Batu Katak Jungle River & Trekking

The location is hard to beat – the rainforest starts right where the property ends, and you’re directly on the river. You can also sponsor a tree/plant here, which is a nice touch if you want to put something back into the forest you’re staying next to. The area itself is well worth recommending too, since it’s far less crowded and feels a lot more authentic than Bukit Lawang, which gets significantly more tourist traffic. Hermann, the host, is friendly and helpful. You can book jungle trekking directly through him, including longer multi-day tours (7 days or more) if you want to go deeper into the jungle. What makes the trekking special is that you’re out there with just your guide and a small group, not in a crowd. Worth knowing: the orangutans live in this area, but there’s no guarantee you’ll see one – though when you do, it’s all the more spectacular for it. The family running the place takes great care of you, cooks for you, and clearly wants to make sure you have the best possible experience.

Wifi was slow, and the hut I stayed in didn’t have a shower (others did). That said, the photos make clear what you’re booking, and you don’t come to Batu Katak for comfort — you come for the experience.

De plek is magisch, het verblijf erg netjes en proper. We hebben lekker gegeten. Het water van de douche komt rechtstereeks uit de rivier wat de ervaring uniek maakt. Zeer vriendelijke eigenaren, ze doen alles om je te helpen. We genoten van de gastvrijheid van Herman en zijn vrouw.

Ons verblijf was te kort.