Bukit Lawang Attractions

Top Things to Do in Bukit Lawang

Things to Do in Bukit Lawang


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Bukit Lawang.


Top Attractions in Bukit Lawang

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Nature & Wildlife Areas




What travellers are saying

  • Alex H
    Port St. Mary, UK1,319 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommend spending 3d2n in Bukit Lawang jungle, just in case you are slightly unlucky on the first day and don’t see much. Any longer might be a bit too much in terms of being unclean/sweaty, but any shorter reduces your chance of seeing the animals.
    That being said, this is THE place to see orangutans. We saw a whole load of them, and also Thomas leaf monkey, silver leaf monkey, pig tail macaque, white handed gibbons, river turtles, giant ants, pauw and eagles. We heard hornbills but didn’t see them.
    Don’t forget to only take pictures and leave footprints, it is very important to help leave the jungle in the most natural state possible and not disrupt the wildlife.
    Written 21 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anne clarie
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved our stay here. Saw orang utan and gibbons and so much more. Everyone must stay at least one night in the jungle. Great place for a jungle Sumatra.
    Written 18 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Morag T
    Teddington, UK99 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were staying about as far as it was possible to stay from the bat caves (jungle inn) but we enjoyed the walk and booked our guide to take us there. I wouldn’t have wanted to go into the caves without a guide. They are quite challenging to get through, not difficult but do required scrambling, it’s not a stroll. There are different bats in different caves so worth making the effort. Really interesting though. We went in the afternoon and it wasn’t until we got right to the end that we saw anyone else. I don’t know if it is always that quiet. Would highly recommend if you are looking for something to do while in Bukit Lawang.
    Written 20 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JR1
    Terrigal, Australia8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    On a last minute whim, and after 3 hour drive from Medan, we were lucky to be able to do a short one day trek into the Gunung Leuser National Park. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING ADVENTURE!!! came across several different species of monkeys and the highlight was a mother and baby orang-utan, then a river rafting experience back to base. An adventure I won't ever forget.
    Written 1 January 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cora j
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great trekking and rafting experience with friendly and experienced guides. Beautiful room by the river and also very prompt replies on WhatsApp answering all our questions. Would definitely recommend! :)
    Written 27 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Matvl
    4,436 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Friday Market in Bukit Lawang is a real delight. The market covers a large area which at other times is a bus stop. Plenty to explore from food - fish, fruits, veggies, spices, soya products, sugar; random clothing, cooking utensils, snacks and so on.

    Come and taste, take photos, buy a few bits and pieces. The market does not sell tourist tat, but there are lots of interesting things to buy if you are inclined. This was one of the highlights of our time in Sumatra.

    It's quite easy to find. On the road side of Bukit Lawang head down river from town. Where the irrigation canal branches off cross the canal and take the paved footpath running next to the canal - so canal on your left. When the paging runs out there is a dirt road and a bridge. Cross the canal and immediately take a small footpath to your right. Follow this a short while and cross the football field. You're at the market. We just asked 'market' and were easily pointed in the right direction.

    Put on mozzie stuff before you go and make sure you have smaller notes.
    Written 11 August 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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