HOW TO GET TO BUKIT LAWANG
Sumatra is not just a place you visit — it’s a journey through wild rainforests, volcanic landscapes, ancient cultures, and untouched islands. While many travelers choose mainstream destinations, North Sumatra offers something different: authenticity, raw beauty, and real adventure. Here, nature still leads the way, and every region feels unique. If you’re wondering what else to explore beyond the jungle, here are our favorite travel ideas in North Sumatra:
What Else to Explore in North Sumatra?
Bukit Lawang is located in North Sumatra, approximately 3 to 5 hours from Kualanamu International Airport (Medan), depending on traffic conditions.
Reaching Bukit Lawang is simple with the right planning — and we’re happy to help make your journey smooth and stress-free.
JUNGLE RULES – PROTECT NATURE, PROTECT WILDLIFE
Fly to North Sumatra
Your destination airport is Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) near Medan.
The easiest international connections are via:
- Kuala Lumpur
- Singapore
- Jakarta
From these cities, flights to Kualanamu take approximately 1 hour (from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore). Several airlines operate this route daily, often with affordable fares.
Lake Toba is one of Indonesia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, it is today the largest volcanic lake in the world.
Surrounded by green hills, rice fields, and peaceful villages, Lake Toba offers a slower rhythm of travel.
At the center of the lake lies Samosir Island, home of the Batak people and their rich traditions.
Getting to Bukit Lawang
Once you arrive in North Sumatra, your next stop is the small jungle village of
Bukit Lawang, located at the entrance of
Gunung Leuser National Park.
The journey from Kualanamu International Airport (Medan)
takes approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and
time of travel. Early morning, mid-day, or late evening departures
usually take around 3 hours by private car.
From Medan City or Kualanamu Airport
You have two main transportation options:
- Public bus – budget-friendly option
- Private car – direct, comfortable, and flexible
Traveling Around Sumatra?
Bukit Lawang is well connected to other destinations in North Sumatra.
You can travel to and from:
- Berastagi (approx. 5 hours)
- Lake Toba (approx. 7 hours)
- Singkil
- Banda Aceh
Transfers are available by private car or shared tourist minivan.
Arrival in Bukit Lawang
Whether you arrive at Gotong Royong bus station or at the riverside entrance,
we will pick you up.
As most guesthouses are located along the river and accessible only by foot,
we will escort you to your accommodation (around 10–20 minutes walking).
Your luggage will be transported separately by motorbike for your comfort.
The same assistance is provided for your departure to Medan, Berastagi,
Lake Toba, or other destinations.
Getting to Bukit Lawang
Once you arrive in North Sumatra, your next stop is the small jungle village of Bukit Lawang, located at the entrance of Gunung Leuser National Park.
The journey from Kualanamu International Airport (Medan) takes approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and time of travel. Early morning, mid-day, or late evening departures usually take around 3 hours by private car.
From Medan City or Kualanamu Airport
You have two main transportation options:
- Public bus – budget-friendly option
- Private car – direct, comfortable, and flexible
Traveling Around Sumatra?
Bukit Lawang is well connected to other destinations in North Sumatra. You can travel to and from:
- Berastagi (approx. 5 hours)
- Lake Toba (approx. 7 hours)
- Singkil
- Banda Aceh
Transfers are available by private car or shared tourist minivan.
Arrival in Bukit Lawang
Whether you arrive at Gotong Royong bus station or at the riverside entrance, we will pick you up.
As most guesthouses are located along the river and accessible only by foot, we will escort you to your accommodation (around 10–20 minutes walking). Your luggage will be transported separately by motorbike for your comfort.
The same assistance is provided for your departure to Medan, Berastagi, Lake Toba, or other destinations.
From Medan Airport (KNO) to Bukit Lawang
1. Public Transport (Budget Option)
Ideal for travelers seeking a local experience and traveling on a budget.
- Step 1: ALS Bus from Airport to Binjai (~2 hours, approx. 50,000 IDR)
- Step 2: Local bus from Binjai to Bukit Lawang (~3 hours, approx. 30,000 IDR)
- Final short tuk-tuk ride to village entrance (~10,000 IDR)
Note: Bus schedules are not fixed. Last departures are usually between 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
2. Tourist Shared Car
- Departure window: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Travel time: 4–5 hours
- Price: 210,000 IDR per person
- Single traveler: minimum 2 seats (420,000 IDR)
Return departure from Bukit Lawang: 08:30 AM (recommended flight after 2:30 PM).
3. Private Car (Recommended)
- Direct airport pick-up
- Flexible departure time
- Stops possible along the way
- 700,000 IDR per car (max 4 people)
- Vip Toll included (200,000 IDR per way)
From Medan City to Bukit Lawang
1. Public Bus
From Pinang Baris Bus Terminal (~8 km from city center).
- Travel time: 4–5 hours
- Price: approx. 30,000 IDR
- Arrival in Gotong Royong village (5 minutes from Bukit Lawang)
2. Tourist Shared Car
- Hotel pick-up in Medan
- Departure: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Travel time: 4–5 hours
- Price: 150,000 IDR per person
3. Private Car
- Direct hotel pick-up
- Flexible schedule
- 700,000 IDR per car (max 4 people)
- Vip Toll included (200,000 IDR per way)
From / To Berastagi & Lake Toba
Tourist Shared Car
- Berastagi: 3–4 hours | 230,000 IDR per person | Departure 08:00 AM
- Lake Toba (Parapat): 8–9 hours | 270,000 IDR per person | Departure 08:00 AM
Private Car
- Berastagi: 800,000 IDR per car (max 4 people)
- Lake Toba: 1,400,000 IDR per car (max 4 people)
- Optional stops available (Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, Berastagi Fruit Market)
Need Help Organizing Your Transfer?
Send us your flight details, pick-up location, and preferred transport option —
we’ll arrange everything for a smooth and stress-free journey to Bukit Lawang.
From Medan Airport (KNO) to Bukit Lawang
1. Public Transport (Budget Option)
Ideal for travelers seeking a local experience and traveling on a budget.
- Step 1: ALS Bus from Airport to Binjai (~2 hours, approx. 50,000 IDR)
- Step 2: Local bus from Binjai to Bukit Lawang (~3 hours, approx. 30,000 IDR)
- Final short tuk-tuk ride to village entrance (~10,000 IDR)
Note: Bus schedules are not fixed. Last departures are usually between 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
2. Tourist Shared Car
- Departure window: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Travel time: 4–5 hours
- Price: 210,000 IDR per person
- Single traveler: minimum 2 seats (420,000 IDR)
Return departure from Bukit Lawang: 08:30 AM (recommended flight after 2:30 PM).
3. Private Car (Recommended)
- Direct airport pick-up
- Flexible departure time
- Stops possible along the way
- 700,000 IDR per car (max 4 people)
- Vip Toll included (200,000 IDR per way)
From Medan City to Bukit Lawang
1. Public Bus
From Pinang Baris Bus Terminal (~8 km from city center).
- Travel time: 4–5 hours
- Price: approx. 30,000 IDR
- Arrival in Gotong Royong village (5 minutes from Bukit Lawang)
2. Tourist Shared Car
- Hotel pick-up in Medan
- Departure: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Travel time: 4–5 hours
- Price: 150,000 IDR per person
3. Private Car
- Direct hotel pick-up
- Flexible schedule
- 700,000 IDR per car (max 4 people)
- Vip Toll included (200,000 IDR per way)
From / To Berastagi & Lake Toba
Tourist Shared Car
- Berastagi: 3–4 hours | 230,000 IDR per person | Departure 08:00 AM
- Lake Toba (Parapat): 8–9 hours | 270,000 IDR per person | Departure 08:00 AM
Private Car
- Berastagi: 800,000 IDR per car (max 4 people)
- Lake Toba: 1,400,000 IDR per car (max 4 people)
- Optional stops available (Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, Berastagi Fruit Market)
Need Help Organizing Your Transfer?
Send us your flight details, pick-up location, and preferred transport option — we’ll arrange everything for a smooth and stress-free journey to Bukit Lawang.
