Gunung leuser National Park is the Main attraction. All the activities and jungle trek with all the flora and faunas are located in this national park. Gunug Leuser Natiopbal Park sit on 2 Provinces. The biggest part is in the ACEH province and the smaller part is in Northern Sumatra province. The whole national park share the same weather and climate also the flora and the faunas. Either one you would like to visit, the best way to get to these places are by taking a flight to Kuala Namu International Airport  KNO. From here you could organize the transport to Bukit Lawang, Ketambe or any other places

Kuala Namu International Airport – KNO is the Northern Sumatra International Airport and also the main entrance into Indonesia on western side. You will pass the immigration on your way out from the international arrival. Visa On Arrival – VOA can be arranged on this Immigration.  eVOA

Bukit lawang is very famous entrance into this National Park due to easy access from the airport and the distance is not too far. Its only about 135 km from the Kuala Namu International Airport KNO.

Accommodation

There are a lot of accommodation you could choose in Bukit lawang. Most accommodation are comfortable and very nice. Some of them have hot water some are don’t. There are few of them that are highly recommended to suit your budget. Most accommodation offer pick up service from the drop off point, since most of the accommodation bit far from the drop off area and can be access only by walking or scooter. The staff from the accommodation will also organized a scooter to transport your luggage to the accommodation.

 TIPPING

TIPPING is a very nice thing to do. Tipping is accepted and probably is the best way to appreciate the service you have received. 50.000 to 100.000 IDR is a decent amount to tip a person only if you are happy about the service. Although there is a specific rules about it.

MOBILE PHONE & SIM CARD

SIM CARD : To use your mobile phone with indonesia SIM card, you need to register your phone IMEI number at the Custom – BEA & CUKAI on your arrival. alternatively there are Phone/ cellular  Shop outside of the Airport terminal on your way to the Train Station. They could register your phone IMEI number and get the TOURIST SIM card at the same time. This will give you 90 days activation.

Telkomsel GRAPARI is another place in the city area you could register your phone IMEI number. Telkomsel GRAPARI is a technical office support for telkomsel business user. They are all over city. ask the driver to take you to one of them if you are going with private transport

Indonesia Visa Information & Entry Requirements (Updated 2025)

Planning a trip to Indonesia? Here’s everything you need to know about visa types, costs, extensions, and important travel regulations — updated for 2025 and optimized for a smooth arrival experience at Kuala Namu International Airport and beyond.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) – 30 Days Stay

Travelers from most countries are eligible to obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at major entry points in Indonesia, including Kuala Namu International Airport in Medan.

• Cost: 500,000 IDR (~$32 USD)

• Validity: 30 days

• Extension: One-time extension for an additional 30 days (another 500,000 IDR)

• Purpose: Strictly for tourism only

Important: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.

We recommend applying for your visa extension at least 7 days before it expires to avoid penalties.

 Apply Online – eVOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival)

Since November 2022, Indonesia has introduced the convenient eVOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) system. This allows eligible travelers to apply online before arriving and skip long queues at immigration.

• 30-day eVOA: 500,000 IDR – extendable once

• 60-day eVOA: 1,500,000 IDR – not extendable

• Apply at: evisa.imigrasi.go.id

Note: Visa rules and eligible arrival airports may change, so always check the latest updates before traveling.

Tourist Visa from Indonesian Embassy (for Non-VOA Countries)

If you’re from a country not eligible for VOA or eVOA, you must apply for a 60-day tourist visa from an Indonesian embassy or consulate before traveling.

• Cost: Approx. 2 million IDR

• Processing Time: 2–3 days (longer for restricted nationalities)

• Special Approval Required For: Afghanistan, Israel, Pakistan, North Korea, Nigeria, Somalia, and several others

 B211A Visa – Long-Stay Tourist Visa

For longer visits, the B211A tourist visa is the best option:

• Initial Validity: 60 days

• Extendable: Twice (each for 60 days)

• Maximum Stay: 180 days

• Total Cost: Approx. 6 million IDR for full extension cycle

• Note: Requires sponsorship by a visa agent

 Social & Cultural Visa (For Family/Friends)

Planning to visit family or friends in Indonesia? Consider the Social/Cultural Visa:

• Must be sponsored by an Indonesian citizen (friend or family)

• Extendable: Monthly, up to 6 months total

• Convertible to KITAS: If sponsored by an Indonesian spouse or parent

• Great option for those staying longer for personal or family reasons

 Visa Validity & Overstay Rules

• Your visa starts on the day you arrive, not when you apply.

• Overstaying your visa is subject to daily fines and, if prolonged (60+ days), may lead to legal consequences.

• It is best to never overstay and always track your expiry date.

Working is Not Allowed

Please note that tourist, social, and cultural visas do not permit any kind of work in Indonesia. Violating this can result in deportation and bans.

 Airport Departure Tax

Good news: Since 2015, the departure tax has been included in the cost of your airline ticket. No extra payment is required at the airport.

Visa Extensions – How to Renew Your Stay

The 30-day VOA can be extended at local immigration offices, including Medan. Here’s what to expect:

• Process requires 3 visits over separate days:

  1. Submit the application

  2. Take biometric photo & fingerprints

  3. Pick up your passport

• Dress modestly: No shorts, flip-flops, or sleeveless tops

• Arrive early: Offices close by noon on weekdays

Visa Run Option

An alternative is to leave Indonesia briefly and re-enter with a new VOA or eVOA:

• Popular Route: Medan → Penang → Medan (~$60 round trip)

• Or fly via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to your next Indonesian destination (Bali, Lombok, etc.)

 Health & Safety in Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is a generally safe destination for travelers, but it’s important to stay alert and prepared.

 Safety Tips

• Keep valuables secured, especially in public areas

• Use lockers at your accommodation if available

• Never leave bags unattended

Health & Travel Insurance

• There is no insurance provided for tours.

• Please arrange comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage before your trip.

Local clinics and pharmacies are available in Bukit Lawang, but for serious issues, major hospitals are located in Medan.

 Malaria & Dengue Precautions

• No malaria cases have been reported in Bukit Lawang in recent years, but Dengue fever is present

• Recommended vaccinations before visiting:

  • Hepatitis A & B

  • Typhoid

  • Rabies (optional)

  • Tetanus & Polio

Use insect repellent (DEET >40% if you could optained from your country) and wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing, especially during sunset.

There is only 13% max DEET Mosquito Repellent available in indonesia.

Climate & Jungle Trekking Fitness

Bukit Lawang is hot, humid, and tropical. Jungle treks can be physically demanding with good stamina required and prepared for :

• Steep hills

• Muddy & slippery trails with roots are every where

• High humidity and constantly sweaty from the start to the end

• Sudden Heavy Rain or Long last rain
• Lots of mosquitos,leeches, and other creatures
• Dried and damp decomposing leafs on the jungle floor

Fitness Tip: You should be in good physical shape and consult your doctor if you have pre-existing health issues such as:

• High blood pressure

• Allergies

• Recent surgeries

• Pregnancy

Multi day treks require moderate to high fitness levels. Our team reserves the right to decline participants if safety is at risk.

 Jungle Essentials Checklist

• High-SPF sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Water bottle (stay hydrated!). If you could bring the Water purifier as well.

• Personal first-aid kit (painkillers, plasters, antidiarrheals)

• Lightweight long-sleeve tops & pants

!! For the most up-to-date visa and health information, always check your country’s official embassy website before traveling.