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…

Knowing exactly what to wear in sumatra makes a huge difference in staying comfortable through the intense tropical humidity. 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…

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 Locations can be misleading, reviews outdated, or places missing entirely.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…

Deciding Between Bukit Lawang vs Batu Katak When weighing bukit lawang vs batu katak for your itinerary, it really comes down to your preferred travel style. 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…

Planning a trip to Sumatra on a budget is incredibly rewarding. From tracking wild orangutans through the ancient canopies of the Gunung Leuser National Park to chilling by the peaceful volcanic shores of Lake Toba, you can have an epic, raw adventure on a fraction of what you’d spend in Bali. But backpacker-friendly travel here…