Getting to Bukit Lawang - Jungle of Jos

Rocky jungle river winding through dense rainforest, with a person standing on the rocks in the distance

Bukit Lawang is a small village on the Bohorok river, right at the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra. The nearest city is Medan, about 3 to 4 hours away by road. There is no airport in Bukit Lawang itself, so almost every traveler comes in via Medan.

Getting there is easy: fly to Medan, then take a car, a tourist minibus or a public bus to Bukit Lawang.

Step 1: Fly to Medan

Medan's airport is Kualanamu International Airport (KNO). It has regular domestic flights, for example from Jakarta, and international flights from nearby countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.

The airport is outside the city. If you don't go straight to Bukit Lawang from the airport, you can take the airport train to Medan city center. It takes about 45 minutes.

To find the train, follow the signs to public transport. From the arrivals exit, just walk straight ahead and you will come directly to the platforms. Tickets are sold at ticket machines, where staff, usually dressed in traditional Indonesian clothes, are happy to help you buy your ticket. You can check the train departure times in Google Maps. Shared taxis to Medan city also wait at the station.

If you stay a night in Medan, take a stroll through the city: there are many nice little cafés.

Step 2: From Medan to Bukit Lawang

There are three common ways to travel the last part. Travel times depend a lot on traffic.

Private car

About 3.5 to 5 hours from the airport

The easiest and most comfortable option. A driver picks you up at the airport or your hotel in Medan and takes you directly to Bukit Lawang. Good for groups, families, and late arrivals.

Tourist minibus

About 3 to 4 hours from Medan

Shared minibuses for travelers run between Medan and Bukit Lawang. Cheaper than a private car and more comfortable than the public bus. Book a day ahead if you can.

Public bus

About 4 hours or more from Medan

The cheapest option. Local buses leave from Pinang Baris bus terminal in Medan. They stop often along the way and are usually busy, so expect a slower, more local experience.

If you stay at a hotel or hostel in Medan, most of them can arrange transport to Bukit Lawang for you. Just ask at the reception. If not, contact Jos and he can help you organize your trip.

Show the route on Google Maps →

Arriving in Bukit Lawang

Buses stop at the bus station just outside the village. From there it is a short ride by motorbike taxi or a longer walk into the village and to the guesthouses along the river.

Bukit Lawang is used to visitors from all over the world. Many hotels and guesthouses are set up for travelers, offer a good standard and serve food that is easy on the stomach.

If you need a transfer from the bus station, just tell Jos when you book your tour.

Before you go

Bring enough cash. Tours are paid in cash. You can get cash in Bukit Lawang, but usually only at hotels, and they charge a fee. See how to pay.
Be prepared for different weather conditions. It can be hot and sunny, and it can rain at any time of the year in the rainforest. See what to bring and what happens if the weather is bad.

Traveling on after your trek

Many travelers combine Bukit Lawang with other places in North Sumatra, such as the volcano town of Berastagi (about 4 to 5 hours by road) or Lake Toba (a full day of travel). Tourist minibuses and private cars go to both, and back to Medan.

Jos is happy to help arrange a bus or a private car for your onward journey. Just ask him during your trek or get in touch before you arrive. Alternatively, your hotel in Bukit Lawang can also book your onward transport.