Group Size
Our trekking groups usually consist of up to 6 participants, which creates a more personal and engaging experience. The minimum number of participants for the group rate is 3 people.
Depending on factors such as the length of the trek, travel dates and season, it may be either easier or more challenging to form a group. During the high season (July and August), joining other travellers is typically no problem, especially for shorter treks (1–4 days). Outside of the high season, and particularly for longer treks, we cannot always guarantee that a group will be available on your preferred start date.
For this reason, we also offer private treks for 1 or 2 participants, giving you maximum flexibility when planning your trip (of course also available for more participants).
Meeting other people on a trek through the rainforest is often a valuable experience. Please note that we cannot influence the composition of group treks in terms of aspects such as age, nationality, values or interests, and fitness level. This is an important factor to consider when choosing the group option. For families or travellers who prefer to set their own pace or spend more time on wildlife observation, we generally recommend booking a private trek – we are always happy to make this possible 
If you are travelling as a larger group of more than 6 people, this is absolutely no problem. As long as you are travelling together, we will gladly organise a suitable arrangement for you.
When booking your trek, please let us know how many people will be joining and whether you would prefer a private or group trek.
Our Team
On our longer treks, you will be accompanied by an experienced, English-speaking guide who leads you safely through the National Park. Depending on the group size, the guide is supported by an assistant guide. Our assistant guides are currently in training – while they may not yet speak fluent English, they are always eager to practice and connect with our guests.
For our more remote Tulang Kepang treks, we work together with highly skilled local specialists who have an extraordinary knowledge of this part of the National Park. They are former hunters who did not hunt for their own consumption, but carried out paid assignments (tracking and collecting specific animals, plants, or valuable forest materials for others) in order to earn an income for their families.
By working together with us, they use this deep understanding of the jungle in a much more sustainable and positive way. For our Tulang Kepang Treks we depend on their expertise: they know the forest like no one else, can read animal tracks, identify rare plants and medicinal herbs, assess weather conditions, and navigate even the most challenging terrain. Their skills allow us to explore areas far beyond the usual tourist routes in a safe and respectful way.
Working together not only makes these unique treks possible, but also provides them with a stable and reliable income, without the need to accept hunting assignments. This is something we are very proud of and deeply grateful for.
One of our trekking team members will be your cook, preparing fresh meals for you in the heart of the rainforest. Together with the others he carries all necessary equipment, either accompanying you on the hike or meeting you at the campsites, depending on the route and duration. This ensures that you can fully focus on the hike and enjoy your time in the jungle while the team takes care of everything behind the scenes.
Campsites
For our Tulang Kepang treks, we have set up simple shelters in certain places in the trekking area. Therefore, there are already existing campsites, so we don’t have to build any new ones as we do on our long treks. However, as Tulang Kepang treks do not operate frequently, the shelters are not fully equipped, meaning our team still has to carry a lot of equipment during the hike. We therefore hope for your understanding that we cannot provide pillows on these treks. If you would like something to support your neck while sleeping, please bring a blow-up pillow or use some of your clothes or your backpack.
If you wish to have some more privacy, please let us know in advance so that we can arrange an extra tent for you for a small additional fee.
Please understand that comfort on these treks will be basic, and everyone will return dirty and sweaty! Nonetheless, the incomparable experience in the jungle will make it worthwhile!
Transportation
The starting point for our Tulang Kepang treks is directly at our accommodation in Bukit Lawang. If you are staying at a different guesthouse, please either come to our place before 9 am or arrange a pick-up with our team in advance (our organiser will plan these details with you once you have arrived in Bukit Lawang).
The trekking tour will lead us through the rainforest towards Tulang Kepang. From there, we will arrange transport back to Bukit Lawang by motorbikes, in a pick-up truck or open school bus (depending on the amount of participants). The 15-minute ride through palm oil plantations can be a fun finale to this journey when the wind is blowing in our faces!
Meals & Water
All our jungle meals are made from fresh and local ingredients and taste absolutely delicious! For the first day your guide will bring tropical fruits and lunch (nasi goreng) from the village. For the following days all your meals will be prepared in the jungle. At the campsite you can snack some cookies, but leave some space for the best dinner in the jungle: rice with many vegetable options like Cap Cai or Curry, Perkedel (smashed potato balls) and Rendang (the best sauce in the world!) with chicken or potatoes. No matter if you like to eat meat or if you are vegetarian or vegan – for all of you there are many choices!
After a few days in the jungle, some of the ingrediants will run out – but no reason to worry! Now comes the best part: there are planty of delicious plants growing around us, like banana tree trunks, young bamboo, mushrooms or pakis (fern) that your guides will use for cooking. It tastes fantastic! If you like, you can catch some fish as well. It’s really amazing to learn how to survive in the deep jungle!
Important: Please tell us in advance if you have any allergies or intolerances.
Freshly boiled water from the river will be provided at each campsite. It may have a slightly smoky taste as it is cooked over the fire. To avoid this, we recommend using filtered bottles, which also help to prevent bacteria. Nevertheless, the boiled water is germ-free and can be enjoyed safely.
