The local guides behind every trek
Born and raised on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park.
Rama, founder and jungle guide
Rama was born in Bukit Lawang and grew up between the village and the forest. He has guided travellers through Gunung Leuser since 2017, and knows the rivers, the trails and the individual orangutans the way most people know their neighbourhood.
He started Escape To Sumatra to show people the jungle the way he sees it: slowly, quietly, and with respect for the animals and the families who live beside the park. No feeding, no crowding, no fake guarantees.
Today Rama leads a small team from both Bukit Lawang and Batu Katak, working with HPI (Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia), the Indonesian guides' association, and following its pricing rules.
The team
Guides find the orangutans. Assistants help you over the tricky bits. Chefs somehow cook a three-course dinner on a fire by the river.
On the trail with us
What guests say about the team
Escape To Sumatra is rated Excellent on Google (30 reviews) and Tripadvisor. A few words from recent guests:
“A true highlight of our trip!”
“Great and reliable organisation, the guides are knowledgeable.”
“Everything was done in an ethical way, with great respect for the jungle and wildlife.”
Trek with Rama's team
Tell us your dates and how many of you are coming. Rama or one of the team will reply on WhatsApp, usually the same day, and help you pick the right trek.