Travel type

Expedition grade

Duration
Days
Accomodation

FROM
$ (AUD)

HIGHLIGHTS

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Our 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.

Family Orangutan Odysseys

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 wellbeing 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 surrounds. 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!

ITINERARY

*Subject to change due to local conditions

Day 1 : Arrive Jakarta
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for your overnight accommodation either in Jakarta (FM7).

Day 2 : Early morning flight to Medan
You will be greeted at the airport by an Orangutan Odysseys representative and transferred to Tangkahan. Tangkahan is famous for its elephants and wonderful jungle scenery. You will take a small punt across the river and check into the Mega Inn. After lunch you will go for a river walk and then tube down stream to a beautiful waterfall. You will then walk back to the Mega Inn for dinner. (B)

Day 3 : Elephant Trek - Bukit Lawang
This morning you will head off to a nearby rangers Station. There you will have a unique elephant experience, taking a walk with them through the jungle as they graze for the day. The walk 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 orangutan feeding station for a close up view (hopefully) of some local orangutans. In the evening, you will meet your guide for the trek tomorrow and go through the plan for the trip. (B)

Day 4 : Leuser Eco System
Today you start your three (3) day trek into the Leuser Eco System. 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 and optional day whitewater rafting (gentle grade).

Day 5 : Leuser Ecosystem Wildlife trek
Today you will awake to the sounds of the jungle. After breakfast, you will continue to trek deeper into the Leuser Ecosystem 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 in the jungle in tents. (B, L, D)

Day 6 : 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 have free time to wander around town and maybe have a swim in the Bohorok River. (B,L)

Day 7 : Bukit Lawang - Medan
After spending a restful night at your guest house, you will drive back to Medan and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, you will have a tour of Medan township which has a fascinating history. (B)

Day 8 : Medan - Home
For those heading back to their original port, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Jakarta. Or ask us about our exciting trip extensitons. (B)

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

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