HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit pristine rainforest in search of the amazing orangutan
• Trek through beautiful primary forest and see Thomas leaf monkeys, pigtail and long tail macaque, monitor lizards, gibbons, wild peacocks and more.
• Part of your expedition cost is directly donated to save these wonderful creatures

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Your 8-Day Sumatra Leuser Ecosystem Orangutan Experience will take you to the 1 million hectare Leuser area on the island of Sumatra. This area houses the largest population of Sumatran orangutans, approximately 80% of the entire wild population of 7,000. Leuser Ecosystem 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. 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.

THE LEUSER ECOSYSTEM - THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH
At around 2.63 million hectares, the Leuser Ecosystem really is a world unto itself; a rich expanse of original tropical lowland rainforests, cloud-covered mountains and swampy peatlands. It is among the most biodiverse ecosystems ever recorded by science, and it is the last place on earth where Sumatran orangutans, elephants, tigers and rhinos still freely roam.

However, the Leuser Ecosystem is now under threat. Despite being protected under Indonesian national law, massive industrial development is being planned for logging, palm oil, pulp and paper plantations and mining. This will threaten the entire ecosystem, as well as the continued well-being of the millions of Acehnese traditional landholders who depend on it for their food, water and livelihoods.

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 the amazing 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 surroundings. Further, Orangutan Odysseys has partnered up with The Orangutan Project which supports conservation programs in both Borneo and Sumatra. Each guest's fare includes the cost of a deluxe one-year orangutan adoption package.

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 enquiry, 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!

How do I get to Medan?
Medan is in northern Sumatra, with the major airport being Medan Kualanamu International Airport (KNO). There are many daily direct flights to Medan from both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Airlines that service these routes include Singapore Airlines, Silk Air, Air Asia, Malaysian Airlines and Jetstar Asia.
Please contact us if you would like a quote for your flight connection to Medan from either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. 

We can also arrange domestic flights within Indonesia for your arrival and onward travels upon request.

ITINERARY

*Subject to change due to local conditions

Day 1: Arrival in Medan

Upon arrival at Medan airport, you will be greeted by your Orangutan Odysseys guide and taken to your hotel for check-in and rest. You will receive a briefing from your guide regarding the upcoming 5-day itinerary. Overnight in Medan.

Optional: For those arriving by midday, an alternative option is to travel directly to Batu Ronring for an overnight stay and enjoy extra activities (additional costs apply, available upon request).

Day 2: Medan to Batu Ronring

This morning, you will journey to the scenic area near Batu Ronring village, situated at the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park. The day will involve jungle exploration and wildlife treks. In the afternoon, enjoy a short walk to a nearby river for a swim. Overnight in a "jungle villa" at your jungle lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Batu Ronring to Bukit Lawang

After a morning jungle trek and river walk, followed by lunch, you will transfer to Bukit Lawang. Upon arrival, you will ascend to your lodge accommodation for check-in. In the early evening, you will meet your local jungle guide to discuss the plan for your 3-day trek commencing the next day. Tonight, you will pack the necessary items for the trek into a backpack, while your remaining luggage will be transferred to your next destination. Overnight at Orangutan Bungalows. (L,D)

Day 4: Leuser Eco System - Trekking Day 1

Your first trek into the Leuser Eco System begins today. As you venture into the jungle, you will have the opportunity to spot orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, pigtail macaques, longtail macaques, gibbons, lizards, turtles, hornbills, and other wildlife. Your campsite will be set up near a stream or the Bohorok River. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)

Note: For those who prefer not to camp, day treks returning to the lodge each afternoon are available. Alternatively, on the 3rd day, a gentle grade whitewater rafting option is offered.

Day 5: Leuser Ecosystem Wildlife Trek

Awake to the sounds of the jungle and, after breakfast, continue your trek deeper into the less frequented areas of Leuser Ecosystem National Park. You will hopefully encounter more orangutans, including mothers with babies and possibly a male. Your guides will highlight various plants used in traditional medicine and those that are poisonous. Overnight in jungle tents. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Leuser Ecosystem - Tubing Adventure - Bukit Lawang

Today, you will continue your jungle trek and, after lunch, make your way back towards Bukit Lawang by river tubing down the Bohorok River. Upon reaching Bukit Lawang, check into your room and enjoy free time to relax or explore the village. Overnight at the Bukit Lawang Ecolodge. (B,L)

Day 7: Bukit Lawang - Medan (or Airport)

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your guesthouse, perhaps by the river or with a short walk. Around midday, you will be driven back to Medan and check into your hotel. (B)

Note: You have the following options:

Stay another night in Bukit Lawang to relax, swim, and explore, with airport transfer on Day 8.
Depart directly for the airport for your onward flight.

Day 8: Medan (or Bukit Lawang) - Departure

You will be transferred to the airport today for your flight home.

Itinerary Option 2

Day 1: Arrival in Medan

Upon arrival at Medan airport, your Orangutan Odysseys guide will meet you and escort you to a comfortable local hotel to settle in, enjoy a swim, and have dinner. You will receive a briefing about your 5-day journey. Overnight in Medan. (D)

Day 2: Medan to Batu Ronring

This morning, travel to the picturesque region near Batu Ronring village, bordering Gunung Leuser National Park. The day will be dedicated to exploring the area and embarking on jungle treks in search of wildlife. In the afternoon, take a short walk to swim in a nearby river. Overnight in your "villa room" at the jungle lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Batu Ronring Exploration

Spend another day exploring the jungles and surrounding areas with your local guide. Overnight in your private villa room. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Batu Ronring to Bukit Lawang

After a morning jungle trek and river walk, followed by lunch, you will transfer to Bukit Lawang and ascend to your lodge accommodation. Check into your jungle lodge room, and in the early evening, meet your local jungle guide to discuss the itinerary for the 3-day trek starting tomorrow. Tonight, pack your trekking essentials into a backpack; your remaining luggage will be transferred separately. Overnight at Orangutan Bungalows. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Leuser Eco System - Trekking Day 1

Embark on your first trek into the Leuser Eco System, venturing deep into the jungle. Keep an eye out for orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, pigtail macaques, longtail macaques, gibbons, lizards, turtles, hornbills, and other wildlife. Your campsite for the night will be near a stream or the Bohorok River. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Leuser Ecosystem - Trekking Day 2 & Tubing Adventure - Bukit Lawang

Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and, after breakfast, continue your trek further into the less crowded parts of Leuser Ecosystem National Park. You'll have a higher chance of spotting more orangutans, including mothers with babies and potentially a male. Your guides will point out various plants used in traditional medicine and poisonous varieties. Later, after a jungle lunch, you will return towards Bukit Lawang by tubing down the Bohorok River. Upon arrival in Bukit Lawang, check into your room and enjoy free time to relax or explore the village. Overnight at the Bukit Lawang Ecolodge. (B,L)

Day 7: Bukit Lawang - Medan (or Airport)

After a relaxing night at your guesthouse, perhaps enjoying the river or a short walk, you will be driven back to Medan and check into your hotel around midday. (B)

Note: You have the option to:

Extend your stay in Bukit Lawang for another night to relax, swim, and explore, with an airport transfer on Day 8.
Depart directly to the airport for your onward flight.

Day 8: Medan (or Bukit Lawang) - Departure

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your journey home.

TRIP EXTENSIONS
Why not think about seeing more amazing locations in Indonesia after your orangutan expedition? For details about our exciting trip extensions to other parts of Indonesia contact us: alice@orangutanodysseys.com

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation in Medan (twin share - single supplement available)
• Accommodation Batu Ronring, Bukit Lawang (twin-share)
• Meals as noted in the itinerary (B,L,D)
• Tips to guides, trek guides and tubbing guides. (Excludes tip to Orangutan Odysseys Guide)
• National park fees
• Tent and camping equipment
• Airport transfers
• Experienced local guides
• A one-year orangutan adoption

EXCLUSIONS

• International airfares and any expenses due to flight delays or cancellation
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenses - alcohol, laundry, phone calls
• Tipping