EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
Your ten (10) day Sumatra Leuser Ecosystem Orangutan Odyssey is the complete adventure package. It will take you to the one (1) million hectare Leuser area on the island of Sumatra. Home to 80% of sumatran orangutans, the Gunung Leuser National Park is also home to an enormous population of other wildlife including the thomas leaf monkey, pigtail macaque, longtail macaque, gibbons, lizards, turtles, hornbills and more.
You will journey from the tranquil river community of Tangkahan where you will trek with elephants that were once used for local jungle patrols, to the summit of Gunung Sibayak, a still active volcano, to the jungles near Katembe in search of wildlife.Of course you will also be in search of wild orangutans.
Your home on this trip will be a mix of both basic guest houses, hotels and tents. You will be escorted from one destination to the next by an experienced Orangutan Odysseys local guide.
EXPEDITION GOALS
Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat. We will provide you with a safe platform to observe other wildlife Sumatra has to offer including monkeys, gibbons and more. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in so that you are fully informed of your surrounds.
Further, Orangutan Odysseys has partnered up with The Orangutan Project which supports conservation programs in Borneo and Sumatra.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You are embarking on an adventure to places and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in Indonesia will seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make an area an exotic and attractive destination. While boat expeditions are considered easy, no trek is easy, even those rated "easy or moderate". In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare for this, "pack" a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and inquiry, a healthy sense of humour and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to Indonesia the adventure of a lifetime!
Gallery
HIGHLIGHTS
- View wild orangutans in their natural setting
- Visit Bukit Lawang
- Walk with and observe the elephants
- Trek through beautiful primary forest and see thomas leaf monkeys, pig tail and long tail macaque, monitor lizards, gibbons, wild peacocks and more
- Trek to the summit of an active volcano (Mt Sibayak) near the temperate zone town of Berastagi
- Visit Lake Toba the site of the largest volcanic eruption ever known
- Part of your expedition cost is directly donated to save these wonderful creatures
ITINERARY
Day 1 - 26 Sept: Fly Singapore to Medan in Sumatra.
Fly from Singapore to Medan, Sumatra. Pick up by OO guide and transfers to your overnight accommodation (Deli River Hotel).
Day 2 - 27 Sept: Medan to Tangkahan
This morning you will be transferred to the small village town of Tangkahan. Tangkahan is famous for its elephant safaris and wonderful jungle scenery. You will take suspension bridge over the river and check into the Mega Inn. After lunch you will go for a river walk and then tube down stream looking for monkeys along the river edges and to a small waterfall. You will then walk back through some local villages to the Mega Inn for dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - 28 Sept: Tangkahan to Bukit Lawang
This morning you will head off to a nearby elephant rangers Station. There, elephants which were once used to help rangers monitor the nearby jungle, now offer a unique elephant experience. After helping the rangers feed and bathe the elephants, you will take a walk with them (no riding of elephants) through the river and jungle. The elephant trek will terminate at the Mega Inn where you will check out and then drive to Bukit Lawang, approximately 3 hrs away. In Bukit Lawang you will check into your accommodation and then head off to the afternoon trek for a chance to see monkeys and (hopefully) some of the local orangutans. In the evening, you will meet your local guide for the trek tomorrow and go through the plan for the trip. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - 29 Sept: Leuser Eco System
Today you start your three (3) day trek into the Leuser Ecosystem. You will head into the hills on the other side of the Bohorok River. On the trek you will see orangutans, thomas leaf monkey, pigtail macaque, longtail macaque, gibbons, lizards, turtles, hornbills and more. Your camp site will be close to a stream or on the Bohorok River. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)
Note: For those not wanting to camp either one or two nights in the jungle we can offer day treks returning each afternoon to your lodge accommodation. Or on the 3rd day if you dint want trekking we can offer an optional day whitewater rafting (gentle grade) with lunch along the river.
Day 5 - 30 Sept: Leuser Ecosystem Wildlife trek
Today you will awake to the sounds of the jungle. After breakfast you will continue your trek deeper into the Gunung Leuser National Park, away from the more frequented locations of day trekkers. It is hoped you will see more orangutans, mothers with babies and possibly a male. Your guides will point out various plants that are used in traditional medicine as well as poisonous plants that cannot be consumed safely by humans. Overnight again in the jungle in tents. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - 1 Oct: Leuser Ecosystem - Bukit Lawang
Today you will continue your jungle trek and head back towards Bukit Lawang sometime after lunch by river tubing back down the Bohorok river. Once in Bukit Lawang you will check into your room and then have free time for a rest or to wander around town and maybe have a swim in the Bohorok River. (B,L)
Day 7 - 2 Oct: Bukit Lawang - Berestagi (mountain town)
An early morning departure from Bukit Lawang and the longish drive (5-6 hours) through to the beautiful mountain town of Berestagi. Here, we will visit the local markets and look around the town. Berastagi is a hill town with a temperate climate that is powered by thermal power from nearby volcanoes. Overnight at your hotel (B,L,)
Day 8 - 3 Oct: Sunrise climb volcano - Transfer to Lake Toba (some sightseeing along the way)
And optional early morning wake up call to climb Mt. Sibayak located directly behind your hotel. Short drive and an hours hike up the mountain will hopefully allow a spectacular sunrise across the valleys with wonderful views. The its onto Lake Toba is the site of the biggest eruption recorded in history and plays a significant role with the orangutans. Along the way, we will travel the beautiful route through the Karo highlands via pineapple, clove and ginger plantations with stops during the trip at the tribal kings' house of the Simalungun Batak in Pematang Purba and at the Sipiso Piso falls. We will cross Lake Toba to the island of Samosir and arrive in Parapat at around noon where we will have a two night stay in a hotel - Toledo Inn or Tabo Cottages on Samosir Island right at the lake side. (B,L)
Day 9 - 4 Oct: Lake Toba at leisure
Today you are free to relax and explore some of the area by foot. Optionally we can organise a tour to some of the traditional Batak tribes to learn about their culture. (B)
Day 10 - 5 Oct: Lake Toba - Singapore
This morning you will transfer to Lake Toba International airport for return flights to Singapore and meet you onward flights hime (B).
INCLUSIONS - EXCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodations throughout tour (Twin Share basis)
- Meals as outlined in Itinerary (B,L,D)
- All National park fees including camera fees
- All transfers in all locations
- Experienced local guide(s) through the expedition
- Orangutan water bottle and travel pack
- Ranger and local guide fees and porters
- All tips to trek guides and porters (Excludes tip to OO Guide)
- Tent and camping equipment
EXCLUSIONS
- International airfares (Singapore - Medan return)
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses