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Swinging with the Apes - Jungle trek

For a completly unique addition to our 3 day Swinging with the Apes trip include our Jungle trek and make a full 4 day adventure into one of the most dense jungle areas of Indonesia. In the Gunung Leuser National Park the orangutans live in the wild, though within a protected area. You will visit them from the little town of Bukit Lawang during your stay here and see them swinging freely through the trees as you move deeper into the jungle. The orangutans are fed daily from the feeding centre where you will see them up close on your first day before heading off on your trek deep into their natural habitat.

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

Duration	4 days - 3 nights	Accommodation	Basic hotel and jungle tent Comfort level 1 and 2 (see accommodation)
Price	£135 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Includes	Accommodation with breakfast, transport by private car with driver from Medan to Bukit Lawang, visit to the Orang Utan feeding centre. The Jungle trek includes; English speaking local guide, National park permit, camping equipment along with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Transport	Transport by private car	Excludes	Any other meals not mentioned above.

Day 1: Arrival Medan - Bukit Lawang

Today, you'll arrive in Medan, and one of 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 3.5 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 lots 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 this morning, 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 Sumatra orangutan tour, you'll head off deep into 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. Your guide will advise you the best place to sleep for the night and help you set up your camp.

Day 3: Jungle trek back to lodge in Bukit Lawang.

After a hearty breakfast deep in dense jungle you will pack up and head off back through the jungle towards Bukit Lawang. It is around a 6 hour hike back to the hotel. If you fancy a bit more adventure on the way home there is some rubber ring rafting down the fast flowing river that you can stop off at along the way. You will then have the rest of the day to relax back at the jungle lodge.

Jungle trek accommodation (Click to enlarge)

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