tour tangkahan

How To Visit Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary In Sumatra

The Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary is a hidden paradise in Indonesia where you can wash and play with semi-wild Sumatra elephants in their natural environment.

This riverside elephant sanctuary sits on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park, which is one of the most important (and threatened) rainforests in the world, and the jungle has a great variety of rare animals.

The Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary is easy to visit from the popular orangutan trekking hub of Bukit Lawang , or there’s even some Tangkahan accommodation starting to pop up for people who might want to stay with the Sumatra elephants longer.

This travel guide will explain how to get to Tangkahan, where to stay, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Table of Contents show 1) Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary: What To Expect 2) Sumatran Elephant Conservation 3) Are Tangkahan Elephant Rides Ethical? 4) How To Get To Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary 5) Tangkahan Accommodation – Where To Stay 6) Other Tangkahan Tips 7) More Things To Do Near Tangkahan 8) When To Visit Tangkahan

Drone pic of Tangkahan

Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary: What To Expect

The Gunung Leuser National Park is a protected jungle area in North Sumatra where you can see all kinds of animals, including tigers, rare birds & lizards, orangutans, and much more.

This rainforest, and the animals in it, are threatened by illegal deforestation and poaching, and the Sumatran elephants are critically endangered.

At the Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary, they have 9 rescued elephants ( a new baby was just born ) and you can pet them, feed them, and help bathe them in the river. It was a great experience!

They also let you do elephant rides, which is an important source of exercise for the animals since they aren’t quite as active in a sanctuary as they would be in the wild.

From what we saw, the elephants are well cared for, have lots of freedom of movement, and seemed very happy when we visited.

I’ll discuss the ethics and conservation aspect a bit later in this article.

• Tangkahan Elephant Washing

One of the main activities here is the Tangkahan elephant washing, where you can bathe and scrub a Sumatra elephant in the river.

Sadly they weren’t doing the elephant washing when we visited, because it was during the covid pandemic and we were the only visitors.

We’ll have to come back for this sometime!  

• Tangkahan River Lunch

We booked a Tangkahan half day tour through our hotel, and one of the things it included was a lunch by the riverside.

They made a hilarious jungle crown for Intan using fern leaves, and then fixed a meal for us that included fresh fruit, veggies, rice, chicken, and fish.

It was fun, and the scenery at the river was amazing. The water was a clear turquoise color.

• Tangkahan Waterfalls

There are a bunch of small waterfalls near Tangkahan, including some where you can swim.

The waterfalls are very close to the village and barely require any hiking, but they may involve stream crossings, so a waterproof bag is a good idea for your electronics.

• Jungle Trekking

The most popular place for jungle trekking is Bukit Lawang (which is where we did our treks), but you can also trek at Tangkahan and the experience is similar.

Gunung Leuser is an amazing jungle habitat where you can see wild orangutans, gibbons, Thomas leaf monkeys, long tailed macaques, monitor lizards, giant ants, limestone caves, spectacular banyan trees, and other jungle sights.

There’s also the possibility of seeing rare birds, Sumatran tigers, rhinos, sun bears, pig tailed macaques, vipers, cobras, kraits, and many other things.

Natural tree swing from a jungle vine!

Sumatran Elephant Conservation

Sumatran elephants are critically endangered because of illegal deforestation and poaching. Their native habitat in Sumatra is being destroyed by humans and replaced with crops.

Even though the elephant is protected under Indonesian law, the government hasn’t done much to enforce it, and 50% of the world’s Sumatran elephants died between 1985 and 2007.

Sadly, conservationists think that the Sumatran elephant may become extinct in the wild in less than 10 years if the poaching isn’t stopped.

This is important to understand, because rescue sanctuaries like this one at Tangkahan are a necessity. They give the elephants a place where they can live and reproduce in peace.

Tangkahan isn’t perfect, but the hope is that the tourist money flowing into places like this will help incentivize the proper protection of these animals so we can keep enjoying them in the future.

We never noticed any kind of distress from the animals, and they actually seemed really happy and healthy. You can always tell if elephants are in a good mood by the wagging tail, just like dogs.

Dental checkup

Are Tangkahan Elephant Rides Ethical?

One of the popular things to do at Tangkahan sanctuary is to ride the elephants, but is it ethical?

People’s opinions on this are all over the place, so if you don’t feel okay about riding elephants at Tangkahan then you don’t need to do it. There are lots of other good activities at Tangkahan.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the ACEWG international elephant conservation group believes elephant riding in certain cases is ethical and definitely doesn’t hurt the animal.

ACEWG is an elephant conservation group that includes some of the world’s top elephant specialists, scientists, and conservationists. Here’s what they have to say:  

As for elephant riding, the ACEWG notes that while veracious studies have not been conducted on elephants specifically, it is known that horses, dogs, and donkeys have a weight-carrying capacity of about 20-to-25 percent of their body weight. For a 6,600-pound elephant, that’s at least 1,320 pounds.   “If the working hours are limited and the terrain is suitable, two people in a saddle (less than 10 percent of the elephant’s body weight) will not be an undue stressor for an elephant,” the organization reports. “The weight of one or two people without a saddle (less than 4 percent of body weight) would hardly be noticed.”   Source: CN Traveler

  Again, even if you don’t want to ride the elephants at Tangkahan, there are plenty of other good activities to do here.

We didn’t have time to ride or wash the elephants, but we still enjoyed our visit very much. The scenery is really nice, and we got to see elephants up close, so that was good enough for us.  

How To Get To Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary

The Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary is located in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

The nearest international airport is in the city of Medan (KNO). Medan gets daily flights from places like Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta starting at $40 USD for a one way ticket. You can shop for flights to Medan at Skyscanner.

Tangkahan is a 3+ hour drive from Medan city, or 1 hour from Bukit Lawang . If you’re coming from the Medan airport in heavy traffic, it can be 4+ hours of driving.

Most of the road to Tangkahan is in good shape and it was redone recently. Your hotel can arrange a driver to pick you up from Medan, or you can book a driver online here .

The other option is to book a tour to Tangkahan from Bukit Lawang. This can be a good idea because Lawang has better hotels and more things to do.

Morning views on the road to Tangkahan

Best Tangkahan Tour

Here’s a top rated Tangkahan tour package with Klook for seeing the elephants at Gunung Leuser National Park, starting from either Bukit Lawang or Medan.

They have a one day Tangkahan tour starting from Bukit Lawang, or a 3D2N tour starting from Medan that also includes the orangutan trekking at Bukit Lawang.

This tour is a good option if you’re staying outside of Tangkahan, but want to spend at least one day seeing the Sumatran elephant sanctuary.

We’ve used Klook for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Tangkahan Elephant Tour

Tangkahan Accommodation – Where To Stay

Tangkahan has a bunch of budget friendly hotels that are basic, but comfortable.

Here are some of our top picks:

• Green Forest Tangkahan – Single rooms and family rooms available plus free breakfast – 160k IDR ($11 USD)
• Green Lodge Tangkahan – Garden views on the north side of Tangkahan village – 150k IDR ($10)
• Mountain View Cottages & Restaurant – Garden or mountain view with free breakfast – 200k IDR ($14)

These prices are current at the time of posting, but may fluctuate from time to time.

There’s also the option of staying at a hotel in Bukit Lawang or Medan, and doing a day trip to Tangkahan from there.

Bukit Lawang has more hotel options than Tangkahan, and more things to do, so it’s generally a better place to base yourself.

The main reason to stay at Tangkahan accommodation would be to get more time with the elephants, because this is the only place you can see them.

Other Tangkahan Tips

• ATM: There’s no ATM in Tangkahan, so make sure you bring enough cash. The nearest ATM is the one outside of Bukit Lawang . You can also pay things by bank transfer. Credit cards aren’t accepted.
• Hotels: Tangkahan accommodation is very basic. Expect cold showers and fan only, no A/C. The fan should be enough to keep you cool at night. Electricity is stable, but sometimes there are short outages.
• WiFi: There’s almost no WiFi in the village or at any of the Tangkahan accommodation, but that may change before too long.
• Cell Service: Telkomsel has decent 3G/4G reception in the village. We were able to use this for a hotspot at times.
• Restaurants: There aren’t really standalone restaurants yet, but you can eat all of your meals at your Tangkahan accommodation. Many of the hotels include free breakfast.
• Safety: We spent months traveling as a couple in North Sumatra and overall it’s very safe. Just take normal precautions. If you’re a solo female traveler, you can ask about joining a trekking group with other tourists.
• Mosquitoes: According to this Lancet study from 2018, Malaria is rare in this part of Sumatra. I’ve never heard of a tourist getting Malaria from mosquitoes in the Bukit Lawang area. However, it’s still a very good idea to sleep inside a mosquito net and wear repellant while out and about, just in case. Malaria can be nasty and dangerous.

More Things To Do Near Tangkahan

• bukit lawang: orangutan trekking.

Bukit Lawang is the main trekking town at the Gunung Leuser National Park, and it’s one of the best places to see the Sumatran orangutans in the wild.

Don’t forget to check out my complete guide for orangutan jungle trekking at Lawang! This is a must do on your visit to North Sumatra.

It’s only a 2 hour drive from Tangkahan to Bukit Lawang, or vice versa.

Read More: Bukit Lawang Orangutan Trekking

• Batu Katak: Rafflesia & Titan Flower Trekking

Batu Katak is another small village on the east side of Leuser where you can do flower trekking to see the giant Rafflesia and Titan Arum, two of the biggest flowers in the world!

This was one of the best highlights of our visit to North Sumatra. The Titan Arum flowers can grow to be 3 meters (10 feet) tall! There’s also several limestone water caves to see near Batu Katak, but I had an injured leg so we didn’t get to do the cave treks yet.

Batu Katak is 3 hours south of Tangkahan, or 40 minutes south of Bukit Lawang. You can message Joe on WhatsApp ( ☎ +62 812-6340-3452 ) and he can arrange your pickup, trekking, and other info. He was a huge help for planning our trip.

When To Visit Tangkahan

Gunung Leuser National Park has a tropical rainforest climate that doesn’t follow the same weather patterns as the rest of Indonesia. You can find a monthly breakdown here .

I wouldn’t stress about when to visit. Every month is rainy at Tangkahan, because it’s a rainforest! The driest months are February, March, June, and July, but the rainfall is still much higher than places like Bali.

We went in December and the weather was good for seeing the elephants. The rain usually comes in the evenings or at night, and only lasts a few hours max.

Most tourists come in June – August, so if you want to avoid the crowds, pick a different month. Happy travels!  

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Useful info! How recent was your visit?

This was in mid December 2020, right after they reopened.

Hi! just wondering about the internet connection there. Did you get an internet connection at your accommodation? With Telkomsel? Was the signal good? Me and my friends are planning to go there next week, and one of us might need to make a call (over Zoom) while we’re there so we’re just wondering whether that would be possible. Thanks!

Hi Annisa! Yeah, in the main part of the village we had some 4G connection with Telkomsel. It would be good enough for normal calls on WhatsApp etc, but I’m not sure about Zoom. Good luck!

Long enough to get all the details, man !

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Welcome to responsible travel in North Sumatra  

+6282168127533 /  +6285362842725

Eco-Farming

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Known as the 'Hidden Paradise' of North Sumatra.  Located on the border of the Gunung Leuser National Park, its home to a few Sumatran Elephants but offers forest, clean rivers and interesting geological marvels

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Tangkahan - The  Hidden Paradise

Tangkahan is an eco-tourism destination  located in North Sumatra and known as the 'Hidden Paradise' of the Gunung Leuser National Park, because it sits at the junction of two rivers:  the Buluh and Batang River.  

Just a three-hour  dr ive from Medan or a two-hour  drive from the tourist hub of Bukit Lawang,  i t's  very different from the lines of souvenir shops and guesthouses in Bukit Lawang.  Its  remote location is perfect for relaxing, visiting the hot spring and admiring the natural scenery.  

Tangkahan is famous for its herd of rescued Sumatra Elephants,  rescued from conflict situations in Aceh by the Elephant Response Unit. Now they live in a safe environment and are trained to patrol the forests with their mahouts. Visitors can also join the Elephants in the forest and bathing in the river. 

Although many visitors come to see the Elephants, Tangkahan has 17,000 hectares of virtually untouched forests with wild orangutans, waterfalls, caves and hot springs to explore. 

History  

The small village of Tangkahan was built after local people saw the damage they were causing by actively logging between 1980 - 1990. The community decided to stop illegal logging within the Leuser area and develop the area into a sustainable eco-tourism destination.

In 2001, the community decided and agreed on fixed regulations that prohibit illegal logging and the Tangkahan Tourist Institute was established. From this the Conservation Response Unit was formed where troublesome elephants have been rescued, trained and with a group of mahout's patrol and protect the local forests.

As an eco-tourism destination, Tangkahan never really flourished, which in a way, gave it its charm! However, the locals still depend on tourism for their income. What did draw many Asian, local and sometimes foreign tourists was the Elephants at the Conservation Response Unit (CRU). Before the Covid pandemic, much of the tourism income came from offering daily Elephants rides and washing. Since the pandemic, we are happy to say that they have stopped the Elephant riding. V isitors can still join the elephants for morning and afternoon bathing, but this is something we do not support due to the exploitation of the Elephants and the current worldwide scrutiny of it. 

Why Elephant Washing isn't Cruelty Free

If visitors would like to support the CRU and the Elephants, then we do offer the new experience of 'Walking with Elephants'. This is a hands-off experience, allowing you to follow and watch the Elephants walk through their natural environment. If visitors are still against this, then it is still possible to see the elephants by the river with their mahout and can see them also in their outdoor pen. If Elephants are not your thing, Tangkahan is still a great place to explore. We offer a variety of trekking options to see wild orangutans, waterfalls, caves and tubing activities. We are trying to develop more community-based tours as part of our Sustainable Action Plan . By joining these treks, you are supporting the local guides and economy. This continuous support keeps the local people from illegal logging and other illegal activities.

Bat Cave Trek and River Fun

Trek for 2-3 hours through the less explored part of the Gunung Leuser National Park enjoying the incredible scenery. The trek can quite challenging, passing many large trees and a chance observe any wild animals, like Orangutans or Gibbons. Arriving at the cave, guests will see many bats and pass through several caverns. At the end of the cave, there is a natural hot spring to relax in, if its not too hot! Guests then cool off with the thrill of tubing back down the river.

Duration: 6 hours

Start:  6-7am from Bukit lawang

Included: guide with motorbike, local guide, permit fee, tubing

Cost: 850,000 p/p

Group Size:  1 - 5

Fitness: Average

2 Day Cave Trek

Be a Caveman.....Trek in the jungle & sleep in a cave

Trek in the jungle for a full day, looking out for orangutans, gibbons, siamang or even a hornbill. The trek is quite challenging and no established trails. A true experience. The local guide will explain about the flora and fauna along the way. Lunch will be eaten at a suitable point before making your way to Goat Cave to spend the night. Here enjoy the waterfall, swim and relax. Enjoy dinner cooked over an open fire and the sounds of the jungle. Wake up to the sound of gibbons. After breakfast, guest will make their way back to the village.

Duration: 1.5 days

Start: 7am from Bukit lawang

Included: guide with motorbike, local guide, permit fee, food, fruit, camp equipment

Cost: ask for price

Waterfall and Tubing

Trek to see one of the waterfalls, swim, relax and eat lunch at the waterfall before river tubing back down the river.

More info coming soon

Duration: 5 hours

Start: 8am from Bukit lawang

Included: guide with motorbike, local guide, lunch, fruit, tubing 

Cost: 700,000

Group Size: 1 - 5

Fitness: Low

Walk with Elephants

Get up closs to Sumatran Elephants in their natural habitat without the touristic activity and scrutinised activity of riding them. Enjoy a 3-hour experience with first watching the Elephants bath then a 2-hour trek walk with the Elephants and their mahouts in the jungle 

Duration: 3 - 4 hours

Start: 9am or 1pm

Included: transport with guide, elephant activity, permit fee

Cost:  from 1,400,000 idr p/p

Group Size: 1 - 4

Fitness: Low 

Note: If there is more than 2 people taking any of these activities, we recommend hiring a car for the day, as the cost can be shared and will be cheaper. 

Any of these Tangkahan activites can be enjoyed as part of the Orangutan & Elephant Tour, or they can be combined with the Sumatra Eco-Explorer Tour

Tangkahan Travel Guide: Elephant Trekking in the Jungles of Sumatra

The village of Tangkahan in the jungle of Sumatra stole my heart in seconds, though getting here is a true adventure. Tangkahan is on the border of the Gunung Leuser National Park and is the little sister of the more famous Bukit Lawang . Let’s take a closer look at this jungle paradise where you can visit an elephant sanctuary, go jungle trekking, and river tubing.

Tangkahan From Medan

To get to Tangkahan from the city of Medan, you can take a bus from the Pinang Baris bus station. There are two buses scheduled a day, one leaving at 10 am and the other at 1 pm. Don’t expect any luxury during this bus trip and simply try to enjoy the adventure. In the bus, you will be packed in between the local villagers, school kids, bags of rice and even chickens. The bus ride takes around 5 hours but not to worry, the bus does get emptier on the way and in the meantime, you can enjoy the surroundings. Arriving at this little peaceful village in the middle of the jungle is truly rewarding and worth the effort. Welcome to Tangkahan!

The bus ride should cost Rp. 25.000, but to get this price you have to be alert. Don’t let yourself get tricked into buying a ticket from some random person approaching you at the bus station. You can just pay for your ticket in the bus, directly to the bus driver. For those who are not on a tight backpackers budget, you can also opt to rent a private car and driver with air-conditioning.

Tangkahan From Bukit Lawang

You can visit Tangkahan on a day trip from Bukit Lawang. It will be a rocky road through the raw landscape of north Sumatra either on the back of a motorbike or by car. I really enjoyed the ride from Tangkahan to Bukit Lawang by motorbike, despite the bumpiness. I wouldn’t go back and forth in one day though, as both places deserve a longer stay.

Upon Arrival

The emerald blue river that rushes through this little jungle village is absolutely stunning, fringed by the lush tropical greenery of the rainforest. This is exactly what I had been hoping for! To get to the other side of the river, I had to hop on a local bamboo raft but I believe it has been replaced with a suspension bridge. Bringing a backpack is easier than a suitcase when it comes to crossing the river! The ambiance is so peaceful! You can see monkeys sitting high up in the treetops, not interested in humans at all. You truly find yourself in the unspoiled jungle of Sumatra.

Where to stay & what to eat

There are several guesthouses to stay at in Tangkahan, all basic but perfectly comfortable and very affordable, too. The bungalows are surrounded by nature and the rooms are simple but just wonderful – I could live there! You will hear the sounds of the jungle at night, enjoy it or wear earplugs 🙂 The shower is cold, but who needs a hot shower anyway in such a warm tropical country. Electricity is only available in the evening from 6 pm to 11 pm.

I stayed at Megan Inn, in a traditional bungalow that overlooks the river. The guesthouses most recommended at the moment are Green Lodge Tangkahan  and  Tangkahan Bambu River Guesthouse . Both have family rooms available as well.

Don’t expect any fancy restaurants in the village of Tangkahan. The guesthouses serve simple food like a good local nasi goreng and fresh juices. Perfectly fine to keep your belly happy during your stay. Breakfast is usually included with your stay.

Things to do in Tangkahan

Though the village of Tangkahan is very small, there are lots of things to do. At the same time, it is an amazing place to relax, find peace of mind and connect with nature. The unspoiled rainforest that surrounds you, the sounds of nature and the beautiful river rushing through creates the most idyllic setting. Yet the tourism highlight ofTangkahan has become a popular tourist destination to see, wash and ride elephants. Most tourists come for a day-trip from Bukit Lawang.

Visit the Elephant Camp

The elephant sanctuary in Tangkahan is the perfect place for eco-tourism. For me, just seeing the elephant up close was already an unforgettable experience. That was enough for me, but you can also wash them, feed them and go on an elephant jungle trek. Elephant jungle treks range from a short one-hour ride (Rp. 650.000) to a 4-day adventure (the longer ride takes you towards the village of Bukit Lawang).

On a trek the elephant caretakers will teach you everything there is to know about elephants. You will even learn to ride the elephant all by yourself. In addition to the trekking you can also wash the elephants. The elephant bathing sessions are held two times a day (from 8.30 am to 9.30 am and 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm). The price should be Rp. 100.000.

Jungle Trekking

Though the chances of seeing orangutans in Tangkahan are much smaller than in Bukit Lawang, jungle trekking in this part of Gunung Leuser National Park is really nice! The rainforest is different here and you will see less tourists during your jungle trip.

River Tubing

River Tubing is also great fun! The river will lead you down to a waterfall where you can swim in the crystal clear, refreshing water. On the way you can admire the rainforest, the surroundings and the monkeys sitting high up on the tree tops. After my river adventure we walked back through the traditional village where I got to see a glimpse of local life. My guide climbed into a tree to get me a fresh young coconut and it was delicious!

Caving and Hot Springs in Tangkahan

The other two main activities to do around Tangkahan are caving (an adventurous 3-hour trekking through the jungle will lead you to the Kalong Cave, home to lots of fruit bats. It’s a fun trip, though it helps if you like bats) and a visit to the hot springs. The springs are by the river.The local guide will be happy to get you there. It is quite a unique experience to sit in hot water by the riverside in the jungle!

Sampai Jumpa

After a wonderful stay in Tangkahan, it is time to continue your travels in Sumatra. Don’t worry, there are plenty of interesting things to see around the island. See you again or Sampai Jumpa as the locals would say. Enjoy your trip!

Have you visited the village of Tangkahan? What was your experience? Share your stories in the comments below.

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Sumatra Heaven

Explore the Sumatran jungle

Tangkahan Tour, Hot Springs & Waterfall

DISCOVER THE HIDDEN PARADISE OF TANGKAHAN

Discover the hidden paradise of Tangkahan! At only 2,5 hours from Bukit Lawang, Tangkahan is an eco-tourism destination fighting against illegal logging and offering the possibility to explore its wonderful lush green surroundings. Start your day by exploring the jungle and chase waterfalls. Tube down the river. After a freshly cooked lunch at a local restaurant or at the riverside take a refreshing swim in the Buluh river, enjoy the hot springs and relax at the riverbank! INFORMATION

Duration : one day (7-8 hours) Intensity level: low Group size: minimum 2 people Departure Time: at 09:00 am

What to bring : your camera, comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit, flip flops or sandals, one change of clothes, plastic bag, towel, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, bottle of water. 73€ – per PERSON *for a day tour for minimum 2 people 1 Day TOUR ITINERARY

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your guesthouse around 9:00 am and take you to your car. Your driver will take you to Tangkahan in 2.5 hours through our bumpy and unsurfaced jungle roads. On the way you will witness the destruction our wonderful rainforest through the  endless landscapes of palm oil plantations with the Gunung Leuser National Park in the background. A sad and unforgettable scenery!   Tangkahan is a small village on the border of Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra. It is situated at the junction of 2 rivers, the Buluh River and the Batang River. Tangkahan is a good example on how community based eco-tourism can stop illegal logging, improve livelihood of local people. The CRU/LPT Tangkahan. Lembaga Pariwisata Tangkahan (LPT) is a local organization formed with the purpose to develop eco-tourism as a new form of livelihood and in this way prevent illegal logging. As regards the CRU (Conservation Response Unit), it is a team of Sumatran Elephants saved from illegal poaching and their mahouts that helps safeguard the national park to protect it from encroachment. As elephant activity is under worldwide criticism we have decided to not promote the elephant washing activity organized by the CRU anymore as we are not sure about how the elephants are treated/trained and as the organization is still offering a riding activity. If you want to visit the CRU and it’s elephants we recommend you to do some research before and to consider the “Walk with the Elephants activity”, a trek through the jungle where you walk BESIDE them. 

You will start your discovery by crossing the Buluh River through a huge wooden bridge and discover the natural and unspoilt environment of Tangkahan. Then you’ll walk for roughly 1 hour through the jungle to reach the incredible waterfall of Tangkahan! You’ll swim and take a revitalizing shower under the waterfall. You’ll tube back along the river before lunch. Then you’ll enjoy either your traditional lunch at a nice local restaurant in Tangkahan or a freshly cooked lunch at the riverbank! During the afternoon you’ll chill out at the Buluh River. Perfect occasion to take a refreshing swim in the river and to enjoy at the hot springs.  On the way back to Bukit Lawang, you will cross undeveloped areas so take the time to observe the everyday life in rural villages.

End of the day, your guide will bring you back to your guesthouse around 6:00 or 7:00 pm.

Tour includes: transport from Bukit Lawang by private car, driver, English speaking local guide, all entrance permits for the national park, tickets for crossing the Buluh River, lunch, tube, stop at the hot springs, several waterfalls and viewpoint. 

Tour excludes: breakfast, dinner & bottle of water / additional drinks

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Office address.

JL. Orangutan Bukit Lawang. KEC. Bahorok. KAB. Langkat. North Sumatra Indonesia 20774.

[email protected] +62 821 6173 2019

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Tangkahan Tour & Bukit Lawang

Home • Tour Package • Tangkahan Tour & Bukit Lawang

The Bukit Lawang and Tangkahan tour start from Kualanamu airport of Medan. It is recommended if you can arrive by morning flight and our local guide will pick you up to start your 3 – 4 hours driving to Tangkahan. The distance is about 93 km away from Medan via Binjai and Batang Serangan. More than halfway will be on a bad road condition, bumpy road – that will slower the car .

Tangkahan Tour

Upon arrival in Tangkahan, then directly to the lodge to keep your stuff that you don’t need during the 2 days Tangkahan jungle trekking . All the stuff you do not need during in the jungle you can leave at the lodge. We will prepare 1 luggage room with lock to keep all your stuff.

On the 2nd day of your Tangkahan tour, you will be taken deeper in to the jungle of Gunung Leuser National Park. During the jungle trekking you will have a chance to see wild Orangutan, Thomas Leaf Monkey’s , Gibbons, Deer, Macaques, and other wildlife.

• Related Blog
• Start your 2 days jungle trekking to the Leuser National Park and hunt the wild orchid, see the amazing Ficus tree and observe varieties of flora and fauna. If you are lucky, have a chance to see Gibbons, Orangutans, Thomas Leaf Monkey’s, Deer, or Macaques.
• Overnight around the Goa Kambing (Goat Cave) area – or other appropriate spots.
• Dinner and explore more things near the campsite and if you are lucky, meet the nocturnal animals. 
• Breakfast and continue trekking in the jungle for 6 to 7 hours and hunt the wild orchid.
• Trek deeper into the jungle of Mt. Leuser National Park. Along the track, have a chance to see Gibbons, Orangutans, Thomas Leaf Monkeys, Deer, Macaques, and other wildlife.
• In the afternoon out of the jungle by riding on inner tubes along the Batang Serangan River, the inner tubes have been modified to ensure your safety. It will feel like dancing on the river swell using an inner tube.
• Arrive at the finish point and directly walk back to your lodge.
• Dinner will be at the lodge.  (Accommodation: Mega Inn Lodge River view).

NOTE: The accommodation in this area is very standard accommodation. No air-conditioned (fan is available), no hot shower, and bed with mosquito net. Please bring your own toiletries.

For a more upscale accommodation option, try Terrario Resort, which consists of three villa bedrooms with complete facilities. The minimum stay in this resort is two days, but you will experience the perfect blend of adventure and comfort.

• Breakfast at the lodge.
• Leave Tangkahan for Bukit Lawang, another part of the Mt. Leuser National Park.
• Transfer by Jeep to Baharok area for 2.5 hours with distance is around 84 Km but note that the road condition is also bad. Pass along rubber and palm oil plantation and some small villages on the way.
• Arrived at Bukit Lawang drop stuff you don’t need in the jungle to the hotel and start the 2 days adventure to explore the other part of Leuser National Park.
• Start the journey, trekking in the Leuser National Park.
• Overnight at the campsite and have dinner. 

Note: Before trekking or overnight in the jungle, please re-pack your stuff. All the stuff you do not need during in the jungle you can leave in the luggage room at your hotel.

• Breakfast and continue to explore the national park deeper for Sumatran Orangutan, the beautiful hornbill, sun bear, Siamang “the black gibbon”, birds, and many kinds of flora and fauna. Learn and see the edible plant and medication plant along the track.
• In the afternoon, end the adventure and check in to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
• Breakfast and check out from the hotel
• Journey to Medan Airport to catch the flight back home or to continue your trip in other city.

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• Jungle Adventure in  Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary Tangkahan elephant sanctuary in the heart of Mount Leuser national park   takes travelers to experience jungle trekking, elephant bathing, and river tubing.  read more
• Tailor Made Program
• Flexible Departure Date
• Private Trip

Related Tour

Bukit lawang orangutan trek, pacu jawi west sumatra bull race, sumatra overland tour, way kambas national park tours, wild orangutan tour at ketambe, elephant volunteer program.

BALI OFFICE

• Jalan Danau Poso no 77, Sanur Denpasar - 80227
• + 62 (361) 472 00 20
• [email protected]

JAKARTA OFFICE

• Jalan Guru Serih no. 38, Kalisari, Pasar Rebo Jakarta - 13790
• +62 (21) 22 32 75 18
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• Testimonial

A Day Trip Elephants Tour

In the morning at 6.am we will fetch you at your address/hotel in Medan.

Starts drive to Tangkahan, the Elephant lodge which takes around 4 hours. Arrive in Tangkahan, you straight visit the Elephant camp where you can see them while bathing in the river. If you wish you can ride the Elephants for 1 hour (1 st schedule at 10.am / except Friday Elephants are not available). Please be noted Elephant ride is optional; means you have to arrange and pay on the spot yourself. Or you can book in advance through us with additional cost separately.

The rest is free program in Tangkahan, you take the opportunity to walk along the bank of Buluh River to see thousand beautiful butterflies by the river. Visit and take a bath at the small waterfall in the rainforest also one of memorable activity in this site.

In the afternoon you drive back to Medan for another 4 hrs. In the evening arrive at your hotel.

NB: Please be noted Elephants are not available on Friday

• AC transport as mentioned in the program + fuel & driver
• English/Spanish/Dutch/Italian/German/French speaking guide
• Entrance & Parking fees as mentioned in the program
• National Park Permit in Tangkahan
• Visit Elephant camp in Tangkahan
• Flight tickets and airport tax
• Personal expenses; meals, drinks, donations, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
• Tips for guide/driver
• Travel insurance

Any optional program

• Elephant ride

• Bukit Lawang
• 4 Nights/ 5 Days Bukit Bukit Lawang-Tangkahan-Berastagi
• Special Jungle Trek Six Days
• Chinese (Simplified)

About Tangkahan

Tangkahan is a small village located in the Langkat regency of North Sumatra, Indonesia. The village is situated in the heart of the Gunung Leuser National Park and is surrounded by dense rainforest and beautiful rivers. It is known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism activities, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

One of the main attractions of Tangkahan is its elephant sanctuary, which was established to provide a safe and natural environment for former logging elephants. Visitors can take part in various activities such as bathing and feeding the elephants, as well as they walk together  through the jungle. The sanctuary also offers opportunities to learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect the elephants and their habitat.

In addition to the elephant sanctuary, Tangkahan is also a great place for trekking, camping, and river rafting. There are several trails through the jungle, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, that lead to beautiful waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. The Batang Serangan River is a popular spot for rafting, offering both thrilling rapids and peaceful stretches where visitors can take in the natural beauty.

Jungle Inn Tour Packages

We are Offering

Tangkahan tour.

Tangkahan Tour with Jungle Inn is an excellent option for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty and culture of Tangkahan in a hassle-free way. Jungle Inn offers several tour packages that include accommodation, meals, and a range of activities and tours.

One of the most popular packages is the Jungle Trekking and Elephant Bathing Tour. This package includes a guided jungle trek through the Gunung Leuser National Park, where visitors can explore the lush rainforest and spot exotic wildlife such as orangutans and hornbills. After the trek, guests can enjoy a refreshing bath with the elephants at the Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary.

Jungle Inn also offers Unique tour packages, allowing visitors to tailor their experience to their interests and preferences. Guests can choose from a range of activities such as bird watching, village tours, and cultural experiences, and the friendly staff at Jungle Inn will help you create a personalized itinerary.

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The Jungle Book

Highlights of the sumatran jungle in just one week (6-day tour).

“The Jungle Book” discovers the highlights of Gunung Leuser National Park in just one week – impressions from the Sumatran jungle you’ll never forget! This unique EcoTravel tour includes the adventures of a memorable orangutan jungle trek and a visit to the famous  elephants in Tangkahan . You will also visit local villages around Bukit Lawang , the Bat Cave and nearby Landak River . Nothing less but the experience of a lifetime in the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra! Make this tour even more fantastic by adding a stay on the island of Pulau Weh, a paradise for divers.

Package details

• DAY 01:   The Jungle Book package starts with air-con transfer (car or minibus) from your  Medan hotel (3 hours) or from Kuala Namu Airport (4 hours) to  Bukit Lawang : including driver, petrol & porter service for your luggage . Check in to your hotel in Bukit Lawang :  EcoTravel Cottages ,  Jungle View Room , bathroom with western toilet and hot water shower , fan, minibar, safe locker, tea and coffee making facilities, balcony with jungle/river view , complementary items, WI-FI, breakfast.  After arrival: take a rest, relax and recover from your journey to Bukit Lawang. Later, take part in our special “Meet & Relax Happy Hour” starting at 16:00 pm . Meet other EcoTravel guests before our team will answer all your questions. This social gathering is a good warm up for the tour starting the next day and not to be missed!
• DAY 02:   “Tangkahan Adventure” (1-day tour): Day trip by air-con car (2 hours / one way / off-road) to the hidden jungle village of Tangkahan , famous for its elephants : includes certified English speaking guide, driver, petrol, all permits, a relaxing stay at hot springs, a visit to a local afternoon school, the opportunity to observe Sumatran elephants at a distance of 50 meters during their daily bath , lunch, soft drink and drinking water. Starts at 08:30 am. Stay another night in Bukit Lawang:  EcoTravel Cottages ,  Jungle View Room , bathroom with western toilet and hot water shower , fan, minibar, safe locker, tea and coffee making facilities, balcony with jungle/river view , complementary items, WI-FI, breakfast
• DAY 03 /04:   “Orangutan Trek”  (2-day tour):  Memorable 2-day trek in the Gunung Leuser National Park ,  1 night on a campsite in the jungle  &  traditional tube rafting down the Bohorok River  back to Bukit Lawang after trekking: includes certified English speaking guides ,  porter, rafting skipper, cook, all food and drinking water while trekking, all equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag, mosquito net, tubes, safety jackets), luggage storag e. Starts at 08:30 am. Having returned from your jungle trekking adventure feel free to spend the afternoon at your pace: relax in your hammock, enjoy panoramic views of the rainforest from your balcony and watch stunning wildlife from the sun patio of EcoTravel Cottages. Take a refreshing bath in the Bohorok River or explore the village on your own. Stay another night in Bukit Lawang: EcoTravel Cottages ,  Jungle View Room , bathroom with western toilet and hot water shower , fan, minibar, safe locker, tea and coffee making facilities, balcony with jungle/river view , complementary items, WI-FI, breakfast
• DAY 05:  “Bat Cave & Landak River Walk”  (1-day tour): Walk to the famous  Bat Cave in Bukit Lawang   & explore this impressive cave system . Afterwards you walk around one hour to the beautiful Landak River  – where you can swim or just relax. This tour is a highlight for cave lovers and bird watchers . On your way back you can stop – if you like – at a place where you safely watch our amazing Sumatran snakes like cobras or green vipers: includes certified English speaking guide, entrance fee, lunch picnic, fruits, drinking water . Starts at 09:00 am. Stay another night in Bukit Lawang:  EcoTravel Cottages ,   Jungle View Room , bathroom with western toilet and hot water shower , fan, minibar, safe locker, tea and coffee making facilities, balcony with jungle/river view , complementary items, WI-FI, breakfast
• DAY 06 : “Explore Local Life”  (1/2-day tour): This unique tour by traditional Tuk-Tuk or by mountain bike starts with a visit to the Friday Market in Gotong Royong where villagers sell rubber produce, fruit and vegetable as well as chicken, fish and all basic everyday provisions. Then you will travel on along rice fields, rubber plantations and through the villages surrounding Bukit Lawang to Kampung Bukit where you stop at traditional manufacturers processing sugar, tofu and bamboo or palm leaves. You continue to Simpang Mursal Timbangjaya having a typical local lunch with the villagers: includes certified English speaking guide, Tuk Tuk taxi, driver & petrol (or mountain bike & equipment), lunch, drinking water, donation to the villagers . Starts at 08:30 am. Afterwards air-con transfer  from Bukit Lawang back to  Medan  hotel (3 hours) or Kuala Namu Airport (4 hours):  including porter service for your luggage, driver & petrol. Starts at 14:00 pm (flight departure not before 20:30 pm!)

EcoTravel’s package “The Jungle Book” does NOT include: entrance permit to the Gunung Leuser Nationalpark/camera tax (150.000 IDR/ person/ subject to sudden change by the national park office ); tourist tax for Bukit Lawang (7.500 IDR / person); any activities with the Tangkahan elephants; lunch, dinner and drinks while staying in Bukit Lawang; visas, flights, insurance Optional: For guests who wish to get closer to the elephants in Tangkahan we recommend an additional voucher for the daily bathing ritual (up to 1 hour / +35 EUR/ person ) or for the “Angon Gajah” experience (up to 3 hours / +60 EUR/ person), run by LPT/CRU Tangkahan, EcoTravel is just a middle person. We do NOT arrange elephant riding! 

EcoTravel packages are offered in different prices ranges – deluxe, superior, standard, budget and basic budget. What exactly are the differences between these categories?

In order to meet the different needs of our lovely guests, EcoTravel’ Sumatra Tours come in different price categories. The options “budget” and “basic budget” include the lowest room category without views and do not include transfers to/from Medan. If you prefer a better room type but do not require transfers you can book any of the above packages (deluxe, superior, standard), but without transportation. The Superior Package with room type Jungle View Room at EcoTravel Cottages in Bukit Lawang is always listed in detail on our website. At our partner Tabo Cottages at Lake Toba, our EcoTravel guests will stay in a Junior Suite with air-con. The higher price of the Deluxe Option results from the best room option in Bukit Lawang ( Jungle View Suite / EcoTravel Cottages ) and our choice at Lake Toba (Toba Suite with fan / Tabo Cottages). Rooms chosen for our Standard Option are smaller and in a lower price range. Guests will stay right next to our EcoTravel Cottages in our new accommodation “Hangout@EcoTravel” (Orangutan Room/Jungle View Room ). At Lake Toba you will stay in Tabo Cottages’ Batak Villa (fan). Note: In contrast to a variety of room types and rates in Bukit Lawang and at Lake Toba, there is only one room type chosen to accommodate EcoTravel guests at our partners in Medan, Berastagi and on Pulau Weh (Deli River Hotel/Deluxe Room, Nachelle Homestay/Volcano View Room, Freddies Santai Sumur Tiga/Seaview Beach Appartement). However, in cooperation with all our accommodation partners we are giving our best to present you with the best value for money.

Your website lists fixed starting dates for your packages. We arrive in Medan one day earlier, could we shift the start of our tour?

To keep up our good service we run all our tours and jungle treks in Bukit Lawang on fixed days suiting our well selected Sumatra touring packages . Arrival/departure in Bukit Lawang is usually on Fridays/Saturdays/Mondays. Some Sumatra tours also start on Tuesdays or Thursdays . However, we can tailor each package to match your specific requirements! It is possible to add some nights before or after a package. You are also welcome to skip, change or add some tours in Bukit Lawang and/or extend your stay with our partners on Lake Toba, in Medan or on Pulau Weh. We will do our best to suit your needs – subject to availability! And if all this still doesn’t match your travel plans, why not join our jungle trekking tours only and book accommodation and transport individually somewhere else?

From Medan to Bukit Lawang? What’s the latest we should arrive in the jungle on the day before our trek will start? What is your Sumatra travel advice?

We really recommend arriving in Bukit Lawang no later than 18:00 pm! Between 16:00 pm and 19:00 pm there will be a meeting with your guide team in our EcoTravel Cottages where you will receive important information and an introduction to your trek starting the following morning. During our special “Meet & Relax Happy Hour” you will meet other EcoTravel guests and our team will answer all your questions. This social gathering, a nice warm up for the next day, is not to be missed! However, if no earlier flights to Sumatra are available and a late afternoon pick-up service with our EcoTravel team from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang is required, we will be happy to organise this exclusively for you. Just remember that the transfer from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang takes about 4 hours, so the later you arrive, the later you will arrive in Bukit Lawang. On arrival you will need to walk from the taxi stop to the EcoTravel Cottages for about 25 minutes – and if your jungle trek starts the next day you will need to get up early. If you arrive late you may also have problems with dinner, as most restaurants in Bukit Lawang close at 21:00 pm. However, if there is no other option than arriving late at Kuala Namu Airport in Medan, we would actually advise you to simply arrive a day earlier – and why not stay in an airport hotel before you start your jungle adventure? Our transfer service could arrange a relaxed pick up service from your hotel in Medan the next morning – and you could profit from another half day the jungle of Sumatra. Relax, swim, join an additional half day tour or simply discover this beautiful jungle village on your own. This is our very own Sumatra travel guide for EcoTravel guests – to help you all having an unforgettable time in the Sumatran jungle!

Gallery: The Jungle Book

Bukit Lawang Adventure

• Bukit Lawang
• Gunung Leuser National Park
• Travel Tips
• Half Day Jungle Trek
• One Day Jungle Trek
• Two Days Jungle Trek
• Three Days Jungle Trek
• Four Days Jungle Trek
• Five Days Jungle Trek
• Sumatran Village Tour
• Tangkahan Elephant Tour
• Tube Rafting
• Bat Caves Tour
• Ship Caves Tour
• 6-day Bukit Lawang – Berastagi Tour
• 6 day tour Bukit Lawang – Lake Toba
• 8-day Bukit Lawang-Berastagi-Lake Toba tour
• Transportation

See wildlife up close

Experience real jungle, go on an adventure.

Prices from January 2024

Prices for jungle treks are each year set by the Indonesian Tourist Guide Association (ITGA). Unfortunately, there is an considerable raise in prices per January 1st 2024. The new prices are found on the pages per jungle trek. There is also a surcharge for a jungle trek starting on Sundays or National Holidays for the permits to the National Park. […]

Read More »

Available upcoming dates to join a jungle trek!

Are you a solo traveller, or a couple looking for a jungle trek to join? On the following dates we still have some spots available for (multiple day) adventures. July: 9th July – Three day jungle trek 16th – One day jungle trek August: 26th – Five day jungle trek September: 20th – Three day […]

2023 Top season starting soon!

Bukit Lawang is known as the main gateway to Gunung Leuser National park. We offer jungle trekkings to see orangutans and other wildlife, starting from three hours up to five days. Bukit Lawang is a small village, but besides going jungle trekking there is more to see and to do. We arrange activities such as […]

• Indonesian-Dutch cooperation
• Professional and Safe
• Care for nature and wildlife
• 6-day Bukit Lawang – Berastagi Tour
• 6 day tour Bukit Lawang – Lake Toba

Bukit Lawang Adventure 2024 | Powered by WordPress.

Telephone :

+62 813-6012-3045

[email protected]

Bukit Lawang Dusun 5 Kabupaten Langkat Sumatra, Medan, 20774

For more booking you can contact us

Explore Sumatra Trekking

Explore Sumatra Trekking and Tour is an adventure tourism service provider that introduces you to the natural beauty and culture of Sumatra in a unique and in-depth way. With years of experience in the tourism industry, we have led thousands of adventurers to remote destinations, stunning mountains and friendly local communities in Sumatra.

Ready to Embark on an Unforgettable Journey?

BEST BUKIT LAWANG TREKS AND TOURS IN NORTH SUMATRA

Ethical orangutan jungle treks and tour in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra

Join with as on our Explore Sumatra Trekking and Tours and discover an unforgettable adventure in the pristine jungle of indonesia. We have treks and tours for everyone. 

For beginners, we offer a half day trek, or for those adventure, we offer up five days of tracks. We have solution that fits your desire for exploration, guaranteeing you breathtaking landscape, nature, culture and wildlife.

Jl. Bukit Lawang, Sampe Raya, Kec. Bahorok, Kabupaten Langkat, Sumatra Utara 20774

Jungle Trekking

Half Day Trek

* Detail Package Click Here

One Day Trek

Two Day Trek

Three day trek.

Let’s Join

Information Tours

With an experienced tour guide, we are ready to accompany your trekking

Berastagi Escapade

Lake Toba & Samosir Island

Bat Cave Tour

Tangkahan Elephant

4 days – Bukit Lawang Trekking

Trusted 1000++ by tourist.

We have experience as a Sumatra tour and trekking service. For further information you can contact us.

Payment Method 

Convenient Payment Options with Explore Sumatra Trekking. * pay via wise * pay at location

Batu Mandi  Hotel And Guesthouse

Hotel and guesthouse.

If you want to immerses yourself in a serene and tranquil getaway in the heart of Bukit Lawang, we provide the best accommodations. Meet Batu Mandi Guesthouse, offered by explore sumatra trekking.

At Batu Mandi Guesthouse, we provide charming rooms with fans, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay. Our rooms are tastefully decorated and designed to offer a cosy retreat after a day of exploring the stunning Bukit Lawang surroundings.

But what truly sets us apart is our picturesque garden setting, nestled next to a peaceful river. The tranquil sounds of nature and a breathtaking view will surround you as you eat in our on-site restaurant. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind, immersing yourself in the beauty of the tropical paradise.

We offer an idyllic escape from the chaos of everyday life. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply yearning for a peaceful getaway, our guesthouse is the ideal destination. Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Bukit Lawang, explore the nearby orangutan sanctuary, embark on thrilling jungle treks, or simply bask in the serenity of our peaceful garden.

Ready to experience the magic of Batu Mandi Guesthouse? Book your stay today and indulge in an unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Bukit Lawang. Contact us now and let us create a truly memorable experience for you.

2 Days 1 Night Jungle Trekking in Bukit Lawang

Sumatra eco tours & orangutan trekking, full day bukit lawang jungle trekking orangutan, bukit lawang jungle trekking and sumatran orangutans.

ETHICAL TREKKING PIONEER IN BUKIT LAWANG

Let's shape together a better future for the rainforest, its WILdlife and the local communitY!

Discover all the wilderness of the Sumatran jungle IN AN ETHICAL WAY

​at sumatra orangutan explore we organize unique and unforgettable ethical  j ungle  trekking striving to respect and preserve the unique ecosystem & biodiversity of the  gunung leuser national park . we are devoted since our beginnings to protect the endangered s umatran orangutans and other wildlife and raise awareness among the local community.  our eco-friendly day tours and activities aim to support local people & traditional handicrafts. our off-the-beaten-track expeditions aim to support local communities in more rural and remote areas by discovering untouched spots., our commitment is to preserve the rainforest and protect its amazing wildlife while benefiting positively to local communities. we are devoted to have a low impact on the rainforest but a great impact on the local community of bukit lawang and other remote areas (through education and awareness, support of local associations and initiatives, women empowerment, fair working conditions and higher remuneration level). learn more about our commitments and actions ..

O ur team of experienced English-speaking guides, certified by the Indonesia Tourist Guides Association (ITGA-HPI Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia) will be glad to share their knowledge with you. They strictly follow the Gunung Leuser National Park guidelines, our own ethical jungle rules and do their best to keep the jungle clean and the wildlife safe!

Choosing a trek or a tour with us is your way to PROTECT & PRESERVE our amazing but endangered rainforest, its AMAZING WILDLIFE and its inhabitants!

The small riverside village of Bukit Lawang is located at the entrance of the Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the richest

tropical rainforests in South East Asia ! Its unique location makes it the perfect place to stay to discover the amazing rainforest of North Sumatra and its unique wildlife. 

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and placed on a list of world heritage sites in danger in 2011,

the Gunung Leuser National Park covers 1,095,000 ha in northern Sumatra and has amongst one of the most diverse

biodiversity in the world  by housing thousands species of indigenous animals, insects and plants. This amazing rainforest provides also a home for endangered and protected species like the Sumatran Tiger, Rhinoceros, Slow Loris, 

Elephant and of course the wonderful people of the forest, the Sumatran Orangutans ("orang" means people and "utan" forest) The Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the 2 only places in the world where you can observe Orangutans in the wild.    

Trekking through the Sumatran rainforest will take you into a breathtaking and unforgettable experience! 

So join us & let's begin your AMAZING & RESPECTFUL jungle adventure!

OUR MISSION

Shaping a better future for our rainforest, its amazing wildlife and the local community of Bukit Lawang

1 CHARITY SUPPORTED WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

10% OF OUR BENEFITS donated (on treks & tours)

An unforgettable experience awaits!

Our ETHICAL Jungle Treks

3 Hours Ethical Trek

This short half day trek is the perfect option for families with young children, people who don't feel like they're fit enough for a long trek or those who are on a tight schedule. This trek will take you at the entrance of the rainforest and gives you chances to spot semi-wild Orangutans and other wildlife if you're lucky. Watch them and their babies swinging in the trees. After some fresh tropical fruits, enjoy the way back by tubing down the river!

1 Day Ethical Trek

If you don't have enough time ahead but feel like you wanna explore all the wilderness of the Sumatran jungle, this trek is made for you! Enjoy a 6 to 7 hours trek through the Gunung Leuser National Park and discover its amazing fauna and flora. Meet the amazing Orangutans but also all the other species that live amongst them. After a jungle lunch and a few more walking hours, enjoy a raft ride to go back to Bukit Lawang

2 Days Ethical Trek

Experience a night in the rainforest and feel the jungle vibes with this 2 days trek! After an amazing first trekking day full of discoveries, relax on our campsite near the river or the waterfall. Refresh yourself and take a swim before having a homemade dinner. Then enjoy a entertaining evening chatting and playing games with your guides around a bonfire. Fall aseep with jungle sounds. The next morning, enjoy a yummy breakfast and go deeper in the jungle to see more wildlife before going back to Bukit Lawang by tubing! 

EXPLORE THE SUMATRAN RAINFOREST IN AN ETHICAL WAY, SPOT ORANGUTANS & AMAZING WILDLIFE, DISCOVER ALL THE SECRETS OF THE JUNGLE, ITS FAUNA & ITS FLORA WITH RESPECT!

3 Days Ethical Trek

If you feel like you want to explore more the jungle and look for unique wildlife, the 3 days 2 nights suits you well!   Go deeper in the Gunung Leuser National Park and get more chance to discover the 8 species of primates living in here. Experience 2 nights in the jungle and enjoy two different campsites at the riverside and near a waterfall. On the last day, a three hours walk will take you to the river bank to enjoy a last jungle lunch before a raft ride down Bohorok River will bring you back to Bukit Lawang.

4 Days Ethical Trek

Go into the wild with this 4 days 3 nights trek. Explore all the richness of the jungle, secrets about medicinal plants and get the chance to meet rare wildlife such as wild Peacocks, Hornbills, Giant Squirrels and traces of Sun Bears. Every night experience a new campsite or even a 2 or 3 hours night trek to observe nocturnal species. Every day you will enjoy a fresh and homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner made by your guides ! The last day relax on the way back to Bukit Lawang thanks to an amazing tubing ride!  

5 Days Ethical Trek

Feel like a real jungle adventurer ? Opt for a stunning 5 days trek and discover all the secret places of the Gunung Leuser National Park: walk through rivers, explore caves, swim in waterfalls... You will even have the possibility to do night trekking to spot nocturnal species. Get the chance to spot wild Elephants & see foot prints of the Sumatran Tiger. You will also get all the jungle survival tips. End the trek with a relaxing raft ride down Bohorok River that will bring you back to Bukit Lawang. You will remember this unique experience your whole life!  

Bat Caves Tour & BBQ at Landak River 

Explore the unique bat caves of Bukit Lawang. These huge caves hide many stalagtites and stalagmites but also amazing species of insects, snakes, bats and swallows. Then walk through the palm oil plantations to go to the amazing Landak River. Relax, chill out and take a swim in this beautiful river while your guide will prepare a chicken & fish barbecue. Veggie or vegan ? Just tell us and we will cook something yummy for you!

If you are lucky you can even see  Orangutans and other wildlife on the way! 

Our ECO-friendly Activities & day tours

In order to fulfill our mission all our daily tours focus on community-based tourism explore the surroundings of bukit lawang & the amazing spots they have to offer,  discover the everyday life in the village, meet local people & support local activities. all our activities can be combined if you wish to do 2 of them in one day.

Bukit Lawang Eco Village Tour

This half day tour takes you into a cultural trip to discover traditional activities and to meet local people. Take a traditional becak and go through the wonderful rice fields. Have a look at the everyday village life and stop by to observe homemade production of tofu and brown sugar. Learn more about traditional crafting such as attap roof thatching made with palm leaves and bamboo walls (tepas). On Friday & Sunday you can also visit traditional markets! At the end of the tour enjoy a fresh drink or a freshly harvested coconut water ! 

Refreshing Tubing Tour & BBQ

This refreshing activity is perfect for families or group of friends during sunny days! Float down the Bohorok River for 15 km while sitting in big rubber tubes. The river is perfect for a 3 hours tubing as there are a few fun white water parts where you bump over rocks and more nice and quieter parts where you can enjoy the amazing green surrounding scenery. During your trip stop on the river bank to relax, take a refreshing swim and enjoy a yummy barbecue! You will stop tubing in Bohorok where a local bus will pick you up! Enjoy the beautiful landscape on the way back to Bukit Lawang.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Organic Soap Workshop in the rice fields

Looking for a fun & educational activity for the whole family? Immerse yourself in the Sumatran botanicals & delightful scents with this tour combining walk and workshop. Walk through the village for about 40 minutes with the lovely Aini (woman entrepreneur producing soaps) until reaching beautiful house in the rice fields. Stroll among her lush organic garden to pick the needed ingredients and learn more about plants, herbal properties & uses. Enjoy a fresh herbal drink from the garden before learning how to make natural soaps using natural oils and selected plants from her garden. For children a fun little toy will be included in the soap! At the end of the workshop enjoy a traditional meal all together in the rice fields!

Traditional Cooking Class

If you are a food lover then this activity is made for you! Taste the authentic and yummy Sumatran food by enrolling in a cooking class with locals! Go to the market in the morning and buy all the things you need to cook. Local women will then welcome you into their kitchen, share their cooking experience and teach you how to cook traditional Indonesian dishes. You will cook 2 starters and 2 main meals to choose between a large selection of local food (curry, rendang, sambal, sate, tempeh goreng...). Enjoy the meals you cooked all together! 

Botanical Dye & Ecoprint Workshop

Unlock the superpowers of the Sumatran botanical & discover all their secrets thanks to this unique workshop in the rice fields! Prepare your own piece of art, from nature to fabric. Learn all the techniques of natural dyeing and eco printing. Design your bandana and create your own pattern using leaves and flowers freshly picked in a beautiful organic garden. Thanks to the magic of nature each creation is unique! Enjoy a fresh herbal drink and some local snacks while preparing your eco print. This workshop supports our women empowerment policy as it is in close collaboration with APES Eco Print which is locally owned and operated by women from the village.

Aerobics, Yoga or Running at Bukit Lawang Trust

Want to get jungle fit? Go to Bukit Lawang Trust in Gotong Royong and join one of their fitness classes on the rooftop offering a beautiful view on the Gunung Leuser mountains! Bukit Lawang Trust is a Charitable Trust working to enhance the education and employability of the local community here in Bukit Lawang, and it's one of the charity we are directly donating to! They are offering free fitness activities every week in exchange of a donation for the School and you can even get a visit of the School! Aerobics takes place on Monday and Wednesday, Yoga & Flexibility on Thursday and Running sessions are organized on Friday! Get in touch for the exact hours. 

Coconut Cutlery Carving Workshop

Want to travel in a sustainable way?Join our carving workshop to carve your own coconut cutlery! Our friend Bodong, owner of a local art gallery, will help you to design your own on-the-go cutlery! Why we have chosen cutlery instead of the traditional jewelry carving workshop? As a sustainable tour-operator we'd like our guests to get a useful and eco-conscious asset that you could take anywhere with you (while traveling or working)! Made with coconuts harvested in the village, it is the perfect eco-friendly duo to replace the plastic cutleries you might be given in take away restaurants! One more way to fight the overwhelming plastic pollution!

Eco-trails by Project Wings

Embark on one of the eco-trails organised by Project Wings, a german NGO which is currently building the world´s biggest recycling village  from 250 tons of plastic waste. Explore the different NGO departments and sustainable initiatives thanks to the different half day eco-trails. Each eco-trail is ending with a fun, creative and enriching workshop. If you have time opt for the full day tour to explore each department and learn how to become a real eco-warrior.  You can also opt for a personalized to compose on your own with your selection of 2 half-day eco-trails (lunch included). All benefits are going to the Project Wings association to support their great initiatives. 

Canyoning, Natural Pools & Panoramic Camping 

This 2 days tour takes you into an refreshing adventure to discover secret places on the way to Berastagi. A 2 hours drive will lead you to 5 secret waterfall spots. Take a refreshing plunge in these natural swimming pools! Then you will head to Rumah Pohon Habitat. This amazing wooden structure in the trees will offer you a wonderful viewpoint while enjoying your drink. Then you will head to your panoramic camping site for the night. Perfect spot for sunset and sunsrise! The place also offers many selfie spots with stunning view on the Gunung Leuser and North Sumatra (until Medan!). The next morning wake up and enjoy your breakfast with the sounds of Siamangs. On the way back, take a break and relax at a swimming pool in the middle of the jungle. Enjoy the invigorating fresh water coming from the mountains!  

Rafflesia & Titan

Flower tour.

This daily tour takes you to Batu Katak, a small village along the Berkail River and about 40min from Bukit Lawang. This authentic and peaceful area, still preserved from tourism, is an undiscovered jewel waiting to be explored! The hidden and restful area is a unique place in the world! Indeed the jungle of Batu Katak hides the biggest  and the highest flowers of the world, the Rafflesia Flower and the Amorphophallus Titanum! Your local guide will explore the jungle with you and lead you to these amazing flowers which are very rare to see as they only bloom for 4-5 days after a gestation period of 9 months. Besides the flowers, you will have great chance to observe gibbons and siamangs while trekking. Enjoy a yummy lunch listening to the stunning gibbon songs and take a refreshing swim in the river!

DISCOVER UNSPOILT AREAS FAR FROM TOURISM & ENJOY A NEW WAY TO EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF SUMATRA. OUR MISSION IS TO ENABLE SECLUDED AREAS & LOCAL PEOPLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF  ECO-CONSCIOUS TOURISM. JOINING ONE OF THESE TOURS IS YOUR WAY TO SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

Our off the beaten path tours.

Caves, Hot Springs & Waterfalls at Simolap

If you are looking for unspoilt nature and downtime in the wild to revitalize, this tour is made for you! We offer several adventurous all inclusive tours to Simolap from 1 to 3 days, with different activities, according to your wishes! Simolap is part of the Gunung Leuser National Park and is located around 2 hours from Bukit Lawang. The unspoilt area is full of secret places which are yours to explore! It is especially famous for it's incredible hot springs facilities and its caves. Opt for a trek through the jungle to see wildlife, explore several caves,  secret waterfall spots and take a plunge in these natural swimming pools! End the tour with a relaxing and revitalizing swim in the hot springs! If you stay a few days you can experience a 2D/1N trek with camping in a cave. You can also spend another night at the guesthouse of our lovely friends. 

Tangkahan Discovery, Jungle & Waterfall

Discover the hidden paradise of Tangkahan! At only 2,5 hours from Bukit Lawang, Tangkahan is an eco-tourism destination famous for the CRU association which is fighting against illegal logging. But this area is also offering the possibility to explore its wonderful lush green surroundings. Start your day by exploring the jungle and chase wonderful waterfalls. Tube down the river in big tires before lunch. After a freshly cooked lunch at a local restaurant at the riverside take a refreshing swim in the Buluh river, enjoy the hot springs and relax at the riverbank! It's possible to  spend a night in this wonderful place if you'd like us to ! Contact us to organize your tailor-made adventure and know the fare!

We recommend to book at least 3 months in advance

Berastagi Discovery, Volcano, nature & culture 

Explore another must-see of North Sumatra! Located at around 3 hours from Bukit Lawang, Berastagi which means "rice store", is a town located in the Barisan mountains. It's cooler weather makes it the perfect place to harvest many things hence it's lush green surroundings!  During this overnight tour you'll explore Berastagi and it's highlights! You'll climb the volcano by sunrise and enjoy lunch with the panoramic view of Gundaling Hill! During the afternoon you'll discover Lumbini garden the famous boudhist temple, enjoy the hot springs and chase waterfall! Back in Berastagi you'll explore the famous fruits market and  assist to an amazing Karonese dance demonstration! This tour will take you into a culture trip to discover more about North Sumatra.  

WE HELP YOU TO ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP

Where to stay

We'd be glad to welcome you in our ecolodge at the riverside and overlooking the amazing jungle!

How to get here

All the travel options and tips about your flight to Medan and the way to Bukit Lawang! 

What to bring

All the information you need! We give you all the tips to prepare well your trip!

Our Packages

Spare time and make the most of your trip by choosing one of our eco-conscious tour packages.

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