Plan your orangutan trek
Getting here, what to bring and what to expect, from the people who'll be walking with you.
Getting to Bukit Lawang
The gateway is Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) in Medan, with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang, Bangkok, Jakarta and Bali. From there:
- Private transfer: about €40 from the airport (3.5–4 hrs) or €35 from a Medan hotel. Door to door, with tolls and parking included. We can book it and your driver tracks your flight.
- Shared tourist bus: around IDR 210,000 from the airport, IDR 165,000 from Medan city.
- Public transport: ALS bus to Binjai, then a local bus to Bukit Lawang. Cheapest, slowest, and the last bus leaves Binjai around 6pm.
Batu Katak is 30–45 minutes from Bukit Lawang. Full details are on the Escape To Sumatra transport page.
Money
Treks and most guesthouses are cash only. There is no ATM in Bukit Lawang; the nearest is in Bahorok. Bring enough rupiah from Medan. Tipping isn't expected but is appreciated: IDR 50,000–100,000 for great service.
When to go
Treks run all year. Light rain rarely stops us; heavy rain may change the route for safety. Weekends and Indonesian holidays are busier in Bukit Lawang, which is another reason to consider Batu Katak.
What to pack
Porters and the chef carry the camping gear, food and cooking kit. You only need a small daypack.
- Trekking shoes with good grip (they will get muddy)
- Long, quick-dry trousers and a light long-sleeved top
- Leech socks or long socks
- Swimwear and a change of clothes for camp
- Insect repellent (DEET) and sunscreen
- Head torch
- 1.5L water bottle
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
- Dry bag or plastic bags for phone and passport (for tubing)
- Cash for tips and drinks
Before you come
How do I get to Bukit Lawang from Medan airport?
Fly into Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) in Medan. A private car to Bukit Lawang costs about €40 and takes 3.5–4 hours; from a Medan hotel it's about €35. A shared tourist bus costs around IDR 210,000 from the airport or IDR 165,000 from the city. The cheapest option is public buses via Binjai, but the last bus from Binjai leaves around 6pm.
How do I get to Batu Katak?
Batu Katak is about 4–4.5 hours from Kualanamu Airport by private car, or 30–45 minutes from Bukit Lawang. Ask us and we'll arrange the transfer.
Do I need vaccinations?
None are required to enter Indonesia, but travel doctors commonly recommend hepatitis A and B, typhoid and sometimes Japanese encephalitis. Bukit Lawang isn't considered a malaria area, but dengue exists, so use repellent at dusk. Ask your doctor at least four weeks before you travel.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Make sure it covers jungle trekking and medical evacuation. Bukit Lawang has a basic clinic; the nearest proper hospitals are in Medan, 3–4 hours away.
Are there leeches?
Yes, especially after rain. They're harmless, just unpleasant. Leech socks or long socks pulled over your trousers help a lot, and your guide will help you remove any that find you.
Can children come?
Yes, from age 5 on family treks, with extra guides for safety. We'll suggest a shorter, gentler route.
What are the toilets like?
Camps have a simple toilet on a wooden platform. On the trail it's the jungle.
Can you cater for vegetarians, vegans and allergies?
Yes. Let us know when you book and the jungle chef will plan around it.
Ready to meet the people of the forest?
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.