WATER SAFETY

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I MAKE A BOOKING?

HOW DO I MAKE A PAYMENT?

WHY DO I HAVE TO MAKE PAYMENT IN ADVANCE?

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

CANCELLATION OR CHANGES TO ACTIVITIES

WHERE IS BUKIT LAWANG TREKKING?

HOW TO GET HERE

GETTING TO SUMATRA

TRANSPORT TO BUKIT LAWANG

MEDAN & HOTELS

Hotels Near the Airport

Horison Sky
DPrima Hotel
Crew Hotel

WHAT TO BRING

Bukit Lawang Trekking FAQs Sumatra Orangutan Tours

Indonesia is known for its warm hospitality and friendly people. Respect for local customs and culture is greatly appreciated.

Sumatra is predominantly Muslim, and you will often hear the call to prayer from nearby mosques. Visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully, especially in public areas.

Recommended clothing guidelines:

Avoid overly revealing clothing
Wear comfortable and modest attire
Men should wear shirts in restaurants and public spaces

Respecting local culture will help make your visit more enjoyable and meaningful.

CULTURAL AWARENESS & SENSITIVITY

GENERAL HEALTH

You can email us or contact us via WhatsApp. Please visit our CONTACT US page for more information.If you contact us through WhatsApp, please note that we may not always be able to reply immediately, but we will do our best to respond as soon as possible.

Once you have decided on your programme or itinerary, we kindly request payment in advance to secure and confirm your booking.We accept payment via:

Bank transfer (Indonesian bank account)
Wise
Revolute

Please let us know your preferred payment method and we will send you the relevant details. If your visit is still several months away (for example, 6 months or more), we are happy to accept a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due 1 month before arrival.

Advance payment is required to secure your accommodation, activities, and transport arrangements.

Room payments guarantee your reservation and ensure the rooms are not offered to other guests. Trek payments allow us to reserve our trekking teams for your chosen dates. Once booked, our guides and drivers commit to your schedule and do not accept other work during that time.

Please note that, in exceptional circumstances, management reserves the right to cancel a booking and refund the deposit.

If you have already paid a deposit or full payment for trekking activities and later decide to cancel or are unable to continue, we are unfortunately unable to provide a refund.

This is because trekking teams are booked and paid in advance, and they do not accept other work once reserved for your trek. Even if you choose not to continue the activity, the trekking teams still receive their agreed payment.

We will always do our best to offer suitable alternatives and remain flexible wherever possible.

If you change your room reservation less than one month before arrival or during your stay, you will not be eligible for a refund.

The easiest airports to travel from are:

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Singapore
Jakarta

From these destinations, you can take a short flight to Kualanamu International Airport in North Sumatra, approximately 1 hour from Medan.

Many airlines and travel agents can arrange the full journey. Alternatively, you may find cheaper flights by booking separately, for example with AirAsia.

Medan is a busy city and can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. We are happy to recommend hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas for different budgets.

By making a payment, you enter into an agreement confirming that Bukit Lawang Trekking will provide the booked services and that guests will use the accommodation, activities, and transport services reserved.

You may cancel your booking at any time; however, cancellation charges apply as follows:

Time Before ArrivalCancellation FeeRefund1 month or more50%50%Less than 1 month100%0%
Refunds will be made via Wise or PayPal at the discretion of management. Refunds cannot be paid in cash.

Bukit Lawang Trekking is located near the bus station and is easily accessible by car and public transport.

If you pre-book and inform us of your travel arrangements, whether by private car or public bus, a staff member will meet you and escort you to our office.

We can usually assist with luggage if necessary. Local porters are also available and currently charge approximately IDR 50,000 per bag. Oversized luggage may cost slightly more.

Once in Sumatra, you can travel to Bukit Lawang by:

Private car — We can arrange airport or hotel pickup.
Public transport — We can provide detailed travel instructions.

If you book a private airport transfer, your driver will meet you at the arrivals gate holding a sign with your name.

The journey from the airport to Bukit Lawang takes approximately 4–5 hours depending on traffic and travel time.

The climate is hot and humid, so lightweight cotton clothing is recommended. Quick-dry shorts and comfortable trekking clothes are ideal. If you are trekking, no specialist equipment is required, although useful items include:

Head torch
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Reusable water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes

We will send you a detailed packing list after booking.

There are also small local shops nearby selling essentials such as toiletries, mosquito repellent, and Tiger Balm.

TREKKING INFORMATION

LUGGAGE STORAGE

Hotels in Central Medan

Aryaduta Hotel
Cambridge Hotel

WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

NATIONAL PARK PERMITE

The Gunung Leuser National Park permit fee is included in the trekking price:

Regular days: IDR 150,000
Sundays & national holidays price are the same: IDR 150,000

If your trek ends on a Sunday or national holiday, an additional IDR 75,000 per person will apply.

MONEY

The nearest ATM is located in Bohorok village, approximately 30 minutes from Bukit Lawang, and primarily accepts Maestro and Mastercard. Additional ATMs are available at the airport, in Medan, and in Binjai.

We recommend bringing sufficient cash before arriving in Bukit Lawang, as ATM access is limited. Foreign currency exchange services are available locally; however, exchange rates are generally less favorable than those offered in larger cities.

Please note that all payments in Bukit Lawang must be made in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Alternatively, for added convenience, payment can be made via Wise or Revolut. If you would like to use this option, we will be happy to provide our bank details.

VISA & INSURANCE

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage.

Many nationalities can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Kualanamu Airport. Visa regulations may vary depending on nationality, so please check the latest Indonesian immigration requirements before travelling.

WEATHER

Bukit Lawang is generally hot and humid with occasional rainfall throughout the year. Rain showers are usually short and rarely affect trekking activities.

The rainy season is approximately from November to March. During this time, rain may last longer, and thunderstorms are common.

A small umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is recommended.

The Bohorok River has strong currents, so please always take care when swimming or tubing. Life jackets are available for rafting and tubing activities upon request.

Due to the hot climate, it is important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Bottled mineral water is widely available, and refill stations are also available to reduce plastic waste.

We recommend:

High-factor sunscreen
Hats or caps
Mosquito repellent
Basic personal medication

Please consult your doctor or travel clinic regarding recommended vaccinations and malaria advice before travelling.

During your trek, you may leave large bags or luggage safely at reception.

We do not sell “orangutan treks” and cannot guarantee wildlife sightings. However, Bukit Lawang offers excellent opportunities to see wildlife, including orangutans, in their natural habitat.