Bukit Lawang is one of the most special gateways to Gunung Leuser National Park, home to the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan. Every year, thousands of visitors travel here to experience the jungle. But not all tours are created equal. At Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys, we believe that tourism should protect nature and support the community, not harm it.
Our approach to jungle trekking is simple: respect wildlife, care for the forest, and ensure that tourism benefits the people of Bukit Lawang.
Responsible Jungle Trekking
When you join us on a Bukit Lawang jungle trekking tour, you’ll notice a few important differences:
- No feeding or touching wildlife: Orangutans and other jungle animals must stay wild and independent. Feeding puts them at risk of disease and changes their natural behaviour.
- No plastic waste: We provide reusable containers and ask guests to bring refillable water bottles. Everything we carry into the jungle comes back out with us.
- Small group sizes: Trekking in small groups keeps the jungle quieter and less disruptive for wildlife.
- Leave no trace: We stay on safe paths, avoid damaging plants, and always respect the forest.
These practices may seem small, but together they make a huge difference in keeping Gunung Leuser National Park healthy for generations to come.
Supporting Local Communities
Ethical travel isn’t only about protecting the forest — it’s also about supporting the people who live here.
- Fair wages: Our jungle guides are fully certified with the ITGA–HPI association and we make sure they earn above-standard salaries for their skills and hard work. The same goes for our hotel team — everyone is paid fairly and treated with respect, because we believe ethical tourism starts with looking after our people.
- Profits stay in Indonesia: Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys is run by a English/Indoneisan couple who live here in Bukit Lawang. All our income stays in Indonesia, supporting local families, our staff, and small businesses in the village — nothing is sent overseas. When you trek with us, your money truly helps the community where your adventure takes place.
- Locally sourced food and supplies: From jungle lunches to our hotels, we use ingredients and products from the community whenever possible.
- Training & opportunity: We invest in our guides through regular training and certification, giving them the chance to keep building their knowledge and skills for the future. Beyond the jungle, our hotel staff also receive ongoing training in areas like health, safety, hygiene, and cooking. By supporting our team’s growth, we create better experiences for our guests while helping our staff build long-term opportunities.
When you choose Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys, you’re not just booking a trek — you’re helping local families thrive.
Ehical- Beyond the Jungle
Our commitment doesn’t stop on the trail. At Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys, we make efforts to reduce waste, support local suppliers, and operate in a way that’s kinder to the environment. With the support of Project Wings, we’ve introduced a waste management system in our guesthouses, including recycling bins and proper separation of rubbish. Organic waste is composted or reused where possible, helping to reduce what ends up in landfill.
Being responsible also means acting fairly as a business. We respect the regulated pricing set by the ITGA–HPI guiding association and never sell treks below this standard. Rather than competing on price, we focus on what sets us apart — our service, our values, and our commitment to ethical tourism. Guests choose us not because we are the cheapest, but because they share our belief in fair travel that benefits both the jungle and the community.
We believe that ethical travel in Indonesia should be part of everyday choices, not just a marketing word.
What We Don’t Do
Sadly, not all tours in Bukit Lawang follow ethical practices. We think it’s important to be clear about what we will never do:
- ❌ We don’t feed or bait orangutans for photos.
- ❌ We don’t employ uncertified guides to work for low wages.
- ❌ We don’t send profits overseas.
- ❌ We don’t leave rubbish in the forest.
By saying “no” to these things, we say “yes” to a stronger community and a healthier jungle.
Why Choose Ethical Travel?
Tourism has the power to protect or to destroy. By choosing an ethical jungle trek in Bukit Lawang, you’re helping keep orangutans wild, protecting the rainforest, and ensuring local families benefit directly from tourism.
Travel is more rewarding when you know your choices matter. At Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys, we invite you to experience the jungle in the most authentic, responsible, and sustainable way possible.
Ready to Trek with Us?
If you’re planning a trip to Bukit Lawang, join us for an unforgettable and responsible orangutan trekking experience. Together, we can protect Sumatra’s rainforest and create a future where both people and wildlife thrive.
📩 Contact us today to plan your adventure.