We recently completed an intense Aceh relief mission to provide support to communities that are still struggling to recover. When we started Escape To Sumatra, we knew we wanted to do more than just show people the beauty of our rainforests. We wanted to be there for our community when things got tough. This past…

If you’re wondering what to wear in Sumatra for women, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get real: Sumatra is not Bali. You won’t be lounging on white sand beaches in a bikini (unless you want to shock the locals). If you’re a woman traveling here, it’s all about practical, comfy clothing and not…

If you’re traveling to Bukit Lawang, Sumatra, you might quickly notice that Google Maps is not always accurate or well-tracked in many parts of Asia. Locations can be misleading, reviews outdated, or places missing entirely. That’s why I put together this personal guide on where to eat in Bukit Lawang, based on real experience. Below…

Animals in Gunung Leuser National Park represent one of the most important and biodiverse tropical rainforest ecosystems in the world. Located in Sumatra, Indonesia, this protected area is one of the last places where orangutans, tigers, elephants, rhinos, and sun bears still coexist in the wild. Gunung Leuser is part of one of the largest…

If you’re searching for eco lodges in Bukit Lawang, you’re in the right place. These lodges blend sustainable practices with comfort, putting you close to the jungle and orangutans while supporting local communities. Let me start with this — these are my own honest recommendations, based on places I’ve personally stayed or visited during my…

If you’re planning a Sumatra adventure, deciding between a Bukit Lawang vs Batu Katak jungle trek can be tricky. If you’ve made it to North Sumatra (or you’re just deep in the Google rabbit hole planning your orangutan trip), you’ve probably seen these two names pop up again and again — Bukit Lawang and Batu…

Traveling to Sumatra doesn’t have to drain your wallet. From jungle trekking with orangutans to chilling by Lake Toba, you can have an epic adventure without maxing out your credit card. Here’s how I managed to explore Sumatra, sweat more than I thought possible, and still stick to a budget. 1. Affordable Accommodations That Won’t…