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Discover Sumatra’s Gentle Giants in Their Natural Habitat
Join us for a full-day eco-adventure from Bukit Lawang to Tangkahan — home to the famous Sumatran elephants.
This ethical and eco-friendly tour takes you deep into the rainforest, where conservation meets community.
Learn about elephant protection efforts, explore the jungle on foot, and connect with these incredible creatures in a responsible, respectful way.
This is not a zoo or elephant camp — it’s a living conservation story that supports wildlife, local communities, and the rainforest ecosystem.
Tour Overview
Duration: Full day (approx. 8–10 hours)
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Point: Your guesthouse in Bukit Lawang
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Group Size: Minimum 1 – Maximum 6 people
Why You’ll Love This Experience
Walk with Elephants, Not on Them: Experience these majestic animals up close in a completely ethical way.
Learn About Conservation: Discover how Tangkahan became a sanctuary protecting both elephants and forests.
Support the Local Community: Your visit helps fund rangers, guides, and families working to preserve the Leuser ecosystem.
Relax Naturally: Bathe in a hot spring, swim in clear rivers, and unwind in pristine nature.
Eco-Friendly Experience: No riding, no chains — just pure connection and respect for wildlife.
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9:00 AM – Departure from Bukit Lawang
Your guide will meet you at your guesthouse after breakfast.
Set off in a private air-conditioned jeep on a scenic 2-hour journey to Tangkahan, driving through lush countryside, rural villages, and palm oil plantations.
Along the way, you’ll learn how local communities and conservationists work together to protect the rainforest.
11:00 AM – Arrival & Registration
Upon arrival at the Tangkahan Conservation Center, register at the park office and meet the local elephant caretakers (mahouts).
Your guide will brief you on the elephants’ history, habits, and the ongoing efforts to preserve their habitat.
11:30 AM – Ethical Elephant Walking Trek (2 hours)
Begin your guided jungle walk with the elephants, observing them as they move freely through the forest.
Your guide will share insights about elephant behavior, forest ecology, and the symbiotic relationship between wildlife and humans in Tangkahan.
> This gentle walking trek allows you to experience elephants naturally — no riding, no performance, just respect and observation.
1:30 PM – Lunch by the River
Enjoy a delicious Indonesian lunch at a traditional restaurant overlooking the river.
Savor the flavors of local cuisine while soaking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding rainforest.
2:30 PM – Elephant Bathing Experience
After lunch, join the mahouts for a fun and meaningful elephant washing session.
You’ll help scrub and rinse the elephants in the river — a moment of pure connection that brings joy to both guests and elephants.
It’s a beautiful, ethical way to show care and appreciation for these intelligent beings.
3:30 PM – Relax at the Hot Spring & Explore Caves
Take a short walk to the natural hot spring — a perfect way to relax after your adventure.
If time and weather permit, visit a nearby limestone cave before heading back to Bukit Lawang.
5:00 PM – Return Journey to Bukit Lawang
Depart Tangkahan and enjoy the scenic drive back to Bukit Lawang, arriving in the early evening (around 7:00 PM).
A perfect blend of wildlife, nature, and cultural experience — all in one unforgettable day.
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Private transport (Bukit Lawang ⇄ Tangkahan) with driver & fuel
Certified English-speaking guide
Elephant walking trek (2 hours)
Elephant washing experience
Entrance & permit fees
1.5L bottled water per person
Traditional Indonesian lunch
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Personal expenses
Optional extra snacks/drinks
Travel insurance
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Small backpack with change of clothes
Rain jacket or poncho
Swimwear & towel
Personal medicine & first-aid items
Camera or smartphone (in a waterproof bag)
Insect repellent & sunscreen
Plastic bag for wet clothes
Refillable water bottle
Responsible Tourism & Conservation
This tour directly supports the Tangkahan Elephant Conservation Response Unit (CRU) — a community-led initiative that protects the rainforest and provides ethical employment for former loggers.
By joining this tour, you are helping to:
Fund elephant care, food, and veterinary support
Protect rainforest habitat from illegal logging
Empower local families through sustainable tourism
Price
Participants Price (IDR) Price (€) Price ($)
1 person 3,380,000 €175 $202
2+ people 2,685,000 €139 $160
(Minimum 1 participant – Maximum 6 participants)
Optional: Add a local conservation guide for IDR 550,000 / €30 / $34
“Your visit makes a difference — helping people and elephants live in harmony with the forest.”
