4-Day Sumatran Orangutan and Elephant Tour

Day 1. Arrive in Medan with a Morning flight
Destination: Kualanamu airport (Medan) – Bukit Lawang
Duration: Approximately 4-hour drive

Welcome to Sumatra! You will be greeted by your driver at Kualanamu International Airport where you will then travel from Medan to your hotel in Bukit Lawang. 

Medan is the capital city of North Sumatra province and is Indonesia’s fourth most populous. Known as the gateway to the cultural and natural wonders of Sumatra Island, the city is surrounded by tropical rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and waterfalls.

Bukit Lawang is nestled in Sumatra’s natural treasure, the Mount Leuser National Park, a village known for its incredible biodiversity and orangutan conservation efforts. This eco-tourism destination offers thrilling jungle trekking adventures, wildlife encounters, a chance to connect with nature and contribute towards orangutan conservation efforts.

The Leuser ecosystem is home to endangered species like orangutans, tigers, elephants, countless bird species, is teeming with unique flora and fauna,  spanning over 7,500 square kilometres. With its dense vertical-rising rainforest, majestic mountains and pristine rivers, the National Park offers a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and vital habitat for the preservation of precious wildlife.

The drive to Bukit Lawang takes you from the bustling city to the tranquil rainforest. As you leave Medan behind, the road winds through picturesque countryside, passing by traditional villages and palm oil plantations. As you approach Bukit Lawang, the landscape becomes lush and green, with glimpses of the Gunung Leuser National Park. The drive offers a glimpse of the natural beauty that awaits in Bukit Lawang, building anticipation for the adventure ahead.

Your overnight accommodation will be nestled along the banks of the Bohorok River providing a tranquil setting where you can relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature. With comfortable rooms and river views, your accommodation will offer a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Day 2
Destination: Bukit Lawang – Tangkahan
Duration: 4.5 hour drive

You will embark on an unforgettable half-day jungle trek in the iconic Leuser National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Let by an experienced guide, this immersive experience will take you deep into the rainforest where a symphony of wildlife and diverse flora awaits. 

Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of endangered Sumatran Orangutans swinging gracefully through the treetops. Listen to the melodic calls of various bird species, including hornbills and kingfishers. Not limited to the wildlife alone, you will immerse in the vibrant ecosystem as your guide introduces you to various medicinal plants, and exotic vegetation, offering fascinating insight into the region’s biodiversity. 

The trek unfolds with waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers offer refreshing breaks to cool off. You will return to Bukit Lawang town with a river tubing* adventure. As you bid farewell to the serenity of the jungle, you will embark on an exhilarating ride down the river. Suitable for all ages, enjoy the rush of the currents, the refreshing splashes of water and the scenic beauty along the way. A perfect blend of excitement and nature, it will leave you with a sense of fulfilment and a desire to relive the adventure again.

Your knowledgeable guide shares their passion for conservation and the importance of preserving this enchanting wilderness for future generations. A haven for biodiversity and natural wonder, this jungle trek is an experience of a lifetime. 

You will pass through the town of Binjai on your journey to Tangkahan. The terrain to reach Tangkahan is predominately through palm oil plantations. As you approach Tangkahan, also known as “The Hidden Paradise”, you will be charmed by the sight of the wild and untouched wilderness of the Leuser Ecosystem.

Tangkahan is a hidden gem nestled on the rainforest-edge of Mount Leuser National Park. Renowned for its commitment to eco-tourism, the local community offer a sustainable and responsible approach to travel. Eco-tourism revolves around wildlife conservation and community involvement by providing visitors with the opportunity to experience nature without harming the environment. 

Home to endangered Sumatran elephants, your experience in Tangkahan is not only an immersive encounter with nature but also plays an essential role in safeguarding the regions biodiversity and empowering the local community.

Day 3
Destination: Tangkahan – Medan
Duration: 4 hours

Experience a refreshing encounter with Tangkahan’s gentle giants with an ethically responsible elephant bath. You will be introduced to the well-cared-for Sumatran elephants who have been rescued from logging and given a second chance at life. Accompanied by experienced mahouts (elephant handlers), you will join them at the riverbank for a memorable encounter. Brush in hand, become part of their bathing ritual by removing debris from the elephants’ thick skin. A refreshing respite from the tropical heat, this eco-conscious activity directly supports efforts to protect and preserve the endangered Sumatran elephants by contributing to their welfare and conservation. 

For the adventurous, ask us about how you can experience a riverbank lunch and river tubing adventure before you return to Medan!

By afternoon, you will leave the tranquil ambience of Tangkahan behind for North Sumatra’s vibrant capital, Medan. Your journey through palm oil plantations and traditional villages gradually transforms into a bustling urban landscape. 

Your overnight accommodation is located 12kms outside of the city centre in a charming riverside hotel. A peaceful city oasis escape from the traffic and bustling metropolitan area of Medan. 

Accommodation Information:

Hotel Deli River is located along the Deli River on Medan’s city outskirts (12kms). Here you can acclimatise, relax in comfort by the infinity pool, enjoy the Indonesian and fusion-cuisine options in their open-aired restaurant, unwind or appreciate the local wildlife from the comfort of your terrace, set amidst a serene tropical garden. The perfect place to conclude and reflect on the lasting impressions of your adventure in Sumatra 

Day 4
Destination: Medan – Airport Kualanamu
Duration: 1 hour drive

Included on the final day of your tour is an airport transfer. Bid farewell to Medan before departing with unforgettable memories to your next destination.

If you have a late afternoon or evening flight, let us know if you are interested in our signature Medan City Architectural Tour before heading to Kualanamu airport for your outbound flight! The tour includes a copy of our self-written architectural city guide: Tours through Historic Medan and its Surroundings, visits to the Mesjid Raya (Great Mosque), Maimoon palace, Kesawan street, Tjong A Fie mansion, Dutch East Indies colonial buildings like the old Town Hall (Balai Kota) and the Post Office (Kantor Pos). Price on Application. 

Medan serves as a gateway to the stunning natural attractions of North Sumatra. From here, you can embark on further adventures to places like Aceh, Pulau Weh, Nias, Simaleue, Mentawai islands, West Sumatra and one of the other thousands of Indonesian islands.

Price
The price for the above program based on:
– 2 to 3 people is US $ 350,- per person
– 4 to 6 people is US$ 290,- per person
– Single Supplement is US$ 95,- per person

Included
– 3 nights in the above mentioned hotels in 1 double/twin/triple room
– Daily breakfast
– Transport in comfortable air conditioned car incl. fuel as mentioned in the program
– Driver, his meals and overnight accommodation costs
– Entrance and parking fees to visit the objects as mentioned in the program
– Permit and local guide to see the Orangutans with 3 hours jungle trek in Bukit on Day 2
– Elephants washing in Tangkahan on Day 3

Excluded
– Air tickets
– Personal expenses such as: drinks, souvenirs, lunch, dinner etc.
– Donations and tips
– River Tubing + Lunch pack on Day 3, Medan City Architectural Tour on Day 4