Travel guides

Know before you go

Written by the team that lives here.

Everything we answer daily on WhatsApp, written down properly: how to get here from Medan, when to come, what to pack and how to make sure your visit helps the jungle rather than harms it.

6 min read

How to get from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang

Every way to travel from Kualanamu Airport (Medan) to Bukit Lawang: private car or shared taxi, with honest prices, travel times and tips from our local team.

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6 min read

What a jungle trek in Bukit Lawang really costs

The official trekking rates for Bukit Lawang, what is included, the Gunung Leuser permit explained, and why a suspiciously cheap trek is a red flag. Checked June 2026.

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5 min read

The best time to visit Bukit Lawang

When should you plan your jungle trek? A month-by-month look at Bukit Lawang’s seasons: dry season, rainy season, orangutan sightings and how far ahead to book.

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6 min read

What to pack for a jungle trek in Sumatra

The complete packing list for a jungle trek in Bukit Lawang, from day treks to multi-day camps: what to bring, what to leave at home, and what your guides carry for you.

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7 min read

Ethical orangutan trekking: how to visit responsibly

How to see Sumatran orangutans without harming them: the history of Bukit Lawang, the rules that protect the apes, and what to look for when choosing a trekking operator.

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7 min read

Bukit Lawang or Ketambe? An Honest Local Comparison

Semi-wild vs wild orangutans, travel times, costs and crowds: how to choose between Bukit Lawang and Ketambe, from a local trekking team.

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7 min read

Is Bukit Lawang Safe? Honest Answers From a Local Team

How safe are Bukit Lawang and its jungle treks? Village life, wildlife, health, the river and solo travel, answered honestly by a local trekking team.

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