Bukit Lawang: A Weekend With Wild Orangutans

"We literally just got home from Bali, and you want to go to the jungles of Sumatra to see Orangutan in the wild? Okay!!!" And so we left the next day...


Throughout these years, we have had many amazing experiences in Indonesia, but none so meaningful as our adventures in the jungles of Bukit Lawang. Nestled in North Sumatra about 4 hours from the Medan airport, the small village atmosphere of Bukit Lawang was a welcome getaway from our gridlocked existence in Jakarta.


Our stay at Junia Guesthouse was icing on the cake. Featuring an outstanding staff, family-geared tours, and comfortable bungalows encircled by the scenic jungle, rolling forest hills, and muddy Bahorok River, we felt like we had died and gone to heaven. Junia Guesthouse was absolutely beautiful and the people working there, even more beautiful. And the food, my goodness! I would go back just to eat at the Junia restaurant.


 You have to try their version of Tacos, almost like gigantic samosas and amazingly scrumptious!


Our main goal of course was to witness the majestic and highly threatened species of Sumatran orangutans (the word orangutan in Bahasa translates to “man of the forest”). 


We brought our four-year-old along with us for the 1 day jungle tour and had a marvelous time with our guides Eddie and Acang. The guides even brought another young local four-year-old, Ibram, along to keep our daughter company.


We really appreciated Ibram's presence, as our daughter Penelope was more motivated to follow along on the hike with a same-aged friend along.


Our kind and knowledgeable guides provided fresh fruit snacks, a yummy nasi goreng lunch, and excellent company along our hike. 


 The hike itself was absolutely incredible. We ran across about four species of primate including five different orangutans of varying ages. These noble creatures are truly incredible to see in their native habitat. Words cannot express what a wonderful privilege it was.


At the end of our hike, we enjoyed a rapid-filled ride down the Bahorok River in inner tubes! Pea was unimpressed, however.


Following this wondrous jungle tour, I shouted in victory, “Best day ever!” and I meant every word.
If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, it would not be complete without a stay in Bukit Lawang. Not only would you enjoy a first-rate travel experience with an attentive and caring staff, but you would be supporting the conservation of the Sumatran jungles and the critically endangered orangutans. Unlike our more selfish trips to Bali, this was a vacation that helped the world to some degree. My only regret is that we did not have more time there!

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