One of the most unforgettable trips I’ve taken recently was to Sumatra, a destination that blends wild nature, rich biodiversity, and remote island beauty.
I had heard seeing orangutans in their natural habitat was still possible. However, finding accurate, up-to-date information wasn’t easy—especially with so many sources mixing up Sumatra with Borneo, which Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei share.
But with Sumatra just a short flight from Singapore, I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity. I had also read about the crystal-clear waters and coral reefs of Pulau Weh, a hidden island near Banda Aceh. This trip brought together two of my favorite things: jungle adventures and time by the sea — and I’m excited to share the full 7-day itinerary.
Day 1: From Singapore to Bukit Lawang – Gateway to the Jungle
Living in Singapore, we’re fortunate to have easy access to a direct flight to Medan, Sumatra’s main gateway. Our journey began with an early morning flight with Singapore Airlines (07:40–08:00), setting the stage for an entire day of anticipation and excitement for the adventure that awaited us.
Upon landing at Kualanamu International Airport, our private driver was ready to take us on a scenic journey to Bukit Lawang, approximately four hours from Medan (depending on traffic). The drive itself was a visual feast, introducing us to the diverse and captivating landscapes of North Sumatra, from bustling roads to serene rural vistas.
Bukit Lawang is a small riverside village at the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the best places in the world to see orangutans in the wild. It’s a popular base for eco-tourism, offering access to jungle trekking, wildlife encounters, and conservation-focused adventures.
We settled into a riverside cottage surrounded by nature — the perfect place to unwind before our trek into the rainforest the next day.
Day 2: Orangutan Trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park
Today was dedicated to exploring the breathtaking Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the last strongholds for the endangered Sumatran orangutan. This vast protected area, a part of the UNESCO-listed Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, is a living testament to the incredible diversity of nature. It’s home to many species, from the majestic hornbills to the agile gibbons—and, of course, the iconic orangutans.
Our jungle trekking experience took us into dense forest paths in search of these majestic apes. Although the trek was shorter than expected due to an unexpected change in our guide’s condition, we were still fortunate to witness wild orangutans swinging gracefully from the lianas above us. Despite the presence of other groups on the trail, the encounter was unforgettable — a raw, awe-inspiring moment in nature.
After observing the orangutans in their habitat, we returned to the village floating in a simple yet fun traditional tube raft. These rafts, made by tying together large inflatable tubes, are steered by a local paddler and provide a refreshing 15-minute journey back to Bukit Lawang through the lush riverside landscape.
Why This Park Matters
Regrettably, the Sumatran orangutans are in a critical state of endangerment. Their rainforest home is rapidly diminishing due to the swift expansion of palm oil plantations. The conversion of pristine primary forests into monoculture fields leaves behind barren land and displaces numerous species, including the orangutans.
Even though parts of the rainforest are legally protected, illegal logging, poaching, and burning still occur. Conservation parks like Gunung Leuser are a refuge for orangutans, many of whom have been rescued from destroyed habitats.
By visiting this area, you raise awareness about conservation challenges and play a crucial role in supporting the local communities and ecotourism efforts that are tirelessly working to protect these incredible animals—your visit matters.
Day 3: Resting in Medan – A Hidden Gem at Hotel Deli River
After our unforgettable jungle adventure in Bukit Lawang, we returned to Medan. Depending on traffic, the journey by private car takes about 4 hours.
Instead of rushing straight to the airport for our next flight, we decided to spend the night in the city — which was a good decision!
We stayed at the Hotel Deli River, a beautiful property owned by a Dutch-Indonesian family. The hotel, a lovely colonial-style house in a lush garden, offers a serene escape from Medan’s urban chaos, creating a peaceful environment for our stay.
Set on a hill, the views over the Deli River were refreshing, and the outdoor swimming pool, with its calm waters, was precisely what we needed after the tropical heat.
Our air-conditioned room was spacious and comfortable, offering a quiet night’s rest. The hotel also provided free Wi-Fi, which was a great convenience. One of the highlights of our stay was the large open-air terrace restaurant surrounded by tall tropical trees. The menu featured local specialties and international dishes — and to our surprise, we even enjoyed delicious Dutch poffertjes for dessert!
Another plus? The hotel’s efficient services, like arranging our early morning transfer to the airport, made the next day’s travel stress-free, leaving us with relief and relaxation.
✨ If you’re looking for a quiet, scenic, and welcoming place to stay in Medan, Hotel Deli River is an excellent choice.
Day 4: From Medan to Pulau Weh – A Journey Made Smoother by a New Friend
Our fourth day was filled with multiple transfers, starting early in the morning:
- Private transfer from our hotel in Medan to Kuala Namu International Airport
- Flight from Medan to Banda Aceh with Lion Air
- Private transfer from Banda Aceh Airport to the Ulee Lheue Ferry Terminal (about 35 minutes)
- Ferry to Pulau Weh
- Pickup at the ferry terminal and transfer to our accommodation, Casa Nemo Hotel
Although the itinerary sounds straightforward, we were stressed — Lion Air flights are often delayed, and we hadn’t yet purchased our ferry tickets. With little buffer time between landing and catching the ferry, we were genuinely worried we might miss our connection.
Fortunately, Hotel Deli River provided us with the contact information of a local man known affectionately as Uncle Bob. And honestly? He saved the day.
Uncle Bob arranged everything. He sent someone to pick us up at the airport, who drove us swiftly to the ferry port. When we arrived, Uncle Bob was waiting for us at a little table with our tickets in hand, smiling calmly as if everything had gone exactly as planned. We even had time for a relaxed coffee chat before boarding.
But his help didn’t end there — when we arrived in Pulau Weh, he had already coordinated our transfer to Casa Nemo, where we would enjoy a peaceful beachside stay.
✨ Sometimes, the kindness of strangers makes all the difference. Uncle Bob’s warm and reliable support turned a potentially stressful travel day into one of the most memorable moments of our trip.
Day 5 & 6 – Pulau Weh (Sabang)
After our jungle adventure, arriving in Pulau Weh felt like landing in paradise. This quiet island, located at the northern tip of Sumatra, is known for its crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and relaxed atmosphere.
We stayed at Casa Nemo Beach Resort & Spa, a charming place with simple wooden cabins, mosquito nets, and stunning ocean views (Indian Ocean). The rooms don’t have air conditioning but are well-ventilated. One night was exceptionally hot, and we had to sleep with everything open and fans running at full speed. They also offer air-conditioned rooms, but those are located at the back and don’t face the sea.
What we loved most was the terrace with live music in the evenings—perfect for enjoying a cocktail while watching the sunset. The beautifully decorated restaurant serves delicious Indonesian dishes with excellent vegan options. The owner is incredibly kind and takes the time to greet and chat with the guests.
The beach in front of the hotel is clean and great for snorkeling. We saw many fish close to shore, and walking along the beach at sunset was a peaceful experience. We even saw local children playing football in the sand.
Other Pulau Weh Hotel Options (based on reviews and research):
- Freddie’s Santai Sumurtiga – Recommended by Lonely Planet. Simple bungalows right on a white sand beach are ideal for snorkeling. Popular and friendly, but often crowded and noisy.
- Santi Garden Bungalows – Highly rated on Agoda. Seaside, but usually fully booked—check availability early.
- The Hawk’s Nest Resort—Featured in a YouTube video, it looks peaceful and beautiful, facing a calm bay. If available, it could be a great option.
- Beu Ceubeh Cottage—This cottage is in a quiet location and is highly rated. Although it is not ideal for swimming due to strong surf, rocks, and some plastic waste, it is a peaceful setting. The town is 10 minutes away by motorbike.
Note: These recommendations are based on thorough research and reviews. However, since we didn’t personally stay in these places, we advise you to check recent reviews and availability before booking. This will ensure that you have the most up-to-date information and can make an informed decision about your stay.
Day 7 – Return Journey from Pulau Weh to Singapore (with a Touch of Banda Aceh).
Our final day began with a private transfer from Casa Nemo to the Pulau Weh ferry terminal, a short 15-minute ride arranged by the hotel.
We then took the ferry back to Banda Aceh. The ferry ride lasted about an hour and was quite crowded, mostly with locals commuting between the island and the mainland. We bought the tickets directly at the port’s ticket counter. While it wasn’t the most comfortable ride, it was part of the authentic local experience.
Once we arrived in Banda Aceh, we were welcomed again by Uncle Bob, the kind local contact who had helped us earlier in our journey. With some time before our flight, he generously offered to take us on a city tour of Banda Aceh.
We visited the Tsunami Museum, a profoundly moving place that honors the victims of the 2004 tsunami and offers insight into the strength and resilience of the local people. We also explored parts of the city and stopped for a delicious local lunch before heading to the airport.
The ferry and our flight to Medan were delayed, but Uncle Bob stayed in touch, informed us about the ferry schedule, and ensured we reached the airport on time. He even brought us to the terminal and waited with us—his thoughtfulness truly made our journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Final thoughts
Despite a few unexpected delays, this day was a beautiful ending to our adventure, thanks to the support and kindness of people like Uncle Bob. As we boarded our flight back to Singapore, we couldn’t help but reflect on our incredible experiences and the wonderful people we met during our journey to Pulau Weh and Banda Aceh.
🌴 Explore More Wild & Sustainable Adventures
If Sumatra sparked your love for remote jungles and conscious travel, here are more unforgettable nature escapes and cultural journeys:
🛖 Staying with the Uros – A Cultural Experience on Lake Titicaca, Peru
🌿 Sleeping in an Eco Lodge in the Tambopata Amazon Jungle
🚆 Japan by Train – A Sustainable Travel Guide to Nagano & Shirakawa-go
🏞️ Sidemen Valley Walking Trail in Bali – A Peaceful Hike Through Rice Terraces
🐉 Dragon’s Back Hike – Epic Coastal Views in Hong Kong