As your Jungle Guide in Bukit Lawang, we specialise in arranging unique trekking tours that take you deep into the tropical rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park. Whether you are looking for a short jungle walk or a multi-day adventure – we make sure you can experience the magic of the jungle in an ecological, authentic and sustainable way. We care deeply about protecting this natural paradise and its incredible biodiversity, while also supporting the local community in North Sumatra. That’s why we ensure that everyone involved in our treks and activities receives fair payment – so your jungle adventure is not only unforgettable, but also a meaningful part of responsible tourism in Indonesia.
Come with us to witness one of the world’s last remaining jungle paradises with its incredible ecosystem and biodiversity, and to observe wild orangutans in their natural habitat!
Starting in the small village of Bukit Lawang, our jungle treks unfold in one of the best jungle trekking destinations globally, as it’s situated right at the entrance of the Gunung Leuser National Park. Its unique jungle setting makes it an ideal location for exploring the rainforest of North Sumatra. Fittingly, Bukit Lawang means “gateway to the hills” and the unique forest behind this gate is home to the critically endangered Sumatran Orangutan, as well as Gibbons, Siamangs, Thomas Leaf Monkeys, Hornbills, giant flowers, and various rare and exotic animals and plants. The most special reason: elusive creatures such as Sumatran tigers, rhinos, and forest elephants still coexist solely within the confines of Gunung Leuser National Park!
Say hello to our close relatives and gain a brief impression of Indonesia’s tropical rainforest in just a few hours on our day tours - or discover all its nocturnal inhabitants by night!
half / one day
Extend your adventure and dive deeper into the rainforest by spending a few nights at our comfortable jungle camp sites. Observe the released Orangutans and a lot more wildlife in the mountainious area behind Bukit Lawang on our overnight treks.
2 to 4 days
Become a real jungle adventurer during one of our long treks through the deep rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park and learn how to survive in the raw wilderness in the untouched rainforest of North Sumatra...
5 to 7 days
For the ultimate adventure, our expeditions that span up to ten days take you off the beaten path and lead you deep into remote rainforest where unforgettable encounters await.
10 days +
If you’re looking for something truly unique (like an even longer trek or a tour that is specialised for photographers), we’re happy to create individual treks tailored to your personal interests.
For all our activities we strive to create your jungle trek in harmony with nature, offering the best rainforest experience in an ecological and responsible way.
The following treks represent our standard jungle trekking tours from Bukit Lawang through Gunung Leuser National Park. We offer these trekking packages with as much individuality as possible ∼ simply tell us all your needs and wishes and we will do our utmost to organise your most wonderful jungle memory in Indonesia!
Feeling a bit apprehensive? Then take a look at the reviews from our previous trekking guests or read more about our jungle trekking values.
From 55 €
From 70 €
From 40 €
From 120 €
From 170 €
From 250 €
Individuell
From 320€
Individuell
From 200€
From 800 €
From 800€
Individual
Your health and well-being are our top priority.
Before your trek begins, please inform our organiser about your current health condition. It is essential that we are aware of any chronic or acute illnesses, allergies or other physical restrictions in advance, so that we can plan accordingly and respond quickly in case of an emergency.
Please also share any details that may seem minor or irrelevant in your everyday life, as even small issues can become more significant in the rainforest.
Jungle trekking can be physically demanding, not only because of the hiking itself, but also due to the tropical climate, humidity and changes in food. Your body may react differently to what you expect, so being well prepared and transparent about your health will help us to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
For your safety and in respect to the jungle and it’s wildlife the maximum size of our jungle trekking groups is 6 people.
So please inform us of the number of participants when booking your trek.
In the high season (June to August) it is possible to join other travelers on their jungle trek. It often enriches the experience to meet fellow adventurers in the rainforest. However, especially in the low season, we cannot guarantee the availability of a group for your preferred date. Therefore we ask for your understanding that higher fees apply for private treks.
If you are traveling with more than 6 people, please contact us, and together we will find a solution for every situation.
Included Services:
Certified & English-speaking guide
Assistant guide (if more than 3 people)
National park permit
Indonesian-Tourist-Guide-Association fee (HPI)
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, fruits, snacks, tea & coffee, freshly boiled water to refill your bottles
(not included: breakfast before starting your trek & dinner after returnin from the jungle)
Camping equipment:
tent, mattresses, blankets, pillows, mosquito nets
Group Size: 3 – 6 People
For your safety and in respect to the jungle and it’s wildlife the maximum size of our jungle trekking groups is 6 people.
In the high season (July & August) it is possible to join other travellers on their jungle trek. It is often a valuable enrichment to get to know other people on a trek through the rainforest.
In the low season (September to June) we ask for your understanding that it will not always be possible to find a group for your requested trek/date and therefore there will be an extra charge for a private trek. An alternative is our co-operation with other trekking operators in Bukit Lawang, so that we can try to put together enough participants for a group trek (min. 3 pax).
Please let us know how many people you will be participating with when you make your booking. If you are travelling with more than 6 people, please contact us. Together we will find a solution for every situation.
We highly recommend choosing the private trekking option to have a maximum of flexibility & intimacy.
However, if you prefer to join a group, you can take a look at our upcoming group treks to make sure that a group option is available for your chosen starting date & trekking lenghts:
Of course, you’re also welcome to inquire about a date that isn’t listed yet!
Just send us a message on WhatsApp to let us know which start date would suit you best.
Trekking prices in Bukit Lawang are regulated and set by the HPI organisation. All trekking operators must comply with these prices in order to operate legally. This ensures that fair salaries can be paid to everyone involved in the trek and that all permits and entrance fees are already included in the price.
We therefore appreciate your understanding that these prices are non-negotiable.
We recommend arriving at least one – ideally two – days before your trek and spending the night after returning from the jungle in Bukit Lawang as well. Bukit Lawang is an idyllic village with lots to discover and it is definitely worth spending a few days there if your itinerary allows.
Arriving earlier gives you a valuable time buffer and a chance to rest after your journey, especially if it was long and exhausting. Taking a day off between your arrival and the jungle trek helps you to recover from the trip, acclimatise to the climate and humidity and adjust to the time change, so that you can start your jungle adventure feeling well prepared.
In Asia, flight delays and cancellations are unfortunately quite common. Please note that we cannot offer refunds if your arrival is delayed and you miss the scheduled transport or trek.
30-35 liters (waterproof bags for rafting down the river will be provided by us on every trek)
It’s essential that you bring 1,5 to 2 liters water per person! On all overnight treks freshly boiled water from the river will be provided at the campsites to refill your bottles.
Besides normal mosquito spray, we recommend using mosquito repellent for your clothes as well.
Important: don’t forget your power bank on treks with overnight stays as there’s no electricity in the jungle.
Such as plasters, anti-diarrhea tablets, disinfection spray, painkillers, antibiotics & personal needed medicine like asthma spray or insulin – but don’t worry: your jungle guide will always bring a first aid kid!
Light T-shirt & strechable trousers, long socks (for the trek)
Don’t forget your towel if you plan a trek with an overnight stay
For night walks and treks with overnight stays.
Besides toothbrush and soap, contact lense fluid and glasses cleaner might be usufull. Toilet paper you can get in your accommodation – or use the Indonesian way : Water and your left hand!
It’s recommandable to bring a hoodie & long relaxing trousers for the evening and night time in the jungle as it can get cold and windy at our river camping spots
+ change of clothes for the next days (for treks with overnight stays only)
Or a rain cape that you can hang over your backpack if you get caught in a downpour.
Only necessary for our long jungle expeditions (5 days or more)!
Of course you can also use your backpack or clothes to build a comfortable pillow 😉
For crossing the river (only needed for treks with an overnight stay)
We highly recommend shoes with a deep profile for slippery parts of the jungle – or get the shoes that our guide will use on the trek!
These are the shoes that all our guides wear in the jungle. As they are made of rubber, you can easily cross rivers without worrying about your footwear. Additionally, they have stoppers under the soles, preventing slips while enabling you to climb over roots and rocks effortlessly, much like a gecko!
If you’re interested, please inform your guide before your jungle trek, so you can find the appropriate size. Be aware: the maximum size is 42.
We highly recommend wearing at least one pair of socks in your shoes to avoid blisters! Knee-high socks, which are excellent for tucking open trouser legs and being “insect-proof,” are available on-site for for 30.000 IDR.
Price: 50.000 IDR (approx. 3 Euros)
These comfortable trekking backpacks can be rented from us for a small fee to be used on your jungle trek:
Features:
Rental fee: 200.000 IDR (approx. 10 Euro)
We ask for your understanding to pay the costs of repairing in case of damage.
We arrange individual treks to satisfy your personal needs and wishes. Our guides know every part of the jungle and will make your personal jungle experience unforgettable.
Love of nature, respect & sustainability are our core values. We strive to keep the jungle clean and the wildlife safe, preserving the natural ecosystem of our rainforest.
In addition to protecting endangered wildlife, we prioritize your safety as our guests. All our guides are highly experienced in the jungle and avoid risks or rash decisions.
We love the rainforest – its wildlife, towering ancient trees, and the unique sense of peace and harmony that can only be found deep within nature.
Protecting this extraordinary ecosystem and its remarkable biodiversity is at the heart of everything we stand for.
But living in Bukit Lawang has taught us something important: conservation is not only about protecting nature. It is also about supporting the people who live alongside it.
A rainforest can only be protected in the long term when local communities benefit from keeping it alive. That is why our mission goes beyond organising jungle treks. We believe tourism should create opportunities for both nature and people.
When I first came to Sumatra, I thought conservation was mainly about wildlife. Today, I see it differently. The future of the rainforest depends just as much on the people living around it as on the flora and fauna living inside it. Protecting the rainforest is not only about saving nature. It is about creating a future in which people can protect it, too.
Behind every trek is a network of local people who make your adventure possible. From guides and assistant guides to porters, drivers, cooks, and jungle scouts, many families in and around Bukit Lawang depend on tourism as a stable source of income.
By creating livelihoods connected to a healthy rainforest, tourism offers an alternative to activities that can damage it. The more opportunities the forest creates, the less pressure there is to earn a living from exploiting its resources.
For us, sustainable tourism is not just about minimising our impact. It is about creating opportunities that allow both people and nature to thrive.
Our goal is simple: to ensure that the people living closest to the rainforest can also benefit most from its protection. Because when a standing forest provides opportunities, everyone has a reason to protect it.
A protected rainforest is important. A protected rainforest that provides opportunities for local families is powerful – so it stands a chance of a real future…
One of the most meaningful parts of our work is creating a stable future for former hunters.
Many people assume that hunters enter the rainforest to hunt animals for food. In reality, this is rarely the case. The hunters we work with were often hired to find specific animals, plants, or forest products for buyers. These requests frequently came from traders supplying traditional Chinese medicine markets, where certain animal organs, rare plants, or special tree resins could be sold for high prices.
The work was difficult, risky, and highly unpredictable.
Hunters would often spend weeks or even months deep inside the rainforest searching for a specific species or plant. Sometimes they had to travel to extremely remote parts of the island before even beginning their search.
Most importantly, they were only paid if they succeeded.
If they returned without finding the requested animal, plant, or resin, they received nothing for their effort. After weeks away from home, a hunting expedition could easily become a financial loss rather than an income.
Today, these same men use their extraordinary jungle knowledge in a completely different way.
Their ability to read tracks, identify wildlife activity, navigate through dense rainforest, and understand animal behaviour makes them exceptional jungle scouts. They often spot wildlife that would otherwise remain hidden from visitors.
Instead of searching for wildlife to sell, they now help guests discover and appreciate the rainforest while contributing to its protection.
Most importantly, they can earn a reliable income and support their families without worrying whether their next expedition will be successful. The stability provided through tourism allows them to look to the future with confidence rather than uncertainty.
For us, this is one of the biggest achievements of how conservation can create positive change. Knowledge that once contributed to exploiting the rainforest is now helping to protect it.
We are poud of this cooperation. The former hunters know the rainforest better than anyone else. What strikes us most is how grateful they are for the opportunity to use that knowledge in a positive way. They can provide for their families, share their skills with visitors, and help protect the forest they grew up in. For us, this is what sustainable tourism should look like.
The rainforest is our home, and we treat it with respect.
Our guides grew up around Bukit Lawang and have spent their lives learning from the jungle. On every trek, we follow responsible wildlife practices: we never feed wild animals, always keep a respectful distance, and do our best to minimise our impact on the environment.
We are equally committed to keeping the jungle clean and ask our guests to help us follow one simple principle:
Leave nothing behind except footprints and take nothing away except memories.
The rainforest is not a zoo and wild animals are not attractions. Seeing an orangutan in its natural habitat is a privilege. That's why we always put the animals' wellbeing above getting the perfect photo.
When you trek with The Jungle Guide, you do more than visit the rainforest.
You support local livelihoods, responsible tourism, wildlife protection, and one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
A jungle trek with The Jungle Guide is not just an adventure. It is a contribution to a future where people and nature thrive together.
With each of our jungle treks, we try to make a small contribution to preserving the rainforest and its incredible biodiversity. This goes beyond our guides sharing their knowledge about the jungle; we also commit to planting a tree for every trek!
In the areas next to the national park, conflicts between humans and orangutans are becoming more frequent. The shrinking habitat of these magnificent apes leads them to decimate the tempting-looking harvest of local farmers. By planting trees in the buffer zone of the national park, we aim to lure them back into their natural habitat, reducing conflicts that often end tragically for the orangutans.
This is how we seek to make our jungle treks not only a special experience for you but also a lasting and sustainable contribution to our close relatives and their rainforest. After selecting a suitable location with your guide, you can plant the tree and even visit it again one day when it has grown into a rainforest giant!
Interested in more sustainable jungle trekking tips? Take a look here.
… is backpack friendly, plastic-free and mostly doesn’t contain palm oil and chemicals. Therefore it helps to keep the natural balance of our jungle. As it is still hard to find in Asia you probably should buy it in advance in your home country. Or have a look on the self-made soaps from our dear friend Aini who offers soap classes in her beautiful garden between the rice fields around Bukit Lawang.
Are you a smoker? We please you to bring a pocket ashtray and collect all cigarette butts whilst you are on your jungle trek, as we try to keep the jungle as clean as possible.
In Gunung Leuser National Park we want to keep the animals of the rainforest as wild as possible to enshure their natural habitat. Especially don’t feed or touch orangutans as they share 97% of our DNA, which means we may infect each other.
We kindly ask you to keep a safety distance of 10 meters with the orangutans. Please don’t open your backpack as some of them might expect food in there. Have an eye on your guide and do never stand between a female orangutan and her baby.
Please enter the jungle with a certified guide only.
Before jungle trekking, please inform your jungle guide about your health and fitness condition , so we might arrange another trekking date in case you are sick. We want to make shure that you can enjoy your jungle trekking tour as much as possible.
You would like to get to know the culture of North Sumatra? Check out our other activities around Bukit Lawang.
