The following is a Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra Travel Guide
I was never able to answer my friends whenever they ask me which is my favorite travel destination so far.
...but now I do.
I have never been to a place where I've gotten more in touch with nature. I was covered in dirt most of the time, yet I've never felt more comfortable and contented. This was only possible in Bukit Lawang, the place with the best accommodation, atmosphere, and route for those who are planning to hike Gunung Leuser.
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| River, trees, the freshest air and friendly folks - everything needed for the most enjoyable travel experience |
It was love at first sight.
The first thing that you will see once you get here is the exceedingly inviting river in beautiful emerald green. When crossing the bridge, you'll be immediately enticed by the sight of children frolicking on riverbanks, while mothers rest under wooden shacks while keeping a watchful eye on their children. Further away in the horizon are layers after layers of the greenest trees and shrubs. Then there is the blue, blue sky, dotted with beautiful pastel clouds.
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| From Berastagi to Bukit Lawang through Terminal Pinang Baris. Takes about 5 hours and 50,000 IDR. |
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| This friendly driver and his young conductor kept me entertained throughout the bumpy ride |
Warning: The ride to Bukit Lawang is extremely rough and could cause nausea - imagine being in a ferry on choppy sea. Unfortunately, there isn't another way in.
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| You'd need to take one of these (becak) in order to get from the Bukit Lawang station to the final destination. |
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| Once there, you will find a row of shops selling rocks, clothing, souvenirs, and local Indonesian food. |
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| This is how my everyday meal looks like. Simple, cheap, and yummy! |
Immediately after checking in, I made arrangement for tubing, which included a short one-hour hike in order to get to the upper stream. Video will be uploaded soon!
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| Had the best guide ever |
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| Spent the evening chatting and watching the locals cook up a feast. |
The following day was even more exciting. Hiking Gunung Leuser was challenging, but very fun. To top it off, I got to see Orangutans, black gibbons, and adorable little Thomas Leaf monkeys.
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| Shook hands with an Orangutan! |
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| Awesome guides |
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| Wouldn't have spent my days any other way |
Bukit Lawang is definitely the place to go to for an adventurous and
fun-filled holiday. Located only 2 hours away from the
capital Medan, there are vans leaving the city directly from Pinang Baris terminal almost hourly. (There isn't a minimum number to go!)
Dangers in Bukit Lawang
Apparently the chances of running into "bad" people and scammers are high, but I've met only the nicest and the most sincere people when I was there. Since Cannabis can be found in the jungle, you may find people smoking it, or even offering some to you (out of courtesy). Politely decline if you do not want any (if you are a smoker, however, be ready for a free flow!)
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