Hi Everyone,

Any traveller spending time in Bukit Lawang should be aware of a number of young inexperienced guides who are undercutting the trekking price set by the Guides Assocation and getting travellers to take treks with them. This is resulting in some rather disturbing experiences for naive travellers.

These young men are also LYING to travellers down by the river that ALL the accomodation up the river namely Jungle Inn, Jungle Tribe, Sam's Bungalows, Rain Forest, GreenHill, Indah Inn and so on have closed down.

This is a BLATANT LIE.  All the accomodation up the river pathway is OPEN for business and you will meet many of the most experienced guides at the guest houses mnetioned above who will know exactly what to do if something unexpected happens in the jungle. The jungle is not your back yard- it can be dangerous and unexpected things can happen, but an experienced guide can take control of any situation and look after your safety.

Read the following post taken from LP Thorn Tree Forum which illustrates what can happen if you do not choose the correct guide to take you into the jungle. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1875554&messageID=16786918#16786918

Pamela.