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Easy Going Sumatra: Swinging with the Apes

Route: Medan - Bukit Lawang

In the heart of the jungle, among the towering tropical giant trees and lush foliage lies the home of the gentle orangutans. In the Gunung Leuser National Park the orangutans live in the wild, though within a protected area. You can visit them from the little town of Bukit Lawang during our Indonesia tour. The orangutans are fed daily from the feeding centre where you can see them up close, or you might even spot them swinging through the jungle on one of the jungle treks on your itinerary. This Indonesia tour will guarantee you a spectacular start to your trip in one of the most dense jungle areas of Indonesia.

If you'd like to start building your Indonesia holiday, take a look at our range of bite-sized Indonesia tours. Alternatively, if you'd rather leave the planning to us, you can take your pick from our selection of ready-made holidays in Indonesia. Need some more advice or inspiration? Have a chat with one of our Indonesia travel specialists on 01273 322052

Please note that you are only able to travel to Sumatra during the months of May to October due to the monsoon rains.

Duration	3 days / 2 nights	Accommodation	Basic hotel (see our photos here). Comfort level 2 (see accommodation).
Price	£123 per person based on 2 people	Includes	Accommodation with breakfast, transport by private car with driver from Medan to Bukit Lawang, visit to the Orang Utan feeding centre, jungle trekking
Transport	Transport by private car	Excludes	Entrance fees Gunung Leuser NP, other meals

Day 1: Arrival Medan - Bukit Lawang

On the first day of your Indonesia tour you'll arrive in Medan, and one our local representatives will meet you at the airport. After you’ve had your visa and passport stamped, you'll walk into the arrivals hall to find your driver waiting for you. It’s not that far to Bukit Lawang (approx 95km) but because the roads are quite poor the drive will take about three hours. The landscape of Sumatra is completely different to the other Indonesian islands, which makes for a particularly scenic and interesting drive through this beautiful countryside.

In the afternoon you'll arrive at your hotel located on the edge of the jungle. Bukit Lawang is situated on a fast-running river which you can cross by bridge from your cottage. The banks of the river are lined with little stilted huts, with women washing clothes and people bathing. There’s a lot going on here. Your basic room with private bathroom has cold running water so you can freshen up with a cold but refreshing shower.

Day 2: Orangutan tour and jungle trek

Around 7am on day two of your Indonesia tour, you’ll leave for the orangutan feeding centre. You’ll need to cross the wild river first in a small narrow boat which will drop you off 75 metres away on the other side.

Next, it’s just a short walk to the spot where the orangutans gather to be fed. The orangutans are fed once a day from the centre, and then for the rest of the day they need to find their own food in the jungle. This way, they're gradually taught to fend for themselves in the wild.

After this unique up-close Indonesia tour, you'll head off on a 3-hour trek through the jungle. It’s hilly here, so expect the odd climb as you scramble through trees, clinging on to branches and roots. If you’re lucky you’ll spot orangutans swinging through the jungle canopy a few metres above your head. Hiking boots or at least sturdy shoes are advisable for this trek.

At the end of the the second day of your Indonesia tour, you'll return to Bukit Lawang for another night in your hotel.

Day 3: Bukit Lawang - End of Indonesia tour

After breakfast, your Indonesia tour comes to an end, and it's time to make your way to your next destination. We can highly recommend our Samosir trip to Indonesia which will take you to the magical Lake Toba and the Samosir peninsula with its authentic Batak villages. This is definitely another absolute highlight of Sumatra. Of course, if you'd like to stay in Bukit Lawang a little longer and perhaps take another jungle trek and orangutan tour, just let our friendly Indonesia travel specialists know.

Jungle trek accommodation (Click to enlarge)

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