6 Days Jungle Trekking in Bukit Lawang

Venture deep into the Sumatran rainforest with a challenging 6 days jungle trekking adventure from Bukit Lawang through Gunung Leuser National Park. Explore remote wilderness beyond the usual trekking trails, follow rivers through rugged terrain, and camp beside secluded jungle streams. Learn practical jungle survival skills from experienced local guides, including how to identify edible plants, recognize animal tracks, navigate natural terrain, and build a campfire. Observe rainforest wildlife from a respectful distance and experience the untouched beauty of Sumatra's tropical ecosystem. With five nights camping in the jungle and a thrilling river tubing journey back to Bukit Lawang, this intensive trek is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature.

Into The Heart Of The Sumatran Rainforest
Duration:
6 Days & 5 Nights

Grade:
Intensive

Departure:
Bukit Lawang, 9 am

Arrival:
Bukit Lawang, 2 pm (+5)

Price per person:
- Group: 400€
- Private (2 pax): 475€
- Private (1 pax): 800€

Included:
Everything except tips 😉

Accommodation:
Tent with mosquito net

Group size:
Minimum 3 people – Maximum 6 people

The prices are set by the local Guide Association (ITGA-HPI).

Itinerary

Details:
Our 6 day trek gives you the chance to discover the hidden corners of Gunung Leuser National Park – almost halfway between Bukit Lawang and Kutacane. Like all our tours, we start after breakfast in Bukit Lawang and walk through the lively village and small rubber plantations before entering the national park. On the first day, we follow the same trails as the shorter treks, which means a good chance to encounter orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, pig-tailed macaques or gibbons – but also more groups of visitors, especially in the high season. The first night we stay in one of the prepared campsites at Landak River, complete with mosquito nets, mattresses and cooking equipment – a comfortable start before the adventure takes us deeper.

From the second day, the character of the trek changes completely. We leave the busy routes behind and head into the untouched rainforest. There are no marked paths anymore – only faint animal trails and the course of the river that often becomes our way forward. For hours we balance over slippery stones, climb along rocky riverbeds and wade through water. There won’t be steep ascents and descents like during the short treks, it’s more about finding our way through wild and challenging terrain. Encounters with other groups are very rare now, and the jungle feels remote and pristine.

Every day we spend around 6 hours trekking, with breaks for fresh fruit and a simple jungle lunch. Wildlife in the deep forest is much shyer than close to Bukit Lawang. You might spot hornbills, hear the distant calls of siamangs or see monitor lizards along the river. Compared to shorter treks, you will see fewer animals – often only from a distance – but the experience is more authentic and special, because here the rainforest belongs fully to the wildlife.

The campsites from the second night onwards are basic, built by our team from what the forest provides and what they carry with them. The spots are always located close to streams or rivers, which give us drinking water, a natural bath and the calming sound of rushing water at night.

One of the highlights of the long trek is learning survival skills from your guides. You will discover which plants are edible and how to prepare them – from young fern leaves to bamboo, mushrooms or the juicy core of banana stems. You can try catching fish with nets or even with your bare hands, collect firewood, and learn how to light a fire in the rainforest. Your guides will show you which plants can heal and which are poisonous, how to recognize fresh animal tracks, and how to orient yourself without paths. It’s a true wilderness training – a true wilderness school that comes as part of your adventure.

On the fifth day we have to cross another ridge to reach a new valley, which makes rafting on the Bahorok River possible on the last day. This section includes a final steep ascent and descent, before we set up camp for a last time. After six days in the wilderness, the trek ends with a fun and refreshing rafting ride back to Bukit Lawang on our jungle taxi made of giant rubber tubes.

The 6 day trek is ideal for those who want to go further, spend more nights in the rainforest and experience North Sumatra’s wilderness in its purest form. It is physically demanding, but offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to truly disconnect and live with the rhythm of the jungle.

What to bring:
your camera, comfortable walking shoes, long trousers & socks, five changes of clothes, sweater, raincoat, flip flops or sandals, towel, torch, swimsuit, toilet paper, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, light backpack & 1 bottle of water