Getting to Bukit Lawang
Bukit Lawang is a long way from most places, but the journey is easy to plan. You fly into Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. From there, it's around a four hour drive to the village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park. Here's how to get there.
Step 1: Flying to Medan
The closest international airport is Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), near Medan.
There are no direct flights from Europe. You'll first fly to a major hub in Southeast Asia and then take a short connecting flight to Medan. The most common hubs are:
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Kuala Lumpur (e.g. AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines)
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Singapore (e.g. Singapore Airlines, Scoot)
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Jakarta (e.g. Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air)
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To reach these hubs, you can fly with Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha or Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, for example.
The easiest way to compare fares is on Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kayak.
Travel time from Europe: around 17 to 22 hours, depending on your route and layovers.
Tip: If you book your long haul and connecting flights separately, leave at least three to four hours between them. With separate tickets, the airline isn't obliged to rebook you for free if your first flight is delayed.
Step 2: From the airport to Bukit Lawang
Option A: Private transfer (our recommendation for families)
We're happy to arrange a private transfer for you from the airport or from Medan to Bukit Lawang. You'll be picked up and won't need to worry about anything else. Journey time: 3 to 4 hours from Medan, a little longer from the airport.
Option B: Public transport
From the airport, first take the airport train (Railink) or a bus into Medan. From there, head to Pinang Baris bus terminal, where buses leave regularly for Bukit Lawang. You can also take a bus to Binjai and change to a minibus to Bukit Lawang there. It's the cheapest option and suits anyone travelling light with a bit of time to spare. Journey time from Medan: 4 to 6 hours, depending on traffic.
Good to know: Cars and buses can't drive into the village centre, so the journey ends at the village entrance. From there it's about a 10 to 15 minute walk, or we can pick you up by scooter.
Step 3: Arriving in Bukit Lawang
The village is small and easy to explore. Most guesthouses sit right on the river. If you're staying at the Garden Inn or another place we've recommended, you'll be welcomed on arrival and can settle in at your own pace.
Tip for your first day: Don't start trekking straight after the long journey. Walk through the village, have a fresh juice by the river and get used to the heat and the sounds of the jungle. If you're lucky, you might spot an orangutan in the trees across the river without leaving the village.
Exploring more of Sumatra
Want to combine Bukit Lawang with other destinations, such as Lake Toba or the island of Pulau Weh near Banda Aceh? Domestic flights from Medan connect to many destinations across Indonesia, with airlines including Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air and Lion Air. Lake Toba is also easy to reach by road.
Tip: Book domestic flights as early as possible or keep your dates flexible. Prices and availability can change a lot.
