RAIN FOREST — Hotel in Sumatra

We were apprehensive about our trip to Bukit Luang. We had read the reviews beforehand but were prepared to risk it.||We arrived after a long journey from Medan airport just as it was getting dark. On arrival in the village we were told we had a further 10 minute walk. This was slightly disconcerting in a dark strange village but a cheerful young man invited us to follow him, so we did.||The accomodation is very basic and we were a little concerned as to what we had let our selves in for. However, we settled down for a traditional homecooked evening meal and a refreshing cold Bintang, or two and soon felt better.||The room was ok but we didn't sleep well, when we got up early the next moning the local monkeys were already playing on the balcony and the view of the river and the steep banks of dense rainforest soon made us feel at home. Breakfast pancakes and fresh orange juice was great. All the staff were cheerful and helpful and we were made to feel like part of the family from that moment.||We were anxious to book a jugle trek to see the orangutangs and opted for monday and tuesday as weekends are often busier. A gude talked us through our trip and answered all our concerns.||Monday morning after more pancakes we set off with our guide and his assistant a 3 single travellers onto or adventures. Nothing could have prpared us for how phisically difficult this trek was but we took it slowly and had lots of rest and water breaks.||Then we were face to face with 3 orangutangs in a family group near enough to see clearly but not close enough to feel like a zoo.||During the day we had a break for fruit snack and a delicious chicken and rice lunch. We arrived at our camp by the river by late afternoon, the camp was very basic and quite open to the elements but a wallow in the river, accomanied by a huge monitor lizard! a camp fire and a wonderful evening meal freshly cooked for us soon cheered us up.||After an uncomfortable night we woke early for tea and biscuits. After a freshly cooked breakfast we continued our trek. During the 2 days we saw 13 oranutangs, apes gibbons and monkeys, a chamelion and a hornbill. The trek far exceed our expectations, our guide Noran was witty and knowlegable and we felt safe in his charge. Noran has an excellent command of English and we learnt alot about the rainforest, the village and Sumatra in general. Igel was Noran's assistant who quietlf took up the rear and seemed to just appear with food or water or whatever we needed, he is also a dab hand with a massage for sore muscles.||After yet another substatial lunch, watched over by mum and baby orangutang and a family of monkeys we white water rafted back into the village.||Wow what an experience. If you are in any doubt about this trip all I can say is go in with an open mind it is something you will...

We absolutely loved our stay at Rainforest Guesthouse – so much so that we extended our visit from 3 nights to 7 because we simply didn’t want to leave. Here are just a few reasons why we think this guesthouse is a hidden gem, and maybe even one of the best options in Bukit Lawang:

It’s located on the “better” side of the river, meaning you’re just a short walk from all the restaurants and bars, while still enjoying a peaceful atmosphere.

The owner also serves food, and after a full week in Bukit Lawang, we can confidently say that Nani’s Rendang is the best we had anywhere!

The rooms are affordable, very spacious, and exceptionally clean.

There’s a proper shower, and the family room even comes with hot water – a real treat in this area.

The outdoor seating area is lush, green, and beautifully spacious. You can sit right by the river, dip your feet in the water, and relax on daybeds or hammocks. It’s such a joy to hang out there and wave to the locals rafting by.

Despite being just a 0–5 minute walk from everything, the guesthouse feels slightly tucked away from the main road, making it more peaceful than many others we saw. The garden is also significantly larger than at the neighboring guesthouses.

There’s a lovely, swimmable spot in the river just a one-minute walk away – a rare find, as most parts of the river are too wild for tourists.

Nani and Indra, the owners, are incredibly warm and helpful. Staying here truly felt like being with friends or family. They helped us organize a wonderful day trip to Batu Katak and were always ready to assist.

While it’s not officially offered, you can ask Nani to cook with you. I did, and honestly – it was the most meaningful souvenir I brought home.

They also offer laundry service with a machine – super convenient!

Sari, who keeps everything spotless and also helps with meals, is an absolute gem. Her warm smile and kindness brightened our days.

You can also book a jungle trek through them. They work with Jojo, and if you get the chance – definitely ask if he can be your guide. You won’t regret it!

If you have some extra time, take the 30–40 minute walk up to Bukit Lawang Hill Resort. The view is breathtaking and well worth the effort.

You can also walk to the Bat Cave from here, just ask the team for directions.

This is a truly special place, run by heartwarming people who make you feel at home from the very first moment. We genuinely didn’t want to leave – and we can’t wait to come back!

Terima kasih banyak Nani, Indra, dan Sari atas semua kebaikan dan kehangatannya – kami merasa seperti di rumah sendiri dan akan selalu mengingat waktu...

ZERO NO STAR at all.||Warning, don't book this hotel! The worst experience ever in my life. We booked one night with Booking. Com to experience a different vibe of this area, also helping the local business, When we came, the woman there was so rude. She asked why we're there and I said to check in. And she walked away no smile and asked why, where were us staying before and why u checked out from that place. Shouting to us. I came with my husband and he asked who's this, your boyfriend of husband? I was WTF?!!! What's her business?? She yelled at us without even looking at us directly " You chose to stay one night with us but I expect u do activity, otherwise we don't accept you! That's how we make money! "||I'm Indonesian married to my husband ( French) and I was shocked! The rudeness I received was beyond my expectation. I responded to her, really??! This is the kind of hospitality you give us ? Our decision to stay at you place is not your business and FYI, we wanted to chance the scenery and help the local business so we chose your place. Shame on you yelling at us like that. I prefer to cancel this booking. And she said go ahead, cancel it! Whattttt????||Good luck for your business! I cancelled our booking. We don't want to spend a dime with this kind of hospitality.||Found another hotel. And we shared the story to the staffs, apparently they heard many horror stories from other guest who came to this RAIN FORREST Inn.||So DON'T BOOK this hotel. WORST experience we have ever had in our life. A very rude lady with a glasses.||We warned you to be careful. Just don't be fooled with the cheap price they put on Booking. Com,...