PROTECTING THE RAINFOREST & ITS WILDLIFE
The jungle is not a playground — it is a living home for endangered species. Every step we take in the rainforest leaves an impact. The way we behave determines whether tourism becomes a threat or a force for protection. Here’s how we can keep the jungle pristine and the wildlife safe:
OUR ETHICAL JUNGLE COMMITMENT
Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the last places on Earth where wild Sumatran orangutans still live freely. Fewer than 6,500 orangutans remain in the wild today, This rainforest is not just beautiful — it is a fragile ecosystem where every plant, tree, insect, and animal depends on each other to survive. With ongoing threats like deforestation and palm oil expansion, protecting this jungle is more important than ever. Bukit Lawang is committed to responsible eco-tourism. That’s why trekking inside the national park is only allowed with licensed guides. Every visitor plays a role in protecting this incredible habitat, Together, we can help ensure that future generations will still have a chance to see wild orangutans in their natural home.
Let's protect & save the less than 6500 Sumatran Orangutans left!
JUNGLE RULES – PROTECT NATURE, PROTECT WILDLIFE
1. Small Groups Only
To reduce environmental impact and ensure a better wildlife experience, trekking groups are limited to a maximum of 6 people.
2. No Touching Wildlife
Orangutans share 96.5% of their DNA with humans. They can easily catch human illnesses — even a simple flu can be fatal for them.
Never touch orangutans or any wildlife.
3. Do Not Trek if You Are Sick
If you feel unwell, please inform us and postpone your trek. Protecting wildlife health is our top priority.
4. Absolutely No Feeding
Feeding orangutans changes their natural behavior and threatens their survival.
Even if you see others doing it — we strictly prohibit this practice.
5. Keep a Safe Distance
Maintain at least 10 meters distance from orangutans.
Stay calm, avoid loud noises, do not imitate animal sounds, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Observation time should be limited to avoid stress to the animals.
6. Respect Their Space
Never position yourself between two orangutans — especially between a mother and her baby or a male and female during mating season.
7. Leave Nature Untouched
Do not pick plants, fruits, seeds, or leaves. The rainforest ecosystem is interconnected and extremely delicate.
8. Reduce Waste
We operate under a strict low-waste policy. Bring back everything you carry into the jungle. We will ensure all waste is properly recycled in Bukit Lawang.
9. Leave No Trace
No littering — no tissues, plastic, food scraps, or cigarette butts.
Help us keep the jungle cleaner than we found it.
10. Trek Only With Licensed Guides
Entering the jungle without a certified guide is illegal and dangerous.
TREK WITH LICENSED & RESPONSIBLE GUIDES
Not all trekking operators follow ethical standards. Some work with unlicensed guides or engage in harmful practices such as feeding wildlife or allowing oversized groups.
We proudly work only with local guides certified by ITGA-HPI (Indonesian Tourist Guides Association). Our guides are experienced, knowledgeable, and fully committed to responsible eco-tourism.
Not all trekking operators follow ethical standards. Some work with unlicensed guides or engage in harmful practices such as feeding wildlife or allowing oversized groups.
- Protecting endangered wildlife
- Preserving the rainforest ecosystem
- Supporting local communities
- Choosing ethical and sustainable tourism
