Planning a jungle adventure to spot orangutans? Bukit Lawang, a picturesque riverside village in North Sumatra, is your gateway to this experience. Located on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang is just a few hours’ drive from Medan City.
Getting to Bukit Lawang
Bukit Lawang is approximately 120 km northwest of Medan, Indonesia. The easiest way to reach Bukit Lawang is by flying into Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO). From there or Medan City, it’s a 3-5 hour drive. Here’s a guide to the various transport options available:
Travel Time from Medan to Bukit Lawang
- Direct from Medan: 3-5 hours, depending on transportation mode, weather, and traffic.
- From Kualanamu Airport: Add about an hour to your travel time.
Getting to Bukit Lawang from Medan Airport
1. Local Bus from Medan to Bukit Lawang
- Cost: 30,000 – 50,000 IDR
- Travel Time: 4-5 hours
- Comfort Level: Low (No air conditioning, bumpy ride, crowded, frequent stops, smoking permitted)
Route:
Buses depart from Pinang Baris Bus Station, about 8 km from central Medan. For a smoother experience, catch the bus outside Mawar Bakery on Jalan Pinang Baris, avoiding touts at the terminal. Look for red mini-buses marked "Bukit Lawang" in the front window. Buses leave every 20-30 minutes from 6:30 am to around 6 pm.
Note: Pay the driver directly upon arrival in Bukit Lawang. Expect to be dropped at Gotong Royong bus terminal, a short drive or walk from Bukit Lawang.
2. Shared Taxi/Tourist Bus
- Cost: Around 200,000 IDR per person
- Travel Time:** About 4 hours
- Comfort Level: Average (Varies with passenger load and vehicle condition)
Several companies, such as CV. Happy Track Tour and PT. Bagus Wisata Holidays, offer shared minivan services. These taxis may wait until they have enough passengers before departing, so you might experience delays.
Tip: Book through your guesthouse in Bukit Lawang for a smoother experience.
3. Private Car and Driver
- Cost: Around 700,000 IDR
- Travel Time: About 3 hours
- Comfort Level: High (Comfortable seats, air conditioning) For the most comfort and flexibility, hire a private car and driver. You can stop as needed and travel at your own pace. Your guesthouse can arrange this service, or contact us for recommendations.
Getting to Bukit Lawang from Kualanamu Airport
1. Local Bus
- Cost: Around 100,000 IDR
- Travel Time: About 5 hours
- Comfort Level: Varies (Direct buses are more comfortable with air conditioning)
New Direct Bus: As of January 2023, PT. Almasar Indonesia runs direct buses from the airport to Bukit Lawang. Look for orange Almasar buses at the airport's bus terminal. The journey takes about 4-5 hours.
Via Binjai: If direct buses are unavailable, take an ALS bus to Binjai (50,000 IDR, 2 hours). From Binjai, switch to a local bus to Bukit Lawang (30,000 IDR, 3 hours). Be cautious of touts overcharging for bus fares.
2. Shared Taxi/Tourist Bus
- Cost: Around 210,000 IDR per person
- Travel Time: Around 4-5 hours
- Comfort Level: Average Shared taxis from the airport operate between 8 am and 4 pm. They can be a comfortable option but may involve waiting for other passengers.
3. Private Car and Driver
- Cost: Around 700,000 IDR
- Travel Time: Around 4 hours
- Comfort Level: High Hiring a private car from the airport is the most reliable and comfortable option. Arrange this through your guesthouse or contact us for trusted drivers.
For further assistance and recommendations, feel free to reach out. Safe travels to Bukit Lawang!