Landak River swimming and picnic

If you are in need of some R&R after a jungle trek or just fancy some peace, the Landak River is the perfect place to unwind and feel at one in nature.  Come with us for a walk, or cycle through the old rubber plantations to this unspoilt river where you can swim in stunning natural swimming holes with a slow-moving, crystal-clear river. 

If you are lucky you may also see orangutans moving through the community forest surrounding this area and it is also not unusual to see many other primate species, bathing lizards, beautiful butterflies and birds also enjoying this beautiful riverine habitat. 

Lunch, including fruit will be provided and can be taken as a BBQ or packed lunch, depending on your preferences.

What’s Included?

Transport to the Landak River
3-4 hours to relax and enjoy your time at the swimming holes.
Lunch as either a packed lunch of traditional rice with chicken, fish and vegetables, with fruit. Or BBQ 

Bat Cave

Located 2km from Bukit Lawang in the heart of the community forest lands and on the path to the Landak river, the bat cave is an interesting way to spend an hour or two. 

Inside the cave system you can investigate three main caverns which you can reach by walking, squeezing and crawling your way through the cool interior of this limestone feature. The cave is home to at least two species of bat (insectivorous and fruit bats) as well as swallows, cave spiders and scorpions. 

Also, of interest are the stalactite and stalagmite formations and the beautiful rock formations caused by the strangling figs and collapsed ceilings, which make lovely lighting and stunning photo opportunities.

The cave can be reached by walking alone as it is well sign-posted however, we offer the tour with the use of a guide to help you get the most out of your time and more importantly, to not get lost inside the cave because some of passages are in total darkness.

It makes a nice day trip if you plan your visit to the bat cave as a part of a longer day trip to the Landak river, just ask us for details.

Torches and entry to the cave is included in our tour.

Elephants and Tangkahan

Found at the confluence of two rivers, Tangkahan is known for its small herd of rescued elephants, which the local rangers or ‘mahouts’ now use to patrol the forests and earn money to support local conservation by allowing tourists to bathe the animals after a day at work. As a responsible tour operator, we do not endorse or encourage either the bathing of the elephants or the riding experiences on offer there. We can however arrange private transport for your journey from Bukit Lawang. 

 

Also known as the ‘hidden paradise’ of Sumatra, like Bukit Lawang, Tangkahan borders the Gunung Leuser National Park a couple of hours drive down very bumpy roads to the North. This stunning eco-village is much quieter and less touristic than Bukit Lawang and was created by local people to in an effort to combat the illegal logging in the National Park in the 1980s and 90s.

We can arrange your transport to Tangkahan by motorbike or private car, which is a more economical option for 2 or more people. If you are feeling adventurous it is also an option to visit there on foot as a 2-day, 1-night trek passing through community forests and remote villages. Just ask us for more information if you are interested in this as an option.

Although most people visit Tangkahan specifically to see the elephants, the forests, rivers and waterfalls around this area are also stunning and home to wild orangutans and all the other species Sumatra is famous for. If you would like help to organize a trek in Tangkahan we are happy to recommend responsible guides.