about us
Sumatra Orangutan Explore is an ethical trekking agency & guesthouse launched in 2018 which works closely with local guides and local people from Bukit Lawang, Sumatra. We believe that community-based tourism will help us to preserve and
protect our amazing jungle and it's wildlife!
Our team is made of experienced English-speaking guides who are certified by the Indonesia Tourist Guides Association (ITGA-HPI Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia). They strictly follow the Gunung Leuser National Park guidelines and do their best to keep the jungle clean and the wildlife safe!
We organize unique and unforgettable jungle trekking
striving to respect and preserve the unique ecosystem & biodiversity of the Gunung-Leuser National Park and especially protect the endangered Sumatran Orangutans. Our eco-friendly daily tours aim to support local people & traditional activities.
The love of nature, respect, sustainability and mutual aid are deeply rooted in Sumatra Orangutan Explore's values. We believe that we all have a role to play in the preservation of the rainforest and its wildlife but also in the support of local communities.
Choosing a trek or a tour with Sumatra Orangutan Explore is your way to act in favor of our amazing but endangered rainforest, its exceptional biodiversity
and its inhabitants!
Please note that all profits remain in the Bukit Lawang community!
MEET THE OWNER OF SUMATRA ORANGUTAN EXPLORE
Hi there! I'm Iman owner of Sumatra Orangutan Explore and I can't wait to get in touch with you!
I founded Sumatra Orangutan Explore in November 2018 with the strong belief that ethical trekking and community-based tourism will contribute positively to the rainforest and wildlife conservation but also to the local people living in the amazing area of Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra!
I am deeply committed to change the mentalities in Bukit Lawang about the way of trekking by providing ethical and sustainable for the welfare of the wildlife and the rainforest! And I hope that you will help me in my mission!
I surrounded myself by the best people in order to build a Super Team that I can't wait to introduce to you below!
Iman, local jungle specialist & owner
Who am I & how I can help you!
Hi there ! I'm Iman (but everybody call me Ipan). I'm an indonesian guy born here in North Sumatra. I've been working for 5 years in guesthouses in Bukit Lawang getting some experience as a tourist guide. I'm specialized in jungle trekking and also certified by the Indonesia Tourist Guides Association (ITGA-HPI Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia).
The rainforest and its amazing wildlife passionates me ! That's the reason why I am deeply commited to preserve this environment but also improve the well-being of the wilflide and the local people from my native region.
Besides nature, I'm a real music lover and a self-taught guitarist. Playing guitar and singing with my friends is the best thing ever after an amazing jungle trek !
I will love to share with you my experience and knowledge about the jungle and its wildlife. I will be one of your jungle trekking guide but also your key contact in Bukit Lawang. I will organize you trek, daily tours and transportation. I will help you whatever you need !
LET'S INTRODUCE OUR TEAM
We are a group of good friends who gathered around a common passion (jungle trekking) and a common purpose: Shaping a better future for the rainforest, it's amazing wildlife and the local community of Bukit Lawang!
Most of us are old friends who were working at the same place for several years! Thus we are sure to have a trustful and knowledgable team with good vibes only! You can be sure that during your experience with us you will feel this friendly atmosphere! We also extended our team with some new recruits to share our knowledge and teach them the ethical ways of trekking! We all form together a big family of 18 members and we can't wait to make yo feel part of it!
Iman, owner, guide & excellent cook
I'm committed to teach to my team ethical and sustainable trekking practices!
Did I mention that I also love to cook? Try my curry, sambal or rendang at the restaurant, you won't be disappointed!
Nanda, guide & amazing guitar player
I can't wait to share my knowledge about the fauna and the flora with you!
Besides trekking, I love to play guitar and to sing! You can be sure to enjoy entertaining nights at the guesthouse!
Muss, guide, jeweler & gallery owner
I am passionate about the jungle and I love to go fishing for several days in the wild!
Visit my art and jewel gallery if you want a souvenir! The wood carvings are made by my family and jewels by me!
Teson, guide & excellent cook
After several years being an assistant, I recently got my license thanks to Sumatra Orangutan Explore and I can't wait to be your guide!
I'm also a good cooker so try my meals at the restaurant!
Dani, guide & funny clown
I've been a certified guide since several years and I joined the team recently to learn ethical practices! I'm still learning every day!
I'm always making jokes so for sure we will have fun!
Rio, guide & jungle magician
Besides my guiding skills I have many other talents! I'm a jungle magician and I will show you some of my tricks at the campsite during the trek!
You'll also see that I'm a good jungle make up artist!
Arie, guide & football
player
I'm a guide since several years and I''ll be glad to share my knowledge with you!
If you're up for a football session during you' stay I'll take you to our training session in Bukit Lawang.
Raja, assistant guide
I've been an assistant guide since several years & I joined the team to pass my guide certification!
I'm also a good guitar player and singer so be sure to spend entertaining evenings!
Bobbi, manager assistant in training
I'm Iman's cousin and I'm new too and I'm in training! I'm still a bit shy to speak in English so please help me practicing!
I will be managing the guesthouse while Iman is away so feel free to come to me anytime you need!
Panji, cook at our restaurant
I will be your cooker from the afternoon to the evening!
I replaced my wife who used to cook here as we just got a baby. I used to be a cook for several years so I will be sure to fulfill your foodie dreams!
Adijah, cook at our restaurant & cooking class
I will be your cook sometimes during the week and for cooking classes at my house or online!
I am a perfectionist and I will serve you beautiful instagrammable dishes & drinks with flowers!
Keding, jungle cook
& rafting captain
I am the main jungle cooker of Sumatra Orangutan Explore.
I will cook you yummy Indonesian food & you'll be able to enjoy a real feast in the middle of the jungle! Vegan? I got you covered!
Sopian, jungle cook
& rafting captain
I am a jungle cooker & I'll cook you delicious local meals in the wild. After your trek I'll take you for a fun ride down the river!
Do I look like Keding? Yup! We're actually brothers!
Allan, jungle cook
& rafting captain
I'm a jungle cooker & captain rafting too! And I'm Keding's & Pian's cousin.
You'll enjoy a refreshing a fun tubing session along the river with me to go back to Bukit Lawang!
Ali, jungle cook
& rafting captain
I will take you on a fun raft down the Bohorok river after your jungle trek!
Do I look like Keding and Sofian? Yup! We're actually brothers!
EVERY TREK OR TOUR WITH US IS A DIRECT DONATION
TO CAUSES THAT WE CARE ABOUT
OUR MISSION
Shaping a better future for amazing rainforest, its amazing wildlife and the local community of Bukit Lawang
3 CAUSES SUPPORTED
3 ASSOCIATIONS