Gunung Leuser National Park
Southeast Asia · Indonesia
Did you know?
- Thomas's leaf monkeys have pale faces and punk-like crests.
- A Bat Cave near Bukit Lawang adds an underground stop to rainforest visits.
- Bukit Lawang is known for an orangutan feeding ground, while Ketambe offers a quieter entry point.
See also
Overview
Gunung Leuser National Park protects rainforest used for wildlife trekking. Bukit Lawang and Ketambe offer contrasting bases for exploring its orangutan habitat.
Languages: Indonesian
Why go?
Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the last places in the world to see orangutans in the wild. The park offers jungle treks, wildlife spotting, and a chance to experience pristine rainforest. Bukit Lawang is the main entry point, known for its orangutan feeding ground, while Ketambe offers a quieter, wilder experience.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Bukit Lawang is 90 km northwest of Medan. Most visitors arrive from Medan by bus or private transport. Ketambe is accessed via Kutacane. From Medan, buses to Kutacane pass through Berastagi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The villages within the park are small and walkable. To reach Tangkahan from Bukit Lawang, motorbike hire costs around Rp 220,000 for 3 motorbikes and 3 guides. Rainy season can make roads impassable. From Ketambe to Kedah, you must go via Blangkejeren (about 3 hours).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The wet season runs from October to March with daily rain, usually late afternoon/evening. Humidity is always high. Avoid weekends and public holidays (June-beginning of July) as Bukit Lawang gets crowded with full guesthouses and large trekking groups.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Bukit Lawang has many guesthouses ranging from Rp 35,000 basic rooms to Rp 600,000 river-view bungalows. Popular budget options include Garden Inn (Rp 50,000-60,000), Lucky Bamboo (Rp 50,000 double bungalow), and Plan's Stone (Rp 50,000 with breakfast). For jungle stay, Back to Nature is US$15-25. Ketambe has simpler accommodation; options like Pak Mus Homestay and Pondok Wisata.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat & drink
All guesthouses have restaurants serving Indonesian and Western food. Local specialties include Nasi Goreng (Rp 8,000), Nasi Ayam (Rp 10,000), and Banana Pancake (Rp 8,000). Green Hill and Sam's Bungalows are highly rated. For drinks, guesthouses sell beer and soft drinks. The Eco Lodge terrace is a popular spot for a Bintang beer at sunset.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The main activity is trekking to see wildlife, especially orangutans. Half-day or full-day treks are sufficient to see orangutans and other monkeys. Other attractions include the Bat Cave near Bukit Lawang, Elephant Camp at Tangkahan, various waterfalls, and the Landak River. The We Care Program school in Bukit Lawang welcomes volunteers and visitors.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Some guides may be flirtatious with solo female travelers; team up with a larger group. Dress conservatively (no bikinis or tight clothing). Report any sexual harassment to the Guides Association at +62-813-70730151. When river tubing, do not go past the bridge due to sharp rocks. Keep villa doors closed to keep macaques out. Avoid unbranded bottled liquor.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily backpacker budget: accommodation from Rp 50,000, meals from Rp 8,000-10,000 for local dishes. Permits cost Rp 150,000 per person. Trekking packages vary. Guesthouses offer budget-friendly options.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Etiquette
Dress conservatively, especially for women. Avoid wearing bikinis or tight, low-cut shirts. Respect local customs in this predominantly Muslim area.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Bukit Lawang, head to Tangkahan for deeper park exploration, or return to Medan. From Ketambe, go to Kedah for mountain climbing, or take buses from Kutacane to Medan via Berastagi (volcanoes Sibayak and Sinabung) or north to Banda Aceh.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Back to Nature
Only place to stay that's in the jungle, not the town. 4 rooms, all with balcony. Family style meals. Free coffee and tea. Private waterfall bathing. 120 hectares of private jungle. Eco-resort. Dutch spoken.
Recorded price: US$15-25
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Bamboo River
Owned by an English woman Jane and her Indonesian husband Wayan
Recorded price: Rp 50,000-70,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Bukit Lawang - Homestay
They welcome backpackers or families. There are lots of local children in the neighborhood and there is a sport field next to the house for playing badminton. Gotong Royong is a quiet place and there hardly any other tourists. So if you want to get a taste of Indonesian culture, learn how to cook Indonesian food and speak Bahasa Indonesia, then a homestay in Gotong Royong is a good choice.
Recorded price: Rp 100,000 per night
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bukit Lawang Cottages
Also known as 'Eco Lodge' (just across the river from main village at the base of the hill and where the walking tracks start), is a good option if you arrive late in the day. It's also one of the main places to eat/drink at night and meet in the morning for treks.
Recorded price: Start from Rp 80,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Friendship Guesthouse
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Garden Inn
Not far from Jungle Inn is another pleasant place to stay in Bukit Lawang. Nice double bed rooms with cold shower.
Recorded price: Around Rp 50,000 to 60,0000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Green Hill Guesthouse & Eco Trekking
5 rooms built high up behind their beautiful open-air building with incredible views.
Recorded price: Simple room with shared bathroom for Rp 60,000; treetop bungalows are Rp 150,000; treetop chalet is Rp 250,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Hotel Maroon
Has four different quality rooms from basic rooms with a shared bathroom to much nicer rooms.
Recorded price: Ekonomi: Rp 60,000; Standard: Rp 90,000/95,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Bukit Lawang has many budget guesthouses from Rp 35,000. Ketambe has simpler, cheaper options.
Food
Guesthouses serve Indonesian and Western food. Local meals cost as little as Rp 8,000.
Money
Cash is king; ATMs are not available in the park. Bring enough Indonesian rupiah from Medan or Kutacane.
Safety
Solo female travelers should be cautious with guides; report harassment to +62-813-70730151. River tubing: avoid going past the bridge.
Visa
Park permit required: Rp 150,000 per person, arranged at PHPA office or at orangutan feeding ground in Bukit Lawang.
Weather
Wet season October-March with daily rain. Always humid; bring plenty of water for treks.