for the whole family
Bukit Lawang, the gateway to the orangutans
A warm welcome to Sumatra orangutan trekking
I am Thomas from the Karonese ethnic group, committed to the conservation and development of the Leuser National Park and supporting our community in Bukit Lawang. Bukit Lawang is a popular tourist destination on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to numerous species of birds, plants, mammals and the Sumatra orangutan.
A few years ago, German television made a very nice report about Sumatra and about me in particular, which can now be seen on YouTube (please note YouTube’s privacy policy).
Gunung Leuser National Park
“Orangutan” means ‘people of the forest’ and refers to their social behavior and intelligence. Orangutans are the largest arboreal mammals and spend most of their lives in trees. With their almost two-meter-long arms, they can move effortlessly through the rainforests of Sumatra. Deforestation and poaching have drastically reduced the number of orangutans. They have become one of the most endangered animals in the world.
The high density of orangutans in Leuser National Park is the result of a combination of natural biodiversity, protected habitat and ongoing conservation efforts. This park is invaluable for the survival of Sumatran orangutans and other endangered species.
The Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Center was founded in 1973 by Regina Frey. Its main purpose was to preserve the dwindling orangutan population due to hunting, trade and deforestation. The center was closed in 2002 as the site became too touristy and unsuitable for the rehabilitation of the animals.
Today, a base for orangutan conservation is the Batu Kapal Conservation Project, 20 minutes by motorcycle into the jungle from the village of Bukit Lawang. It is the last settlement before the entrance to Gunung Leuser National Park.
I love nature!
Thomas' vision
“I started offering jungle treks because I love nature. We grew up in nature and want to preserve it for the future.I also want to show the people in the village how important our jungle and everything in it is for our lives.I want to show everyone in the world that we have a hidden paradise here in Bukit Lawang. I love to give people around me a good time.
I am Karonese, and in our ethnic group, we are taught to love the forest and animals, and we believe that if we love them, they would never hurt us and give us a peaceful life.
The best friends of every Karonese are ´dogs if they have a hut near the plantation`.
I believe if more tourists come, I can help more people in the village.
Saving nature is a must for the future.”
Let’s go to the jungle!
Experience report: Orangutan Trekking – An unforgettable adventure
In the morning, we – Waltraud, Bernd and Nick – met our guides Ren (senior guide) and Arnold (trainee), both grew up in Bukit Lawang. They repeatedly pointed out plants and animals that would otherwise have remained hidden from us; the biodiversity was overwhelming.
Suddenly, we looked up with bated breath – and there they were: a female orangutan with her baby. The elegant way they moved through the branches and their calm, knowing eyes were absolutely fascinating.
The trek was challenging, especially on the steep paths and in the slippery conditions after a rain shower (we had decided to travel in the rainy season in January). But the breathtaking landscape and the animals that kept appearing more than made up for every effort. Besides the orangutans, we saw macaques, gibbons, hornbills, a snake and a monitor lizard.
In the late afternoon, we reached our camp by the river. After a refreshing swim in the clear water, we enjoyed a delicious dinner including fresh fruit. The fruit skins were buried at the end so as not to create “feeding places” for the animals. The food was served in “Tupperware”.
The second day was similar, with many new positive surprises.
On the third day, we made our way back via rafting/tubing. While wearing swimsuits and T-shirts (our clothes are packed in waterproof bags with the help of the guides), we went down the Bohorok River back to Bukit Lawang.
Orangutan trekking in Sumatra is an adventure that touches you deeply.
It is more than just a hike – it is an encounter with one of the most fascinating creatures on earth and a call to preserve our nature.
