Trekking With Orangutans in Sumatra: The Final Information

Orangutans are one of many principal attracts for visiting locations like Sumatra, one of many largest islands in Indonesia. I got here right here as a part of a weekend journey from Bali which is after all top-of-the-line locations on this planet (I completely love residing in Bali). Sumatra was additionally a brand new island for me after I had already visited different islands in Indonesia like Lombok and Java for Borobudur.

Having already trekked with the gorillas in Africa, not as soon as however twice in two completely different locations, it was solely a matter of time earlier than I visited the opposite massive primate species of the world. Whereas my experiences trekking with the mountain gorillas in Uganda in addition to the Japanese lowland gorillas within the DRC have been completely unbelievable, trekking with Orangutans in Sumatra was its personal distinctive expertise.

This submit will go into element about my experiences trekking with these magnificent creatures and find out how to plan your our journey. It’s fairly a easy course of (and tremendous low cost) to e book an orangutan trekking expertise in Indonesia!

The place to search out Orangutans in Asia?

Orangutans are these days solely discovered within the area of north Sumatra in Indonesia and within the Sabah space of Borneo in Malaysia. Orangutans have been far more widespread in years previous occupying areas like Java and the Malaysian mainland however have seen its numbers dip pricipitously on account of deforestation. It’s a tragic state of affairs because the palm oil business has successfully destroyed plenty of the orangutan’s habitat.

Sumatra vs Borneo Orangutans

Sumatran and Bornean orangutans are two distinct populations of orangutans. They’ve varied variations which I’ll clarify within the beneath.

Geographic Distribution: Sumatran orangutans are discovered completely on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, whereas Bornean orangutans inhabit the island of Borneo, shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Bodily Variations: Sumatran orangutans are usually smaller in measurement and have longer, lighter reddish-brown hair. Bornean orangutans are typically bigger, with shorter and darker reddish-brown hair.

Habits: Sumatran orangutans are extra solitary, usually main solitary lives and having fewer social interactions. In distinction, Bornean orangutans exhibit a extra versatile social construction and could be extra sociable, typically interacting in small teams. As well as, Sumatran orangutans reside and function within the timber whereas their Bornean cousins are extra usually discovered on the bottom. That is due to the Sumatran tiger which is the primary predator for the Sumatran orangutan that’s not present in Borneo.

Vary and Habitat: Sumatran orangutans inhabit the montane and lowland rainforests of northern Sumatra, whereas Bornean orangutans are present in a broader vary of habitats, together with peat-swamp forests, riverine forests, and hill dipterocarp forests.

Conservation Standing: Each species are critically endangered on account of habitat loss and poaching, however Sumatran orangutans have a smaller inhabitants measurement and a extra restricted vary, making them notably susceptible.

Genetic Variations: Genetic research have recognized variations of their DNA, reinforcing their distinct species standing.

Food plan and Foraging: Each species primarily devour fruits, leaves, and different plant supplies. Bornean orangutans are identified to have a broader weight loss plan and are extra adaptable of their meals decisions.

Vocalizations: Orangutans talk by vocalizations, with each species sharing some calls and sounds. Nevertheless, variations of their particular vocalizations might help distinguish between them.

Facial Flanges: Grownup male orangutans of each species develop facial flanges, that are massive cheek pads manufactured from fatty tissue. Bornean males typically have bigger and extra pronounced flanges, though each species exhibit this attribute.

Why Orangutan Trekking in Sumatra is Distinctive

Sumatra’s rainforests are among the many most biodiverse and enchanting on this planet. What makes orangutan trekking in Sumatra notably distinctive are the next elements

1. The Sumatran Orangutan:

Sumatra is house to the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, one of the iconic primate species on this planet. This distinct species is smaller and rarer than its Bornean cousin, making it a novel and privileged encounter.

2. Lush Rainforests:

The Sumatran rainforests, a part of the bigger Leuser Ecosystem, present an beautiful backdrop on your journey. The verdant, numerous, and pristine forests are a haven for numerous wildlife species, not simply orangutans.

3. Moral Wildlife Viewing:

Accountable tourism is on the core of orangutan trekking in Sumatra. Guides and tour operators comply with strict moral tips to make sure the well-being of orangutans and their habitats.

4. Shut Encounters:

The guided treks provide an opportunity to come back inside shut proximity to orangutans, offering an intimate and memorable expertise with these outstanding creatures.

5. Supporting Conservation:

By taking part in orangutan trekking excursions, you contribute to the conservation of this endangered species and their habitats. The funds generated usually go towards native conservation efforts.

6. Immerse in Native Tradition:

The trekking expertise additionally lets you interact with native communities and find out about their traditions and lifestyle. It’s a cultural and ecological journey in a single.

7. Unforgettable Recollections:

The sheer uniqueness of the expertise, the outstanding sightings, and the sense of being in a world far faraway from city life make this journey an unforgettable reminiscence that may final a lifetime.

The place to go trekking with orangutans in Sumatra?

The journey begins along with your arrival in Sumatra, and the closest main gateway is Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. Medan’s Kualanamu Worldwide Airport is well-connected with each home and worldwide flights, making it a handy place to begin on your journey. All orangutan treks will begin from the city of Bukit Lawang.

Upon arrival in Medan, you’ve a number of choices to succeed in the orangutan trekking vacation spot:

Hiring a Non-public Automobile

Some of the comfy methods to journey from Medan to Bukit Lawang is by hiring a non-public automotive. The journey takes roughly 3-4 hours, relying on visitors circumstances. Non-public automobiles present flexibility and luxury, however it may be a dearer possibility. As a result of it’s Indonesia and so they have sponsored gasoline costs, you received’t have to pay a lot for this drive.

You possibly can anticipate to pay about 700k-1m IDR relying in your negotiation abilities which could be very low cost contemplating how far you’re driving.

Public Bus

Another and extra budget-friendly possibility is to take a public bus from Medan to Bukit Lawang. Whereas this mode of transportation could be much less luxurious, it lets you expertise native life and gives price financial savings.

Planning Your Orangutan Trek

When you’ve reached Bukit Lawang, you’re on the doorstep of the Gunung Leuser Nationwide Park, the first orangutan habitat in Sumatra. Now it’s time to plan your trekking journey.

Discovering a Tour Operator or Information for the orangutan hike

Whereas it’s doable to discover the park independently, it’s extremely beneficial to e book a tour or rent a educated information. Skilled guides are accustomed to the rainforest, the orangutans’ habits, and may guarantee your security all through the journey. To decide on the correct information or tour operator:

• Search for suggestions and opinions from fellow vacationers.
• Choose operators who prioritize accountable and eco-friendly tourism practices.
• Ask concerning the measurement of the teams they lead and the kind of treks they provide to make sure it aligns along with your preferences.

Ultimately, we simply had our guesthouse prepare the trekking and information for us. There are such a lot of tour operators that do the journey however we needed to maintain it easy and trusted our visitor home to the do the work.

The place to remain in Bakit Lawang

There are a plethora of locations to remain in Bakit Lawang in all value ranges that give you tremendous shut proximity to the orangutan treks. Be aware that there isn’t a lot happening within the village right here so it’s unlikely you’ll depart your guesthouse a lot to discover the city because it’s not that sort of place.

I ended up staying at Sam’s Bungalows which was very spacious and cozy. The worth was additionally very affordable and the rooms are enormous.

The meals on the restaurant was additionally superb with unbelievable beef rendang which is native to this space. That is additionally one in every of my favourite dishes in your entire world when it’s carried out proper.

Mountaineering by the rainforest of Bukit Lawang

The rainforest of Bukit Lawang teems with unbelievable wildlife. Throughout our two treks, we had the privilege of encountering a various array of creatures. Our sightings included orangutans, gibbons, Thomas Leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, colossal ants, and a wide ranging banyan tree that was actually spectacular. The jungle unveiled many extra enchanting sights as we ventured deeper into its coronary heart.

Throughout the boundaries of the nationwide park, the probabilities are much more intriguing. Fortunate adventurers would possibly catch glimpses of uncommon birds, the elusive Sumatran tigers, rhinoceros, elephants, solar bears, pig-tailed macaques, in addition to reptiles like vipers, cobras, and kraits. The biodiversity is just astounding.

Guidelines earlier than climbing

As this jungle is an integral a part of the Gunung Leuser Nationwide Park and residential to endangered species, there are particular guidelines that guests are anticipated to stick to:

• By no means enter the park and not using a information. For those who go for a trekking bundle, you’ll be accompanied by two educated guides always. Their function is to make sure your security within the jungle and supply insights concerning the Sumatran Orangutan and different wildlife.
• All the time receive the required permits earlier than coming into the park. Your information from Bukit Lawang will deal with this for you.
• Preserve a secure distance of at the least 10 meters from wild animals. Whereas animals could often disregard this rule and are available nearer, it’s essential to respect their house.
• Not at all must you feed or contact wild animals. Human interplay can result in dependency or the transmission of ailments, posing a risk to the animals, together with the Sumatran Orangutan.
• By no means depart any trash behind within the Nationwide Park. The significance of this rule is self-evident, and fortunately, throughout our treks, we didn’t come throughout any litter within the pristine jungle.

Trekking to see the orangutans

The Bukit Lawang jungle trekking expertise presents journey and pure magnificence, nevertheless it’s vital to be ready for a number of challenges. Whereas it’s not excessively demanding, it’s extra strenuous than one would possibly anticipate.

Bukit Lawang has its share of steep hills that may definitely give your legs a exercise. Moreover, the terrain could be muddy and sometimes difficult on account of thorns and leeches. Furthermore, the daytime humidity could be fairly intense.

Nevertheless, don’t let these challenges deter you. They’re an integral a part of the expertise and add to the journey. For those who’re unsure about your health stage, you would possibly contemplate choosing the 1-day trek as a substitute of the 2-day trek.

Tenting

After a day of trekking, we indulged in a refreshing soak within the clearwater creek, an ideal approach to cleanse and funky off within the midst of the jungle. The camp setup is straightforward, with a small 2-person tent inside a bigger bamboo shelter the place the guides and cooks can keep.

Upon waking up the next morning after your trek, your Bukit Lawang information will give you a alternative between strolling again to city or embarking on a river tubing journey. Though we selected to not go rafting, I now remorse the choice. River tubing presents a novel perspective of the jungle that you just received’t expertise on foot.

Meals on the trek

The jungle day treks sometimes embrace lunch, whereas 2-day treks additionally provide dinner and breakfast. The meals we loved throughout our treks weren’t solely satisfying however scrumptious. Lunch consisted of fried rice, egg, crackers, and a number of fruits like banana, pineapple, and watermelon.

Dinner launched us to a variety of Indonesian dishes, together with rooster curry and perkedel (potato truffles), in addition to fried fish and rice, complemented by an assortment of veggies. Breakfast mirrored lunch however supplied a alternative between tea or espresso.

Trekking firms can accommodate particular dietary preferences or restrictions, offered you inform them a day prematurely. Your culinary wants are properly taken care of throughout the journey.

Orangutans are critically endangered

The Sumatran Orangutan faces a dire scenario, being categorised as critically endangered with fewer than 15,000 people surviving within the wild. The first wrongdoer behind this disaster is the widespread destruction of their habitats, pushed by the enlargement of palm oil plantations.

Over the previous 75 years, the Sumatran Orangutan inhabitants has witnessed a staggering 80% decline, and sadly, this downward development is anticipated to persist except substantial modifications happen in each Indonesia and Malaysia.

Whereas the Indonesian authorities has designated orangutans as a protected species, enforcement stays lax, even in instances of unlawful killings. The prioritization of palm oil farming is rooted in its financial worth, overshadowing conservation efforts.

Indonesia, nonetheless grappling with financial disparities, particularly in areas like Sumatra the place tourism hasn’t gained substantial traction, finds itself swayed by monetary incentives. Regrettably, this motivation perpetuates actions like palm oil cultivation, unlawful logging, and the illicit wildlife commerce.

Nevertheless, there’s a glimmer of hope. As tourism positive factors momentum in locations just like the Bukit Lawang orangutan sanctuary, the inflow of vacationer income could encourage the implementation of correct safeguards for these outstanding creatures, securing their future for generations to come back.

How a lot does it price to trek with orangutans in Sumatra?

In terms of experiencing the Sumatran Orangutan in Bukit Lawang, most vacationers go for both the 1-day trek at roughly 850k IDR per particular person or the 2-day trek at 1.5m IDR per particular person. Notably, the pricing for Bukit Lawang trekking adventures is sort of constant throughout varied tour firms.

Whereas there are alternatives for treks that stretch as much as 7 days, which grant you deeper entry into the jungle, it’s vital to lift moral considerations. These prolonged treks could encroach on the habitats of critically endangered species such because the Sumatran Tiger and Sumatran Rhino, which desperately require as a lot undisturbed house as doable.

It’s value noting that the Sumatran rainforests have already considerably diminished on account of palm oil plantations and unlawful logging, and this alarming development reveals no indicators of abating. Shockingly, there are fewer than 100 Sumatran Rhinos left within the wild.

In my private opinion, the 1-day trek in Bukit Lawang presents the most effective worth on your cash. It requires the least bodily exertion and has the least affect on the fragile ecosystem. Throughout our 1-day trek, we have been lucky to come across quite a few orangutans and different wildlife.

For those who’ve been gorilla trekking in Africa, then these costs are in all probability a little bit of a hallelujah second. I keep in mind paying about $600 USD for my gorilla allow in Uganda for the mountain gorillas and about $400 for the gorilla allow to see the lowland gorillas of the DRC. Though Indonesia is much wealthier as a nation than Uganda or the DRC, by some means the costs are only a tiny fraction of that of Africa.

When is the most effective time to go to Bukit Lawang

Gunung Leuser Nationwide Park boasts a tropical rainforest local weather that deviates from the standard climate patterns seen in the remainder of Indonesia. You possibly can confer with an in depth month-to-month breakdown for particular climate insights.

As for the most effective time to go to, it’s important to grasp that each month in Bukit Lawang comes with its share of rain, because it’s nestled inside a rainforest. Whereas the driest months are sometimes February, March, June, and July, it’s value noting that the rainfall stays significantly greater than in additional arid areas like Bali.

Throughout our personal go to in December, the climate proved favorable for trekking. Showers sometimes occurred within the evenings or at night time and infrequently lasted quite a lot of hours at a stretch.

It’s value mentioning that almost all of vacationers select to embark on their Bukit Lawang jungle treks between June and August, marking the excessive season. Throughout this era, a whole bunch of trekkers set out every day. For those who favor a quieter and extra intimate expertise, you would possibly need to contemplate visiting throughout a unique month to keep away from the crowds.

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