You don't need specialist gear for a Bukit Lawang trek, but a few good choices make a real difference. Here's what actually earns its place in your bag.
What to wear
Quick-dry clothes over cotton, which stays wet for hours in jungle humidity. Long trousers and socks matter more than they sound: leeches are common on the trail, and covered skin is the simplest defence. Sturdy closed shoes with grip, broken in beforehand, not brand new.
What to carry
- A light rain jacket, even in the dry season
- Insect repellent
- A reusable water bottle
- A dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and documents
- A power bank, since camps have no power sockets
- A basic first aid kit for blisters and scrapes
- A small roll of toilet paper or tissues
Drinking water on trek is river water we boil ourselves, which naturally has fewer minerals than filtered or bottled water. If you'd like, you're welcome to bring electrolyte tablets or powder to add to it, though it's not something you need.
What we provide
Sleeping mats and mosquito nets are set up at camp, along with meals and drinking water on multi-day treks. You don't need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, or cooking gear.
No backpack, or not one suited to a multi-day trek? We can rent you one. We also have a child carrier available if you're trekking with a young child.
What to leave at the guesthouse
Anything you don't need on the trail: spare clothes, valuables, and the bulk of your luggage. Your guesthouse can usually store bags while you trek, though some ask for a small fee.
On leeches specifically: they don't transmit disease, and a bite is painless, if a little bloody. Tucking trousers into socks is the single most effective defence.