Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is in Gunung Leuser National Park, North Sumatra.

Entrance to the national park

Understand

History

Bukit Lawang is a small village situated 90 kilometers northwest of Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Bukit Lawang is most famous for being a site to easily spot semi-wild orangutans near convenient tourism facilities. Bukit Lawang is situated at the eastern side of Gunung Leuser National Park.

In 1973 a Swiss organization set up an orangutan rehabilitation center in Bukit Lawang. The purpose of the center was to rehabilitate orangutans released from captivity. The rangers at the center teach the orangutan all the necessary skills to survive in the wild. After an intense period of quarantine, readjustment to the natural habitat and reintegration in the (semi-)wild population, the orangutan is released back into the jungle. All orangutans released are still monitored by the rangers and they still provide them with supplementary food at the feeding platform until they become fully self reliant.

In the years after the arrival of the rehabilitation centre more and more tourists found their way to Bukit Lawang and it became one of the most popular destinations in Sumatra

A flash flood hit Bukit Lawang on 2 November 2003. Described by witnesses as a tidal wave, the water was approximately 20 metres high, as it came crashing down the hills, wiping out everything in its path.

The disaster, which was the result of illegal logging, destroyed the local tourist resorts and had a devastating impact to the local tourism industry. Around 400 houses, 3 mosques, 8 bridges, 280 kiosks and food stalls, 35 inns and guest houses were destroyed by the flood, and 239 people (5 of them tourists) were killed and around 1,400 locals lost their homes.After eight months of rebuilding, Bukit Lawang was re-opened again in July 2004.

For many villagers the trauma of losing family, friends and their homes has taken a long time to come to terms with. The people were facing unemployment and homelessness. It has been a long road to recovery and an especially hard task to rebuild a town with only limited financial assistance from the government. However the people in Bukit Lawang are survivors and the new village is taking shape and more and more businesses are opening again.

Especially the young generation is hoping to rebuild the village in more sustainable way than before and they are very aware of the importance of preservation of the fragile eco system they live in. They can use all the support they can get and the income of tourism will help them in realizing their ideas for a brighter future for Bukit Lawang. So what are you waiting for, finish reading this page, pack your bags and get on your way for your jungle adventure!

Get in

Take a taxi from the airport or hotel in Medan to Pinang Baris. (no more than 50,000 IDR per car); Do not get off at the big terminal, rather the driver to continue .. just a bit past there is a bakery called Mawar. (Touts are waiting for tourists at the terminal, go outside, to the main street where the minibuses and public buses are) From there you can get a direct minibus to Bukit Lawang(max 20,000 pp, bargain to 15,000 each if you are more than 3 people, February 2013) or the big coach (max 15,big coach is government run but minivans are 'private'. The coach will stop many times along the way and in Binjai (about 40 minutes from Medan) they may stop for half an hour to fill up.

The last stop of the public bus, where you get off, is normally the bus terminal in Gotong Royong, a village just 5 minutes from Bukit Lawang. From here you can get a becak (motorbike/sidecar/tuktuk type thing) for 10,000 IDR. This should drop you at the national park office in Bukit Lawang and you can then find your guest house.

There are many drivers offering minivans from the Belawan ferry terminal direct to Bukit Lawang, bargain hard. Expect to be shifted minivan at least once (in Medan). Prices vary between Rp. 60,000 and 70,000 all the way to Bukit Lawang. The extra cost should outweigh the hassle of getting into Medan, finding the bus station, then finding a hostel in Bukit Lawang (especially if you arrive during a torrential downpour). The driver will usually recommend a family or friend's hostel.

You can go by tourist bus (minivan 5-7 persons;) from Parapat (Lake Toba) or Berastagi to Bukit Lawang. Tickets can be bought at local tour agencies; but sometimes they run the vehicle as speed driver; to reach the arrival place; just check it out on their sites

Get around

Bukit Lawang is a small village and it is easy to get around by foot. You can walk from on side to the other in about 25 minutes. There are three bridges that provide access to the resorts across the river.

See

Orangutan Feeding in Bukit Lawang

• Bukit Lawang. Bukit Lawang is most famous for the Orangutan Viewing Platform. Feedings are daily at 08:00 and 15:00. Attending the feeding costs Rp 20,000 [Camera Rp 50,000, Videocamera Rp 150,000]. The rangers are highly qualified and can tell you a lot about orangutans and the project. There are also other national park staff around. Please always follow their instructions to guarantee your and the orangutans safety. The feedings are a great opportunity for amazing pictures as the orangutans usually stick around a bit whilst munching on their bananas.

Warning: January/February 2013 orangutans are not coming on a regular basis to the feeding. February 2013 there is not the canoe to get into the Viewing Platform from the village.

• Exciting News The new Governor of North Sumatra comes from Bukit Lawang and one of his promises was to mend the road from Medan to Bukit Lawang. Work has already commenced and compared to previous years the road has improved a lot and work is still ongoing. There are still some bumpy parts but in general big improvements are being made.

• A recent video shows the area and the jungle trek. Its on Youtube at [9]

Do

Jungle trekking is the primary activity in Bukit Lawang as it is the gateway tot he nearby Gunung Leuser National Park .

Most tourists hire a guide as the jungle is easy to get list on and requires a permit from Gunung Leuser National Park ranger office. There are plenty of good and reliable guides around so take your time to get to know some of them, have a chat, make your choice and prepare for a great adventure. Ask questions and ask them if they follow the rules and DO NOT feed orangutans or any other wildlife. Ask if they will actually be your guide or if they will pass you on to another group. It has been known that tourists pay money, get sold off and end up in a group of 10 people. Ask how many people will be in the group.

Note that most guesthouses make the bulk of their money through the contracting of guides for tourists. This is one reason why guesthouses are so cheap in Bukit Lawang. The local guesthouses and guides have created a scheme to fix the prices for trekking so it is difficult, but not impossible, to negotiate for discounted rates on guides. As of December, 2012, the standard price is 60 Euros for a two-day trek and 85 Euros for a 3 day trek. Typically this includes meals, water, and snacks. In the evenings you camp at one of a handful of established campsites near rivers in the national park.

	WARNING: It has happened quite often that some guides feed the orangutans with normal, human food during a trek just to coax the wild animals for the tourist, and as a consequence orang-utans have become sick or even die. You should not get close to or call or feed ANY of the animals. even if your guide tells you it is ok tell him not to do it.

Even though sightings of the orang-utan and other wildlife can never be guaranteed, when following the instructions of your guide the chances are favorable.

Watch out for the locals there are a different breed there in Bukit Lawang tourist money has changed the peoples attitude don't let them pressure you to anything and remember nothing is for free and there are always catches.

Another interesting amnimal is the Thomas Leaf Monkey. They have mohawk-style hair, and leap into air with wild abandon as they move from tree to tree.

If you want to go on a multiple day trek make sure you are fit and in good condition. The humidity coupled with the intensity of grade of the hills makes for some hard work. The reward at the end of your jungle adventure is a late afternoon paddle in the river back to the village.

Jipur, also known as Eagle Eyes, is a good guide and you can arrange with him directly (phone # +62-081269105219) . We ended up with him via a guest house only to learn later that the guest house gets most of the money despite the fact that the guide is the key ingredient of a good trek since the facilities (ie the campsite) and support (ie the porters and cool staff) are the same for all treks. He speaks good English and is an amazing wildlife tracker: constantly spotting monkeys, birds, snake, lizards, insects, medical plants. Ask him about wild trekking if you want to go off trail (higly recommend but not for faint of heart).

Jipur is actually an illegal guide. He does not have a liscense. Be aware that if you do decide to trek with him, and something happens to you, only Jipur is responsible to take care of you. The park and the guide association will not take responsibility for his actions.

Another good and licensed guide is Tom. He´s going to the jungle with tourists since more than 20 years, is a good wildlife-tracker, knows a lot about flora and fauna, speaks good English and knows many card-tricks. Tom can help you as well with any transports you may need. You can contact him directly by Facebook: [email protected] or mobile phone: 0062/81260201220

Everyone who is planning to go on a jungle trek or even to the feeding platform is asked to refrain from any physical contact with the orangutans. Getting too close to an orangutan increases the risk of passing on disease and viral infection, which jeopardizes the orangutans chances of survival and in turn the health and survival of the wild orangutan population in the entire area. All guests should keep at least 10 meters away and move away if an orangutan approaches. The motto of any jungle adventure should be take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Another popular past time activity is tubing. When tubing one uses an innertube to float down the river. Tubes can be rented at various stalls along the village and expect pay around Rp 10,000 per tube. Be careful on the water because currents are strong.

You can also visit the bat cave Rp 5,000 [make sure to take a flash light], make a stroll around the rice fields and rubber plantations, visit some of the social projects (like the Children's Home on the way to the bat cave), visit the Friday market or just hang out with some of the locals and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

• Primata & Paradise Adventure, Jl. Timbang Jaya Dusun IV, Bahorok, Bukit Lawang (North Sumatra), ☎ +62 81265167679, [1]. 24hours. An experienced jungle trekking,rafting, campsite, tour and adventure in Bukit Lawang. Offer awesome wildlife nature trekking in green deeply beautiful Leuser Mountain National Park with lisenced and years experienced local guide and crews. ( [email protected]) EUR48-488.

Buy

In low season not many of the shops are open on weekdays, however in the weekend there are several small shops that sell the locally made coconut necklaces. Also there is a small shop selling bamboo souvenirs, like key chains, picture frames, etc. There are also a few shops that sell wood carvings and at the beginning is Genta's batik shop, selling traditional batik paintings.

Travelers with Visa ATM cards should bring cash with them to Bukit Lawang. While there is a Mastercard ATM machine 7 km from town, the nearest Visa ATM is 60km away in Binjai. If you run out of money, the 4 hour roundtrip motorbike ride will set you back 200,000-400,000 rupiah.

Eat

Almost every guesthouse has a restaurant that will serve you good local and western food. In addition, the following places are specialist eateries.

• Yusri Cafe situated across from the National Park Ticket Office. A very homely feeling cafe with Yusuf and Rita (with Rita & her mum doing all the cooking) taking care of you. Serving tasty local food at local prices with decent portion sizes. Good western selection of food for breakfast. Nasi Goreng Rp 8,000, Nasi Ayam Rp 10,000, Black Tea/Coffee Rp 2,000 with milk Rp 5,000, Banana toast Rp 7,000, Banana Pancake Rp 8,000.

• Tony's Restaurant serves excellent home made pizza for those craving a touch of the west. The best spaghetti this side of Roma and a great tasting Gado Gado for those seeking some of the local fare.

• Jungle Tribe a cocktail bar and restaurant owned by Erika-Canadian woman and her husband Agun. Situated next door to Sam's restaurant across the road from Sam's Bungalows - 3 very pleasant rooms with great views of the river.

• Sam's Bungalows Right next door to Jungle Tribe cocktail bar, this restaurant has the best in panoramic views of the river. Sam's cook uses an array of herbs and spices that give her cooking an extra dimension. Try the Gado Gado special. All the curries are rich in flavor, filled with nutritious and natural food.

• Green Hill has great views of the jungle and there food is great. The restaurant is a lovely open plan space and a good menu and is brilliant for vegetarians e.g. banana and chocolate pancakes, tempe rendang, veggie curry...

• Indra Valley Inn and Resto have a wonderful riverside location with jungle views. The restaurant & bar offer offer a variety of delicious fresh meals and snacks with a good variety of vegetarian options.

• Rosa Restaurant, Jl. Orangutan. is newly opened and has traditional/local Indonesian food or Western options for very affordable prices! Rosa is so friendly. Enjoy cheap and delicious eating in Bukit Lawang while sitting near to the river and close to all the souvenir shops.

Drink

At sunset a great place for a Bintang is the terrace at the Eco Lodge. The friendly staff will serve you a cold beer and you can watch the colours change over the town and river below.

Sleep

In order of position up the pathway by the river in Bukit Lawang.

• Jungle Inn, (directly opposite the orangutan sanctuary), [2]. Offers reasonably priced rooms, but slightly inflated prices for food by Sumatran standards. Jungle Inn has a couple of special rooms: 'Honeymoon Suite' for Rp 350,000+ and the new 'Penthouse' for over Rp 450,000.

• Back to Nature, Jungle, ☎ +62081375657004, [3].

• Sam's - 3 lovely rooms with prices from 100,000-200,000, Contact name and no. Samsul +6281370093597,

• Jungle Tribe A free standing house at 250,000/night with 'a bar and restaurant' next door. Contact name and no. Agun +6281361746375

• Garden Inn, (100m south of Jungle Inn), ☎ Pardil +6281396000571. Another pleasant place to stay in Bukit Lawang. Nice double bed rooms, cold shower and mandi 100k+ INR.

• Indra Valley Inn & Trekking, (directly at the river at your left hand side when you walk to the orangutan centre), ☎ Obiwan: +6281397375818 ([email protected]), [4]. Indra Valley Inn offers jungle view accomodation with balcony and riverview. Great restaurant & bar with healthy food for reasonable prices. Owner and operator Obiwan is a very experienced trekking guide. between 80,000 and 150,000 IDR.

• Green Hill Guesthouse, ☎ Andrea or Mbra +6281263643775 or +6281 370 349 124 ([email protected]), [5]. 5 rooms built high up behind their beautiful open air building with incredible views 60k IDR for a simple room. 150k IDR for newer ones. 250k family chalet..

• Mboy Guesthouse, [6]. Newly built house with clean fan-rooms, western-style bathrooms and big balconies (Rp 250,000); older rooms (Rp 100,000-150,000), great river and jungle views, not far from Indra Inn and Greenhill and just 3 minutes walk to the entrance of the Gunung Leuser National Park, coffee shop.
 Contact by the website of EcoTravel Bukit Lawang: accommodation, trekking, tours and airport pickup in Medan 100-250k IDR.

• Rain Forest. New accommodation built by Nora's family - 5 rooms and restaurant. Rooms from Rp 40,000/night. Some wikitravelers have reported an aggressive sales style from Nora and her trekking guides. There is apparently a guide using Nora's email address for his own services too, promising room bookings that Nora is not aware of. When booking perhaps call to confirm she knows you are coming. 40k+ IDR.

Down by the river there are a number of other accommodations to stay in.

• Bukit Lawang Cottages also known as 'Eco Lodge' (just across the river from main village at the base of the hill and where the walking tracks start) is a good option with prices starting from Rp 80,000/night particularly good, if you arrive late in the day. It's also one of the main places to eat/drink at night and meet in the morning for treks.

• Wisma Bukit Lawang Indah is across the river next door to Yusman which is next door to Wisma Sibayak. Cheap rooms with a double and single bed go for Rp. 35,000. Bukit Lawang Indah has excellent cheap food

In village of Gotong Royong where the weekly market is held in Fridays is Nora's other homestay. Almost opposite the new hospital built with the inspiration and determination of the amazing Becky Coley of Bukit Lawang Trust Foundation.

• Nora's Homestay, approximately two kilometres by road from the river. A great kampung-style experience from Rp 25,000 upwards per night including self-contained shower and toilet.

• Wanda's Homestay & Outdoor Adventures is in Landbou, a village only 10 minutes from Bukit Lawang by local bus. Wanda's Homestay is located in a great location in the rice paddy fields with amazing views of the forested mountains. There are 2 really nice rooms with the options of homemade Indonesian/Western foods and laundry service. Staying at Wanda and Anan's home you will get to meet their children...a great way to experience real Indonesian life. Wanda and Ana both speak English. To book email [email protected] or visit our website, www.wandashomestay.com

• Jungle Border, Bukit lawang (On the the opposite side of the river to the main village and the last resort before the jungle (hense the name jungle border)), ☎ N/A, [7]. New resort run by a nice and friendly young family with two beautiful river facing huts one with shower and toilet and the other without ( another hut was being built at the time of our visit). Quiet location with good food and cold beer, the perfect place to chill out. The price ranges from 80,000 to 150,000 depending on which hut you take and the time of the year

• Plan's Stone. Lovely bungalows next to the river, across the bridge from town. En-suite toilet and shower (cold water). Local family owned and run. Great service, friendly, welcoming, and authentic. 50,000 IDR with delicious Nasi Goreng breakfast and tea throughout the day. (April 2012)

• Junia's Guesthouse, ☎ +6281396772804, [8]. Enjoy both scenic river and forest sounds as you relax at Junia's guesthouse. Situated between Gunung Leuser National Park and the Bohorok River – you are in the perfect place to stay in Bukit Lawang for trekking, tubing, enjoying Indonesian culture and food. Whether backpacking through or on holiday, Junia’s is a new, jungle-style guesthouse with comfortable and beautiful rooms. All rooms come with private, Western-style toilets and shower, towels, blanket and fan. Each room has a porch furnished with chairs and hammocks to enjoy the breeze, surrounding gardens and river view. Restaurant offers both Western and Indonesian style food, serving delicious juices, cold beer, jungle juice, pancakes, curries and vegetable dishes. Available Room Options: Family Room: Queen bed, mosquito net, extra mattress, balcony (175,000 IDR – Indonesian Rupiah/night) 4 rooms: Queen bed, mosquito net (75,000 IDR – Indonesian Rupiah/night)

Stay safe

It is perfectly safe for female travellers here but do behave appropriately. Don't wear bikinis or skimpy clothing...this includes tight fitting and low cut tshirts.

Solo female travellers who seek a bit of reassurance should check with the guesthouses and arrange to go trekking with other travellers. Green Hill and Sam's Bungalows have good reputations for solo travellers as well the famous Nora whose family owns Rain Forest homestay. They only allow reputable trustworthy guides to visit the homestay and chat with the travellers. Nora and her family have been very strict about this for many years.

Anybody who experiences sexual harassment in any form in Bukit Lawang should report the incident immediately to the Guides Association and to the head ranger at the national park office. Also make sure you get a photo of the person/guide as well.

When travelling down the river rapids on the rubber tyres, do not go past the bridge. There are narrow drains and sharper rocks the closer you get to the village.

Keep your villa doors and windows closed when you are not around, the long tailed macaques like to get inside and raid your belongings for food.

Get out

Hire a car at listing name TOBATRANSPORTER, whatsapp,viber, ☎ +6285261492668 ([email protected]). http://www.tobatransporter.com/. They meet you at the airport and give you the keys and map. That's all you need if you've got any sense of adventure. The people are wondeful and the drive is a bit bumpy but great fun. Public bus to Medan leaves all the time. Expect 20 people in a van with 10 seats, so snuggle in.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!