Eat
Waterstones
This stylish restaurant sits directly on a dramatic bend of the river and features a mishmash of designer furniture and industrial light fittings. While…
©Bas Vermolen/Getty Images
Bukit Lawang, 60 miles (96km) northwest of Medan, is a sprawling tourist village laced along the fast-flowing Sungai Bohorok and bordered by the dense vertical-rising jungle of Gunung Leuser National Park. Its legend is built around the orangutan rehabilitation centre set up here in 1973 and, although the feeding platform has closed, this is still the best place in Sumatra to spot habituated orangutans on a trek.
Trekking aside, it’s a very traveler-friendly place, where you can while away the days lounging in hammocks, splashing or tubing in the river and enjoying some of the best-value jungle resorts in Sumatra.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Bukit Lawang.
Eat
This stylish restaurant sits directly on a dramatic bend of the river and features a mishmash of designer furniture and industrial light fittings. While…
Eat
Lawang Inn is located in the heart of the Bukit Lawang village, with a menu that comprises large portions of curries and sambal dishes, including good…
Eat
This chilled-out, family-run spot overlooking the river is good for chowing down on curry, rendang and sambal dishes, as well as pizza and other Western…
Eat
Located in town, this is a good place to chill out away from Bukit Lawang's tourist hub. The menu runs from coconut curry to tacos and cold Bintang. There…
Guidebooks
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.