Private tour packages in North Sumatra

No. There are NO ATMs in Bukit Lawang village itself. The nearest ATM is in Bohorok (10-12 km away), but it is notoriously unreliable, frequently runs out of cash, and often rejects foreign cards.

You can use your credit card to pay for services of Sumatra Jungle Tours via the Pay Now button in the Contact Us page. However, credit/debit cards are rarely accepted in the village. Trekking balances, tips, local meals, and transport must be paid in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) cash.

It is critical that you withdraw all the money you need for your entire stay—plus a 20% contingency—at Kualanamu Airport or in Medan city before heading to the jungle. Do not rely on finding cash locally.

Tipping is customary and a vital part of the local economy. It recognizes the hard physical labor of the team, especially porters carrying heavy loads over difficult terrain. A general guideline (per day, based on service quality) is:

• Head Guide: 150,000 - 300,000 IDR
• Assistant Guide/Porter/Cook: 100,000 - 150,000 IDR

Yes, reputable agencies include the mandatory Gunung Leuser National Park Permit (150,000 IDR per person per entry) in the package price.

Please check our Map & Transport page for detailed information on transportation options.

Travel times in Sumatra are long. The journey from Bukit Lawang to Lake Toba (Samosir Island) typically takes 8-9 hours by car/bus and ferry. Do not plan any activities on your transfer days; they are full days of driving.