Bukit Lawang in brief

BUKIT LAWANG IN BRIEF

Located in Northern Sumatra next to the Bohorok River, Bukit Lawang is a small but bustling tourist village. The closest city is Medan, 90km northwest. There are many ways to reach Bukit Lawang, check how to get here.

Bukit Lawang lies on the egde of the Gunung Leuser National Park. The national park covers an areas of 7,929 km2 and hosts a number of endangered species such as the Sumatran Orangutan, Sumatran Elephant, Sumatran Tiger and many others.

History

During the 1970's Bukit Lawang was famous for their orangutan rehabiliation project. Set up by a Swiss organisation the project was desiged to rehabilitate captive orangutans and teach them with the necessary skills to survive in the wild.

First, the orangutans were quarantined, and given time to readjust to their new natural surroundings. Once released back into the jungle, the orangitans ere monitored and given additional food from the feeding station. In the years following this project, Bukit Lawang became the most famous destination in Sumatra to see orangutans.

Once the need to rehabilitate captive orangutans had gone, the project was closed and the feeding centre also stopped.

Nowadays it is still common to sbe able to see these semi-wild orangutans which were saved by the Sumatra Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP)

​Future

Thankfully, the young-generation now are helping shape the future of this important tourist village. Through hard-work and dedication, Bukit Lawang tourism is becoming more sustainable and eco-friendly as more people begin to realise the important of preserving this wonderful rainforest.

Accommodation

Bukit Lawang, indeed is an incredible tourist destination in North Sumatra. When planning your trip to this area, one important aspect to consider is finding comfortable and suitable accommodation.

Bukit Lawang offers a variety of accommodation options that cater to every type of traveler. From friendly traditional guesthouses to modern hotels with comprehensive facilities, there are plenty of choices to meet your preferences and budget.

Bukit Lawang provides accommodations that allow you to relax after experiencing the enchanting adventures in the rainforest and encountering the amazing wildlife. Some accommodations even offer stunning views of the surrounding nature, enriching your experience with breathtaking natural beauty.

As the popularity of Bukit Lawang as a tourist destination has grown, many accommodations have developed quality facilities and services. You can find comfortable and clean rooms, restaurants serving delicious meals, Wi-Fi access, and various other amenities to ensure your comfort during your stay.

Moreover, some accommodations also offer tour packages and activities around Bukit Lawang. You can easily arrange jungle trekking adventures, visit traditional villages, or enjoy other activities through the assistance of the respective accommodation.

Public ​Facilities

Bukit Lawang is a small village and it is easy to get around everywhere by foot, it is not common for tourists to rent motorbikes, although it is possible.

There is a large choice of accommodation both in the town, and in the quieter surrounding village areas. You can find a variety of more luxurious hotels or more authentic homestays and guesthouses. If you need help organising accommodation, please check out these suggestions.

Please be aware; there are a variety of money exchange businesses which offer exchanges at a slightly higher rate. 

There is no ATM in Bukit Lawang. To access an ATM you can go by tuk-tuk or motorbike to Bohorok, located a short 15 minute drive from Bukit Lawang.

What to do in Bukit Lawang

The main reason that draws people to Bukit Lawang is to trek in the Gunung Leuser National Park and see the Sumatran orangutan. This is a fantastic reason to visit! However, there are also a lot of other activities to enjoy here, some require a guide, while others don't.