Leuser Ecosystem Orangutan Experience

Single room supplement $420

Single traveller suplement $640

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit pristine rainforest in search of the amazing orangutan
• Trek through beautiful primary forest and see Thomas leaf monkeys, pigtail and long tail macaque, monitor lizards, gibbons, wild peacocks and more.
• Part of your expedition cost is directly donated to save these wonderful creatures

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Your 8-Day Sumatra Leuser Ecosystem Orangutan Experience will take you to the 1 million hectare Leuser area on the island of Sumatra. This area houses the largest population of Sumatran orangutans, approximately 80% of the entire wild population of 7,000. Leuser Ecosystem is also home to an enormous population of other wildlife including the Thomas leaf monkey, pigtail macaque, longtail macaque, gibbons, lizards, turtles, hornbills and more. Your home on this trip will be a mix of both basic guest houses, hotels and tents. You will be escorted from one destination to the next by an experienced Orangutan Odysseys local guide.

THE LEUSER ECOSYSTEM - THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH
At around 2.63 million hectares, the Leuser Ecosystem really is a world unto itself; a rich expanse of original tropical lowland rainforests, cloud-covered mountains and swampy peatlands. It is among the most biodiverse ecosystems ever recorded by science, and it is the last place on earth where Sumatran orangutans, elephants, tigers and rhinos still freely roam.

However, the Leuser Ecosystem is now under threat. Despite being protected under Indonesian national law, massive industrial development is being planned for logging, palm oil, pulp and paper plantations and mining. This will threaten the entire ecosystem, as well as the continued well-being of the millions of Acehnese traditional landholders who depend on it for their food, water and livelihoods.

EXPEDITION GOALS
Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat. We will provide you with a safe platform to observe the amazing wildlife Sumatra has to offer including monkeys, gibbons and more. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in so that you are fully informed of your surroundings. Further, Orangutan Odysseys has partnered up with The Orangutan Project which supports conservation programs in both Borneo and Sumatra. Each guest's fare includes the cost of a deluxe one-year orangutan adoption package.

WHAT TO EXPECT
You are embarking on an adventure to places and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in Indonesia will seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make an area an exotic and attractive destination. While boat expeditions are considered easy, no trek is easy, even those rated "easy or moderate". In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare for this "pack" a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and enquiry, a healthy sense of humour and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to Indonesia the adventure of a lifetime!

How do I get to Medan?
Medan is in northern Sumatra, with the major airport being Medan Kualanamu International Airport (KNO). There are many daily direct flights to Medan from both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Airlines that service these routes include Singapore Airlines, Silk Air, Air Asia, Malaysian Airlines and Jetstar Asia.
Please contact us if you would like a quote for your flight connection to Medan from either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. 

We can also arrange domestic flights within Indonesia for your arrival and onward travels upon request.

ITINERARY

*Subject to change due to local conditions

ITINERARY OPTION 1
Day 1: Arrive at Medan
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by your Orangutan Odysseys guide and transferred to your Medan hotel to rest. Overnight hotel. Here your guide shall be given a briefing about your travels over the next 5 days.
Note: If you happen to be arriving early (by around midday) then you have the option of going straight to Batu Ronring in the jungle for this night and so you will have time for extra activities there. Additional costs apply (available on request).

Day 2: Medan - Batu Ronring
This morning travel to the beautiful location nearby the small village of Batu Ronring, on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park. Today shall be spent exploring the area and taking jungle treks looking for wildlife. Afternoon you take a short walk to have a swim in nearby the river. Overnight at your jungle lodge in your "jungle villa".(B,L,D)

Day 3: Batu Ronring to Bukit Lawang
Morning jungle trek and riverwalk and lunch before transferring on to Bukit Lawang and a climb up the hill to your lodge accommodation. Here you will check into your jungle lodge room and then in the early evening, you will meet your local jungle guide for the 3-day trek that starts tomorrow and go through the plan for the trip. Tonight you will transfer the items needed for your trek into a backpack to carry with you into the jungle. Your remaining luggage will be transferred to the next location. Overnight at Orangutan Bungalows ,(L,D)

Day 4: Leuser Eco System - Trekking Day 1
Today you start your first trek into the Leuser Eco System. You will head into the jungle. On the trek, you will see hopefully see orangutans, Thomas leaf monkey, pigtail macaque, longtail macaque, gibbons, lizards, turtles, hornbills and more. Your campsite will be close to a stream or on the Bohorok River. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)
Note: For those not wanting to camp either one or two nights in the jungle we can offer day treks returning each afternoon to your lodge accommodation. Or on the 3rd day and optional day whitewater rafting (gentle grade).

Day 5: Leuser Ecosystem Wildlife trek
Today you will awake to the sounds of the jungle. After breakfast, you will continue to trek deeper into the Leuser Ecosystem National Park, away from the more frequented locations of day trekkers. It is hoped you will see more orangutans, mothers with babies and possibly a male. Your guides will point out various plants that are used in traditional medicine as well as poisonous plants that cannot be consumed safely by humans. Overnight in the jungle in tents. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Leuser Ecosystem - Tubing adventure - Bukit Lawang.
Today you will continue your jungle trek and head back towards Bukit Lawang sometime after lunch by river tubing back down the Bohorok river. Once in Bukit Lawang, you will check into your room and have free time to sit back and relax or maybe wander around the village. Overnight at the Bukit Lawang Ecolodge (B,L)

Day 7: Bukit Lawang - Medan - (or Airport)
After spending a restful night at your guest house, relaxing by the river or taking a short walk around midday, you will drive back to Medan and check into your hotel. (B)
Note: There are also options here to:
1. Choose to stay in Bukit Lawang today and overnight to relax, swim on the river and explore the town and transfer to the airport on Day 8.
2. Depart and be transferred directly to the airport for your onward flight.

Day 8: Medan (or Bukit Lawang) - Home
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flights home.

ITINERARY OPTION 2
Day 1: Arrive at Medan
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by your Orangutan Odysseys guide and transferred to a lovely local hotel to rest, have a swim and enjoy dinner. Overnight hotel. Here you shall be given a briefing about your travels over the next 5 days. (D)

Day 2 : Medan. - Batu Ronring 
This morning travel to the beautiful location nearby the small village of Batu Ronring, on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park. Today shall be spent exploring the area and taking jungle treks looking for wildlife. Afternoon take a short walk to have a swim in nearby the river. Overnight at your jungle lodge in your "villa room".(B,L,D)

Day 3: Batu Ronring.
Today you will spend more time exploring the jungles and surrounding areas with you local guide. Overnight in you private villa room. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Batu Ronring to Bukit Lawang
Morning jungle trek and riverwalk and lunch before transferring on to Bukit Lawang and a climb up the hill to your lodge accommodation. Here you will check into your jungle lodge room and then in the early evening, you will meet your local jungle guide for the 3-day trek that starts tomorrow and go through the plan for the trip. Tonight you will transfer the items needed for your trek into a backpack to carry with you into the jungle. Your remaining luggage will be transferred to the next location. Overnight Orangutan Bungalows B,L,D)

Day 5: Leuser Eco System - Trekking Day 1
Today you start your first trek into the Leuser Eco System. You will head into the jungle. On the trek you will see orangutans, Thomas leaf monkey, pigtail macaque, longtail macaque, gibbons, lizards, turtles, hornbills and more. Your campsite will be close to a stream or on the Bohorok River. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Leuser Ecosystem - Trekking Day 2 - Tubing adventure - Bukit Lawang.
Today you will awake to the sounds of the jungle. After breakfast, you will continue to trek deeper into the Leuser Ecosystem National Park, away from the more frequented locations of day trekkers. It is hoped you will see more orangutans, mothers with babies and possibly a male. Your guides will point out various plants that are used in traditional medicine as well as poisonous plants that cannot be consumed safely by humans. Later, after lunch in the jungle, you will head back towards Bukit Lawang by river tubing back down the Bohorok river. Once in Bukit Lawang, you will check into your room and have free time to sit back and relax or maybe wander around the village. Overnight at the Bukit Lawang Ecolodge (B,L)

Day 7: Bukit Lawang - Medan - (or Airport)
After spending a restful night at your guest house, relaxing by the river or taking a short walk around midday, you will drive back to Medan and check into your hotel. (B)
Note: There are also options here to
1. Choose to stay in Bukit Lawang today and overnight to relax, swim on the river and explore the town and transfer to the airport on Day 8.
2. Depart and be transferred directly to the airport for your onward flight.

Day 8: Medan (or Bukit Lawang) - Home
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flights home.

TRIP EXTENSIONS
Why not think about seeing more amazing locations in Indonesia after your orangutan expedition? For details about our exciting trip extensions to other parts of Indonesia contact us: alice@orangutanodysseys.com

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation in Medan (twin share - single supplement available)
• Accommodation Batu Ronring, Bukit Lawang (twin-share)
• Meals as noted in the itinerary (B,L,D)
• Tips to guides, trek guides and tubbing guides. (Excludes tip to Orangutan Odysseys Guide)
• National park fees
• Tent and camping equipment
• Airport transfers
• Experienced local guides
• A one-year orangutan adoption

EXCLUSIONS

• International airfares and any expenses due to flight delays or cancellation
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenses - alcohol, laundry, phone calls
• Tipping