How to Meet Orangutans in Sumatra

Orangutans are an endangered species, but also the most approachable of the Great Apes. Frequently abducted from the wild to serve as pets or for private zoos, Orangs are regularly recaptured by the police and then returned to rehabilitation centers near their natural habitats. One of these is the Bohorok Rehabilitation Center in North Sumatra. Although no longer accepting new Orangs, the location still hosts several of them in varying degrees of readjustment, some of whom are very friendly and can be safely approached by respectful humans. Follow these steps to meet Orangutans in Sumatra.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Enter Sumatra, Indonesia. While Sumatra is the largest of Indonesia's many islands, it is among the least traveled. There are two major, recommended routes for entering Sumatra, both of which place you in its largest city of Medan. Medan is ideally situated for reaching Bohorok. You can take the ferry from Penang, Malaysia, or fly from Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta or Singapore.

2. Journey to Bukit Lawang, the village where the Bohorok Center is located. Most of the road from Medan to Bukit Lawang is only partly paved, and that part is often heavily pot-holed. There are three means of making the trip: public bus, private mini-bus, and hired taxi with driver. The mini-bus is the best balance between time and expense. The public bus will be a cheap adventure in its own right, but could take several hours. The hired car and driver will be the fastest, but also the most expensive.

3. Find a place to stay. Be aware that Bukit Lawang is a remote village in a part of the world that sees only a handful of travelers. If you place even 3-star accommodations above meeting Orangutans, then you should not attempt Bukit Lawang at all. There was a massive flood here in 2003, and many of the guesthouses and wismahs still show signs of damage. Mildew and mold is commonplace in the budget hostels, for example. The best option in terms of quality is the Eco-Lodge.

4. Go downriver in the morning. Wherever you wind up staying, you will be only a short walk from the Bohorok Center. As you walk down river and approach the area, you will most likely get your first sighting of Orangutans. Loping along on the opposite riverbank, the semi-rehabilitated Orangs will be coming out of the jungle for a trip to the center and a free meal.

5. Walk to the end of the riverside path and catch a small ferry canoe across to the Bohorok Center. Some orangutans are still very desensitized to humans, and therefore live in the vicinity of the center and may approach you. If you have objects you don't want them carrying away, either keep your distance or stow them. Once an Orang gets your camera, you might not get it back. Some of the Orangs might come right up to you and be very friendly, but if they don't, do not force yourself on them. Always remember that these are great apes and have many times the strength of any human.

6. Go on a short hike. At the center itself, you will see un-rehabilitated and partly rehabilitated Orangutans. To see a mostly rehabilitated Orang, follow a staff member on a short walk uphill through the jungle. They are going to a forest feeding station, where you will be able to see the Orangs who don't want to come down to the center come in for a free meal. These are the ones who are the furthest along in returning to the wild, only showing up occasionally. Fully rehabilitated Orangs never come in.

Tips & Warnings

• Bukit Lawang sits next to the Gunung (Mount) Leuser National Park, a jungle in North Sumatra and the reason for the location of the Bohorok Center. While you are in the area, you should consider checking out the jungle and local bat caves. Guided treks, including overnights, are available.
• Always treat Orangutans with the utmost respect. Although slow and gentle, these apes possess several times the strength of a human of the same size. They can literally rip you limb from limb if threatened.