Bukit Lawang is a small village in North Sumatra, a popular destination for tourists who want to immerse themselves in the wild green forest. Here are some experiences to explore Bukit Lawang village for you!
About Bukit Lawang village
Bukit Lawang is located about 90 km northwest of Medan, capital of North Sumatra and south of Leuseur Mountain National Park. This is the gateway to the legendary Sumatra forest with its slippery steep terrain and muddy slopes. Exploring the forest here is a real adventure with breathtaking hikes through the jungle.
It is the gentle giant orangutans of the jungle that are the main attraction here. Bukit Lawang Indonesia Village is one of the best places in the world to meet this endangered rare primate. Watch these graceful creatures swing through the forest canopy as they search for fruit. It is one of the largest stronghold orangutan communities, with more than 5000 of them living here.
The gentle people of the old forest
As you dive deep into the Sumatran jungle, you will have very few ways to get around other than using your feet and walking. Walk through the muddy and wild jungle and try to get a glimpse of native wildlife. The park is home to the world's most exotic animals of Sumatra and the world includes elephants, tigers, dog bears, jaguars as well as the famous orangutan. Walk over the hills for some stunning views of the breathtaking landscape. For a real adventure, raft and ride the river's wild rapids.
Bukit Lawang VillageExperience exploring Bukit Lawang village
Bukit Lawang is a perfect year-round travel destination. Temperatures remain between 21 ° C and 33 ° C throughout the year. However, the rainy season lasts from November to April while the dry season is from May to October. But since Bukit Lawang is inland, it's perfect year round. It usually rains in the afternoon for about an hour or so.
When you arrive at Bukit Lawang, remember that strong internet connection or even lights in your hotel room are never guaranteed. Let your friends and family know that if you don't respond immediately, It could be that the power was turned off - not because you got lost in the woods. Bring lots of things to do without the internet - like card games and books. Also, bring a spare USB charging unit and a spare battery for your camera.
Don't let the lack of electricity put you under too much stress. When the whole town is in darkness, there is nothing you can do but relax and wait.
Bukit Lawang is considered a "tourist" part of North Sumatra
The toilets in Bukit Lawang village are mostly squatting, you will need to flush the toilet using a plastic scoop to pour water from the large water basin into the toilet bowl. Also, it is more likely that there is no toilet paper in it, unless you want to clean it with water, you can carry some emergency toilet paper in your pocket in case you need it.
Your first thought upon seeing the bridges across the river may be that you don't want to cross, but don't let that stop you from exploring both sides of Bukit Lawang village . The bridge is good and if you have the courage to put your foot on it, then crossing will be a lot of fun. Then you are on the other side of the river and you can explore the whole village.
The bridge crosses Bukit Lawang
Before coming to Bukit Lawang, make sure you have enough cash to cover your stay as you will not be able to withdraw more money in the village. There is an ATM about 10 km away and you can ask a local to drive you by their motorbike, but that will be inconvenient and you will have to pay extra fees. Some hotels may allow you to pay by credit card, so ask in advance to be sure. However, you may be charged an additional% fee.
Bukit Lawang hotels and motels offer a variety to suit every budget - from simple and cheap rooms to more expensive hotels. Especially in the high season during the summer months, prices tend to increase. Generally, you can get a double room for IDR 150,000.
Bukit Lawang Vacation Rentals
From the experience of discovering Bukit Lawang village , there is not much variety when it comes to food: Bukit Lawang includes a number of small inns and restaurants and for the most part, the menu in each house is quite similar. There will be classics from Indonesia like Mie Goreng (fried noodles) and chicken and vegetable curry, as well as a few Western dishes. If you crave something out of the ordinary like pizza or a delicious steak, you'll have to wait until you reach a bigger city.
Simple local food
Sumatran's spicy delicacies must be tasted once in a lifetime. Their specialty is definitely Rendang, Soto, Sambal or Gulai. Padang restaurants are very popular on Sumatra island. You will find pre-cooked dishes with delicious variations of curry, fish, eggs, tempeh and vegetables. Some other famous dishes include Rujak, Gado Gado or Cap Cay.
When doing the jungle trek, you will need sturdy sneakers. You will have to climb through difficult terrain and on uneven tree paths and black forest platforms, so wearing flip flops is impossible. However, you should bring both as in Bukit Bintang village flip flops are ideal footwear. The first reason is because you often have to take off your shoes before entering a home or restaurant, so wearing flop shoes will allow you to more quickly.
What to do in Bukit Lawang village?
The village had a lot to offer everyone. Of course, most people choose to walk through the woods, but there's more to it than that. According to experience exploring Bukit Lawang village you can:
- Go swimming in the river. There are some good points where the water current is not too strong.
- Take part in soccer with local boys every day around 4pm (Indonesian time)
- Try out all the delicious dishes in town
Enjoy local cuisine at Bukit Lawang
- Visit the elephants in Tangkahan
- Dance all night during Saturday party at Thomas Retreat
- Visit bat cave
- Take a walk on the Landak River
- Visit the Friday market and shop for clothes and fruits
Go shopping in the village
Do's and don'ts when coming to Bukit Lawang
Residents of Bukit Lawang are very friendly and always chat with visitors. They will be extremely warm and respectful of you. However, there are a few do's and don'ts of the Bukit Lawang village exploration experience:
- Use your right hand to eat and shake hands. The left hand is considered dirty.
- Never touch someone's head, even a friendly greeting on a child's head. This is very impolite.
Avoid kissing and touching your partner, spouse or partner in public. You are in an Islamic country. Such things should only be kept confidential.
- You will notice shoes and flip flops on the front porch of someone's home, restaurant or shop. That's because Indonesians take off their shoes when entering a house. So if you see the shoe in the front, follow and take off your shoe.
- Dress properly: because you are in a Muslim country. The locals here dress discreetly and expect others to do the same.
- Many Indonesians greet each other with a handshake. Then the hand is led to the heart. Always use your right hand to say hello.