Day 7_Bukit Lawang

Just spent a couple of nights in Bukit Lawang, one of the most accessible places to see orang-outans and French tourists. Decided against the 2 day jungle trip, since the second day seems to be mostly a way for the guides to make a margin. In our single day out (just both of us with a young yet knowledgeable guide), we however managed to see 9 orang outans, some of which were allegedly wild (not reintroduced). All had a very wise and relaxed attitude, with memorable positions which even the most skilled yoga teacher would struggle to imitate.

Quinine tree does not only reduce fever but the roots have the same effects on men than ginger...!

Luckily, we did not see one of the two aggressive orang outans (aggressive because they have been beaten when in captivity, prior to their release in the jungle). There was a bit of tension in the air on one of the steep paths, since a French guy we met on the way had been badly bitten there the day before, after a 2 min fight.

At the end of the trek, soaking with sweat, we swam in some waterfalls, ate nasi goreng (fried rice) and scrumptious fruits, and came back tubing (like most tourists).

Bukit Lawang has a nice and relaxed atmosphere, although the locals are almost too friendly to be completely natural.

A rubber tree

The next day, we were planning on going to Tangkahan, but as I visited a batcave in the morning we missed the bus. We decided to skip Tangkahan and head for Berastagi.