The half-day trek is designed for people who perhaps do not want to spend a full day walking, or who do not have a full day to spare in Bukit Lawang. We still should see orangutans, although there is never any guarantee on any trek. You will spend three hours or so in the jungle.
Our expert guides will guide you in a group of no more than six people (unless your own group is larger than this size) to maximise the quality of your wildlife encounter. They will point out some of the many species of animal, bird and medicinal plants that you will see in the forest.
Some major species commonly seen:
* Sumatran orangutan
* Thomas's langur (Thomas leaf monkey) - unique to northern Sumatra
* Silvery lutung (silver leaf monkey)
* Wreathed hornbill
* Siamang (black gibbon)
* Sumatran lar gibbon (white-handed gibbon)
* Crab-eating macaque (long-tailed macaque)
* Southern pig-tailed macaque
* Sunda slow loris
* Wild boar (banded pig)
* Water monitor
* Great argus (Sumatran peacock)
* Reticulated python
* Wagler's pit viper
* Asiatic softshell turtle
* Red giant flying squirrel
* Malayan giant squirrel
* Lesser mouse-deer
Other species present, but rare to see:
* Sumatran tiger
* Sumatran rhinoceros
* Sumatran elephant
* Malayan sun bear
* Clouded leopard
Our route takes us into the jungle, south of the Bohorok river, covering a few kilometres of ground.
Note: itinerary is indicative only, variations are possible due to weather conditions (in the rainy season we may ask you to make an earlier start, but it is not essential as we can continue even in heavy rain) and the characteristics of the group (e.g., we can make the trek longer or shorter according to your physical condition).
Morning (note: we can start the trek at any time between 7am and 2pm, however note minimum group sizes (you have the option to pay extra, with a smaller group)):
9am: Your guide will meet you at your guesthouse, and you will join with the other guests joining the trek (if applicable, and there won't be more than six people in your group).
9:15am (approximate): Walk to the entrance to the national park, near the Ecolodge guesthouse.
9:30am (approximate): Enter into the national park, trek through the jungle, keeping an eye out for wildlife including of course orangutans.
10:30am - 10 minute break inside the jungle - eat bananas
12pm: board the jungle raft down the Bohorok river back to the village - around 30 minutes (option: walk back instead). We exit the river next to Wisma Sibayak guesthouse.
1pm: end of trek.
What to bring
You need to bring a small backpack containing swimsuit (if you are returning by rafting), mosquito repellent, sun block, and camera.
You also need to bring at least one large (1.5l) bottle of water, for each person, this you can buy locally for around $0.50.
Jungle clothing choices are flexible. You can wear either long or short clothing, longer clothing will keep the sun and mosquitoes away, but it needs to be lightweight as the weather is hot (around 30C) and humidity is near 100%.
Footwear is quite important - never wear new shoes on a trip, please 'break them in', by wearing them first for a week or two, so that they don't cause blisters. You can be sure that your shoes will get wet in the jungle. For this reason avoid 'Gore-Tex' waterproof shoes, as these are designed to keep water out, which means that once they get wet (which they will), they will never dry get dry. Lightweight walking shoes or walking sandals (not flip-flops) are a good choice. Boots might be too hot for our conditions. If you are wearing sandals, please ensure that they are not slippery between your feet and the shoe when wet, as you can expect to walk through streams, etc., in them and they will get wet, and if they are slippery it makes it impossible to walk up any hill.
Orangutans and other wildlife are susceptible to human illnesses. Please do not feed them or touch them.
Restrictions
The trip requires an average or better level of fitness. Paths can be steep and/or slippery. Our assistants will try to help you if you need a hand, but you are responsible for your own personal safety and your fitness to travel.
Children of any age are permitted. We may be able to help younger children, but all children should be able to walk for several hours. For a family of four or larger we will provide a private group to help tailor the trip to your children's needs.
Extras
You have a choice for your return down the river to go by our jungle raft, or by walking.
Included
Fruit snack, guide(s), National Park admission fee
Excluded
Meals (eat before and/or after your trek), personal items