Facilities and Travel Essentials for Sumatra Jungle trekking trip

Planning your adventure to Bukit Lawang, Sumatra? Here’s a practical guide to the essential facilities, services, and what to pack — all written with real traveler needs in mind. Whether you’re coming for a jungle trek or a peaceful nature escape, this guide will help you prepare with confidence.

 Electricity & Lighting

Power cuts are a common occurrence in Sumatra, often happening several times a week — especially in rural areas like Bukit Lawang. We highly recommend packing a small torch or headlamp, which will come in handy during outages or when exploring dimly lit areas like caves or jungle paths at night.

 Internet & WiFi Access

While internet access can be limited in some areas, most guesthouses and hotels in Bukit Lawang now offer free WiFi. Speeds may vary depending on your location, but you’ll find a few internet cafés if you need a more stable connection. Just be patient — this is a remote jungle village, after all.

Money, ATMs & Currency Exchange

There are no ATM machines directly in Bukit Lawang, so it’s important to plan ahead and arrive with enough cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

 What You Need to Know:

• The nearest ATM is in Bohorok village, 11 km away. It’s operated by Bank Rakyat Indonesia and supports Mastercard/Cirrus networks.

• Visa or PLUS cards will not work at this ATM. If you use Visa cards, you’ll need to travel to Binjai (about 2 hours away) for withdrawals.

• ATMs may be temporarily out of service or out of cash. We recommend bringing 2–3 different bank cards as a backup.

 Insider Tip:

If you’re traveling in a group or with family, contact your accommodation in advance. It may be possible to make a larger bank transfer to their account (together with your deposit) instead of carrying large amounts of cash.

 Currency Exchange & Money Changers

You’ll find local money changers in Bukit Lawang who accept various international currencies, such as Euros or US Dollars. However, exchange rates may be slightly lower than what you’d get in Medan, so consider exchanging currency before leaving the city.

 Post Office & Western Union

There is a small post office in Bohorok village, where you can send postcards and receive Western Union transfers. It operates Monday to Saturday. However, it’s best not to send anything of significant value from here due to limited postal reliability.

Mobile Phone Coverage & SIM Cards

Mobile coverage in Bukit Lawang is generally reliable. You can buy a tourist SIM card from Telkomsel, Indonesia’s largest network provider, which offers strong 3G coverage in the area and affordable local call rates.

Note: If you plan to stay in Indonesia for over 30 days, make sure your phone is IMEI-registered with Indonesian customs to avoid network blocking.

 Local Markets & Essentials

• Friday Market in Gotong Royong (2km from Bukit Lawang): A lively and colorful market offering fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, fish, clothing, and more. Open from morning until around 3 PM.

• Sunday Market in Bohorok (11km away): Similar offerings and popular among locals and tourists alike.

You can find basic essentials such as mosquito repellent, condoms, sanitary towels, and toilet paper, but tampons are not available, so bring your own if needed.

 Medicine & Medical Care

There are a few small pharmacies in Bukit Lawang, but their inventory is limited. For serious medical issues or emergencies, the best nearby hospital is Rumah Sakit Elizabeth in Medan.

Bring a personal medical kit with your prescribed medications, anti-diarrhea tablets, rehydration salts, painkillers, and any travel-specific medications.

 What to Pack for Your Sumatra Adventure

Here’s your ultimate Sumatra packing checklist to help you stay safe, comfortable, and prepared — especially if you’re planning to go jungle trekking or stay overnight in the rainforest.

 Clothing

• Lightweight T-shirts and shorts for daytime

• Long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and trousers for evenings (to avoid mosquito bites)

• Sweater or hoodie for cool jungle nights

• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho

 Essentials

• Small waterproof backpack or liner bag

• Refillable water bottle (essential for eco-travel)

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots

• Flip-flops or sandals for camp use

• Lightweight sleeping bag or sleep sheet

• Mosquito net

• Flashlight or headlamp (essential!)

• Sunglasses, sunblock, insect repellent

• Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, wet wipes, etc.)

• Camera or smartphone and chargers

• Personal ID and travel documents in a waterproof case

 Hydration & Health

• Large water bottle (can be refilled at camp)

• Water shoes (for river crossings)

• LifeStraw or water filter, or purification tablets

• Oral rehydration salts and electrolytes

• Granola bars or energy snacks (especially helpful if you have stomach issues)

• Anti-diarrhea medication, aspirin, and basic antibiotics

 Money Tips

• Everything in Bukit Lawang must be paid in cash.

• Bring enough Indonesian Rupiah for your entire stay.

• Avoid relying on local ATMs — they may be unreliable or inaccessible.

By preparing well in advance and packing the right gear, you’ll enjoy your Sumatra adventure to the fullest — from jungle treks to riverside relaxation.