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 tribe’s 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
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Private Departures 
Welcome to Medan, Sumatra! After clearing immigration and customs, your guide and driver will be waiting at the arrival 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 (108km), passing Binjai town along the way, with an expected arrival time in Bukit Lawang of 12:00pm. Stop for a lunch break at a local restaurant enroute or upon arrival to Bukit Lawang (not included).
After settling into your accommodation, embark on an easy afternoon walking excursion (1.5 hrs) along the riverbank before crossing over in a traditional canoe. Your hike continues, traversing the 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 the 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 – Bukit Lawang Eco Lodge or similar
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 and the trek is expected to take approx. 6 hours, with a medium difficulty level. During the trek, your guide will point out and explain the medicinal qualities of the jungle plants, used for centuries by the local tribespeople.
Upon arrival at your campsite, learn how to set up camp in the Sumatran jungle and assist with building a fire to cook a delicious dinner. Savour a delicious dinner cooked over the open flames, surrounded by the enchanting sounds of the jungle. 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. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Local camp/Shelter
After breakfast, pack up camp before embarking on what is perhaps the most challenging day of the adventure with a 4 hour trek of medium difficulty level. The terrain ahead is steep, and your guide will carefully assess everyone’s abilities to prioritise the safety of the group. Depending on conditions, the route for the day can be adjusted to ensure the enjoyment and well-being of all participants.Your guide will keep an eye out for tell-tail signs of Orangutans while trekking through the dense jungle. Aside from Orangutans the plethora of birds and smaller jungle animals may be visible through the mottled backdrop of the jungle. Arrive at Aras Pinang at noon and prepare tubes for a relaxing river journey back to Bukit Lawang (1 hr tubing).
Then, in the evening, gather for a well-deserved farewell BBQ dinner with the local guide team, sharing stories and memories from the adventure. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Eco-Lodge in Bukit Lawang or similar
This morning after breakfast, check out of the lodge in Bukit Lawang and begin your journey back to Medan. If your flight schedule permits, take a short city tour of Medan including a visit to Maimoon, the Sultan’s Deli Palace built in 1888. In former times the Palace was considered as the centre of the town administrative before the city of Medan developed. Next, explore the impressive Great Mosque, built in 1906 by the first sultan and renowned as one of the country’s most beautiful mosques. Finally, conclude the day’s sightseeing with a visit to a captivating Chinese temple, offering a cultural finale to your exploration of Medan.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**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.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
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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.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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