Useful Info
Bukit Lawang is a small riverside village surrounded by tropical rainforest and one of the main gateways to Gunung Leuser National Park. From orangutan encounters to jungle trails, wildlife and local experiences, there is much more to discover beyond the trek itself.
Bukit Lawang is a small riverside village in North Sumatra and one of the best known gateways to Gunung Leuser National Park. It is a starting point for travelers who want to explore the tropical rainforest, experience jungle trekking and observe Sumatran wildlife in its natural environment.
Gunung Leuser National Park forms part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage property recognised for its exceptional biodiversity and importance for conservation.
The rainforest around Gunung Leuser supports an extraordinary variety of plants and animals. The wider UNESCO protected area contains more than 200 mammal species and around 580 bird species, including several species found only in this part of the world.
During a trek from Bukit Lawang, travelers may encounter Sumatran orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, macaques, gibbons, hornbills and many other rainforest species.
Wildlife moves freely through the forest, so sightings are always natural and cannot be guaranteed.
One of the main reasons travelers visit Bukit Lawang is the opportunity to observe Sumatran orangutans in their natural rainforest habitat.
The Sumatran orangutan, Pongo abelii, is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
Trekking therefore should be about observing wildlife responsibly rather than trying to get as close as possible.
Bukit Lawang is not only about orangutans.
The experience includes tropical rainforest trails, rivers, jungle sounds, wildlife observation, local village life and, on selected trekking programs, overnight camping in the rainforest.
Short treks offer an introduction to the jungle, while multi day treks provide more time to explore deeper sections of the forest.
Plan Your Trek
Tell us your dates, group size, and preferred trek. We will help you plan the next steps.
