A trip to my roots - BUKIT LAWANG

Long awaited has finally come. This year I chose a trip within the country, and that would be visiting my roots. North Sumatera.

It's a backpacking trip, since I plan to go on a hike/trek/camp/raft trip (more on that later as I write). I dithered for sometime, but I decided I have to go otherwise I won't be traveling this year. As soon as it's confirmed I look at dates and browse more info on the trip. At first dates were flexible since I need to coordinate it with my boss' travel plan. As for itinerary I decided to go to two main attractions in NS namely Bukit Lawang and Pulau Samosir (lake Toba). It was that or lake Toba first, but considering I'm doing the camping trip on BL, Toba would be the perfect place to recuperate and relaxing. Then I went booking the hotels where I was going to stay. for 9 days I split 4 days in BL, 4 days in PS and 1 day in Medan so I can catch the morning flight back.

On the confirmed date I flew from Jakarta to Medan, arrived 11am. Since I don't know where to eat (and didn't have plan to do culinary trip) I decided to eat at a Padang food resto at the airport. I know it's going to be a long trip to BL, so better have my tummy settled. As I walked out the airport a guy approached me and offered transport service on his motorbike. I negotiated, and he agreed with Rp.30,000 to the bus station (Pinang Baris). I knew God was taking care of me, as I got there the transport minibus was there, not completely full, waiting for me and was ready to go. 

Suspension bridge

The road was good, already fixed and smooth (thank God, they have fixed it, because a lot of people online commented on how horrible it was). It was rather slow, since there were too many stops, even at one time stopped for 15 mins to load and unload some grocery shops of the super women of BL. They're fierce and really hard workers. So for Rp.20,000 I was quite happy to reach BL safe.

I got picked up at the bus station from the lodging, Bukit Lawang Indah. It's a nice simple place. Efficient, non-pretentious, and they actually have very good food. Yes, I'm surprised, it's beyond my expectation. During dinner I asked about the camping trip and right away book it. It's a two day trip consist of trekking, hiking, camping and at the end we're going rafting back. Sounds fun for Rp.500,000 per pax. Since I was traveling solo I'm happy to be mixed with any group.

Early morning I sorted some stuff I didn't need to carry. As I said, they're efficient, and they have a locker for each person who's going on camping trip. Such a relief, because I don't think I can make it if I were to bring the rest of my stuff. I had a quick breakfast and at 8.30 we were sent off started our journey. I joined three travelers from Swiss and we went with our guide, Dede.  

It was a fantastic trip. I would love to tell all about it but not to bore anyone I'll make it shorter yet still interesting and informative. We hiked for a couple of hours, and before we had lunch we already saw several orangutans. They're huge. A bit shy, some of them prefer to have their backs facing us, but luckily some are quite friendly and pose for us such as this big fellow. Yes, I took this pic myself.. Way cool!

We continued walking, saw plenty of wild animals, such as forest ants, birds (an owl and
a peacock), and more orangutans. Around 4.30 pm we finally reached the camping ground. It's quite a nice environment, where there's a stream along the way. Around us were so many macaques monkeys, lurking. Maybe they're curious with the many food we brought. 

I didn't feel comfortable to take a dip to clean up, besides I was starting to get a headache (luckily I got aspirin). We just hang out around what's so called kitchen, chatting, walking around and taking more pictures. At 6.30 we were called to have dinner. It was surprisingly lavish. They called it 5star camping (*****). And I can see why. Usually they would only feed us with noodles, but as you can see we're spoiled! My favorite was the teri. So delish...

The night was long, but the guides and his merry men (there were the cook, the porter and another guy). They didn't let us get bored, they didn't even let us go to sleep early. With my headache I just lied there and listening to their chatter, games, quiz, singing, etc. It was just fun. 

The following day I woke up early (as usual), did my business around the bush (LOL), and took more pics of macaques. There were so many, trying to steal left over food. At 9ish we were all set to continue our trek. The guide offered if I would prefer to take a shorter trip and go with the porter and cook, they would go along the river until the rafting point. It would only take 1 hour, while if I want to continue it would be another 3 hours. Well hello, I didn't come to be a princess.. I came to hike and camp, so let me hike and camp.

This time the guide kept on the hard track. Up and down, near vertical climb and descend. It sure wasn't easy, but I just had to keep going and push myself. After 2 hours we were on a climb I was starting to get annoyed because I thought he could've chosen a less hilly path. I was starting to think I was to old for the hike, but lo and behold, we're on top what's called orchid view and from there we were just going down. And yes, it didn't mean it was easier, because we had to be extra careful going down. The path was slightly slippery from rain the night before. But I love the tree roots. They're so old and solid, you can step in between them like it was meant to be stairs. 

Going down, down. We finally reached the side of Bohorok river. It sure is loooong. Don't know how long it is. But I love the view of those river rocks. The view was also nice. As we started our rafting I can't stop looking on both sides of the hills, wondering what other animals there watching us on the tubes. I wonder if there's somebody live in the jungle, a hermit or something, or even tarzan.

After an hour or rafting (yes, it's that far), we finally reached on the side where the lodging is. Good to be back, though exhausted. We took last pics and I went back to my room to clean up and wash some dirty clothes. 

That's it. I love Bukit Lawang/Bohorok. I know someday I'll come back, and do another camping trip. :)