How to get there
How to Travel to Bukit Lawang
Your Complete Guide to Reaching Bukit Lawang
Planning a trip to Bukit Lawang? This serene village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra offers an ideal starting point for unforgettable jungle trekking adventures. Whether you’re arriving from Medan, nearby cities, or further afield, here’s everything you need to know about how to get to Bukit Lawang. We’ll walk you through the best travel options, tips for a smooth journey, and how to reach this tropical paradise with ease.
From Medan to Bukit Lawang
Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, is the most common point of arrival when heading to Bukit Lawang. There are a few different transportation options, depending on your preferences for comfort, budget, and time.
Private car
For the most comfortable and efficient way to get to Bukit Lawang, a private car is the best choice. Whether you’re arriving at Kuala Namu International Airport or from a hotel in Medan, the driver will meet you upon arrival and drive directly to Bukit Lawang. On the way, you can take breaks for refreshments, snacks, or to stretch your legs. Upon reaching Bukit Lawang, our team will greet you and bring you to your accommodation for a quick briefing before you settle in for a restful night. If you arrive late or if it’s raining, we’ll take you directly to your accommodation instead of stopping by our office for a briefing.
Pick-up at the Airport or Hotel
The driver will meet you at the airport or your hotel. If you’re at the airport, they will hold a sign with your name at the first exit gate after luggage collection.
Ride to Bukit Lawang
Your driver will take you directly to Bukit Lawang. Feel free to request stops along the way for bathroom breaks or to grab some snacks at nearby supermarkets.
Welcome in Bukit Lawang
Upon arrival, our team will welcome you and guide you to the office for a short briefing about your trek. If you arrive late or the weather is bad, we will drop you directly at your accommodation.
Accommodation Drop-off
After the briefing, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation to rest. The next morning, we’ll pick you up for your trekking.
Shared Car
For a more affordable option, shared cars are a popular choice, though they come with a few trade-offs. These vehicles pick up passengers from various points in Medan, which means the ride might take longer due to multiple stops along the way. Once you’re in Bukit Lawang, our team will be there to welcome you and guide you to your accommodation, sometimes by foot or motorbike, depending on your location.If you’re arriving late or it’s raining, we will drop you directly at your accommodation without a briefing. We’ll ensure you’re settled comfortably before starting your jungle trek the next day.
Pick-up at the Airport or Hotel
The driver will meet you at your airport or hotel, but you’ll need to arrive first and share your waiting location with us (e.g., airport store or café)
Travel with Fellow Passengers
In the shared car, you may make additional stops to pick up other passengers along the way. Expect a longer, less direct journey
Arrival in Bukit Lawang
Once you reach Bukit Lawang, our team will meet you and bring you to the office for a small briefing or, in some cases, directly to your accommodation
Accommodation Drop-off
After you arrive at your accommodation, you can rest, and we will pick you up the next morning for your trekking.
Public Bus
If you’re traveling from Medan to Bukit Lawang by public transport, you can take the ALS bus from the airport to Binjai. From there, you’ll need to transfer to another bus at the Tanah Lapang Binjai bus station. The L300 or PS bus will take you the rest of the way to Bukit Lawang.
While public transport is an option for those looking to save money, we don’t recommend it for travelers seeking comfort, as the journey can be long and bus stations may not be well-organized. If you do choose to travel by bus, make sure to inform us in advance with your travel details so we can ensure that someone is there to guide you once you arrive in Bukit Lawang.
Travel from Medan to Binjai
If you’re flying into Medan, take the ALS bus from the airport to Binjai. If you’re already in Medan, take a train to Binjai
Transfer to L300 or PS Bus
From Binjai, transfer to the L300 or PS bus, which will take you directly to Bukit Lawang. Send us a picture of the bus you are in to make sure we know which station it’s going to stop
Arrival in Bukit Lawang
Update us 30 minutes before you arrive so the team can stand by at the last bus stop. Once you arrive we will bring you to our place to give you small briefing before we drop you to your accommodation
Accommodation Drop-off
Once you’ve reached your accommodation, you can relax and prepare for the trekking the next morning
From Other Locations in Sumatra
Traveling to Bukit Lawang from other parts of Sumatra? Here’s how you can reach this amazing destination:
From Lake Toba
If you’re coming from the iconic Lake Toba, you’ll need to travel first to Medan, which is about a 4-5 hour drive. From Medan, continue on to Bukit Lawang. While the journey from Lake Toba to Medan offers beautiful scenery, be prepared for a full day of travel. We highly recommend a private or shared car for comfort and convenience. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, taking a bus is also an option. We can assist you in arranging private or shared transport to make your journey easier and more enjoyable.
From Berastagi
To get to Bukit Lawang from Berastagi, you’ll first need to travel to Medan, which takes around 2-3 hours. Once in Medan, you can continue your journey to Bukit Lawang. If you’re looking for a more direct route, arranging a private car is a great option, though it’s not as common and can be a bit more expensive. Shared cars are also available for a more affordable alternative. We can help you coordinate transport that best fits your budget and schedule.
International Travel to Bukit Lawang
Flying to Bukit Lawang from overseas? The nearest international airport to Bukit Lawang is Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), located just outside Medan. You can fly into Medan from major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Jakarta. Once you’ve landed, you can either take a private car or go through Medan city to continue your journey to Bukit Lawang.
Travel Tips for Bukit Lawang
Before embarking on your journey to Bukit Lawang, it’s helpful to know a few travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
- Bring Cash: Bukit Lawang has limited ATMs, so it’s a good idea to bring enough cash to cover your accommodation, food, and activities.
- Book in Advance: If you’re traveling during peak season, it’s best to arrange transportation ahead of time to avoid any delays or complications.
- Be Flexible: Keep in mind that the roads in Sumatra can be rough, and travel times might vary due to weather or traffic conditions.
Ready to Start Your Bukit Lawang Adventure?
Don’t wait any longer to begin your jungle adventure! Book your jungle trekking tour and transportation with us today for a smooth, hassle-free experience. Check out our jungle trekking packages and start your unforgettable journey today.
