Trek into the wild and experience Sumatra’s natural beauty.
Take a challenging five-day hike through Gunung Leuser National Park traversing Sumatra’s wild jungles, lush rainforests, rugged mountains and pristine rivers as you search for orangutans in the heart of Sumatra.
Trek the dense jungle as you learn of traditional bush medicines used by the local tribes people. Camp under the stars with the jungle canopy blanketing you with the incredible sounds of wildlife. Your guides will teach you how to track wildlife and understand their calls. Fish in the traditional way in the jungle streams for your dinner and enjoy a rafting experience through one of the most pristine regions of Sumatra
Welcome to Medan, Sumatra! After clearing immigration and customs, your guide and driver will be waiting at the arrival’s hall. From the airport, transport will be provided to Bukit Lawang, in Gunung Leuser National Park. The journey will take approximately 3-4 hrs from Medan, passing Binjai town along the way.
Stop for a lunch break at a local restaurant en route or upon arrival to Bukit Lawang (not included). Arrive at Bukit Lawang around 12:00.
After settling in, embark on an afternoon walking excursion along the riverbank before crossing over in a traditional canoe. Your hike continues, traversing thick exterior jungle, which eventually emerges at wooden platforms tucked inside the rich, verdant flora. This is the site where orangutans used to be fed twice a day. Nowadays, the feeding station is closed following the success of Bukit Lawang conservation supply which now provides enough food in the jungle for the orangutans to be self sufficient.
Delve further into the jungle where you will have your first chance to view the orangutans in their natural environment. You will likely hear them rustling in the branches before you see them. After your walk, return to the hotel in Bukit Lawang. (D)
Overnight in Bukit Lawang Eco Lodge or similar
Trekking distance: 1 hour 30 minutes
Difficulty : Easy
Leaving the comfort of your hotel behind, the day’s trek through the mountainous National Park begins with a steep incline, which is rewarded with spectacular views. Breaks will be taken along the way.
During the course of the trek, your guide will point out and explain the medicinal qualities of the jungle plants, used for centuries by the local tribespeople.
After arriving at the first night’s campsite, learn how to set up camp in the Sumatran jungle and assist with building a fire in order to cook a delicious dinner. The local guide is well versed in ‘camp cooking’; dine under the stars surrounded by a myriad of jungle sounds.
While there’s always the possibility of sighting a wild or semi-wild orangutan during these days, be mindful to never approach an orangutan and always pay attention to the guide’s instructions.
Lunch will be had en route and dinner at the camp. (B,L,D)
Overnight at Camp at Adi Black or similar
Trekking distance: 6 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Acclimatise to the sights and unusual sounds of the surroundings as you continue heading deeper into the jungle, learning (with your guide’s help) how to trace and recognise the different animal sounds.
Upon arrival at your next camp, learn some traditional fishing methods (if the river conditions allow) and put them to use to try and catch a fish for the evening’s dinner. Enjoy a restful night’s sleep in preparation for the following day’s adventure!
Lunch will be had en-route, dinner will be had at the camp in the evening. (B,L,D)
Overnight at Camp at Batu Gajah or similar
Trekking distance: 6 hours
Difficulty: Medium
This morning, wake to a chorus of wildlife such as shy gibbons or massive hornbills, scrambling around the treetops in search of fruit.
Today, venture deeper into the jungle to try and catch a glimpse of some endemic wildlife, such as the magnificent orangutan. With any luck, less commonly sighted species such as the Sumatran Striped Rabbit and a vast variety of birds and butterflies may also be spotted.
Today’s terrain is steady, traversing lush jungle running through towering trees and ferns. Enjoy a good night’s sleep after another strenuous day.
Lunch will be had en-route, dinner will be had at the camp in the evening. (B,L,D)
Overnight Camp at Jamur Batu Atas or similar
Trekking distance: 6 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Rise early for a hearty breakfast and pack up camp before embarking on the most challenging day of your adventure. The terrain is quite steep; the route on this day can be adjusted to maximise the enjoyment and wellbeing of the group.
Your guide will keep an eye out for tell-tail signs of orangutans while trekking through the dense jungle. Aside from orangutans, a plethora of birds and smaller jungle animals may be visible through the mottled backdrop of the jungle.
Trek to your camping spot at Batu Rangring.
Lunch will be had en-route, dinner will be had at the camp in the evening. (B,L,D)
Overnight at Camp at Batu Rangring or similar
Trekking distance: 6 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Today marks the last day of your jungle experience with a short trek to Bukit Lawang. Meet at a local village for a transfer to the Wampu River, preparing for a thrilling rafting adventure.
After a two-hour drive, arrive at the starting point of the white-water rafting adventure. Following a safety briefing from the highly qualified and experienced staff, head into the waters. The route heads downstream navigating two sets of rapids. There will be brief pauses between rapids to observe the abundant birdlife and wildlife of the area.
A highlight of this course is rafting under a magnificent waterfall and enjoying a natural shower! After the refreshing waterfall experience, enjoy lunch on the river bank. Your rafting then continues downstream until reaching the finishing point. Enjoy a quick local coffee break before driving back to your hotel.
Reminisce on the experiences of the last few days with a well-earned farewell BBQ dinner. (B,L,D).
Overnight at Bukit Lawang Eco Lodge or similar Transfer from Bukit Lawang to Wampu River: 2 hour / one way
Trekking distance: 1 hour
Rafting duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
After breakfast at your hotel, check out of the lodge in the morning and return to Medan.
Depending on the departure time of your flight, there may be time to take a short city tour of Medan, including a visit to Maimoon, the 19th century Sultan of Deli Palace. Continue your tour to the early 20th century Great Mosque before finishing off at a beautiful Chinese temple. You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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