Frecuently
asked
questions
Looking for something?
Will I see wild orangutans while jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang? We cannot guarantee that you will see wild orangutans, although they are quite frequently spotted in this area. The more days you spend trekking, the greater your chances of encountering wild orangutans. However, there are also many semi-wild orangutans from the rehabilitation project, and these are very commonly seen and relatively easy to spot in the forest.
Is jungle trekking suitable for families? Yes, families often go on jungle treks here. If you let us know when you make your booking, we can adjust the trek to make it a bit easier if you prefer. If you have children aged 6 or 7, we recommend bringing an additional guide for extra support. Children under 5 years old are not allowed to join the jungle trek, but there are other more suitable activities that we can arrange for families with very young children. Please contact us to find out more.
Do I need to book the jungle trek in advance? We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, especially during the high season (May–September). However, if you are booking last minute, please send us a message and we will do our best to arrange it for you.
Do you cater for vegetarians and vegans? Yes, we can accommodate all dietary requirements. Please let us know before your arrival.
How much does the jungle trek cost and what is included? Please see our different jungle trek options for detailed pricing. Included in ALL of our treks are: a plate of fresh fruit, all necessary meals, guide fees, national park permits, and river tubing (if stated in the tour description).
Can I enter the jungle without a guide? No, you cannot enter the jungle without a guide. It would be very dangerous to do so, as there are many wild animals and challenging trails, making it easy to get lost. Your guide must be registered with the association to ensure they are fully qualified.
How do I get to Bukit Lawang? We offer private transport and tourist buses, or you can choose to take a local bus. Whichever option you choose, we will meet you at the bus station and assist you to your hotel. Please let us know your arrival time. Feel free to contact us if you need any assistance getting to Bukit Lawang.
Where can I leave my luggage while I am jungle trekking? Many hotels allow you to store your luggage while you are trekking. Some may charge a small fee, such as 20,000 IDR.
Is there an ATM in Bukit Lawang? There is no ATM in Bukit Lawang, so please make sure to bring enough cash with you. You can also use the local money exchange shops if needed. If you require an ATM, you will need to travel about 15 minutes to Bahorok. We can arrange a tuk-tuk to take you there, or for a small fuel fee, we can take you by motorbike.
We are only 1 people, but most jungle treks have a minimum of 2 people. What are our options? At Sumatra Orangutan Discovery, we offer a special option for two people to join a two-day trek with no additional charge. However, if you would like to trek for more days, you have two options. You can join other guests, in which case you will not need to pay for two people. Alternatively, if you prefer to trek privately as a group of one, you would need to pay the two-person rate.
Do you provide insurance? We do not provide insurance. All of our guides are certified and trained to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to purchase travel insurance if you wish.
How do I choose a responsible trekking company in Bukit Lawang? There are many trekking companies in Bukit Lawang, and many guides operate independently. Therefore, it can be difficult to know who is certified and which companies follow the rules. 1. Always ask the company if their guides are certified, and if you are unsure, request to see their certification cards. 2. Ask the company or guide about the forest rules and whether they follow them. 3. Ask if they feed the orangutans and check their photos online if available to see if there are any videos or images of feeding. Feeding is not recommended, as it can create dependency, and orangutans and humans should maintain distance for health and safety reasons. 4. Check whether the company supports local projects or offers donations for each booking. 5. Check what is included. Make sure the national park permits are paid and ask to receive a copy of the permit if you are unsure. Everyone entering the forest must purchase a permit. Contact us if you have any further questions.
I am traveling alone, but most jungle treks have a minimum of 2 people. What can I do? We offer the option of solo trekking (private trek). The cost is 100 Euros for one day, or 200 Euros for two or three days. We understand how difficult it can be to find a group to join, so we do our best to ensure you can still go trekking. Another option is that we can add you to another group if there are bookings on the same day, but this cannot be guaranteed. Please contact us for more information.
Is there malaria in Bukit Lawang? Bukit Lawang is not considered a malaria zone. However, the risk cannot be completely ruled out. It is best to avoid mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and during the night.
Important Documents You will need your passport as your primary form of identification. Hotels and accommodations will ask to see your passport to register your details. While trekking, we recommend leaving your passport at the hotel or in a safe.
When is the best time to visit Bukit Lawang? There are two seasons in Sumatra: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season runs from May to September. During this time, the weather is fairly hot and humid, making it the best time of year for trekking and spotting Sumatran orangutans, as fruit trees are ripe. There may still be rain during the dry season, but it usually falls in the evening or at night. The rainy season starts in September. Trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park is still possible during this period, but expect more rain. Mornings are usually fairly dry, with rain starting in the afternoon.
What if I have a medical emergency? We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance before your departure, as it is not provided by trekking companies in Bukit Lawang. In case of an emergency, there is additional support that works with the jungle guides, whom they can contact for assistance. Bukit Lawang has a small medical center near the bus station, and the nearest hospital with A&E is in Medan.
Where can I do my laundry? There are many hotels and laundry services in Bukit Lawang. The cost is approximately 1 Euro per kilogram.
Can I drink tap water, and how do I reduce plastic bottle consumption? You cannot drink tap water in Asia. You should only drink bottled or purified water. Many hotels and restaurants allow you to refill your bottle. However, the most eco-friendly option is to use a water filter bottle. Here are our top 3 water bottle options: * **GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier** * **SurviMate BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle** * **LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle**
How can I protect the environment? We are proud to say that we are a sustainable trekking company. Please support us in our mission to protect the environment. We kindly ask that during your trip you take home any non-biodegradable items such as batteries, flash bulbs, etc. Keep this in mind when packing for your journey. Thank you.
Should I give tips in Sumatra? Tipping is at your discretion. If you would like to tip your guide or local driver, you can offer local currency, USD, or Euros. Any tip will be appreciated.
What is the currency? The local currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Should I prepare physically for my trip? If you choose a longer trek of more than 2 days, it is recommended that you adjust the difficulty of your trek as much as possible and take breaks whenever you need. However, doing light exercise before your arrival will help you prepare. Activities like 20–30 minutes of cycling or swimming are beneficial.