Name: Sumatran Jungle River Expedition - Wild Orangutan 8-Day Loop
Brand: Zero Trace Tours
SKU: 44726981656752
Price: 1249.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

Start and Finish

Medan, Sumatra

Small Groups

Maximum 12 People

Distance

Jungle Hikes upto 10km

Difficulty

Challenging

Climate +

200% Co2 Offset

Wild Orangutan 8-Day Loop | Sumatran Jungle & River Expedition

Meet North Sumatra at jungle level. Track wild orangutans in UNESCO-listed Gunung Leuser, camp under rainforest canopy, and float the Bohorok River back to laid-back Bukit Lawang.

Spin through Medan by becak, share a Padang feast, and spend a day with the community at Kampung Lama. It’s humid, head-torch-bright adventure—sweaty climbs, firefly nights, river-laugh mornings—and the kind of trip that sticks like jungle mud (in the best way).

Quick Facts

Duration: 8 days
Style: Small-group jungle trek & culture (hotel stays + one night jungle camp)
Difficulty: Challenging (4/5) – long, humid hikes on uneven terrain
Start/Finish: Medan ↔ Medan
Transport: Becak, private vehicle, walking, tubing, bicycle
Stays: Hotels (6 nights), jungle camp (1 night)

Trip Highlights

Trek deep into Gunung Leuser NP in search of wild orangutans
Overnight jungle camp—trailside dinner, stars overhead
River tubing the Bohorok back to Bukit Lawang
Free time for Bat Cave, cycling, or optional white-water rafting
Medan city by becak + classic Padang lunch
Kampung Lama village day: crafts, farm time, and local stories

Good to Know

Includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner; budget ~USD55–75 for other meals.
Expect heat, humidity, showers, and leeches—pack light long sleeves and leech socks.
Allow ~4 hrs to reach Kualanamu International Airport after the tour ends in Medan.

View Operator Terms & Conditions

$350.00

RESERVE WITH DEPOSIT

Touch down in Sumatra and settle into Medan. Evening meet-up with your group and guide; keep it low-key or kick off with a casual first night out.

Meals: None

Roll through Medan by becak (cycle rickshaw). Typical stops include the Al-Mashun Great Mosque, Maimun Palace, a historic Chinese temple, and a local market. Group Padang lunch. Afternoon free for a coffee crawl or museum wander.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Road transfer ~100 km (≈3–4 hrs) to laid-back Bukit Lawang on the Bohorok River. Check in, shake out the legs, and choose an optional activity (local cooking class, short village wander). Early night recommended—jungle days start strong.

Meals: Breakfast

Trek:7–10 km · 6–7 hrs · Grade: Challenging

Enter Gunung Leuser National Park in search of orangutans and other rainforest locals. Expect humid climbs, rooty trails, and regular breaks (picnic lunch on the way). Camp is pre-set—arrive to a riverside brew and a simple camp dinner under the canopy.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek:6–8 km · 3–5 hrs · Grade: Moderate–ChallengingTubing:~6–9 km · 1.5–2.5 hrs

Hike out via a different trail, then switch pace: link inner tubes and float the Bohorok River back toward Bukit Lawang. Free time on arrival—optional Bat Cave wander or just hammock time by the river.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Keep it mellow in town, cycle the back lanes, or opt for a full-day white-water rafting run (seasonal). This is your reset day—stretch, rehydrate, then treat yourself to a riverbank dinner.

Meals: Breakfast

Spend the day in Kampung Lama—a multi-ethnic village where Malay, Javanese, and Bataknese communities live side-by-side. Try hands-on coconut-leaf crafts, learn local games, and enjoy a farm visit with lunch. Continue to Medan for your final night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Farewells and onward travel. If flying, allow ~4 hours from city to Kualanamu International Airport for transit and check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

Key Tour Info

Where You’ll Stay

Nights by location (typical): Medan (3) · Bukit Lawang (3) · Jungle Camp (1) — 6 hotel nights + 1 night under the canopy

Medan (arrival, city day, final night): Comfortable city hotels in central areas. Expect private twin-share rooms (single on request), ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Handy for early flights and evening food runs.
Bukit Lawang (river town base): Simple riverside hotels/guesthouses within walking distance of the Bohorok River. Rooms are twin-share, typically with fan or A/C, mosquito nets, and private bathrooms (hot water may be intermittent). Wi-Fi is common but can be patchy—jungle first, bars second.
Gunung Leuser Jungle Camp (1 night): A back-to-nature setup. Raised sleeping platforms or tents with mats, mosquito nets, and a shared bush toilet/wash area. No A/C, no outlets, and a billion stars when the clouds behave. Your bag rides light; larger luggage stays safely at the Bukit Lawang hotel.

Rooming: Twin-share as standard; single supplement often available on request (limited).
Power & charging: Reliable in Medan; variable in Bukit Lawang; no charging in the jungle—bring a power bank.
Water & hygiene: Bring a reusable bottle. Refill points are common in town; in the jungle, water is boiled/treated. Hand sanitiser and a small quick-dry towel are clutch.
Noise & nature: Expect early roosters, river sounds, and jungle chorus. Pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

What You’ll Eat

Included meals (total): 7 breakfasts · 4 lunches · 1 dinner

Breakfasts (hotels): Indonesian + Western basics—eggs, fried rice/noodles, toast, fruit, coffee/tea.
Trek days: Picnic lunches in the forest (think rice, vegetables, tofu/tempeh, sambal, fruit).
Jungle camp dinner (1): Simple, hearty camp-cooked Indonesian dishes—expect rice, veggies, curry or stir-fry, and tropical fruit.
Village day (Kampung Lama): Home-style lunch with local specialties and fresh produce.
Medan food moments: A classic Padang spread (rice with a line-up of small dishes) and plenty of street-food temptations on free nights—sate, mie goreng, martabak.

Dietaries: Vegetarian/vegan and common allergies can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Gluten-free is possible but can be limited in small villages—pack preferred snacks if needed.
Spice & flavour: Northern Sumatra loves aromatics and chilli. Heat can be dialled down—just say “tidak pedas” (not spicy).
Hydration & snacks: Humidity is real. Carry electrolyte tabs, light snacks (nuts, bars), and 2L+ water capacity on trek days.
Alcohol & caffeine: Cold beer is easy to find in Bukit Lawang; jungle camp is BYO-nothing (keep it light on the river next day). Coffee culture in Medan is strong—kopi susu is your friend.

✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

Medan city exploration by becak with a classic Padang lunch
Guided treks in Gunung Leuser National Park in search of wild orangutans
Overnight jungle camp experience under the rainforest canopy
Bohorok River float/tubing back toward Bukit Lawang
Kampung Lama village visit with hands-on cultural activities

Guides & Crew

English-speaking local tour leader
Licensed jungle guide/ranger(s) on trekking days
Safety briefings and ongoing support throughout

Accommodation

6 nights in comfortable twin-share hotels/guesthouses (Medan & Bukit Lawang)
1 night simple jungle camp (shared facilities, mosquito nets, sleeping mats)

Meals

7 breakfasts · 4 lunches · 1 dinner
Drinking water available during trekking/camp days (bring a reusable bottle)

Transport

Private Medan ↔ Bukit Lawang road transfers
Local transport as per itinerary (e.g., becak, river float/tubing)

Equipment & Support

National park permits and entry fees for listed activities
Basic camping gear for the jungle overnight (sleeping mats, mosquito nets)
First-aid kit carried by the guide

Fees & Impact

Contribution to community and conservation access where applicable
A restoration contribution is applied to help counteract trip impact 🌱

🚫 What’s Not Included

Getting There & Admin

International/domestic flights to/from Medan
Airport transfers before/after the tour
Visas, immigration fees, and any departure taxes (if applicable)
Travel insurance (strongly recommended/required by many operators)

Meals & Drinks

Meals and snacks not listed above
Alcohol, soft drinks, barista coffees, and bottled beverages

Optional & Personal

Optional activities (e.g., white-water rafting, extended cycling, extra cave visits)
Personal trekking gear: boots, breathable long sleeves, leech socks, rain jacket, headlamp, daypack, power bank
Laundry, phone/data, and other personal expenses
Single supplement (if requesting a private room; subject to availability)
Tips/gratuities for guides, drivers, and camp crew

Heads-Up

Jungle conditions can be hot, humid, muddy—and unforgettable. Pack light, dry-fast layers and a sense of humour; both handle moisture well.

Seasonal Weather Expectations

Year-Round Baseline

Tropical rainforest climate: hot, humid, and lush 12 months a year.
Typical temps: 23–31°C in Medan/Bukit Lawang; cooler in the jungle at night.
Humidity: 70–90%—expect a constant “lightly steamed” feeling.
Rain: brief downpours any month; heavier spells cluster around monsoon shifts.

Drier Window (best for trekking): June–August

What it’s like: More blue-sky mornings, shorter showers, firmer trails.
Wildlife: Excellent orangutan activity; canopy is still dense.
On the ground: Lower leech activity, clearer rivers, easier footing.

Shoulder Months: February–March & September

What it’s like: Mixed bag—sunny starts with afternoon storms are common.
Wildlife: Very good; fruiting cycles can make sightings lively.
On the ground: Trails can swing from dry to slick quickly—grippy footwear helps.

Wettest Stretch: October–January (peaks vary locally)

What it’s like: More frequent/heavier rain, especially afternoons/evenings.
Wildlife: Still strong—this is a rainforest.
On the ground: Muddy, slippery trails, higher rivers, more leeches. Expect itinerary tweaks if safety or river levels demand.

Heat, Sun & Storm Notes

Heat index: Feels hotter than the thermometer—pace yourself and hydrate.
Sun: UV can bite even under cloud; sleeves and a brimmed hat earn their keep.
Storms: Tropical cells build fast; rain gear lives at the top of your daypack.

What This Means for You

Footwear: Lightweight boots or trail shoes with aggressive grip + leech socks in wetter months.
Clothing: Quick-dry long sleeves/legs, 2–3 sets you can rotate; a warm layer for jungle nights.
Rain kit: Compact jacket or poncho; a few dry bags for phone/passport.
Hydration: 2L+ capacity per person, plus electrolytes.
Bugs: Repellent for mozzies; expect leeches after rain (they’re harmless, just… enthusiastic).
Electrics: Humidity is relentless—keep devices in zip-locks or dry bags.

Seasonality can shift year to year. Your guide will adapt pacing, routes, and river activities to conditions on the day.

We had such an amazing experience! Camping overlooking the beautiful Ningaloo reef was a real highlight. The view from camp at sunset was stunning and the star gazing at night was spectacular. There was no one else around, it felt like we had the whole National park to ourselves. We spotted whales and many rock wallabies. A fantastic guide. He is very passionate and had so much knowledge of the area, the history and the flora and fauna. Ian has included so many thoughtful touches to the trek that really made it special. I would highly recommend this experience !

Kate Cranage via Google

2023

So awe inspiring to be in this pristine place paddling to the rhythm of the wind and tidal flow. Sam who had an huge level of competency was our exceptional guide. He was an unexpected bonus with a broad body of knowledge about country, marine life, tides, winds and good food and really made our trip. He was so chilled when dealing with a group of eight with different needs and wants. Exmouth Adventure company is very lucky to have him as a guide.

jf via Trip Advisor

31 July 2025

We had the most fantastic trip last week, kayaking during the day and camping on the beach each night. I was initially very nervous about the kayaking and the logistics of taking all our gear, keeping it dry etc. But it soon became very easy. Neri, our guide, was absolutely brilliant. She is extremely experienced, put us all at ease, kept us safe and happy, was very knowledgable and accommodating, cooked us delicious meals and worked extremely hard day and night to make it all run smoothly and seamlessly. We had a wonderful time and are very grateful.

Jo C via Trip Advisor

15 September 2024

The experience I had will forever be memorable of my time in Exmouth. Paddling the Cape Range and Ningaloo coastline was an insight into the vastness and abundance of flora and fauna of the area. Being able to hike through thousands of years of history with Ningaloo’s experienced guide Ian was a treat. He is passionate and a wealth of knowledge of the area, which ensures absolute safety for those of us on the overnight hike. Being able to camp comfortably overnight on top of Cape Range on day one is incredible for both a sunset and starry night with a cup of hot chocolate, and the morning sunrise. We saw countless rock wallabies and even enjoyed sightings of dolphins as we enjoyed our lunch. This is an incredible experience which is an absolutely must if you want to experience Exmouth!

Jasmine Grdosic via Google

2022

If I could give 10 out of 5 stars above, I would! The adventure is planned for a maximum of 12 people, but apparently there was a group cancellation, so our tour comprised of just three of us, with our amazing guide, photographer and chef extraordinaire, Neri. The kayaks are comfortable and easy to use ( at almost 70, and overweight, I was however unable to manage getting back into the kayaks in deep water, although Neri tried many techniques to try to help me); the snorkel spots were extraordinary; Neri's photos caught all of our excitement and some stunning marine friends; the camping spots were fabulous, except for the first night at North Kurrajong (ground was hard} but Neri assisted to get tent pegs in and from then on, at our request, guided us to some beaches where our group were the only campers ( extra points for Duggy!). Every night Neri whipped up a 5-star delicious and healthy meal - as well as healthy, tasty lunches, morning teas, afternoon teas and sundowner snacks!! Your will never starve on this trip! Neri's knowledge of the reef and environs provides an amazing potted history of the last 25 million years, deep appreciation of the extraordinary marine life and opportunity to meet some of its very endearing and wonderful characters. Cannot recommend this World Heritage experience highly enough! Will need to submit some photos and videos separately, once I have processed them.

Cruiser64687790809 via Trip Advisor

23 May 2024

Wife and myself did the 5 day kayaking and adventure tour. Wow , what a lovely place to see and go kayaking The guides , Haley and Catia really looked after us. They are a wealth of knowledge on the reef , the animals , fish as well skilled kayak operators . They cooked and prepared all the meals and I really enjoyed them. The camp site is the same each night so you don’t have to put up a tent , so we moved up the lagoon each day exploring the reef system and seeing heaps of aquatic life One day , due to strong winds/ high seas , we went inland for a walk through 2 gorges seeing the black faced wallaby’s, Osprey eagles and some amazing rock colours Great trip and really enjoyed the Exmouth , Cape Range, Ningaloo reef areas

Roland B via Trip Advisor

13 June 2023

What phenomenal trip this is! Such a unique opportunity and an experience completely unique in Exmouth and the Ningaloo region! The team were so knowledgable and accommodating, Cant wait to come bacK!

Michelle Lee Coates via Google

June, 2025

We have just finished a 5 day kayak and snorkel tour with this company and it was top class. Our guides, Katia and Hayley were fabulous. Very knowledgeable, capable, empathetic, fun, engaging and passionate people. They cooked up great healthy, tasty meals each night, and spoilt us with lovely lunches snacks, sunset platters. Our "on water" experience in this top class "nature's playground", in and around the Ningaloo reef was equally impressive. We got lots of opportunities to snorkel and the amount of marine life here is amazing. Highly recommend this company and this experience.

485mojo57 via Trip Advisor

9 June 2023

What to Pack

Luggage Strategy

Main bag: Soft duffel or backpack (not a hard suitcase). This stays in Medan/Bukit Lawang during the jungle night.
Daypack (20–30L): Carries water, rain gear, snacks, camera, and essentials on trek days.
Dry bags (2–3 sizes): One for electronics, one for clothes, one for daypack organisation.

Footwear

Trail shoes or light boots with aggressive grip (roots, mud, slick rock).
Strapped sandals (river/around camp).
Thongs/flip-flops for hotels.
Socks: 4–5 pairs moisture-wicking + liner socks (blister prevention).
Leech socks (highly recommended, especially Oct–Jan).

Clothing (quick-dry, light colours where possible)

2–3 long-sleeve trek shirts (sun/bug protection).
2–3 trek pants (zip-off optional).
1 pair shorts (town/river).
2–3 tees (evenings/travel).
Light mid-layer (fleece or thin puffy for cool, damp nights).
Rain jacket or poncho (compact, reliable).
Sun hat (brimmed) + buff/neck gaiter.
Sleepwear (lightweight).
Swimwear (river/optional rafting).
Village respect set: shoulders and knees covered for Kampung Lama visit.

Hydration & Fuel

Water capacity 2L+ (bottles or bladder).
Electrolyte tablets/powder (humidity helper).
Trail snacks: nuts, bars, dried fruit (favourites from home).

Essentials & Nice-to-Haves

Headlamp + spare batteries (camp & caves).
Trekking poles (optional; knees love them on slick descents).
Microfibre towel (small/fast-dry).
Power bank (10,000+ mAh); universal adapter (Type C/F, 230V).
Sunglasses, earplugs, eye mask.
Zip-locks for passport/phone; silica sachets help with humidity.
Notebook/pen, binoculars (wildlife moments), camera with rain cover.
Compression sacks to shrink clothing and separate damp gear.

Personal Care & Health

Personal meds + prescriptions (enough for the full trip + buffer).
Basic first aid: plasters, blister kit (hydrocolloids), antiseptic wipes, pain relief, oral rehydration salts, antihistamine.
Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin), after-bite/anti-itch cream.
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm.
Hand sanitiser, small biodegradable soap, toilet paper (in a zip-lock).
Leech protocol: don’t yank—slide them off gently; clean and cover. A couple of gauze pads and tape are handy.

Documents & Money

Passport (6+ months validity), visa if required, insurance details.
Cash in IDR (small notes) + debit/credit card (ATMs in Medan; limited access in smaller towns).
Copies (digital + paper) stored separately.

Weight & Packing Tips

Daypack target: 6–8 kg max on trek days.
Double-bag electronics; keep rain gear at the top of the pack.
Pre-treat clothing with permethrin (optional; do at home, follow product guidance).
Earth-tone layers show less mud and dry fast. Jungle couture, but practical. 😉

Leave at Home / Think Twice

Heavy denim, bulky jumpers, and fashion boots (slow to dry).
Hard suitcases (awkward on jungle logistics).
Single-use plastic bottles (refill instead).
Drones and pro camera rigs may require permits in parks—check rules before packing.
Strong scents (perfumes/aftershaves attract bugs more than compliments).

Your Tour Offsets drive far more than Tree Planting — We Go Climate Positive By Design | Click Here to View the Method

CO₂ Footprint

Results Summary (Topline)

Estimated per guest: 0.45 t CO₂e
Estimated per tour (assumed 12 guests): 5.45 t CO₂e
Offset applied: 200% → 0.91 t CO₂e per guest ( 10.90 t per tour )
Method: High-estimate using DEFRA-aligned factors with WTT (well-to-tank) + RF=1.9 for aviation, includes a single-origin guest flight, all on-tour transport & stays, and all meals (included + off-tour).

Key Tour Info

Tour: Wild Orangutan 8-Day Loop | Sumatran Jungle & River Expedition
Start/Finish: Medan ↔ Medan
Feeder Hub (assumed): Singapore (SIN) ↔ Medan (KNO) return
Assumed Group Size: 12 (adjustable)

Scope & Boundaries

Included in this estimate: guest return flights from a single origin hub, road transfers, accommodation energy (hotel nights & jungle camp), meals (all), and minor activity overheads (guiding/permits). Excluded: shopping, medical care, and large personal purchases.

Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults

Aviation (short-haul economy): DEFRA-aligned, includes WTT and RF=1.9 uplift (high-estimate).
Road (mini-coach/van): Higher per-passenger-km than full coach, diesel-based.
Hotels: HCMI room-night approach, Indonesia regional intensity; twin-share apportioned 50% per guest.
Meals: Conservative per-meal factor applied to all meals (included + off-tour).
Uncertainty: +10% uplift applied to the subtotal.

Activity Data (Assumptions)

Flights: SIN ↔ KNO ≈ 1,208 km return
Road: Medan ↔ Bukit Lawang + local movements ≈ 300 km per guest (shared van)
Stays: 6 hotel nights (twin-share) + 1 jungle camp night
Meals: 24 total (~3/day × 8 days)

Results — Per Guest

Flights: 0.278 t CO₂e
Road transport: 0.036 t CO₂e
Hotels (6 nights, twin-share): 0.048 t CO₂e
Jungle camp (1 night, simple fuel/use): 0.002 t CO₂e
Meals (24 total): 0.048 t CO₂e
Other (permits/ops small overhead): 0.001 t CO₂e
Subtotal: 0.413 t CO₂e
+10% uncertainty: 0.041 t CO₂e
Estimated total per guest: 0.45 t CO₂e

Results — Per Tour (Assumed 12 Guests)

Estimated total: 5.45 t CO₂e
Offset at 200%: 10.90 t CO₂e

What Moves This Number

Up: adding white-water rafting/motorized add-ons, solo hotel rooming, long-haul feeder flights.
Down: closer feeder hub, full-coach transfers, meat-light dining, shoulder-season A/C usage reduction.

Assumptions

Economy-class flying, average load factors.
Mini-coach/van occupancy typical of small-group tours.
Hotel energy based on regional intensity (Indonesia), apportioned by room share.
Meals use a conservative mixed-diet factor (no premium for beef-heavy days).
No motorized boat days on this itinerary.

Versioning

Model: CO₂e v1.3 (High-estimate | WTT + RF=1.9 | +10% Uncertainty)
Date: 2 September 2025
Prepared for: Zero Trace Tours listing draft

Local Insights — North Sumatra (Medan • Bukit Lawang • Gunung Leuser)

Getting There & Around

Airport → Medan city: The Airport Railink train takes ~42–45 min; taxis and rideshares are ~60–90 min depending on traffic.
Medan → Bukit Lawang: Plan 3–4 hrs by private car/van (longer in heavy rain/holidays).
Road reality: Expect patchy tarmac, slow trucks, and surprise potholes—your guide will pad timings accordingly.

Money, ATMs & Connectivity

Cash is king in Bukit Lawang; card acceptance is limited. Bring IDR small notes.
ATMs: Often unreliable/limited in the area (functional machines are typically in Bohorok / Gotong Royong). Withdraw in Medan before you go.
Mobile data: Telkomsel usually has the best coverage in rural Sumatra. Signal drops inside the park; Wi-Fi in town can be slow.

Park & Wildlife Etiquette (Non-Negotiables)

Distance: Keep 10 m+ from orangutans and never block their path.
No feeding. No touching. No calls/lures.
Group size: Small is safer—for you and the jungle.
When sick, skip the trek. Great apes are vulnerable to human illness.
Permits & guides: Enter only with certified guides—it protects you and the ecosystem.

Season & Conditions (What it actually feels like)

Heat & humidity: 23–31 °C most days; humidity often 70–90%.
Drier months (Jun–Aug): Firmer trails, clearer rivers.
Wettest stretch (Oct–Jan): Slippery mud, higher rivers, more leeches; itineraries may adapt.

Health & Safety Smarts

Mosquito season is… always. Use repellent, cover up at dusk, and sleep under nets when provided.
Hydrate + electrolytes daily; jungle heat sneaks up fast.
River sense: Water levels change quickly—guides lead, you follow.
Medical access: Basic clinics in Bohorok; serious cases route to Medan.

Power, Plugs & Charging

Voltage/plug: 230 V, Type C/F.
Charging: Easy in Medan; variable in Bukit Lawang; none in jungle camp—bring a power bank.

Culture & Conduct

Dress modestly in villages (shoulders/knees covered).
Ask before photos—especially close-ups and when people are working or in prayer.
A little Bahasa goes far: Terima kasih (thank you), permisi (excuse me), tidak pedas (not spicy).

Nature Notes (Why this place matters)

You’re trekking inside the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO-listed expanse that includes Gunung Leuser National Park—home to the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan plus gibbons, Thomas’s leaf monkeys, hornbills, and more. Treat it like the rare privilege it is.

Save time planning with our helpful travel tools

Optimum Travel Time Heat-Map

Explore the best times of the year to visit your dream destinations so you get minimum crowds and maximum experience

Use Heat-Map

Point A - B Travel Time Estimator

Get an idea of just how long you can expect to travel from home to your dream destination including multiple travel modes

Use Time Estimator

Co2 Calculator

Do your own travel impact calculations using our multiple Co2 calculators.

Measure Your Co2

Expect full trekking days (4–7 hrs) in hot, humid conditions with uneven, rooty trails. A good level of cardio fitness and sure-footedness is important. If you can hike 10–15 km with hills and a daypack, you’re set.

It’s a simple, back-to-nature camp: raised platforms or tents, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, shared wash area. No A/C, no power, a million jungle sounds. Magical—if you’re cool with rustic.

No. Main luggage stays in Bukit Lawang. Pack a day/overnight bag with water, rain shell, headlamp, toiletries, and a clean base layer for camp.

Wildlife is wild—no guarantees—but Gunung Leuser is prime habitat and sightings are common. Guides choose routes that maximise chances while keeping respectful distance.

Leeches… should I worry?

They’re part of rainforest life (especially Oct–Jan). Wear leech socks, keep moving on damp sections, and bring a small first-aid kit. They’re harmless—just overenthusiastic. 😅

Is the river tubing safe? Do I need to swim?

Tubing is run by local river guides. You’ll wear a buoyancy vest and follow a safety briefing. Basic water confidence is recommended; if river levels are unsuitable, the activity may be changed for safety.

Dietaries—can they be handled?

Usually yes for vegetarian/vegan and common allergies with advance notice. Gluten-free options exist but are limited in smaller towns—bring backup snacks you know you can eat.

What’s the group size?

Small group format. Exact caps vary by departure; think intimate, not bus tour.

Can I get a private room?

Often yes in Medan/Bukit Lawang (subject to availability and a single supplement). Not available in jungle camp.

What’s included vs not?

See the What’s Included / What’s Not section above for the full breakdown (meals, permits, transfers, gear, etc.).

Do I need travel insurance?

Strongly recommended (and often required by operators). Ensure it covers trekking, river activities, medical evacuation, and trip changes due to weather.

Best time to go?

June–August is drier with firmer trails. Shoulders (Feb–Mar & Sep) are mixed but great. Oct–Jan is wettest—muddier trails, higher leech activity, and more itinerary flexibility.

How much cash should I bring?

ATMs can be unreliable near Bukit Lawang. Bring IDR small notes for meals not included, tips, and souvenirs. Withdraw in Medan before heading out.

Power, plugs & charging?

Indonesia uses 230V Type C/F plugs. Charging is easy in Medan, variable in Bukit Lawang, and not available in camp. A power bank is essential.

Phone signal & Wi-Fi?

Telkomsel usually has the best rural coverage. Signal drops inside the park; Wi-Fi can be slow in Bukit Lawang. Download playlists and maps before you go.

Water—can I drink from the tap?

Stick to bottled or treated water. Refill stations are common in town; on trek, water is boiled/treated. Bring a reusable bottle (2L+ capacity).

What should I pack?

See the What to Pack section—quick-dry long sleeves/legs, leech socks, grippy trail shoes, headlamp, light rain shell, electrolytes, and a sense of humour (waterproof).

Any cultural etiquette to know?

Dress modestly in villages (shoulders/knees covered), ask before photos, and learn a couple of phrases—terima kasih goes a long way.

Are drones allowed?

Parks and communities may restrict drones or require permits. Check rules before packing; when in doubt, leave it grounded.

This Tour Has An estimated footprint of :

-1.0tCO₂e

-1.0t 10.0t

0–2 t Low · 2–4 t Moderate · 4–6 t High · 6–8 t Very High · 8+ Extreme

What That Means

From

$1,249.00

View Availability & Book

Still looking for adventure? Here’s what’s next..

View All Tours

Travel

Restore

Repeat

Bookings with Us

1. Choose Your Tour

Browse our curated selection of adventures for the one that speaks to you.

2. Pick Your Dates

Each tour lists upcoming start dates. Select the one that suits your schedule.

3. Reserve Your Spot

Book to lock in your preferred departure and await confirmation email

4. Plan Your Logisitics

Tours Confirmed! It’s time to make any arrangements to reach the tour’s start point on time.

5. Your Adventure Begins

You'll be connected with your expert guides, fellow travelers, and begin adventuring.

FAQ's

Zero Trace Tours is a curated marketplace, not a tour operator.

We handpick the best guided adventure tours from expert local operators and bring them together in one place. Think of us as your shortcut to the world’s most unforgettable, low-impact travel experiences—without the overwhelm of researching every operator yourself.

We only partner with & list high-quality, trusted operators.

Every tour you see on Zero Trace is run by a professional provider with proven experience, proper licensing, and strong safety practices. We don’t just take anyone—each operator is thoroughly vetted before their tours go live. You’re not just booking an adventure. You’re booking peace of mind.

Every tour on our platform includes a built-in environmental offset.

We calculate the footprint of each experience—from travel to food to gear—and contribute directly to landscape restoration projects that heal degraded environments (Twice Over!!).

It’s not a vague promise—it’s built into the business model. You travel, we restore.

If you’re into off-the-beaten-path, small-group, experience-rich travel—this is for you.

These aren’t cookie-cutter trips. They’re for people who care about nature, love a bit of challenge, and value quality over quantity. Some are rugged, some are luxurious—but all are run by experts who live and breathe the places they guide in.

Each tour follows the cancellation policy set by its operator, which is clearly listed before you book.

Zero Trace handles all your booking admin, so if your plans change, just reach out to us—we’ll coordinate directly with the operator to get it sorted. No call centre runaround, no being passed off. We’ve got your back from booking to departure.

Find out More

Country/Region

Country/Region

Wild Orangutan 8-Day Loop | Sumatran Jungle & River Expedition

Start and Finish

Small Groups

Distance

Difficulty

Climate +

Key Tour Info

Where You’ll Stay

What You’ll Eat

✅ What’s Included

🚫 What’s Not Included

Seasonal Weather Expectations

Field Notes From Fellow Travelers

What to Pack

CO₂ Footprint

Local Insights — North Sumatra (Medan • Bukit Lawang • Gunung Leuser)

Save time planning with our helpful travel tools

Optimum Travel Time Heat-Map

Point A - B Travel Time Estimator

Co2 Calculator

This Tour Has An estimated footprint of :

Travel

Restore

Repeat

Bookings with Us

1. Choose Your Tour

2. Pick Your Dates

3. Reserve Your Spot

4. Plan Your Logisitics

5. Your Adventure Begins

FAQ's

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets