EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
Your 7-day Sumatra Leuser Ecosystem Orangutan Odyssey is an amazing adventure package. It will take you to the one 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 in the tranquil river community of Bukit Lawang and then onto the secluded lodge at Batu Ronring.
Your home on this trip will be a mix of hotels and jungle lodges. 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 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.
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.
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!
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HIGHLIGHTS
- View wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural setting
- Visit the wonderful village of Bukit Lawang
- Trek through beautiful primary forest and see Thomas leaf monkeys, pigtail and long tail macaque, monitor lizards, gibbons, wild peacocks and more
- Visit Batu Ronring and discover the hidden treasures it offers.
ITINERARY 5 to 11 July - 7
*Subject to change due to local conditions
Day 1 - 5th July: Arrive in Medan
Upon your evening arrival, you will be met at the airport by your Orangutan Odysseys guide Lucy and transferred to a lovely local hotel about a 1 hour's drive. Overnight hotel. On the way there you shall be given a briefing about your travels over the next 5 days.
Day 2 - 6th July: Medan - Bukit Lawang
Early morning transfer to Bukit Lawang where you will take a short walk up the hill to the Orangutan Bungalows. After check-in and lunch take an afternoon 1/2 day trekking searching for orangutans and other wildlife inside the National Park. Overnight Orangutan Bungalows (B,L,D).
Day 3 - 7th July: Jungle Trek - River tubing - Garden Inn
Today you start your full-day trek into the Leuser Eco System. You will head into the hills beside the Bohorok River. On the trek you will hopefully see orangutans, Thomas leaf monkey, pigtail macaque, longtail macaque, gibbons, lizards, turtles, hornbills and more. You will lunch in the jungle before some further jungle trekking looking for more wildlife. Later you will head to the river and have an exciting river tube ride back down the river to your accommodation. Overnight Garden Inn. (B,L)
Day 4 - 8th July: Bukit Lawang Village
Free day to explore the local village and area. Have lunch at one of the many riverside cafes or have a swim. Overnight at Garden Inn (B,L)
Day 5 - 9th July: Bukit Lawang - Batu Ronring
This morning travel to the beautiful location nearby the small village of Batu Ronring, on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park. This afternoon shall be spent exploring the area and taking jungle treks looking for wildlife. Later take a short walk to have a swim in nearby the river. Overnight at your jungle lodge in the Honeymoon pool villa.(B,L,D)
Day 6 - 10th July: Batu Ronring - Medan
This morning have an optional jungle trek and then enjoy lunch, before we transfer you back to your Medan hotel. Overnight Medan Hotel (B,L)
Day 7 - 11th July: Medan Hotel - Airport
After spending a restful night at your hotel, you will drive back to the airport for your onward flight. Tour ends (B)
INCLUSIONS - EXCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation in Medan
- Accommodation Bukit Lawang and Batu Ronring
- Meals as noted in the itinerary (B,L,D)
- National park fees
- All transfers by AC private car
- Experienced local English-speaking guide
- Experienced local guides
EXCLUSIONS
- International/domestic airfares and any expenses due to flight delays or cancellations
- Travel Insurance. Mandatory
- Tipping
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry)