Solidarity travel in the jungles of Sumatra, Indonesia. A cross-cultural experience in the heart of a wilderness rich in biodiversity, in North Sumatra, Indonesia! All programs in Indonesia here
Study and protection of the North Sumatran rainforest
North Sumatra is a province of Indonesia with a particularly rich biodiversity. The region is famous for Gunung Leuser National Park, home to a primary forest where orangutans still live in the wild. However, the region is under heavy anthropogenic pressure from palm oil monoculture, which impoverishes the soil and pollutes the rivers. The region's economic difficulties have also given rise to illegal activities such as poaching.
Sustainable tourism program
Our partner Ibu Bumi Orangutan's mission is to study and protect the rainforest of North Sumatra through programs run in partnership with local organizations. Its action takes the form of various projects: scientific studies of the fauna and flora (elephant tigers, orangutans), environmental protection education, ecotourism...
Based in the village of Batu Katak, it has been working for 5 years on a sustainable and solidarity-based tourism program. This program develops agroforestry activities and biodiversity protection education for children.
This solidarity trip takes place in the village of Batu Katak. Get ready for an immersive experience with a positive impact on the local community and the environment!
Wildlife observation, education for children
You'll take part in a variety of activities with the local community and enjoy a cross-cultural experience. Your days will alternate between hiking, educating children, observing flora and fauna, and agroforestry activities.
Here's an example of a 15-day schedule
This solidarity trip is open to people from one week upwards, but it's advisable to stay for two weeks, which will enable you to take part in a solidarity trekking tour.
First week
- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: mornings: forest hikes; afternoons: classes and activities with Batu katak children.
- Thursday and Friday: morning nature hikes at Batu Jonjon and afternoon classes with village children.
- Saturday and Sunday: hike through the karst forest to observe the flora and fauna.
Second week
- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: agroforestry activities in the mornings and teaching with the children in the afternoons.
- Thursday and Friday: educational activities with the children of Batu Jonjon and agroforestry activities in the area.
- Saturday and Sunday: life in a forest camp on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park. The program includes a walk along the river and observation of various sustainable development activities.
- Please note that activities may vary slightly depending on external factors such as weather conditions.
Dates
- Minimum 1 week. 2 weeks strongly recommended. Year-round program.
Rates
- 1 week €300
- 2 weeks €600
Included in price
- Housing
- Food
- Supervision for activities
- Coordination by Ibu Bumi Orangutan
Not included in price
- Airline tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Individual travellers aged 18 and over
- Families welcome!
- Minimum one week
- Language: English (intermediate level)
- Coping with humid heat. Hiking in humid heat requires much more effort than hiking in temperate climates.
- Being open-minded
Housing
During your stay in Batu Katak, you'll stay in the Ibu Bumi Orangutan guest house, run by a local team. This guesthouse has 5 rooms with double beds, private bathrooms and fans. It's just 10 meters from the river and the rainforest.
Food
The team offers gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and normal meals.
Local culture
This solidarity trip is also a cross-cultural encounter. So it's important to respect the habits of the local population. The village of Batu Katak is inhabited by the Karo people, of Muslim or Protestant faith. It is not advisable to walk around in very short pants or tank tops, nor to swim in bikinis in public places. In the guesthouse, dress code is the same as in town, out of respect for the staff.
Takeaway
It's important to bring clothing and equipment suited to the equatorial forest. Long pants, knee-high socks, good hiking boots, sandals for relaxing, long- and short-sleeved T-shirts in neutral colors, hat, raincoat, small backpack, water bottle, flashlight, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, first-aid kit. Moisture-proof covers for electronic devices.
Climate
North Sumatra has a warm, humid equatorial climate. The rainiest months are November, December and January.
Arrival
Medan airport
Airport pick-up with a €45 supplement for transport
- Immerse yourself in a culture different from your own
- You'll discover a primary forest rich in biodiversity and enjoy a unique wilderness experience.
- Your stay has a positive impact on the environment and the local population.
- You can enjoy this experience with the whole family!
The weekend is free. It's an opportunity to visit other nearby villages, explore the jungle in greater depth, visit the caves or Gunung Leuser National Park. The national park is about a 2-hour walk away.
All Ibu Bumi Orangutan mission reviews
About the partner
Ibu Bumi orangutan is an NGO co-founded by Nora. Nora specializes in sustainable development and animal welfare. She has worked in veterinary development and wildlife protection programs in Paraguay, Spain, Africa and Sumatra. Ibu Bumi orangutan is dedicated to the sustainable development and conservation of Sumatra's wildlife. Since 2017, the organization, in partnership with local communities, has focused on the edges of Gunung Leuser National Park to prevent poaching and deforestation. Programs focus on various themes: educating children, developing permaculture, supporting livestock in conflict with predators, studying the Sumatran tiger, supporting the National Park, developing ecotourism. The wildlife study program focuses on primates, tigers and elephants. All missions with Ibu Bumi Orangutan
