Sumatra’s Wild Side: Orangutans, Rivers & Rural Life

G Adventures · 8 days
Sumatra’s Wild Side: Orangutans, Rivers & Rural Life
Sumatra’s Wild Side: Orangutans, Rivers & Rural Life
Sumatra’s Wild Side: Orangutans, Rivers & Rural Life
8 Days
From AUD $1061 Was AUD $1249
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Demanding

Rating

Sumatra’s Wild Side: Orangutans, Rivers & Rural Life

Sumatra’s Wild Side: Orangutans, Rivers & Rural Life

G Adventures · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Ready to go full jungle mode? This week-long adventure in Sumatra brings all the wild vibes. Kick things off with a night out in Medan before heading deep into the rainforest in search of orangutans.

Highlights

  • Trek through the jungle to spot orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park
  • Camp under the canopy in the heart of the rainforest
  • Tube down jungle rivers with your new travel crew
  • Chill out in the relaxed river town of Bukit Lawang
  • Visit the community village of Kampung Lama and experience rural life

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Becak, Walking, Private Vehicle, Tubbing, Bicycle

Guide Language

English

Starts

Medan, Indonesia

Finishes

Medan, Indonesia

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Medan

Welcome to Indonesia, and the Island of Sumatra! Arrive at anytime and meet your group and CEO in the evening for a welcome meeting. Then head out for your first night out alongside the crew! Maybe grab a beer or a fresh local juice at a bar in town to start getting to know Indo and your group better!
2

Day 2: Medan

Nothin' like a city tour to get to know the lay of the land. Walk and cruise on a becak, an Indonesian cycle rickshaw, through Medan today, visit the must-see spots like the Al-Mashun Great Mosque and Maimun Palace. Marvel at an ancient Chinese temple, explore the jewel of Medan, wander through the bustling local market, a fish market-turned fabric shop and chow down on a delicious family-style Padang lunch together. After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to explore the wonderful city of Medan.
3

Day 3: Medan/Bukit Lawang

Drive west after breakfast to Bukit Lawang, a village tucked away in the jungle. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. We'll arrive in the afternoon. Check in to the hotel, then chill out or get out and explore! Enjoy that free time! Local cooking class, anyone?
4

Day 4: Bukit Lawang/Gunung Leuser

The trek of a lifetime begins today as we head out into the Gunung Leuser National Park, home of the beautiful orangutan. This rainforest is one of the richest and most vibrant in the whole world! Our destination today is our campsite, deep in the jungle! We'll trek for around 6-7 hours today, on the look out for animals that most people only dream of spotting. Think orangutans, monkeys, giant monitor lizards and a bunch of colorful birds! We'll stop when we encounter animals (fingers crossed for a bunch of orangutans), take lots of breaks throughout the hike and stop for a picnic lunch halfway. Camp will already be set up for us when we arrive so that's your cue to relax and prepare for a delicious local cookout made by our local guide. A much deserved feast after today's adventure!
You will be hiking with your belongings on your back, so make sure to bring a small backpack to carry the few things you'll need for this 2 day/1 night jungle trek. Your main luggage will be left safely in Bukit Lawang.
5

Day 5: Gunung Leuser/Bukit Lawang

Your tropical jungle adventure continues today, starting with a camp breakfast. Taking a different path, we'll hike through more of Gunung Leuser National Park, keeping an eye out for more endangered animals and admiring the insanely awesome jungle surroundings. We're hoping for more interactions with orangutans especially today! At our destination, we'll have a riverside lunch then hop into an inner tube and raft down the river, returning to Bukit Lawang on a traditional raft. How cool is that? Enjoy free time to chill or visit the Bat Cave. Then get ready! ‘Cause we're going out! Tonight is your Big Night Out alongside the crew. We'll hit up a jungly bar and have ourselves a night!
6

Day 6: Bukit Lawang

We said it before and we'll say it again, Bukit Lawang is an adventurers paradise! So today is yours to live that! Choose to explore the town on your own terms or head out on an epic full day white water rafting adventure or cycle through the jungly bamboo homes and rural magic of Bukit Lawang. Get out there!
7

Day 7: Bukit Lawang/Medan

Leave Bukit Lawang today as you head back to Medan. On the way, we have the opportunity to spend the day at Kampung Lama, a special village where Malay, Javanese and Bataknese communities live peacefully together. While enjoying a local snack and drink, learn about the history and uniqueness of the village. Then get hands on making traditional crafts made of coconut leaves and learning local games. Next up, enjoy a delicious lunch and some time on the farm. After an amazing day with the villagers, return to Medan for the night.
8

Day 8: Medan

Say goodbye to Sumatra! If you are ending your tour in Medan, book a domestic flight back to Jakarta or Bali and allow for 4 hours to transit to the international airport to catch your onward flight back to your final destination.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $1249

AUD $1,061
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Dec, 2025 Per Person Standard
15% Off

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

Ready to go full jungle mode? This week-long adventure in Sumatra brings all the wild vibes. Kick things off with a night out in Medan before heading deep into the rainforest in search of orangutans.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 Apr 2026

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990