Walk into Gunung Leuser’s green hush where rangers guide slow steps through tangled trails. In quiet company, you’ll seek orangutans among the leaves, creatures watchful, wild, and woven into the forest’s rhythm.
Gunung Leuser: Orangutan Trek
Walk softly into the green heart of Gunung Leuser, where mist clings to leaves and the forest hums with life. With a licensed guide and in a small group, you’ll follow narrow trails and listen for rustles above, allowing the magic of the forest to reveal itself to you naturally. No feeding, no touching, only quiet voices and a respectful distance. Learn to read the canopy for nests and find the fruiting trees where wild orangutans may drift into view. Along the way, you may spot Thomas leaf monkeys, macaques, hornbills and unusual insects. Encounters invite stillness; this is a walk of care and wonder. Every step supports the forest and those who protect it. You leave with knowledge and understanding, but no trace of your presence.
Good to know
- Keep a 10-meter distance from any wildlife at all times.
- Move away if animals approach.
- No flash, no calls, no food sharing.
- Recommended clothes include closed shoes with grip, a raincoat, light long-sleeve tops and trousers.
- Trails can be muddy.
- Bring a refillable bottle. No littering.
- A short tube float back to the village is available when water levels allow (seasonal).
Drift down a jungle-lined river in North Sumatra, bouncing through easy rapids and clear pools. Laughter echoes as sturdy tubes and a small raft team carry you through playful waters.
Sumatra River Tubing & Rafting
Set off on a playful river journey along the lush edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, beginning near Bukit Lawang. After learning simple safety signals, you will link sturdy tubes or hop into a small raft to drift through riffles and gentle rapids. Between splashes, you will glide past vine-draped banks, kingfisher perches and calm pools, perfect for a refreshing swim. The adventure ends with fresh fruit and a warm drink by the riverside, surrounded by jungle sounds and smiles.
Good to know
- Non-swimmers are welcome and will have extra support on the raft.
- Guides choose the best entry and exit points based on the day’s water level and keep the group spaced safely apart.
- Wear secure footwear, swimwear and a quick-dry top.
- Supplied helmets and buoyancy aids must be used.
- Waterproof your camera or phone.
- River levels may rise after rain, shifting routes or switching to raft-only adventures.
- Use sun protection and eco-friendly repellent.
- Never feed monkeys along the banks.
- No standing on delicate riverbeds.
- Our leave-no-trace policy means all litter is carried out.
Trace jungle paths beside the Bohorok River near Bukit Lawang where towering trees echo with gibbon calls and hornbills soar overhead. With luck, you may spot orangutans in their natural home.
Sumatra’s Bohorok Trekking
Venture into the rainforest of Gunung Leuser on a Bohorok trek shaped to your pace and curiosity. Led by a local ranger, your group will follow narrow jungle paths beneath strangler figs and swaying rattan, pausing to spot macaques, Thomas leaf monkeys and hornbills. You may even glimpse orangutans moving quietly through the canopy. Before entering the jungle, your guide will share essential wildlife etiquette. Trails vary, from gentle riverside loops to steeper ridges with roots and short scrambles, and are chosen for safety and animal welfare. The trek ends with a riverside snack and a peaceful tube float back to the village. This is ethical trekking that supports local guides and helps protect one of Sumatra’s last wild sanctuaries.
Good to know
- No feeding or touching wildlife.
- Keep 10 meters away from orangutans.
- Step back if animals approach.
- Wear closed shoes with grip and light long clothing.
- Leeches may appear in wet season.
- Trails may be muddy.
- Bring a refillable bottle.
- Carry out litter.