For many people around the world, Sumatra is a rather unfamiliar name; it is not a popular tourist destination. Most people can only associate it with the Sumatran tiger or Sumatran coffee, and they may have little understanding of the place itself, or may have never even heard of it.
Bukit Lawang is located about 90 kilometers from Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. It is a small town built along the river. If you depart from Kuala Namu International Airport, it will take about three to four hours to reach it directly. To explain why Bukit Lawang is worth visiting, we must first talk about its name, Bukit Lawang.
1. So Close with the Wildlife.
In Indonesian, Bukit Lawang means 'Gateway to the Mountains.' As the name suggests, this place serves as the entrance to the mountains, specifically Gunung Leuser, which means Mount Leuser. Gunung Leuser National Park is renowned for its wildlife, attracting many tourists who travel from various countries to catch a glimpse of rare species unique to Sumatra, such as the Sumatran orangutan, Thomas's leaf monkey, and the corpse flower. Located next to the entrance of Gunung Leuser, Bukit Lawang is often where travelers rest after their long journey to Sumatra before entering the national park. Besides being a convenient stopover, the charming scenery of this small town is also well worth enjoying.
2. Beware of Orangutans
The orangutan, a big star in Sumatra, needs no introduction. Unlike wildlife such as rhinos and tigers, orangutans are not hunted for their horns or pelts. Instead, the demand for baby orangutans in the black market for wildlife is extremely high due to their undeniable cuteness. As a result, mother orangutans are often killed to obtain their babies, which are then smuggled abroad as pets. Additionally, habitat loss poses a significant threat to orangutans, and they are currently classified as an endangered species.
In Bukit Lawang, encountering rare orangutans is quite common. Some of the orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park are orphans raised in conservation centers and later released back into the park, making them semi-wild. Each of these orangutans has a name, and the locals can distinguish between them. The fiercest is Minah, the friendliest is Jackie, and Pesek is often seen wandering around Bukit Lawang. Particularly at the Lucky Bamboo Guesthouse, she is frequently spotted bringing her baby to pick fruit from the garden or sneaking sodas from the fridge (yes, it's true!). Now, Pesek's eldest baby, named Valentino, is eight years old, and while Pesek recently had a new baby, Valentino is expected to be independent, but he still often stays close to her mother. This mother and her two young orangutans are the stars of Bukit Lawang!
3. Beautiful Mountains, Beautiful Waters, and Wonderful People
Indonesia is rich in natural resources, boasting countless stunning mountains and waters. In northern Sumatra, besides the orangutan, there are two active volcanoes: Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung. What makes these volcanoes special is that Mount Sibayak is known for having the most beautiful sunrise in Sumatra and is one of the few volcanoes that allows tourists to climb it. In contrast, Mount Sinabung had a major eruption in June 2019 and is a highly active volcano. Although tourists cannot climb it, they can still get a close view of the massive volcanic rocks formed by the lava from the foot of the mountain. Traveling from Bukit Lawang to Mount Sinabung, visitors also pass through a large area famous for its Mandheling coffee plantations in Sumatra, and if the season is right, they might even get to taste some authentic Sumatran coffee!
Although Malaysia's durians are famous, Indonesia's lesser-known native durians are equally impressive. Near the Landak River in the rainforest, there are extensive durian plantations. The durian harvest season occurs in February-March and July-August. Since many of these plantations are family-run and often produce more than they can consume, they welcome tourists to pay an entrance fee for an all-you-can-eat experience (otherwise, the fruit might end up in the bellies of orangutans or sun bears). Indonesian durian varieties are smaller in size but are just as sweet as those from Malaysia. Additionally, there are local dishes made with durian, such as durian rice and durian curry. Interested tourists can also try these durian-based dishes!
Apart from the mountains and jungles, let’s talk about water. About 5-6 hours from Bukit Lawang, you will arrive at the famous Lake Toba. Lake Toba is a volcanic lake formed by a supervolcano and is one of the largest natural volcanic lakes in the world. The scenery is breathtaking, and many tourists stay for several days to enjoy the natural beauty. Additionally, travelers can visit the Batak tribes, who live in the area of Lake Toba, to experience the local exotic culture and unique traditions.
4. Experience Tropical Rainforest Weather
Located in the tropical rainforest of Sumatra, Bukit Lawang has a tropical rainforest climate. As a rainforest, it is characterized by both 'rain' and 'forest.' During the day, the tropical rainforest receives abundant sunlight, which causes a large amount of moisture to evaporate into the sky. Consequently, heavy convective rains are common at night. The rain then falls into the jungle, and the next day, the moisture is evaporated again, creating a continuous cycle that defines the tropical rainforest climate.
Sometimes, when you see wisps of white smoke rising gradually between the trees, tourists might think it’s a forest fire. Actually it’s just the moisture in the jungle evaporating into water vapor, which looks like smoke. At night, the moisture that evaporated during the day turns into raindrops. At first, you can see the rivers in the village becoming agitated, indicating that it has started to rain in the mountains. Shortly after, the rain will reach the town. This rain is not just ordinary; it’s truly torrential, accompanied by thunder and lightning. The roofs of the single-story houses seem to vibrate, and the rain creates small streams on the ground.
When you are about to plan your journey to Bukit Lawang, remember to bring rain gear to fully experience the unique rains of the tropical rainforest.
5. Training a Strong Heart
Speaking of Indonesia, I can’t say it’s a country suited for those who prioritize safety above all, as it is a place with jungles and wildlife! However, this country, which attracts millions of tourists every year, is definitely suitable for those interested in outdoor adventure activities. If you want to challenge your limits and train your heart, Sumatra is a great place to do so.
Upon entering Bukit Lawang, you will see several suspension bridges crossing the river that flows through the village, some made of concrete and others of wood. Walking across the wooden bridges can be quite a thrill, as they sway and some of the wooden planks are damaged. You can see straight down to the river through the holes, and if you’re not careful, you might end up with your leg caught in the bridge. This can be a bit daunting for city dwellers, but it’s part of daily life for the locals. Some even ride motorcycles across the suspension bridges!
Entering the pristine jungle is even worse. In Leuser National Park, don’t expect well-paved trails; most paths are muddy trails created by foot traffic, and many sections are quite steep, requiring the use of both hands and feet (which is why having a local guide is very important). If you’re only trekking for one or two days, it’s relatively easier, as you’ll be on the outskirts of the park. However, if you venture for five days or even ten days deep into the tropical rainforest, it truly becomes a test of human limits. Nonetheless, life is fair; with the effort you put in, the rewards are spectacular views and sightings of rare wildlife like deer and slow lorises!
6. Eat Well, Sleep Well
In addition to adventure-seeking tourists looking for wildlife, Bukit Lawang is also suitable for urban dwellers wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. In the jungles surrounding Bukit Lawang, there are several lodges built deep in the forest that not only provide clean and peaceful accommodations but also offer home-cooked meals made from fresh local ingredients three times a day (for example, Jungle Retreat is a particularly comfortable option). This makes it an ideal place for travelers seeking quiet reflection and mindfulness.
Imagine being in the tropical rainforest, listening to the melodies of nature, waking up each morning to the sounds of birds, and falling asleep under the starry sky of the jungle at night. It’s a perfect opportunity for mindfulness and reflection, allowing you to clear your mind of worries and recharge your spirit before embarking on your next adventure!
7. Beware of Monkey Thieves
Although Bukit Lawang is a small village, it is essentially the edge of the jungle, a place where people coexist harmoniously with wildlife. Here, long-tailed macaques and Thomas's leaf monkeys are frequent visitors. The mischievous long-tailed macaques, in particular, can be seen playing in the trees early in the morning, chasing each other on rooftops, rummaging through trash cans in the yards, and sometimes even getting into playful scuffles with cats. Such scenes are truly rare to witness in the city.
Travelers should remember not to leave food outside their rooms (many lodges have balconies), as the monkeys will help themselves without a second hesitation.
8. Strengthening Body and Will
As mentioned earlier, if you can spend more than five days deep in the jungle, it can be considered a challenge to the limits of the human body. However, don’t think that just staying in the village will allow you to escape the challenges of Sumatra (let's create a bit of tension). Many city-dwelling tourists often complain about three main things: air conditioning, hot showers, and electricity.
Air conditioning is not a common appliance in Bukit Lawang. Although the tropical rainforest is near the equator and daytime temperatures can reach the thirties, it can get quite cool at night, with temperatures often around 21 or 22 degrees Celsius. You might even need a light blanket to sleep. Since most tourists spend the day engaged in various activities rather than staying in their lodges, most accommodations only provide fans, and rooms with air conditioning are rare. However, if you expect the restaurants to have air conditioning during the day, you will definitely be disappointed.
In addition, Indonesians enjoy taking cold showers. The locals believe that cold showers help clear the mind and are very good for health; in fact, there’s a saying that a hot shower doesn’t count as a proper wash. Taking a cold shower during the hot day is manageable, but if you wait until nightfall when the temperature drops, you might just have to enjoy the shivering sensation! Not all local lodges are equipped with hot shower. If you’re not ready to tackle cold showers, remember to choose your accommodation right.
Bukit Lawang is close to the jungle and is a remote little mountain village where electricity supply isn’t stable. Power outages are quite common, especially after heavy rains, when lightning sometimes damages power poles and equipment. Outages can last from a few minutes to several hours, and if the power goes out, don’t expect to have internet access. For city dwellers who are always glued to their phones, being unable to charge or connect to the internet can be a real test of willpower!
After knowing these, are you beginning to feel interested in Bukit Lawang?
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