Bukit Lawang National Park – In Search of Orangutans in the wildlife

“Evolution of the local economy from animal trafficking to eco-friendly tourism “

Bukit Lawang, situated within the Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra, is renowned as an ecotourism destination offering a rare chance to see wild orangutans in their natural environment. Originally established as an orangutan rehabilitation center in 1972, it played a vital role in reintroducing orangutans rescued from captivity back into the wild. However, due to concerns over human interaction, the center closed in 2002, as the orangutans became overly dependent on tourists for food and more vulnerable to disease. Despite this, Bukit Lawang remains a key destination for observing these majestic creatures in a semi-wild state.

A Rare Opportunity: Witness Orangutans in Their Natural Habitat

One of the most unique experiences in Bukit Lawang is seeing orangutans in the wild, rather than in a controlled sanctuary environment. This rare encounter is made possible by the area’s history as an orangutan rehabilitation site, where rescued orangutans were taught survival skills before being released into the forest. Today, although the rehabilitation center has closed, visitors can still trek through the dense rainforests of Gunung Leuser National Park and observe semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat.

Authentic Wildlife Encounters in Gunung Leuser National Park

Unlike typical sanctuaries where animals are confined, Bukit Lawang offers a more authentic wildlife experience. Here, orangutans live freely, swinging through trees and foraging for food, providing an extraordinary glimpse into their natural behaviors. Visitors are often fortunate enough to spot mother orangutans with their young, offering a captivating view of these animals in the wild.

Without feeding platforms or tourist interventions, these creatures maintain their independence, making the encounter even more remarkable. Guided treks also provide insights into the conservation challenges faced by the species and the ecosystem, enhancing the experience.

Beyond orangutans, Bukit Lawang is part of the expansive Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve. The park supports a diverse array of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and rhinos, though orangutans are the primary attraction. Trekking routes through the park offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in this rich biodiversity.

Tangkahan: Ecotourism and Elephant Conservation

Adjacent to Bukit Lawang, Tangkahan offers another adventure, particularly known for its elephant conservation efforts. Once severely affected by illegal logging, the community of Tangkahan united to transform the area into an ecotourism destination, with efforts focused on preserving the local ecosystem. Visitors can engage in activities like elephant trekking, river tubing, and jungle treks while learning about the conservation measures that have helped rehabilitate this region.

Bukit Lawang and Tangkahan present a fascinating glimpse into the conservation of endangered wildlife and fragile ecosystems. Visitors have the opportunity to not only witness these remarkable creatures but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of these conservation projects through responsible tourism.

How To Get There

The city of Medan will welcome you who travel by air at the Kualanamu International Airport (KNO). Located in the Deli Serdang Regency, about 2 hours drive to Medan City. Kualanamu Airport is a modern and bustling airport serving North Sumatra. It offers various amenities and reflects Indonesian culture in its design. The airport connects Medan to domestic and international destinations, supporting tourism and business activities in the region.

• From Jakarta : Avalable direct flight everyday.
  Suggested flight : Garuda Indonesia GA-118 ETD 13:35 – ETA 16:00 (2h 24mins)
• From Bali : Available Connecting flight via Jakarta.
  Suggested flight : Garuda Indonesia GA-401 ETD 07:00 – ETA 08:00 (2h) – Transit Jakarta (1h 30mins) – GA-184 ETD 09:30 – ETA 11:55 (2h 25mins)
• From Yogyakarta : Available one direct flight everyday with Lion Air JT-964 ETD 12:45 – ETA 15:30 (2h 45min), and also available connecting flights.
• From Singapore: Available direct flight every day.
  Suggested flight: Batik Air ID-7146 ETD 14:00 – ETA 14:15 (1h 15mins)