Day 2: Orangutan Haven

After breakfast, we’ll make our way to the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) in Medan to learn more about their work preventing the extinction of the Sumatran orangutan. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Orangutans Haven, located an hour and a half from Medan. Here we’ll be able to see the rescued orangutans and enjoy an outdoor atmosphere surrounded by forest. From here, we’ll have the opportunity to relax at an Eco Farm, where we can sample some healthy farm to table food while learning about sustainable agriculture. We’ll then head back to Medan to our hotel to rest for tomorrow. 

Accommodation: 5-star hotel

Meals: B L D

Day 3: Medan to Bukit Lawang

This morning we visit the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) in Medan to learn more about their work preventing the extinction of the Sumatran orangutan. We then take a private vehicle transfer to Bukit Lawang, part of Gunung Leuser National Park—the last sanctuary of the Sumatran orangutan. In the afternoon, we will take a short walk along the riverbank, then cross the river. There will be ample time to savour this unique and humbling moment before heading back to Bukit Lawang and our hotel.

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Trekking Time: 1 hour 

Transfer Time: 5-6 hours 

Meals: B L D

Day 4: Bukit Lawang to Adi Black

Today we leave the comforts of our hotel behind and begin our trek. We start with a steep ascent through the mountainous Gunung Leuser National Park, enjoying the spectacular views en route. Throughout the day we will learn about jungle life, from the medicinal qualities of plants to gathering food, from our guides. Upon arrival at our first campsite, we are provided with afternoon tea and we have time to settle in for our first night in the jungle. Tonight we camp under the stars, enveloped by dense vegetation, listening to the eerie sounds of the night jungle.

Accommodation: Campsite

Trekking time: 6 hours

Meals: B L D

Day 5: Adi Black to Jamur Batu Atas

Waking to the sounds of the jungle coming to life, we enjoy breakfast at camp before beginning our trek. Following well-defined paths, we trek across steady terrain, through lush jungle and between towering trees. Be sure to keep an eye out for orangutans, gibbons and hornbills. You may even spot some of the shier wildlife, including the Sumatran striped rabbit and a variety of birds and butterflies. In the afternoon, we continue trekking to our campsite which is located next to a river where we might like to take a refreshing dip. Tonight, we once again camp under the stars, surrounded by exquisite jungle. 

Accommodation: Campsite

Trekking time: 6 hours

Meals: B L D

Day 6: Jamur Batu Atas - Aras Pinang - Bukit Lawang

On our last day of trekking, we rise early and pack up camp. We then begin our trek through steep, rugged terrain. Today’s route may be adjusted, subject to weather conditions, to maximise our exposure to this beautiful environment. As we trek, our guide will point out the telltale signs of orangutans and the other amazing animals that call this jungle home. Arriving in Aras Pinang at noon, we jump on a floating tube and go down the river back to Bukit Lawang. In the evening, we check-in to our accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Trekking time: 4 hours

Meals: B L D

Day 7: Bukit Lawang to Tangkahan 

This morning is free to explore Bukit Lawang, before our afternoon transfer to Tangkahan. Passing through remote local villages and a school en route, we arrive in Tangkahan by the early afternoon. Part of Gunung Leuser National Park, Tangkahan is famous for its elephants and wild jungle. The afternoon is yours to enjoy—perhaps you could walk along the bank of the Buluh River. Tonight we stay in a simple lodge surrounded by jungle.

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Transfer time: 2.5 hours

Meals: B L D

Day 8: Tangkahan - Tree Planting

Today after breakfast we have the special opportunity to plant trees in an area which was damaged from illegal logging 10 years ago. To help the young forest flourish, we will plant some local tropical trees such as Meranti, Damar, Mahang, Kruing and Mahonia. We will also plant trees on the bank of the river to protect it from erosion and landslides. In the afternoon, we visit the local villages of Tangkahan to meet local families before exploring the waterfall that feeds the Buluh River. In the evening, we return to our lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: B L D

Day 9: Tangkahan – Medan

This morning we transfer by private vehicle back to Medan, Sumatra’s major metropolis and Indonesia’s third largest city. Upon arrival, we immediately set off on a city tour beginning at Maimoon Palace. Built by Sultan Makmun Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah between 1887 and 1891, the palace is popular not only for its historical heritage, but also for its unique interior design mixing the elements of Malay, Islam, Spanish, Indian and Italian architecture. After, we explore the Grand Mosque, Chinese temples and remaining Dutch colonial buildings. In the early afternoon we check in to our hotel and relax before our farewell dinner. 

Accommodation: 5-star hotel

Transfer time: 30 minutes

Meals: B L D

Day 10: Depart Medan

Today, we bid farewell to Medan, Sumatra and our amazing jungle adventure. You are free to further explore Medan or relax until you make your way to the airport for your flight back home.

Meals: B