What do I need for a trek? What should I bring to Bukit Lawang? What should I wear? All your trekking questions, answered.
Here at Orangutan Trekking, we care about our customers. We want to ensure that you are fully prepared for your trek in the Gunung Leuser National Park! See below what you need for travelling to Bukit Lawang and North Sumatra.
What should I bring for Trekking?
Need a packing checklist? We've got you covered!
Depending on the amount of time you'll be trekking your checklist will vary. We have separated everything you'll need from a half day trek to a full 5 day trek. If you are trekking for longer than a day, please remember to pack from all of the list.
Half day to one day trek:
Raincoat
1 small backpack (30-35 liters)
Hat or cap, sunglasses
Sunscreen, mosquito repellent for body & clothes
Camera, mobile phone, flashlight and powerbank
1 big bottle of water (minimum 1.5 liters), LifeStraw is a handy one to have!
Overnight +
Swimming suit and towel
Flip flops/sandals, these are great for around the campsites!
First aid kit: plasters, medicine eg. anti diarrhea tablets, dehydration salt, aspirin/painkillers (our guides will have one, but just in case!)
Change of clothes, and warmer clothes for night time (it can get cooler at night)
Blowing pillow or something for your neck to sleep if needed (pillow not provided)
Toiletries: Shampoo/soap, toothpaste/toothbrush, toilet paper/tissues
What should I wear for Trekking?
You can wear anything you are comfortable in for trekking, however we suggest wearing a light T-shirt, long trousers and long socks for the trek. While you are more than welcome to wear shorts during your trek through the jungle, we suggest long pants and socks as there are leeches in there are these will provide you an extra layer of protection. Not to worry about the leeches though - they actually clean your blood!
For shoes we would suggest ones that you are comfortable walking in! We have seen people go in the Gunung Leuser National Park wearing Converse, sport shoes, or full on hiking boots. It truly is up to your preference however, keep in mind that this isn't a paved path and there will be tree roots and slippery patches (it's a rainforest after all!).
Finally, for those who are staying overnight, as mentioned above we'd highly recommend bringing a warmer set of clothes for the night time and others that you can relax in. A pair of flip flops and a swimsuit are highly recommended!
What is the campsite like for Orangutan Trekking?
Each campsite is unique in it's own way, and depends on the amount of days you will be trekking. For the 1-3 day treks, the campsite will be set up for you arrival. As seen below, you will have a covered area with a small sponge mattress with sheets and a blanket. All campsites also include a mosquito net, keep those mozzies out!
For treks longer than 3 days, the campsites become a little more rustic. Our guides will build the campsite on arrival and build a fire ready for the chef to work his magic.
Top Tip: Want to have a Bintang Beer at your campsite? Let us know in advance, and we can make it happen!
Is there food provided on the trek?
Yes absolutely! Included in the cost of the trekking, a dedicated chef will be joining you at the campsites, and have food ready for your journey through the day. Get ready to have your bellies full as there is always more than enough to go around! Have special dietary requirements? No worries, just let us know beforehand and we can sort you something out.
Is water provided?
We recommend bringing your own water bottle and we will refill it at each campsite. Only doing a one day trek? A 1.5L water bottle should suffice, but our guides are always carrying more just in case.
What else should I bring to Bukit Lawang?
Cash! Not in a 'you need to spend loads of money' way, but more 'there isn't an ATM in Bukit Lawang' type of way. There is an ATM located about a 10 minute motorbike ride away in Bohorok, and we'd be more than happy to give you a lift there if you do run out. So other than that, just bring yourself! Bukit Lawang has lots to offer outside of trekking too! Coming on a Saturday? Bring your dancing shoes! Bukit Lawang comes alive with the sounds of music and is always great for a bit of a boogie.
Have more questions?
If you have more questions that we haven't answered, please get in touch and we will answer them as best we can!
Comments