Town in North Sumatra, Indonesia
Bukit Lawang
Riverside jungle village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, famous for guided treks to wild and semi-wild orangutans. Simple guesthouses and cash-only; the journey from Medan is a long half-day.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$447–671Comfortable, one person · Rp8M–12MDetails
- Value for money98/100Better value than 97% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–AugWarmest: Apr, 30°CDetails
- Internet51 MbpsFixed broadband, Indonesia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or boiled water; guides carry water for treks.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$5.6–14.0Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundMinibus or bus from Medan (Pinang Baris terminal)Walkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyCash only: guesthouses, guides, tubing and warungs do not take cards.Details
Where to stay in Bukit Lawang
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| East bank (park-entrance side) | Guesthouses with river views, close to trek starts |
| West bank (across the river) | Quieter, cheaper rooms reached by footbridge |
Apps that work in Bukit Lawang
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Bluebird: Reliable metered taxis booked by app
- Traveloka: Domestic flights, trains and hotels
- Love Bali: Paying the Bali tourist levy
- Taxis: No ride apps reach Bukit Lawang. Book transfers through your guesthouse, or use the minibus and ojek locals use.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Indonesia.
- Cash only Cash only: guesthouses, guides, tubing and warungs do not take cards. Withdraw rupiah in Medan; the nearest ATMs in Bohorok are unreliable.
- Currency: Rupiah (IDR). US$1 ≈ Rp17,883.05 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls (skimming happens in Bali); limits often 2.5–3 million IDR; some banks add fees.
- Tipping: Not expected; restaurants often add service charge and 10% tax ('++'). Tip drivers, guides and spa staff for good service.
- Paying by phone: QRIS codes everywhere; some Asian banking apps scan them. Cards and phone wallets work in Bali and Jakarta.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free All Indonesia arrival declaration (immigration, customs, health) online or in its app within 3 days before arrival.
- Nationalities eligible for a visa on arrival can buy the e-VOA in advance on the official immigration e-visa site.
- Bali charges foreign visitors a one-time tourist levy, payable online through the official Love Bali site or app.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 113 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport counters sell tourist SIMs at a mark-up; city outlets are cheaper. Passport needed for registration. Telkomsel has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Indonesia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.