In the jungles of Tangkahan

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Sumatra: Bukit Lawang - Tangkahan
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 229.- per person (excluding flights)

Get lost in the raw Sumatran jungle where the trees chatter with monkeys and the waters sparkle. This trip into the isolated jungle wilderness will take you into the untamed heart of Sumatra, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gunung Leuser National Park - packed with monkeys, exotic birds and giant rafflesia flowers. You’ll stay in a rustic bungalow right by the Kualsa Buluh River, and feel a million miles away from the modern world.

Day 1 – Bukit Lawang to Tangkahan

This morning, you’ll cross the local hanging bridge to find your 4WD waiting on the other side of the river. You’ll drive deeper and deeper into the jungle, for 4-5 hours to secluded Tangkahan, where you’ll stay in a rustic wooden bungalow in the heart of the jungle. While there’s hardly any electricity and no warm water, it’s incredible to be completely immersed in the rainforest.

Days 2-3 – River tubing through the jungle & departure

After breakfast you’ll head out tubing down the river, surrounded by beautiful jungle with the occasional monkey looking on. It’s a gentle ride, but there will be a guide with you just in case. At the end, you’ll take a refreshing dive and enjoy a mini picnic, before walking along the river and through plantations back to your lodge. In the afternoon there is time to hang in your hammock or the hot spring. The next day your jungle trip comes to an end and you’ll get ready for your next adventure.

Jungle trekking

If you’d prefer not to include the tubing experience we can arrange a guided trek deep into the jungle with a local guide. The trekking is organised by the local community. You’ll notice this immediately in the enthusiasm and expertise of your guide. He grew up here and takes great pride in ‘his’ rainforest. His knowledge of nature comes from his family, and he’s eager to share stories about his life in the jungle. Despite his limited English, he’s had lessons and tries his best to communicate. Ask your Travel Specialist to add this to your travel plan.