Support & Our Sumatra FAQ

Welcome to Our Sumatra FAQ! Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about exploring Sumatra’s jungles, wildlife, volcanoes, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re curious about trekking, local customs, or booking support, we’ve got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find your answer, please feel free to reach out to us by submitting form on the right side.
A transformational 10-day women’s retreat in Sumatran rainforest focused on healing from burnout, digital detox, and deep reconnection with nature and yourself through yoga, meditation, and wilderness immersion.
Currently designed for women experiencing burnout, corporate exhaustion, or seeking authentic transformation. Perfect if you’re ready to fully disconnect, comfortable with basic jungle conditions, and want meaningful healing over luxury amenities.
No. This is specifically designed as a women-only healing space for personal transformation, limited to 10 participants for intimate, deep work.
Currently focused on women’s retreats, but expanding soon! We also offer private retreats customized for your company team-building or private groups of any gender. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.
10 days jungle accommodation, all yoga/meditation/breathwork sessions, full board, jungle trekking, cultural village visits, English and Czech-speaking guidance, and North Sumatra transportation.

International flights, insurance, and visa are not included.

Shared bungalows by the river and close to the Gunung Leuser Park. Limited WiFi and signal, there is an electricity. Natural river bathing, shared dining area. But basic, authentic jungle living focused on simplicity and healing.

This retreat isn’t suitable for those needing constant comfort or modern conveniences. It’s about embracing simplicity and discovering peace beyond five-star amenities.

Everyone are welcomed. More important is openness to being challenged and transformed by the experience.

While wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, your chances are very good with longer treks and experienced guides. Plus, semi-wild orangutans from the former rehabilitation center are easier to spot around the National Park area.

We maintain small groups of maximum 6 people.

Yes! Family-friendly treks are available with extra safety guides. Minimum age is 5 years old for safety reasons.

We wrote full blog post about what essentials to pack for your jungle trekking. You can read it here. For official travel health advice, check the CDC Travel Health guide for Indonesia.

Moderate fitness is fine. Expect muddy trails, hills, and dense forest, but guides can arrange treks for all abilities and ages.

Day treks (3-6 hours), 2-day treks, 3-day treks, and longer expeditions (4+ days) for serious adventurers wanting deeper jungle experiences.
Guide services, porter, camping equipment (tents, pillow, duvet, mats), all meals during trek, safety equipment for river rafting, park entrance fees, and pickup from your accommodation.
No. Just bring personal items in a small daypack. Porters carry tents, sleeping bags, food, and cooking equipment.
This is real jungle trekking! “Jungle toilets” are behind big trees. Part of the authentic adventure experience. No I am just joking, we have a toilet on the wooden floor.
Most day treks start early morning (7-8 AM). Multi-day treks can start anytime before noon. Your guide will meet you at your accommodation in Bukit Lawang.
Light rain rarely stops activities. Heavy rain may modify routes for safety. Treks operate year-round with appropriate precautions.
Yes! Treks can be tailored to your fitness level, interests, and schedule. Discuss preferences when booking.
Yes! Vegetarian, vegan, allergies, and religious dietary requirements accommodated. Specify in booking form.

Yes, private treks can be arranged for individuals or small groups. Prices will be higher than group rates but offer personalized experience and flexible scheduling.

Expect 20-50% premium over group prices depending on trek length and services. Solo travelers typically pay for minimum 2 people.

Absolutely! Private tours can be customized for photography focus, wildlife spotting priorities, cultural visits, or specific fitness levels.

You’ll get experienced guides, often the most senior ones, with flexibility to adjust pace and stops based on your interests.

Perfect for families! Private treks allow child-friendly pacing, extra safety measures, and activities suitable for various ages.

Yes, cultural visits can be arranged to traditional villages in the Mentawai Islands. This requires separate travel from Sumatra’s mainland.

Fly to Padang (West Sumatra), then take speedboat or ferry (2-4 hours) to the islands. Transportation can be arranged through us.

Approach with respect and genuine interest. Photography often requires permission. Small useful gifts (medicine, school supplies) appreciated more than money. Learn basic greetings in Mentawai language.

Surf camps (100-300 EUR +/day all-inclusive), local homestays (20-50 EUR/day), and basic guesthouses available. Book in advance as options are limited. We can help you with that.

April-October for best surf and weather conditions. November-March has calmer seas, better for cultural visits and beach activities.

No ATMs in Bukit Lawang, but there is one in Bahorok. Bring sufficient cash from Medan. Some guesthouses exchange money with fees.

Cash only for treks and most accommodations. Some hotels accept cards with 3-10% processing fee.

Fly to Medan (Kualanamu Airport), then 3-4 hour bus or private car to Bukit Lawang. Transportation can be arranged through tour operators.

Yes, private transportation from Medan airport to Bukit Lawang can be arranged. Mention in booking.

Most nationalities get 30-day visa-on-arrival (approximately 30 EUR). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date.

Essential! Must cover foreign travel, jungle trekking activities, and medical evacuation. Keep policy details accessible.

Yes, all guides are experienced English speakers with good communication skills.

Not necessary. Basic English works in tourist areas. Learning a few Indonesian phrases (“terima kasih” = thank you, “berapa harga” = how much) is appreciated.

Limited signal in Bukit Lawang village, no signal in deep jungle. Some accommodations offer WiFi. Consider purchasing local SIM card.

Not considered malarial, but mosquitoes present. Dengue fever can occur. Use repellent during dusk and nighttime.

No vaccinations mandatory for Indonesia entry. Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis. Vaccinate at least 4 weeks before travel.

Basic medical clinic in Bukit Lawang. Better hospitals in Medan (3-4 hours away). Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage essential.

Not expected as our staff well paid, but 50,000-100,000 IDR (10-15 EUR) appreciated for excellent service. Give directly to guides, porters, or drivers.

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