Bukit Lawang

The time had come for Bukit Lawang and I was excited! Leaving Lake Toba involved a boat ride back to Parapat and then a private taxi onwards for another long 7 hours or so, however, we had to wait for about two before we set off. We'd already arranged our room at Ecolodge, so it was just a matter of getting there. The Ecolodge grounds are vast with a lot of choice for accommodation and they claim (as the name suggests) to be environmentally friendly.

Bridge to the hotel-yes it shakes

Our Ecolodge room

Ecolodge

Ecolodge

Around and about

Some locals performing near the hotel

So as soon as we'd arrived at the hotel there was someone waiting to talk to us about our trek the next day. His name was Jungle Eddie, quite fitting really. Anyway, after haggling prices we'd agreed on a two day trek which involved a nights stay out in the jungle. Fun times!

We woke up early the next morning, had breakfast and were introduced to a couple of others in our group. We were then on our way...

Ready for action

Rubber plantation

Cacao tree

An ant

It was fascinating just taking in the sight of the huge trees and intertwining branches. 

Not far in we got to see some Orangutans! Great! Unfortunately, my camera decided to play up! Not great! Still, managed to get a few pics and was just great to see.

Not long after....more monkeys!!

Grease Lightning!

Gremlins aint got nothing on this fella!

Pit stop for some pungent Durian

Some slips, trips, wet bums and bruises later, we arrived at our new home which was just near a tiny waterfall, perfect for freshening up. A nice reminder to people-avoid wearing gym shoes and buy some cheap Indonesian hiking shoes for a pound...they will save you some butt ache. 

Swimming pool

Shower

Mansion

Living room and bedroom

Kitchen

Front garden

Kitchen

Crockery cupboard

Dining room

It was an interesting nights sleep with no blanket and literally a rock bed that Fred Flinstone would have been proud of. We were not alone either...there were plenty of creepy crawlies as one of the team members found out with Leech stings as proof. I think I had a lucky escape...though I did hear something scurrying in the tent! 

Come the morning we set up outside and got ready for breakfast...again, we were not alone!

Sorting their plan of action

Nothing was safe with these monkeys around! They were well trained and knew exactly what they were doing!

One of the highlights to my stay has to be Tony's attempt to take a picture of the Komodo dragon-priceless! 

With breakfast done and everything packed, we headed back to the hotel.

The team

We waited in the sweltering heat for our tube trip back.

Tony having fun while we wait

With such a great team, we had to get together for dinner. Everyone, always has a story to tell, be it time out for travel, crazy bike racing or trekking around in East Asia on a bicycle-it's great!

The following day, Tony was still around and we still had time to kill so we arranged to meet again as we all wanted to head to the orangutan feeding centre. However, that wasn't till later so we had a morning to fill and decided to head towards the Bat cave.

The walk there was great with some pretty paths to take, however, no real clear signs on how to get there. Another nice reminder-don't wear flip flops to a cave, it just doesn't work. 

We didn't realise exactly how much time the caves would take up and had to rush back to try and get to the feeding centre. Yikes!

We had to cross the water, in order to get to the feeding centre...

Phew...we made it. Where are the orangutans???? Oh man! they've all been fed too well and with all the fruit that is readily available to them they decided not to show! Should have done the morning one! Never mind.

Very fitting T-shirt

Disappointed, we headed off for a wander and of course, some food.

We stopped at a great shop with some fab artwork.

To end the wander I spot a cute couple on a bridge.

Couldn't resist taking this pic-so romantic, aaaaah

Back at the hotel, we loitered around until taxi time and headed back to Medan for our flight through Bandung to Bali. Bukit Lawang was great fun and another one to tick off my list. Let the travelling days roll on!