Where to Go
Gunung Leuser National Park
Bukit Lawang
Tangkahan
Lake Toba
Berastagi
Mt. Sibayak volcano
Mt. Sinabung volcano
Sipisopiso Waterfall
Tongging
Ketembe
Lake Kawar
Medan

What to Do
Jungle Trekking
Elephant Trekking
White-Water Rafting
River-Tubing
Volcano Climbing
Bohorok Orangutan Centre
Maimoon Palace

What to Know
About "Hello Mister Travel"
Introduction to Sumatra
Topography
History
Getting to Sumatra
Getting Around Sumatra
Terms & Conditions

Accommodation
Bukit Lawang
Tangkahan
Berastagi
Tongging
Tuk Tuk
Ketembe

The Tours
Bukit Lawang Short Stay
The Jungle Trail
The Toba Trail
The North Sumatran Trail

Where to Stay in Bukit Lawang

Nora's Homestay & Rainforest

There are many cheap places to stay in Bukit Lawang, but few if any of them are cheaper or friendlier than Nora's. The larger-than-life Nora and her family have two places; one in Bukit itself called Rainforest and one in Gotong Royong,the village just outside of Bukit, known as Nora's Homestay. Rooms range from Rp 35,000 to Rp 50,000.

'Rainforest' is the newer accommodation, set overlooking the river and loomed over by the jungle, it is very basic but also well-kept and clean. There is a balcony running around the whole building with hammocks outside every room so that you can enjoy the peace and the view. The food is good, the beer 'bloody cold' and the hospitality next to none.

'Nora's Homestay' is in amongst the 'real' Sumatra; palm-frond huts, Cacao trees and villagers going about their daily chores as they have been forever. I prefer this place to Rainforest but it isn't for everyone. It isn't as convenient to access the delights that Bukit Lawang has to offer and certainly isn't so picturesque. But if you want to experience how Indonesians live and want to keep away from the tourists, then this is your place. There's less variety of food here unless you order in advance, but the beer is still 'bloody cold'.

Tel. +62 81362070656 (Nora) and please mention this website.

*** If you require pick-up from the airport, ferry or bus-station we can arrange it for you. Cost Rp.600,000 Please call +62 81 376 0386 46 or email steve@hellomistertravel.com ***

Eco Lodge

Accessessed by wobbling across a swaying 'rope' bridge, Eco Lodge sits on the other side of the river to most of the rest of Bukit Lawang and is therefore much quieter. It is a fairly large hotel which sells itself, as you would guess from the name, on its 'green' credentials. There is a spacious bar and restaurant and the grounds are well-kept and pleasant. It's about a twenty minute walk to the Orangutan Centre from here but on the other hand, if you're after a jungle trek then you're well-placed to begin one here as Eco Lodge is as close to the jungle as you are going to get. This is also where you orientate yourself if you want to visit the bat-cave.

It's a good place to stay and has just had some smart new rooms built. Prices begin at Rp.130,000 and go up to Rp.300,000.

Tel. + 62 812 607 9983 (Please mention this website)

*** If you require pick-up from the airport, ferry or bus-station we can arrange it for you. Cost Rp.600,000 Please call +62 81 376 0386 46 or email steve@hellomistertravel.com ***

Jungle Inn

Jungle Inn is one of the most popular places to stay in Bukit Lawang owing to its picturesque setting on the river, its close proximity to the Orangutan Centre and its beautiful rooms. It was also lucky enough to escape being swept away in the flood that hit Bukit Lawang a few years ago and, consequently, has had a headstart on their rivals in getting back to business.

A few of the rooms have balconies complete with hammocks and chairs facing out over a small waterfall and have 'natural-looking' rock and tile, en-suite bathrooms. They range in price from around Rp 60,000 for up to Rp 400,000 for the gorgeous honeymoon suites. The restaurant overlooks the river and serves very good food.

If it's style and décor that you're after and your budget is more than a backpacker's then I would say that this is the place for you.

Tel. +62 813 7073 0151 (Please mention this website)

*** If you require pick-up from the airport, ferry or bus-station we can arrange it for you. Cost Rp.600,000 Please call +62 81 376 0386 46 or email steve@hellomistertravel.com ***

Indra Inn

This is a small place near to Jungle Inn with cosy rooms and a nice view over the river. Prices are Rp 50,000 for a room with shared bathroom or Rp 100,000 for en-suite with western-style toilet. Indra, the eponymous owner of the place is a popular guide whose family have been taking people trekking for for three generations. The bar has music and parties at the weekend but unfortunately food is no longer served here.

Tel. +62 813 9737 5818 or 0813 9737 5818 (Please mention this website)

*** If you require pick-up from the airport, ferry or bus-station we can arrange it for you. Cost Rp.600,000 Please call +62 81 376 0386 46 or email steve@hellomistertravel.com ***

Rindu Alam Hotel

Rebuilt after the flood destroyed it completely, the Rindu Alam is certainly the biggest, most modern and expensive hotel in Bukit Lawang. They have 40 rooms priced at Rp 250,000 and 4 family rooms for Rp 600,000 all with en-suite and breakfast included. Meeting rooms can be rented for Rp 500,000. The place is clean and pleasant with uniformed staff and not a lot of character. If you want to forget that you're in the jungle for a couple of over-priced nights then I definitely recommend it.

Tel. +62 61 8822988 (Please mention this website)

*** If you require pick-up from the airport, ferry or bus-station we can arrange it for you. Cost $65 Please call +62 81 376 0386 46 or email steve@hellomistertravel.com ***