Destitoba - Dive into Bukit Lawang's untamed beauty – a haven beyond orangutans. Immerse in nature's symphony, jungle treks, and unique adventures. Your Sumatran escape begins here. Plan now!"
 |
| Orang Utan In Bukut Lawang - Gunung Leuser National Park: Image Source: Dennis Keller |
Discover the enchanting town of Bukit Lawang, nestled 96km northwest of Medan amidst the lush embrace of Sumatra's dense jungle of Bukit Barisan. While renowned for its orangutan-viewing center, Bukit Lawang unveils a captivating tapestry of experiences extending far beyond encounters with our red-haired cousins.
Immerse yourself in the rhythmic heartbeat of nature as you leisurely sway in hammocks, frolic in the crystalline river, and embark on invigorating jungle hikes. The verdant forests enveloping Bukit Lawang are integral to the expansive Gunung Leuser National Park, a haven boasting one of the world's richest tropical forest ecosystems.
The park, a sanctuary for eight primate species: tigers, rhinos, elephants, and leopards, offers a glimpse into the untamed beauty of Sumatra's wilderness. Yet, the proximity of oil palm plantations to the village's edge challenges encounters with larger mammals, emphasizing the importance of preserving this fragile ecosystem.
Escape the weekend crowds, when domestic visitors converge with foreign tourists, by planning your visit on a weekday. Bukit Lawang invites you to indulge in the serenity of its jungle retreat, where every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of Sumatra's natural wonders.
Orangutan Wildlife Reserve Feeding Centre
 |
| Orang Utan In Bukut Lawang Wildlife Reserve - Image Source: wikimedia.org |
Nestled within the heart of Bukit Lawang, the Orangutan Wildlife Reserve Feeding Centre beckons with the captivating allure of our orange-haired relatives. Established in 1973, this renowned center serves as a haven for orangutans, aiding their reintegration into the wild after periods of captivity or displacement due to land clearing.
Feeding Schedule
Morning Feeding: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Afternoon Feeding: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The feeding spectacle unfolds on a raised platform, a mere 10-minute ascent from the park office, reached by a scenic inflatable boat journey across the river from the village. Twice daily, witness semi-dependent orangutans indulge in a feast, offering an unparalleled close-up encounter with these magnificent creatures. No guide is necessary for this awe-inspiring experience.
Over the decades, the center has reintroduced 200 orangutans to the jungle, imparting vital survival skills such as foraging, nest-building, and tree-climbing to those once confined as caged pets. Many of these primates underwent treatment for diseases contracted during human contact. Presently, approximately 16 released orangutans thrive in the proximity of Bukit Lawang.
Even after they transition to the wild, the center continues to provide supplementary feedings, particularly during challenging circumstances or awkward transitions. The diet comprises milk and bananas, a contrast to the forest's diverse offerings. The welfare platform attracts semi-wild apes, often nursing or pregnant females seeking additional nutrition.
Visitors planning to explore the national park outside feeding times require a guide. While orangutan sightings are highly probable, they aren't guaranteed, especially during the rainy season when jungle fruits abound.
The feeding platform, nestled on the west bank of Sungai Bohorok within the park, mandates permits, obtainable at the Bukit Lawang Visitors Centre in the village. Present your ticket at the park office, situated at the trail's base, for access to the feeding platform. If embarking on a trek afterward, your guide typically arranges the ticket in advance, granting you entry to both the feeding platform and subsequent adventures. Ensure you reach the river crossing approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled feeding for a seamless journey across.
Embark on a Wild Adventure
Jungle Trekking: A Dance with Nature
Bukit Lawang beckons adventurers to explore the untamed beauty of the Gunung Leuser National Park. Guided treks, ranging from a few hours to multi-day excursions, offer a chance to immerse yourself in the lush wonders of the jungle. Opt for a two-day trek, spending a night beneath the canopy, enhancing your odds of encountering orangutans and diverse wildlife.
Choosing the right guide is key. Connect with fellow hikers, seeking those unforgettable jungle moments. Villager-guided treks often receive praise for delightful meals and campfire camaraderie. Some critiques include guides with limited ecological knowledge, crowded trekking groups, and the delicate issue of orangutan feeding.
Rafting: A Riverside Finale
After your jungle odyssey, a unique "rafting" experience awaits. Picture yourself seated on tied rubber tubes, gently navigating back to town. This unconventional yet enjoyable ride allows a deeper trek into the jungle, concluding your adventure on a refreshing note.
Practical Tips for Jungle Exploration
Embarking on jungle trails demands preparation. The terrain is challenged with steep ascents, slippery paths, and humid conditions. Fitness is crucial. Trails may vary from well-trodden paths to hidden routes amidst the underbrush. Ensure you carry ample water, sturdy footwear, and a resilient spirit for an unforgettable jungle encounter.
Recommended Essentials for Overnight Jungle Stay
- Waterproof Backpack: Keep your belongings dry during river crossings or unexpected rain.
- Tumbler and Water Purifier: Stay hydrated with a reusable tumbler and purify water from natural sources.
- Own Spoon and Fork: For eco-friendly dining during the trek.
- Poncho or Raincoat: Be prepared for sudden rain showers in the jungle.
- Light Shirt and Trousers: Comfortable clothing suitable for hiking in humid conditions.
- Trekking Shoes with Comfortable Socks: Ensure good traction and comfort for jungle terrain.
- Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
- Headlamp/Flashlight: Essential for navigating in the dark, especially if camping overnight.
- First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor injuries or discomfort.
- Sleeping Bag or Sleeping Mat: If camping is part of the trek, ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
- Hat and Sunglasses: Shield yourself from the sun during daytime treks.
- Personal Toiletries: Carry a small kit with essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and biodegradable soap.
- Camera: Capture the amazing moments, but be mindful of the environment.
- Notebook and Pen: Journal your experiences or jot down interesting observations.
Tubing Thrills: Riding the Rapids
A Refreshing Adventure Along Sungai Bohorok
As you journey towards the renowned orangutan center, a rustic shed along the river offers a unique way to embrace the water – tubing. Rent an inflated truck inner tube for a nominal fee (20,000Rp per day) and prepare for a thrilling ride down the Sungai Bohorok rapids.
Weekend Waters: A Lively Experience
On weekends, the river near the bridge transforms into a natural water theme park. Excitement fills the air as enthusiasts take on the currents. But, a word of caution: the river demands respect. Despite its playful appearance, the currents can be deceptively strong. During high water levels, tubing is officially off-limits, a tidbit not always shared openly.
Navigating the Rapids: Tips for Tubing
While the allure of tubing is irresistible, exercise caution. Steer clear of the last stretch near the village center, where the river's temperament can be unpredictable. Embrace the thrill responsibly, and let the Sungai Bohorok rapids weave an unforgettable tale of adventure.
Where To Sleep?
Embrace the Jungle Symphony from Your Riverside Retreats
As the sun dips below the lush canopy, casting golden hues upon the treetops, imagine yourself nestled in the heart of Bukit Lawang. The rhythmic sounds of the jungle serenade you, offering a symphony unique to this Sumatran paradise.
Green Hill: A Canopy-Enveloped Haven
Perched amidst the emerald foliage, Green Hill is more than a guesthouse; it's a sanctuary coaxed into existence by an English conservation scientist and her Sumatran husband. Three stilt-high rooms, caressed by jungle breezes, provide an ideal haven for couples. Bamboo-shoot showers offer a glimpse of the jungle as you wash. The restaurant, adorned with the tastiest sambal in the village, beckons with its culinary delights.
Tripadvisor Review: Excellent *4.5 (Link)
Back to Nature: Eco-Conscious Serenity
In a stance against deforestation, Back to Nature stands proudly, preserving a vast stretch of jungle that might have succumbed to oil palm fate. Wooden rooms perched on stilts invite you to unwind a half-hour's walk from the orangutan feeding center. Here, jungle treks and river bends dance in harmony.
Tripadvisor Review: Excellent *4.5 (Link)
Rainforest Guesthouse: Wooden Bliss by the River
Nestled close to the gurgling river, Rainforest Guesthouse exudes backpacker bliss. Wooden rooms offer a choice between budget simplicity and creature comforts. Shared stories and laughter echo in the friendly dining area, where Western meals mingle with the sounds of the jungle.
Tripadvisor Review: Excellent *4 (Link)
Garden Inn: A Backpacker's Oasis
The ever-growing Garden Inn empire sprawls, offering an array of rooms from cozy wooden shacks to modern sanctuaries. A sweet café becomes a hub for swapping tales of ape encounters, creating a lively atmosphere.
Tripadvisor Review: Excellent *4.5 (Link)
EcoTravel Cottages: Riverside Luxury
For those craving creature comforts, EcoTravel Cottages beckon with four-poster beds, spacious rooms, and riverside hammocks. Immaculate bathrooms and professionally-run jungle tours by Sumatra Ecotravel promise a blend of luxury and adventure.
Tripadvisor Review: Excellent *5 (Link)
Jungle Inn: A Finale with Nature's Cascade
At the journey's end lies Jungle Inn, the last guesthouse near the park entrance. Rooms overlooking waterfalls, integrated with the hill's rock face, and bathrooms adorned with living fern showers create a finale where nature takes center stage.
Tripadvisor Review: Excellent *4.5 (Link)
In Bukit Lawang, each guesthouse whispers a unique tale, a chapter in your Sumatran adventure. Choose your retreat, let the jungle cradle you to sleep, and awaken to the enchanting melodies of the wild.
Where To Eat And Drink?
Most guesthouses along the river en route to the park entrance serve a mix of Western and Indonesian food and have a laid-back ambiance.
Lawang Inn
Indonesian Kitchen
Located in the heart of the village, the Inn's congenial Dutch owner serves large portions of curries, sambal dishes, and more. The friendly staff can kick the spice factor up to eye-watering Indonesian levels if you ask nicely. Vegetarians are well-catered for, and treats include homemade brown bread and avocado-and-chocolate shakes.
Jungle Hill
Indonesian Kitchen
This chilled-out, family-run spot overlooking the river is good for chowing down on curry, rendang, and sambal dishes. Classics such as mie goreng, some unusual delights (pumpkin noodles, cow skin sambal), and genuinely good pizza are also on the Menu.
Dangers & Annoyances
Bukit Lawang, while enchanting, comes with its own set of cautions. The town is bustling with guides eager to offer their services. If you still need to prebook a tour, be prepared to be approached as soon as you arrive. Remember, there's no obligation to commit unless you genuinely want to.
During the orangutan feeding sessions, the mesmerizing desire for the perfect selfie can lead to risks. Visitors are not explicitly advised to maintain a safe distance from the animals, and some have experienced backpacks or phones being snatched or even faced potential attacks. It's crucial to remember that these are wild and immensely strong creatures. Exercise caution and keep a respectful distance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Where is Bukit Lawang?