Although Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys has a no-injury track record; guests are reminded that the areas in which they trek are often remote and the terrain can be challenging. These include crossing rivers; mountainous landscapes; dense rainforest; unpredictable wildlife behaviour; illness; or just an accident. The treks often take place in remote locations with no free evacuation or medical facilities. It is the responsibility of the individual traveller or group leader to ensure that the insurance offers such cover.
IS HOLIDAY INSURANCE REQUIRED?
IS IT EASY TO CHANGE MONEY?
ARE THERE ANY NASTIES IN THE JUNGLE?
HOW MANY PEOPLE TREK TOGETHER?
DO GUESTS HAVE A NATIONAL PARK PERMIT?
ARE GUESTS EXPECTED TO TIP?
WHAT TIME SHOULD GUESTS ARRIVE?
ARE ORANGUTANS AND TIGER SIGHTINGS GUARANTEED?
WHICH LANGUAGES DO THE GUIDES SPEAK?
WHAT ARE GUESTS REQUIRED TO CARRY ON THE TREKS?
ARE THE TREKS HARD?
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM NUMBERS IN A GROUP?
WHICH IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT?
HOW TO BE ECO-FRIENDLY?
ARE THERE ANY CULTURAL SENSITIVITIES?
GETTING AROUND
What can I expect from a Sumatra wildlife tour with Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys?
How does the orangutan tour in Sumatra contribute to conservation?
How to get to Bukit Lawang?
Can you recommend any Bukit Lawang hotels that support eco-tourism?
What are the highlights of Sumatra orangutan trekking?
How do Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys ensure ethical interactions with wildlife?
What unique flora can I expect to see in Gunung Leuser National Park?
How do Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys support the local communities in Bukit Lawang?
IS IT EASY TO CHANGE MONEY?
There is no ATM in Bukit Lawang, so guests are advised to change ample money before arriving in the jungle. The ATMs are often temperamental: it is recommended that guests take money where they can. Treks and accommodation are to be paid for in advance to avoid any disappointment on arrival.
ARE THERE ANY NASTIES IN THE JUNGLE?
- The mosquito can be rife, especially in the green season. Guests should apply insect repellent should in the morning and the evening to the body and clothes to avoid being bitten.
- During storms; switch off mobile phones as there are no lightning conductors in the jungle.
- To avoid being bitten by animals, Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys recommend that guests don’t touch any animals other than Cheeky. He is up-to-date with his rabies vaccinations.
HOW MANY PEOPLE TREK TOGETHER?
Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys pride themselves on only allowing small, intimate groups to ensure maximum enjoyment. The largest group will be eight people; even less in the green season.
DO GUESTS HAVE A NATIONAL PARK PERMIT?
Guests permit to the national parks is included in the trek price; the permits are distributed before trekking and is the responsibility of each guest.
ARE GUESTS EXPECTED TO TIP?
Tips are not expected but are welcomed by the individuals if guests feel that the service they have received was exceptional. Tips range between 50,000 to 400,000 IDR.
WHAT TIME SHOULD GUESTS ARRIVE?
The transfer from Medan Airport is almost five hours, so guests should plan to be at Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys around mid-afternoon allowing them the chance to relax or explore before embarking on early starts and wearying treks the next day.
ARE ORANGUTANS AND TIGER SIGHTINGS GUARANTEED?
Both are wild animals, and most of the time it is possible to see orangutans, but there is no guarantee! Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys guides have many years experience and know the orangutan’s favourite hide-outs. Semi- wild orangutans can usually be found at the old feeding stations. It is unlikely to see wild tigers; they live in very remote parts of the Gunung Leuser National Park.
WHICH LANGUAGES DO THE GUIDES SPEAK?
Each of the Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys guides speaks English.
WHAT ARE GUESTS REQUIRED TO CARRY ON THE TREKS?
Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys porters carry all of the camping equipment and food required for the duration of the trek. Guests will bring their essential personal items. ‘Jungling’ toilet facilities are found behind large trees.
ARE THE TREKS HARD?
In each of the descriptions; there are intensity guides. Some of the treks are physically challenging and encompass various terrains. The jungle is very humid. The harder the trek, the more physically fit guests are required to be.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM NUMBERS IN A GROUP?
The minimum number of each group is three; please let Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys know in advance so that they can accommodate the smaller numbers.
WHICH IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT?
As with the rest of the world; Indonesia is experiencing climate change, and the weather has become unpredictable. Generally, green (rainy) season falls between October and February where there can be torrential rains, usually in the afternoon and evening. Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys would suggest avoiding travelling over Indonesian holidays due to huge volumes of local travellers.
HOW TO BE ECO-FRIENDLY?
Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys are committed to providing environmentally friendly experiences. Guests are asked not to leave anything, other than footprints behind.
ARE THERE ANY CULTURAL SENSITIVITIES?
Indonesia is primarily a Muslim country and is therefore quite conservative. While the Indonesian people are open-minded and enjoy visitors in their villages, tourists are requested to be respectful and cover appropriately.
GETTING AROUND
Bukit Lawang is off the beaten track and set on the edge of the National Park. Guests are invited to embrace the journey and watch the ever-changing scenery zip past them.
Airport transfers
Kuala Namu International Airport (Medan) transfers to and from Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys.
The Deal
EUR 45 per car
Includes rest and money changing stops
Airconditioned car
Five hours
Bukit Lawang to Berastagi
Bergastagi is famed for its vibrant fruit and vegetable markets, and it’s tasty passionfruit. There are two active volcanoes and hot springs at Mount Sinabung.
The Deal
EUR 60 per car
Includes rest and fruit market stops
Airconditioned car
Five hours
Bukit Lawang to Lake Toba
A full days travel to Lake Toba; a supervolcano lake in the north of Sumatera. Over 100 metres long, 33 metres wide and 505 metres deep.
The Deal
Seven hours
Includes rest stops
Airconditioned car
EUR 90 per car
Push Bike Rental
Available on request
Lawangam Style
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Bukit Lawang, do as the Lawangans do; that’s hustling along on a moped (guest are asked to ensure that they have the relevant driving licenses) or potter around in a becak (tuk-tuk). Both are great fun and give guests a sense of freedom and joy!
Be sure to contact Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys to book.
What can I expect from a Sumatra wildlife tour with Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys?
Discover Sumatra’s varied biodiversity in the lush tropical rainforests of the Gunung Leuser National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guided, ethical excursions honor the local cultural legacy and natural ecology whilst embarking on a once in a lifetime adventure to observe the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan in their natural habitat. This magical rainforest is the last place on earth that is still home to endangered and protected species such as the Sumatran Tiger, Rhinoceros, Slow Loris and Elephant.
How does the orangutan tour in Sumatra contribute to conservation?
Our orangutan tour in Sumatra helps to raise awareness and support for environmental conservation. By choosing ethical tours, guests directly contribute to the protection of orangutans, other endangered species and natural habitat, fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.
How to get to Bukit Lawang?
The easiest and fastest way is to get a private car from Medan to Bukit Lawang, which is available 24 hours per day and costs IDR700,000 taking approximately 4.5 hours. The budget friendly option is the tourist bus which is available from Kualanamu International airport or anywhere in Medan City and costs IDR210,000. This service is available from 7am to 3pm.
Can you recommend any Bukit Lawang hotels that support eco-tourism?
Many hotels and guesthouses in Bukit Lawang and the surrounding areas are committed to sustainable practices. These accommodations help nearby towns and reduce environmental effects, thereby giving visitors a responsible option while still taking in the breathtaking Gunung Leuser National Park surroundings. We have a range of rooms for all budgets, including backpacker rooms with shared bathrooms, to mid-range and more luxury providing AC and hotwater.
What are the highlights of Sumatra orangutan trekking?
Trekking through the rainforest gives you a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat along with exploring the lush and diverse ecosystem of Gunung Leuser National Park, home to a variety of wildlife, exotic plants, and stunning landscapes.
The trekking routes range from moderate to challenging, offering an exciting adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
Some tours offer the chance to camp overnight in the jungle, deepening the wilderness experience with a night under the stars.
How do Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys ensure ethical interactions with wildlife?
All our tours are led by certified and experienced guides who are knowledgeable about wildlife behavior and trained to conduct ethical treks that prioritize animal welfare. We always maintain safe distances from all wildlife and particularly orangutans, to prevent any disturbance or transmission of diseases which they are susceptible to. Any feeding of orangutans or other wildlife is strictly prohibited.
To minimize the environmental impact and reduce stress on the animals, we limit the size of trekking groups to a maximum of 7.
Guides educate trekkers on the importance of leaving the environment as they found it, ensuring no litter or human-made disturbances remain in the jungle.
Ethical tours emphasize education, teaching visitors about the importance of conservation, the threats facing orangutans, and how responsible tourism can help protect these animals and their habitat.
What unique flora can I expect to see in Gunung Leuser National Park?
Towering Amorphophallus Titanum is the biggest bloom in the world, and the Rafflesia Arnoldi calls the park home. Just among the more than ten thousand plant species found in the park’s biodiverse settings are these floral marvels.
How do Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys support the local communities in Bukit Lawang?
We donate 10% of our profits to community-based projects, such as tree planting, waste management and conservation. We also run Art and English classes for the local community which is hugely popular especially with the children. We welcome our guests to join in and feel free to bring along stationary, books and art materials to support our classes. We are deeply committed to promoting ethical practices that benefit both the environment and the local community. We believe that for a perfect balance, both the economy and the environment must thrive together.