10 Best Things to Do in Bukit Lawang: More Than Just Orangutans

Travelling through North Sumatra was a full immersion into Indonesia’s wildest corners. While it’s famous for its orangutans, there’s far more to discover here, and in this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Bukit Lawang beyond its iconic orange primates.

After hours on bumpy roads winding past dusty villages, palm oil plantations and thick jungle, arriving in this riverside village feels almost surreal. It’s the kind of place that takes your breath away.

I spent a week here, and it quickly became one of my favourite spots in Indonesia.

Sitting on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang is an ideal base for outdoor adventure, but jungle trekking is only part of the story.

If you’re wondering what to do in Bukit Lawang beyond spotting orangutans, here’s everything worth adding to your list.

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At a Glance: Best Things To Do in Indonesia

I came to Bukit Lawang for the orangutans, and stayed longer than planned because of everything else. It feels wild but welcoming, adventurous yet surprisingly slow-paced.

Here are the best things to do in Bukit Lawang:

• Jungle trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park
• River tubing on the Bohorok River
• Explore the Bat Cave & visit Landak River
• Take an authentic Indonesian cooking class
• Join a village walk or bike tour
• Visit a waterfall or soak in the hot springs
• Take a day trip to Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary
• Try a local creative workshop
• Visit the Friday local market
• Go white water rafting

Best for: wildlife lovers, slow travellers and anyone who doesn’t mind humidity.

If you’re wondering what to do in Bukit Lawang beyond jungle trekking, this list should give you a solid starting point. These really are the best things to do in Bukit Lawang.

🏨 Accommodation // Where To Stay In Bukit Lawang // 9.1+ ratings
Budget-friendly: Green Travelodge Bukit Lawang| Mid-range: Sam’s Bungalows | Top-end: Jungle Inn

How to Get to Bukit Lawang 

Bukit Lawang is located in North Sumatra, around 3–4 hours from Medan and the nearest airport, Kualanamu International Airport. 

Most travellers reach the village by: 

• Public bus (budget but slower) 
• Shared tourist shuttle (most common option) 
• Private transfer (fastest and most comfortable) 

If you’re arriving after a long journey, I’d recommend organising transport in advance, the final stretch of road is bumpy and not somewhere you want to negotiate late at night.

⭐ BOOK: Travel comfortably in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional local driver. Flexible pickup from Medan city or KNO Airport.

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10 Best Things To Do in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra

1. Go Jungle Trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park

Let’s be honest, this is why most people come, it’s why I came.

Bukit Lawang jungle trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park is the headline act of most Bukit Lawang activities, and even though I complain about mozzies and humidity, I’d still tell you to do it.

The treks range from short 4-hour hikes to multi-day jungle expeditions. I chose a 1-day jungle trek, which was hot, muddy and surprisingly steep in parts, but seeing wild orangutans in their natural habitat made every slippery step worth it.

If wildlife is your priority, a 2-day trek is likely the sweet spot. You’ll go deeper into the rainforest and increase your chances of seeing more orangutans, possibly even a dominant male. Just be prepared for basic jungle camping and plenty of insects.

If you’re deciding between durations, I break down the full comparison in my Bukit Lawang jungle trekking guide here.

Personally, if I returned, I’d choose the 2-day trek. Spending longer in the rainforest increases your chances of seeing more wildlife and gives you that proper jungle immersion without committing to an extreme expedition.

Pro tip: wear proper footwear, cover your legs and ask your operator about their wildlife policies before booking. Ethical trekking matters here.

⭐ BOOK: Look for orangutans, macaques, carnivorous plants, and more on this overnight hike through Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park; it’s easily one of the most unforgettable things to do in Bukit Lawang.

2. Go River Tubing on the Bohorok River

If jungle trekking is the intense part of Bukit Lawang, river tubing is the reward.

Surprisingly, one of the more memorable things to do in Bukit Lawang is floating down the Bohorok River on an inflatable rubber ring. It’s simple, no guide needed, just you, the current and thick jungle lining the banks.

You can rent tubes from small stalls along the riverside (I paid around 20,000 IDR), but you’ll need to carry them upriver yourself. They’re awkward more than heavy, so factor that in.

Once you’re in, hold on tight. The current can grab your tube quickly, and it’s easy to miss the main sandbank exit point near the bridge if you’re not paying attention. I nearly floated past it.

It’s peaceful, slightly chaotic and one of the most fun things to do in Bukit Lawang if you want something simple and outdoorsy.

3. Explore the Bat Cave & Visit Landak River

If you want a break from organised tours, this is a great half-day adventure you can do at your own pace.

The Bat Caves sit about a 30–40 minute walk from Bukit Lawang, through rubber and palm plantations, a slightly sobering reminder of how much forest has been cleared.

The cave itself is impressive: narrow crevices, moss-covered chambers and a final cavern filled with thousands of bats clinging to the ceiling.

It’s possible to go alone, but I hired a local guide and didn’t regret it. The path isn’t perfectly signposted, and having someone explain the area made it more interesting.

From there, continue on to the Landak River. This stretch of river is quieter and far less visited than the main Bohorok.

When I went, we had it entirely to ourselves. High jungle banks, clear water and absolute silence, it felt like we’d stumbled onto something secret.

It’s one of the quieter Bukit Lawang activities and a good choice if you’re deciding what to do in Bukit Lawang beyond organised treks.

4. Go White Water Rafting or Canyoning on the Bohorok River

If river tubing feels too gentle, canyoning and white water rafting are the wilder alternatives.

Trips are organised through local operators and take you through faster rapids and calmer jungle stretches, offering a slightly more adrenaline-fuelled way to experience the Bohorok River.

I didn’t try rafting here, but having done it elsewhere in Indonesia, it’s something I’d absolutely consider if I returned, especially after seeing how powerful the river current can be during tubing.

⭐ BOOK: Experience a mix of fun and excitement in a gorge in the middle of Sumatra. Enjoy a lush day with a great selection of fun slides and jumps during this unique canyoning tour. 

5. Take a Village Walk or Bike Tour

If you want to see life beyond the riverside guesthouses, join a local village walk or bike tour.

These tours take you through rice fields, rubber plantations and small farming communities where daily life moves at a very different rhythm. It’s not flashy or dramatic, and that’s what I loved about it.

You’ll likely pass cacao trees, learn how rubber is tapped, maybe visit a small school or see brown sugar being made the traditional way.

If you’re spending a few days exploring Bukit Lawang, Sumatra, this is a good way to balance out the adventure with something slower and more meaningful.

6. Visit a Waterfall or Soak in the Hot Springs

If you want jungle scenery without committing to a full trek, a waterfall or hot springs visit is a softer alternative.

There are a few guided half-day hikes from Bukit Lawang that lead to hidden waterfalls tucked inside the forest. You’ll still get a taste of Gunung Leuser National Park, just without the long climbs and overnight camping.

Some tours combine a short jungle walk with a stop at Simolap Hot Springs, where you can soak and relax after the hike.

It’s less intense, more leisurely and a good option if you’re travelling with family or simply want something easier on the legs.

If jungle trekking isn’t your thing (or you’ve already done it), this is another great thing to do in Bukit Lawang at a slower pace.

7. Take a Day Trip to Tangkahan Hidden Paradise

If you’re staying a few days extra in the region, a trip to Tangkahan is worth considering.

Around two hours away, this small village sits deeper inside Gunung Leuser National Park and is an ecotourism destination and home to Sumatran elephants.

Here, you can observe rehabilitated elephants and learn about their role in forest protection. You can choose to join the daily river bathing ritual, or if you prefer, simply watch from a distance.

Personally, I’d recommend doing your research beforehand and deciding what level of interaction feels right for you.

Even without hands-on activities, Tangkahan itself is peaceful and far less visited than Bukit Lawang, making it a beautiful place to spend a slower day immersed in nature with waterfalls, caves and hot springs.

8. Try a Local Creative Workshop

If you’re staying a little longer and want something hands-on, Bukit Lawang has a few small creative workshops worth checking out.

You can learn coconut carving, bamboo weaving or wood carving from local artisans, all using traditional techniques and simple tools.

I loved that these workshops feel personal rather than commercial; you’re usually learning directly from the person who makes the crafts you see around the village.

It’s not something everyone comes here for, but if you enjoy making something meaningful instead of buying it, this is a lovely Bukit Lawang activity to add to your stay.

BOOK: These ones available at Bukit Lawang Jungle Trekking sound great!

9. Visit the Friday Local Market

If your visit lines up with a Friday, head to the local market near Gotong Royong bus station.

It’s not polished or designed for tourists, and that’s exactly why it’s worth seeing. Stalls are piled high with fresh fruit, spices, fish and traditional medicines, and it feels like a proper slice of daily life rather than an attraction.

I loved wandering without a plan, picking up snacks and just watching the rhythm of the place.

If you’re looking for what to do in Bukit Lawang beyond organised tours, this is a simple but authentic option.

A tuk-tuk from the riverside costs around 20,000 IDR one way, or you can walk if you don’t mind the heat.

10. Take an Authentic Indonesian Cooking Class

Cooking classes are always my go-to when I want to understand a place beyond the surface, and Bukit Lawang was no different.

I ended up doing a private class with a local chef and learnt how to cook some of my favourite Indonesian dishes, including a proper rendang curry that still lives rent-free in my mind.

For around 250,000 IDR, I got hands-on instruction, fresh ingredients and far too much food at the end. It’s relaxed, intimate and a lovely contrast to the sweat and chaos of jungle trekking.

If you’re staying more than a night or two, this is one of the most enjoyable Bukit Lawang activities for connecting with the local community. Plus, you leave with skills you’ll actually use again, which is more than I can say for most souvenirs.

If you’re building a varied itinerary, this deserves a spot on your list of things to do in Bukit Lawang.

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Trip Practicalities for Visiting Bukit Lawang, Sumatra

Where to Stay in Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is a small riverside village, and most accommodation sits along the Bohorok River. Staying here means you’re within easy walking distance of restaurants, cafés, and the main path through town; everything is compact and simple to navigate.

Riverside guesthouses offer the most atmosphere, often with balconies overlooking the water. It’s where the village feels most alive in the evenings.

If you prefer something quieter, there are a few properties slightly uphill with jungle or river views. They’re more peaceful, but the walk back up can feel steep in the heat.

Overall, accommodation in Bukit Lawang is relaxed and unpretentious. You won’t find luxury resorts, but you will find comfortable stays in a beautiful natural setting.

Best Places to Eat in Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang isn’t a foodie destination. Most restaurants sit along the riverside, so you’ll likely end up eating close to where you’re staying.

Here are the places I kept going back to:

• Kapal Bambu: Great river views and a relaxed setting.
• The Garden Café: We once spotted an orangutan across the river while eating breakfast here. Bring binoculars if you have them.
• The Aussie Inn: Go for the rendang curry.
• Sam’s Bungalow: Huge, fluffy pancakes and a cosy riverside vibe.
• The Jungle Inn: Try the deep-fried cheese with chocolate (Chomotik). It sounds strange. It works.

Most places close fairly early, and menus are similar across the village, so don’t overthink it.

How to Get to Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is located around 90 km northwest of Medan in North Sumatra.

From Medan (or Kualanamu International Airport), you have three main options:

• Public bus (cheapest but slowest)
• Shared tourist shuttle (most common choice)
• Private transfer (most comfortable and easiest after a long flight)

The journey takes around 3–4 hours depending on traffic. The final stretch of road is bumpy, so if you’re arriving late, I’d recommend arranging transport in advance.

👉 For a detailed breakdown of routes, prices and step-by-step instructions, see my full transport guide here.

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Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Bukit Lawang

I came to Bukit Lawang for the orangutans, but what surprised me most was how easy it was to slow down here. Between the river swims, lazy breakfasts and jungle walks, it felt less like a stop on an itinerary and more like somewhere to properly pause.

If you’re heading to Bukit Lawang, Sumatra, don’t rush it. Stay a little longer than planned, you might end up doing the same.

Thank you for reading my post. You can find my latest stories and articles on my blog homepage here. Follow me on Instagram (@abigailcarolina.dalton) and Facebook to see what I’m getting up to and where my upcoming trips are.

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FAQs About Things to Do in Bukit Lawang

How many days do you need in Bukit Lawang?
Three to four days is ideal. Two days allow time for jungle trekking, but staying longer gives you space to relax by the river and explore more Bukit Lawang activities. If you’re travelling slowly, you could easily spend a week here.

Is Bukit Lawang expensive?
No, Bukit Lawang is generally budget-friendly. Accommodation and food are affordable, but jungle trekking is the main expense. Multi-day treks increase costs, while other Bukit Lawang activities remain reasonably priced.

When is the best time to visit Bukit Lawang?
The best time to visit Bukit Lawang is during the drier months, roughly May to September, when jungle trails are less muddy, and river levels are more manageable. That said, this is a rainforest, humidity is high year-round and short downpours can happen at any time.

Is Bukit Lawang safe?
Yes, Bukit Lawang is generally safe for travellers. It’s a small village with a relaxed atmosphere, and most activities are organised through experienced local guides. The biggest risks are minor: slippery jungle trails, river currents or insect bites, rather than crime.

Does Bukit Lawang Have Internet? 
Yes, Bukit Lawang has internet connectivity, and I found that the Wifi was great, contrary to other reviews. Most of the restaurants will have internet for you to use, you will not find it a problem; however, it might be slower at times, especially if there are lots of people using it.