Why we do what we do – and how we do it

Gunung Leuser National Park, the rainforest around Bukit Lawang and its inhabitants – orangutans, hornbills, gibbons, and so many more – are not simply a backdrop for tourism. They are a living, fragile ecosystem that we consider a privilege to be part of. And that privilege comes with responsibility.

Here we explain what ethical travel means to us – in concrete terms.

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Our Approach to Wildlife

Orangutans are wild animals. They are not tame, not docile and not a photo opportunity on demand. Contact with humans can cause them stress – and in the worst cases, lead to the transmission of diseases that can be dangerous for them.

That is why the following rules apply without exception:

• We do not feed wildlife. Not even with "natural" foods.

• We keep our distance. At least 10 metres from orangutans – more is better.

• We do not touch wildlife. And we do not tolerate guests attempting to do so.

• We stay calm. No shouting, no waving, no flash photography.

• We respect the animal, not the photo. A good sighting from a distance is worth more than a close-up selfie.

These rules apply to all animals in the jungle – monkeys, reptiles, birds and everything in between.

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Caring for the Rainforest

The jungle is not a theme park – it is a living ecosystem. What sounds obvious is not always obvious in practice:

• No litter in the jungle. Whatever we bring in, we carry back out.

• No picking or taking plants. Even beautiful flowers belong in the forest.

• No shortcuts off the designated paths. Shortcuts damage vegetation and root systems.

• No fires without guide supervision. Campfires are only made at designated spots.

On every tour, we actively collect any litter we come across – regardless of who left it. A small gesture with a real impact.

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Supporting the Local Community

Tourism can be a force for good – or a force that displaces local structures. We consciously choose the former.

Local guides: All our guides are from the region. They have known the jungle since childhood, speak the language of the local community and are a direct channel for the economic benefits of tourism.

Local products and services: We buy food at the local market, recommend locally owned restaurants and accommodation, and work with local transport providers.

Fair wages: Our guides are paid fairly. We believe that good tourism only works when the people on the ground genuinely benefit from it – not as a backdrop, but as equal partners.

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Group Size & Tour Quality

We deliberately avoid mass tourism. Large groups mean more noise, more stress for the animals and a less personal experience for guests.

That is why we keep our group sizes intentionally small. Every tour stays individual, immersive and respectful – towards nature and towards our guests.

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What We Ask of our Guests

We ask everyone who travels with us to share these values – or at the very least to respect them. Not out of obligation, but out of genuine conviction.

Those who understand why these guidelines exist will not experience them as restrictions – but as part of the experience itself. Because real encounters with nature only happen when you give it space.

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Together for the Rainforest

Every tour we offer is a small statement: that tourism and conservation can go hand in hand. That travelling can mean leaving something behind that is better than you found it.

Thank you for walking this path with us.