is kind, patient, and always takes extra care of guests in the jungle. Although he is still learning English, he has made incredible progress. His dream is to become a lead jungle guide one day, and we hope to help him achieve it.
Teger (“Tiger”)
Teger works as our tour driver and assistant guide. He has extensive knowledge of North Sumatra and knows all the hidden gems. He is currently working hard to become a lead guide and run jungle expeditions.
Aini
Aini is a local entrepreneur. She runs her own homestay, Rumah Papa Homestay, and offers a variety of eco-conscious activities. She is deeply passionate about sustainability and community tourism.
Ponidi (Pon's)
Ponidi is one of our lead guides. He is enthusiastic, friendly, and highly knowledgeable. Passionate about the jungle environment, he loves helping guests get the most out of their holiday.
Sahnan Family
The Sahnan family runs a wonderful guesthouse in the center of Bukit Lawang. The father is very active in the community and works with jungle caretakers to ensure campsites are well maintained. They collaborate with us to prepare campsites and keep the environment clean and protected. Helping them with food processing, the forest chef team, and also introducing accommodations for rent. SAHNAN GUESTHOUSE.
Irma
Irma is an enterprising woman living in Bukit Lawang. She is a trained masseuse who often provides massages for our guests after their jungle treks. She hopes to open her own spa one day, and we proudly support her in achieving this goal.
Donny Gtg
Donny is another of our lead guides. Charismatic and friendly, he is frequently requested by guests. An outdoor enthusiast, Donny has extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of the national park.
Happy Pandia
Happy was raised in the rural village of Batu Katak. He is our flora specialist and leads off-the-beaten-path treks. He has extensive knowledge of Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, and has supported research projects to better understand Sumatra’s unique plant life.
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