Cash and ATMs in Bukit Lawang

Cash remains essential in Bukit Lawang, even if a few places now take cards. Here is where to get it, what you will actually pay in cash, and how tipping works on a trek.

In Bukit Lawang itself

There's an ATM at the Indomaret convenience store in the village. It generally works well, with a limit of 1,800,000 IDR per withdrawal. It's convenient, but fees are higher than at a bank ATM; the exact amount depends on the ATM's bank and on your own bank.

Bahorok, a better rate

Bahorok is about 20 minutes by motorbike from Bukit Lawang, and has Mandiri and BNI bank ATMs with lower withdrawal fees. Worth the short trip if you're withdrawing a larger amount.

Paying by card

Several guesthouses and some restaurants in Bukit Lawang accept cards, but they often add a surcharge of 3 to 10%, depending on the place. In a warung, the small local eateries, plan to pay in cash.

Changing money

If you'd rather bring euros or dollars, you can change them at some money changers.

What you will pay in cash

Everything during the trek itself is already included, so you won't need large amounts. In cash, plan for:

• Tips for your guide, assistant guide and jungle mama (see below).
• The national park entry fee: 150,000 IDR per person (about €7.80), paid on the day of the trek.
• The rest of your trek price, if you don't pay it by bank transfer.
• Village activities: 250,000 IDR per person, paid directly to Yayasan Kolibri.
• Meals in warungs, drinks and small extras in the village.

Tipping your trek team

Tipping is very common in Bukit Lawang, and much appreciated, though never compulsory. When you give a tip, the guide, the assistant guide and the jungle mama share it between them, unless you say it's for one person only.

As a rough guide, the usual minimum is 80,000 to 100,000 IDR per day for each person working on your trek (guide, assistant guide, jungle mama). You're of course free to give more if you wish.

Paying for your trek

You don't need to carry the full price of your trek in cash. The 50% deposit is paid by bank transfer when you book, and Wise and Revolut are accepted. The rest can be paid in Bukit Lawang, in cash or by a second transfer. Booking and cancellation terms.

Our advice

The simplest option is to withdraw cash at the airport ATM before heading to Bukit Lawang. If you're travelling by private car, you can also ask your driver to stop at a specific bank along the way; just tell them which one.

During the trek, keep your cash dry in a waterproof pouch: the jungle is humid, and it can rain at any time.

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