Bukit Lawang Sumatra

Bukit Lawang Sumatra

Bukit Lawang is a small tourist village on the bank of Bahorok River in north Sumatra province of Indonesia. Situated approximately 86 km northwest of the city of Medan, Bukit Lawang is known for the largest Animal Sanctuaryof Sumatran Orangutan (around 5,000 orangutans occupy the area) and also the main access point to the Gunung Leuser National Park from the east side.

The Bukit Lawang rehabilitation centre for orangutans was founded in 1973. Its main purpose is to preserve the decreasing number of orangutan population due to hunting, trading and deforestation.

A flash flood hit Bukit Lawang on 2 November 2003. The disaster destroyed the local tourist resorts and had a devastating impact to the local tourism industry in the area. Around 400 houses, 3 mosques, 8 bridges, 280 kiosks and food stalls, 35 hotels and guest houses were destroyed by the flood; 239 people including 5 tourists were killed, and around 1,400 locals lost their homes.

Today, it attracts visitors from around the world who come here to catch a glimpse of these amazing orphaned creatures. The rehabilitation center helps orangutans regain their natural habits by putting them through intensive training before their release back to the wild. Once a primate heads back the jungle, the rehabilitation center keeps providing it with food supplements and regular check-ups.

Get Around !!!
As you venture deep into the Sumatran jungle, you’ll have little way to get around but to use your feet and walk. Tours and Trek through the wild and muddy jungle and try and catch a glimpse of the native wildlife. The park is home to Sumatra’s and the world’s most exotic animals including Sumatran elephants, Sumaran tigers, sun bears, Gibbons, clouded leopards as well as the famous orangutans. Hike the hills for some incredible views of the spectacular landscape. For a true adventure go rafting and ride the wild rapids of the river.

Get Here !!!

From Medan use a car or a bus to get to Bukit Lawang. Buses depart frequently from Pinang Baris bus terminals (located at Jalan Gatot Subroto). The trip takes around 3 hours. 
If you are traveling in a group or want something more convenient instead of the public bus, you can rent a car with arranged trips through most of the main tourist destinations. 

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