Wildlife You May See on a Jungle Trek in Bukit Lawang
Sumatran Orangutan
The most famous resident of the rainforest is the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan. Bukit Lawang is one of the best places in the world to see these intelligent great apes living freely in the wild.
Orangutans spend most of their lives high in the trees where they travel through the canopy searching for fruit. Adult males can grow very large and are recognized by their distinctive cheek pads and long calls that echo through the jungle.
Because of conservation work in the region, sightings of orangutans during a trek are relatively common.
Chance of seeing: High
Thomas's Leaf Monkey
These striking monkeys are easily recognized by their grey fur, white facial markings, and long tails. They are endemic to northern Sumatra and are often seen moving through the treetops in small groups.
Thomas’s leaf monkeys mainly eat young leaves and shoots, which is why they are frequently spotted feeding in the forest canopy.
Chance of seeing: Very high
Long-tailed Macaque
Long-tailed macaques are highly adaptable monkeys that live in many parts of Southeast Asia. In Bukit Lawang they are often seen near rivers and along forest trails.
They are curious and intelligent animals that live in social groups and communicate using a variety of calls and gestures.
Chance of seeing: High
Rhinoceros Hornbill
Hornbills are among the most impressive birds of the rainforest. The rhinoceros hornbill is easily recognized by its large curved bill and distinctive casque on top of its beak.
These birds often fly overhead with powerful wingbeats and can sometimes be spotted feeding in fruiting trees.
Chance of seeing: Moderate
Sumatran Tiger
The Sumatran tiger is the top predator of the rainforest and one of the rarest big cats in the world. Although they still live within Gunung Leuser National Park, they are extremely elusive and almost never encountered during treks.
However, knowing that these magnificent animals share the forest adds to the sense of wildness when trekking through the jungle.
Chance of seeing: Extremely rare
In addition to the larger animals, the rainforest is full of fascinating smaller creatures including:
Jungle squirrels
Monitor lizards
Tropical butterflies
Tree frogs
Colourful insects
Exotic rainforest plants and orchids
Your guide will help point out these hidden details that many visitors might otherwise miss.
Other Wildlife You May Encounter