Ultimate Sumatra Tour with Hardi Baktiantoro May 2026

Travel type
Small group of up to 10 guests - Ages 14 years +
Expedition grade
Difficult (jungle trekking and lengthy travel involved)
Duration
10-18 May 2026 - 9 Days
Accomodation
Local hotels, jungle lodges and tents
FROM
$3795.00 (AUD)

ex Medan, North Sumatra (twin-share). Please note: All participants in this expedition are required to fundraise a minimum of AUD$1,000 which goes directly to and supports TOP

$580.00

Single supplement available

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Come and see orangutans the only way they should be seen, in the natural jungles of Sumatra and make a personal difference by directly contributing and helping to save the great red ape from extinction.

Orangutan Odysseys are raising money for The Orangutan Project (TOP) and supporting other Orangutan NGO's in their quest to save the orangutans and the rainforests. There really is nothing like giving back. On this specially crafted expedition, you will visit the jungle habitat of the orangutan and help protect their environment for generations to come.

You will joined thoroughout the tour by your expert host Hardi Baktiantoro, TOP's Project Manager.

On this 9 day Orangutan Odysseys tour, beginning and ending in Medan (North Sumatra), you will visit pristine rainforests, trek into the jungles of the Leuser Ecosystem in Northern Sumatra (Aceh) and spend time viewing wild orangutans who wander freely in their natural surroundings along with a host of other wildlife.

You will firstly travel into the province of Aceh where we will visit and spend a night in the jungle. Then later we will meet with the Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL) team, a grass-roots non-government organisation that strives to protect the Leuser Ecosystem and its biodiversity for the sake of Aceh's future. ou will have the unique opportunity to stay at two of their research stations in Ketembe and Soraya.

If you are interested in adventure and giving back to the world at the same time, then you have got to be part of this expedition.

Your Host: TOP Project Manager - Hardi Baktiantoro

Hardi was born in East Java, and he was fortunate to live with wildlife whilst growing up in a small farming village. Hardi learnt about the amazing behaviour of animals, however he also saw the misery of poaching and the animal trade because of the local culture to keep wild animals in captivity. 

COP grew significantly over the years with Hardi™s leadership and financial support from The Orangutan Project. Hardi was highly successful in training and mentoring a passionate group of people who now run various projects for COP. This includes overseeing two orangutan rescue and rehabilitation centres - the Sumatran Orangutan Rescue  Alliance (SRA) Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in North Sumatra and the Bornean Orangutan Rescue Alliance (BORA) Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in East Kalimantan, Borneo.

Hardi became the Project Manager for The Orangutan Project in 2021. His wealth of knowledge and experience on the ground allows Hardi to communicate effectively with government and forestry officials to create meaningful change for orangutan conservation. His amazing photography skills also bring to life the work that we support on the ground in Borneo and Sumatra.

Hardi Talks Tours
"I™m really looking forward to leading this tour and meeting people who are passionate about orangutan conservation. I greatly enjoy sharing my understanding and insights on orangutans with others as I have been so fortunate to spend so much time with our "orange cousins." I hope to see you in Sumatra!"

With Hardi along, you will garner a full and unusual understanding of what you are seeing, as this adventure of a lifetime takes you deep into the orangutans home.

Tour Food - Vegetarian and Vegan based
All included meals provided during this tour will be vegetarian (with a vegan option). Guests will have the option of non-vegetarian meals during breakfast at hotels and for meals (some dinners) not included in the itinerary. 

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 inquiry, a healthy sense of humor and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to Indonesia the adventure of a lifetime!

To place a booking simply click the 'Book Now' button for your preferred date and complete the compulsory fields of the booking form.

PROJECT FUNDRAISING OBJECTIVES

As part of this tour, you'll be required to fundraise a minimum of $1,000 AUD by inviting friends, family, and colleagues to support your cause through your own personalised fundraising page. This page is specially designed to ensure all donations go directly to The Orangutan Project. Once you've booked, we'll provide full details and tips to help you reach your goal.

You'll also be making a direct impact by adopting an orphaned orangutan, helping to secure a future for orangutans and their rainforest home. Your adoption fee is included in your trip cost.

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 other wildlife Sumatra has to offer. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in so that you are fully informed of your surroundings. 

HIGHLIGHTS

ITINERARY - 9 days

10 to 18 May 2026
* Subject to change without notice due to local conditions.

Day 1 - 10 May: Arrive in Medan
Today you will arrive in Medan, North Sumatra where you will be met and picked up from the airport by an Orangutan Odysseys representative and transferred to your hotel in Medan city. Tonight over dinner we will meet our team and discuss the rest of the trip along with meeting your local guide. Overnight in a Medan hotel.

Day 2 - 11 May: Medan -  Ketembe Lodge
Early this morning we board our bus to start the long drive (approx 10 hours) through to our jungle base camp in Ketembe (Aceh). Along the way, we will have time for some group discussions, we will stop for lunch at a local warung (small restaurant) and we will pass through the scenic mountain areas and also see volcanoes and other places of interest. Late afternoon we will arrive in Ketembe and set up base camp at our jungle lodge. If time allows we can have a swim in the nearby river. Here we will also meet with our local guiding team and discuss our plans for jungle trekking tomorrow. Overnight in the lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - 12 May: Ketembe - Start 2-day Jungle Trekking
Today after an early breakfast we start our 2-day adventure and head into the jungle looking for orangutans and other wildlife. This amazing Leuser ecosystem will provide us opportunities to view not only wild orangutans but also Thomas Leaf monkeys, gibbons, macaques, hornbills and more. We will have lunch in the jungle and later we arrive at our campsite by a crystal clear river and enjoy a refreshing swim and clean up before dinner. We will camp in tents overnight in the National Park - all camping equipment including tent, mattress, pillow and blanket are carried in by our support team. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - 13 May: Ketambe Trekking - Ketembe Lodge
This morning we wake to the sounds of the jungle at our riverside camp and head out again into the jungles looking for wildlife and more. After lunch along the way, we will trek to the hot springs area for a relaxing œriver spa before making our way back out of the jungle and returning to the lodge overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - 14 May: Research Station - Reforestation and Trekking  - Ketembe Lodge
This morning we travel to meet with The Forum for the Conservation of Leuser (FKL), where we will be introduced to their important work. We will trek through the jungle in the morning and in the afternoon look for orangutans and other wildlife. Along the way, we will learn more about the vital work being done by FKL and return to the lodge for the night. (B,L,D)
Some activities this day may include.
- Treking, Phenology and bird watching
- Orangutan and Wildlife Observation 
- FKL Presentation 
- Informal discussions with the FKL Ketambe team

Day 6 - 15 May: Ketembe - Reforestation site - Alas River - Soraya Station
Early morning start from Ketambe, we travel to the village of Salem Pipit to meet our motorised boats on the Alas River (approx 2 hours). The boat down the river will take about 4-5 hours to Soraya station, depending on the water current. On the way we will visit the FKL restoration site at Serakut and have a packed lunch. After arrival we will get an introduction about the station and set up for our sleeping arrangements. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - 16 May: Soraya Research Station
Today have a full day to explore FKL's Soraya Station project. We will  be introduced to their amazing work. Late afternoon, we will cool down in an amazing waterfall camp. We will spend time with the research team and do an afternoon trek into the jungle looking for wild orangutans and elephants. We will learn about what the researchers do and maybe help check the camera traps. Overnight Soraya Station. Rooms/tenst and sleeping equipment are all provided. (B,L,D)
Some activties this day may include:
- Treking, Phenology and bird watching
- Orangutan and Wildlife Observation
-  Introducing to Soraya restoration and nursery
- Planting tree at Soraya Restoration
- Simanok-Manok & Ruam Waterfall (optional)
- Soraya Waterfall

Day 8 - 17 May: Soraya Research Station - Medan
This morning after an early morning trek and breakfast we will farewell the team and jump back into the motorised boats for our ride to Gelombang where we will then be transferred in our bus (approx 8-9 hours) to our hotel in Medan (B,L)

Day 9 - 18 May: Medan -  Airport - Tour ends
This morning you will drive to Medan Airport where your tour ends or you can continue with your onward travels. (B)

TRIP EXTENSIONS
Why not think about seeing more amazing locations in Indonesia after your orangutan expedition? For more details about some of the exciting trip extensions on offer to other parts of Indonesia please contact us.

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. 

Please note: Additional accommodation can be arranged in Medan or if you like Toba should you like to extend your stay in Sumatra. 

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

EXCLUSIONS

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 in 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 wellbeing of the millions of Acehnese traditional landholders who depend on it for their food, water and livelihoods.