As well as trekking, Bukit Lawang and the surrounding area has much to offer. It is home to a mix of Java, Malay and Batak cultures, has some stunning and varied scenery and is a great village to just spend time in.
Below are some other activities we can arrange during your stay.
In the morning meet the cooking teacher at Jungle Tribe and take a walk to either the local traditional market (If this day falls on a Friday or Sunday) or around some food stalls to look and purchase some ingredients for the cooking class. Take all these ingredients to your teacher’s restaurant where you will learn some of the key skills and Indonesian culinary techniques. Sample some of your delicious dishes for lunch.
300,000 IDR per person.
Cooking ingredients, visit to market, 2 hour lesson and lunch.
From the guesthouse walk for approximately 30 to 40 minutes until you reach the bat cave. Explore the caves and observe the bats before continuing on the walk through rubber plantation until you reach the beautiful Landak River. The guide will find a nice location where you can swim and paddle in the river. You might even be lucky enough to spot some wildlife in the surrounding jungle. Enjoy a delicious freshly cooked chicken and fish barbeque for lunch and relax by the river before walking back to the guesthouse in the mid to late afternoon.
$45 USD / 600,000 IDR per person for a minimum of 2 people.
All food and refreshment, licensed guides and park permits.
Jump aboard a becak (motorbike and sidecar) for a tour around the local area. If this day falls on a Friday you can visit the traditional market, which is a hub of local activity and the centre of rubber trading. On Sunday they have a similar market in the village of Bohorok which can be included in your becak tour. Take in beautiful views of green padi fields framed by the mountainous jungle back drop. Learn how brown sugar and tofu is made and visit Landbow green village where you can learn about local eco-farming initiatives.
$45 USD/ 600,000 IDR per person for a minimum of 2 people.
All transport costs and licensed guide.
In the morning set off from Bukit Lawang on the cycle ride to Batu Katak. Take the off road route, which takes you through small traditional farming villages such as Timbang Lawang. Stop off to see Brown sugar and tofu being made. Cycle through padi fields and fish ponds. Take a break for some refreshment by the Landak River at Selang Pengaran. Continue on through small villages, bamboo and rubber plantations. After approximately 3 hours’ arrive at Batu Katak. Cool off in the pristine river and enjoy a picnic lunch next to the river. Journey 2 hours back to Bukit Lawang by car in the mid-afternoon.
It is also possible to go to Batu Katak for a day trip by car if cycling isn’t your thing.
$45 USD/ 600,000 IDR per person for a minimum of 2 people.
All transport costs and licensed guide.
Tangkahan is a peaceful jungle retreat, situated alongside the Kualsa Buluh river. Tangkahan was established as an eco-tourist location in 2001. Previously the area was logged and poachers hunted the animals. The local people have transformed the region, stopping the logging and forming forest ranger groups to patrol for illegal activities. With the help of FFI (Flora and Fauna Intenational) they have developed a functional, self-sustained ecotourism destination.
Set off early on the 2 hour, off road journey to Tangkahan. On arrival take a refreshing swim in the river and hot springs and visit a waterfall close by. In the afternoon go to the elephant centre where you can help out washing the elephants in the river. Journey 2 hours back to Bukit Lawang in the late afternoon.
Other activities in Tangkahan include a 3 hour river tubing experience which takes you through jungle and small villages. Stop off for a picnic lunch at a big waterfall (A longer stay in Tangkahan would be required to include this activity).
It is possible to stay overnight at guesthouse accommodation in Tangkahan from where you can travel directly back to Medan or return to Bukit Lawang. Please contact us for more information.
$86 USD / 1,125,000 IDR per person for a minimum of 2 people.
Return transport from Bukit Lawang, elephant washing, licensed guides and park permits.
Marike is a village area about one and a half hours drive from Bukit Lawang. From Marike you can spend the day white water rafting back to Bohorok, which is about 10 minutes’ drive away from Bukit Lawang. This is a fun packed day and a great way to get a different perspective of the jungle and villages of the area.
Journey by private car or mini bus for 1.5 hours to Marike and the start of the white water rafting expedition. After some safety instruction from the guide and allocation of life jackets and helmets set off into the rapids. Stop for a break at some hot springs before continuing to a waterfall for lunch. Carry on rafting back to Bohorok, arriving in the late afternoon. Take a 10-15 minute private bus journey back to Bukit Lawang.
$98 USD / 1,275,000 IDR per person for a minimum of 2 people.
Transport to Marike, white water rafting equipment, park permits, licensed guides and food and refreshment whilst rafting.
It is possible to hire a car and driver to take you to different destinations in Sumatra or we can recommend Expedition Jungle for responsible, package tours to locations such as Berastagi, Lake Toba, Bukit Tinggi, Padang and the Banyak Islands.