BATIK LAWANG, INDONESIA

Bukit Lawang, a small village in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, is a popular adventure destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the jungle.

The line between jungle and village is blurred here as monkeys run across the roofs of the houses and the sounds of cicadas can be heard at night. This peaceful and laid-back place experiences strong sunshine in the mornings and heavy rains in the afternoons and evenings.

The rainforest surrounding Bukit Lawang is part of the Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the world’s most diverse tropical forest ecosystems. The orangutans are the most famous residents, but the park is also home to leopards, baboons, orangutans, macaques, and Thomas leaf monkeys.

Upon landing at the airport, travelers can take a train to Medan and spend a night there to visit the city’s various attractions. Alternatively, a prepaid car can be hired for 100,000 to 200,000 Indonesian Rupiah, depending on the negotiations. I recommend the Sheraton 4 Points Hotel as a place to spend the first night in town, as it’s clean, mosquito-free, and offers a nice breakfast and in-room massage for $14.

When taking a car to Bukit Lawang, I recommended to bring a small bag as the porters have to haul it around the small streets as cars don’t have access. There are many places to stay in Bukit Lawang, ranging from $18 to $40 per night, with some offering views of water and others offering balconies with views of the jungle. I stayed at the Orangutan Hotel, owned by Paul, who is a great communicator and will ensure someone meets the traveler upon arrival. Be aware, that the driver might try to take the traveler to a hotel that will provide him a kickback, so it’s important to be firm about the desired destination.

The Orangutan Hotel does not include breakfast with the room, but it does offer a menu of activities in the area. My friend and I paid $56 each for a 3-hour trek and a jungle taxi ride back through the rapids. The trek was a bit uphill, so it may not be the best option for those with knee problems. Otherwise, it’s recommended to wear sturdy shoes and follow the guide with the machete. After about 1.5 hours of trekking,we spotted a family of three orangutans, which were within 10 feet and magnificent to behold.

The return journey through the jungle taxi involves a river guide and several tires tied together. The experience was exhilarating, as the cool rapids propel the tires down the river. It was fast and fun and wild being propelled down the river monkeys were jumping through the trees overhead.

Other adventures are available, depending on fitness levels, such as 3-day treks and 6-hour treks. To see village culture, travelers can visit Barastigi or other nearby villages. Also trekking to the Bat Caves is another experience my friend enjoyed. Take a strong headlamp as it is dark inside the caves.