Sumatran Trek Information

All treks are suitable for:

  • 9 -16 year old children who are experienced walkers
  • 17- 60 year old fit Adults

Fitness level

  • A medium to high level of fitness is required
  • Please be prepared for the days trekking approx 4 - 5 hrs per day of walking
  • The pace can be determined by you – please talk with your guide leader

Terrain on the trail

  • You will be walking over uneven terrain
  • Walking upward and downward slopes that can be slippery and steep at times
  • You will be crossing over streams on foot
  • The path is unsealed and covered in leaf litter so is generally soft underfoot
  • Some rock traversing alongside creeks

 
Trekking trail   Leuser national park

Be prepared for:

  • Rain (this is a rainforest after all)
  • A few mosquitoes in the day mainly
  • Possible leeches after rain– (dry soap rubbed around your feet and ankles before you set off each day is a solution for leeches)
  • Insects- There are amazing insects, be prepared for the smallest ants and the biggest also!
  • Walking quietly will ensure a greater chance of hearing and seeing many animals
  • Simple camping by the river ( if you have chosen the camping option)
  • Please bring only what you think you will need (to keep the weight down in your pack)

Please advise your guide on arrival if you are a vegetarian, have a special diet or you have any medical conditions he should know about.

 

camp location
 
Feeding platform Jungle Tribe bungalow


Clothing on the trek

  • Shoes -You will be passing through mountain streams so footwear that can be easily removed or that can get wet is advisable.
  • The trekking guides (and some previous guests) wore plastic or rubber shoes with a grip sole
  • Light long sleeved shirts, tops and pants will prevent insect bites
  • A warm light weight fleece for evenings
  • Light Rain weather jacket

Climate

  • The trek is mostly shaded by the tree canopy
  • The temperatures range from 200C - 320C
  • The rain forest can be humid

Trekking Guides

  • Darma – Our tour leader is a National Park ranger and a local farmer, he has many years experience walking in the Leuser rainforest.
  • Our guides are registered National Park guides
  • Our guides can speak English (some more than others)
  • If there have been big rains the river may be too dangerous to raft back – your guides will inform you- if this is the case, you will walk back to your bungalow.
  • Your guides have the final say regarding safety, please follow their advise

Treks with Camping

We provide simple camping equipment. You will be sleeping by the river each night. Your guides will prepare your meals on an open fire and will set up your tent. Your 2 man tent has mosquito netting on the windows and door. You will sleep on a thin camping mat with a small pillow, as temperatures are warm - a light cover is only necessary. There are no toilet facilities so be prepared for using the “Bush Toilet”- toilet paper & spade provided You can wash daily in the river (please bring natural soaps) Extra Guides will go ahead to the camp site and set up the tents

Over night camping what to bring
For your own safety & comfort please bring:

  • A personal First Aid kit
  • A torch ( non battery if possible)
  • Mosquito repellent ( natural if possible)
  • Light long pants – to wear at dawn and dusk
  • Light Rain weather jacket
  • Towel
  • Natural soaps and shampoos if possible so you do not pollute the river

Accommodation at Bukit Lawang & Tangkahan

The bungalows at Bukit Lawang and Tangkahan are simple and rustic, made from local timbers and bamboo. Most rooms have verandahs with stunning views across the river, to the tree clad Leuser National Park. If you are lucky, you can see orangutans from your balcony( Bukit Lawang only) There is no hot water for showering Bed linen and towels are provided. There is often no electricity during the day in Bukit Lawang & Tangkahan, electricity is supplied by generators which start around 6pm (electricity does not run all through the night).

Restaurants at Bukit Lawang

Your bungalow will have its own simple restaurant to take your meals at, or you can wander down to the village where you will find Tony’s pizza, or other restaurants. The food in Sumatra is quite delicious with lots of mild curries served with rice.

Air flights & Transport

Your tour includes domestic Garuda flights from Bali to Medan Sumatra, the flight leaves from Bali at approximately 11am and is a 4 hour flight with a transit in Jakarta. When you arrive in Medan you will be met by our driver who will bring you to Bukit Lawang by private AC car. This is approximately a 3 hour drive.

Cultural sensitive clothing while traveling in Sumatra

As with most Asian countries it is appropriate for women particularly to cover their shoulders – T shirts and long shorts are fine. Swimming in a bikini is accepted at Bukit Lawang & Tangkahan, but you might want to wear a T shirt to avoid curious onlookers

Insurance

Private medical and travel insurance is advised – we do not carry medical or personal insurance

Payment

Once your trek has been confirmed by us the trek must be paid in full by bank transfer

Cancellation policy

Your orangutan trek fee is non refundable

Heavy Rains

If there are long periods of heavy rain, the river may not be crossable to get to the National Park, your guide will arrange alternative activities for the day.

SOS Donation

A donation from your trek fee will be given to the SOS (Sumatran Orangutan Society) to help fund their projects.