Bukit Lawang is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia, on the eastern side of Gunung Leuser National Park which is one of the three National Parks in the UNESCO listing for Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra. With its name literally means “door to the hills”, Bukit Lawang is an Orangutan sanctuary, therefore, many people come for trekking in hope to have sightings of the rare Sumatran Orangutans.
Bukit Lawang is a small village situated 90 kilometers northwest of Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra, Indonesia. It is the most famous site to easily spot semi-wild orangutans near convenient tourism facilities and at the south of the Mount Leuseur National Park. It is a gateway to the legendary Sumatran jungle with it’s steep slippery terrain and muddy slopes. Exploring the jungle here is a true adventure. Trek through the breathtakingly thick jungle and be transported into to new world.
It is the gentle giants of the jungle, the orangutans, which are the main attraction here. Bukit Lawang is one of the best places in the world to meet this rare and endangered primate. See these graceful creatures swing through the forest canopy as they forage for fruit. This is one of the largest stronghold communities of orangutans, with more than 5000 of them living in the here.
The Orangutan rehabilitation center is where young orphaned orangutans are trained to live in the wild and has been operating since 1973. Today, it attracts visitors from around the world who come here to catch a glimpse of these amazing orphaned creatures. The rehabilitation center helps orangutans regain their natural habits by putting them through intensive training before their release back to the wild. Once a primate heads back the jungle, the rehabilitation center keeps providing it with food supplements and regular check-ups.
Get Around
As you venture deep into the Sumatran jungle, you’ll have little way to get around but to use your feet and walk. Trek through the wild and muddy jungle and try and catch a glimpse of the native wildlife. The park is home to Sumatra’s and the world’s most exotic animals including elephants, tigers, sun bears, gibbons clouded leopards as well as the famous orangutans. Hike the hills for some incredible views of the spectacular landscape. For a true adventure go rafting and ride the wild rapids of the river.
Bukit Lawang Orangutan sanctuary in Sumatra provides a heaven for endangered species to live in their natural habitat. Sumatran Orangutan faces the critical danger of extinction. And Bukit Lawang, which is also part of Mount Leuser National Park is the place to protect orangutans in wildlife.
This ecotourism is celebrated for its jungle adventure, also makes the main east point to enter Mount Leuser National Park which is home to large species from flora to fauna. Bukit Lawang used to be a rehabilitation center for orangutans who have been illegally captured before being reintroduced to their natural habitat.
Most times in the year would be a decent for a visit to Bukit Lawang. You may want to take note of rainy seasons at the end of the year but the rain is mainly only in the evening or at night, so do not worry about it impeding your trip. You may want to check out local Indonesian public holidays, which means that many local tourists will crowd the village, especially on weekends.
Bukit Lawang is one of the best place for jungle trekking as not only you get to bask in the natural jungle that is full of wild flora and fauna that will wow nature enthusiasts. You may have a chance to sight the Orangutans in their natural habitat, though not guaranteed, but possible if you follow your guides’ advises. There is also a nice waterfall on the way to relax and swim. During the trek your guides will also provide you with nice Indonesian food and fruits!
At Jungle Inn, we organize unique and unforgettable ethical trekking striving to respect and preserve the unique ecosystem biodiversity of the Gunung Leuser National Park and especially protect the endangered Sumatran Orangutans.
Our eco-friendly day tours and activities aim to support local people traditional activities. Our commitment is to preserve the rainforest and protect it’s amazing wildlife while benefiting positively to local people. We are devoted to have a low impact on the rainforest but a great impact on the local community of Bukit Lawang!
Our team of experienced English-speaking guides, certified by the Indonesia Tourist Guides Association 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!