Bukit Lawang · North Sumatra

A day on the
Landak River, paddled
at jungle pace.

One-day kayak journeys through the rainforest of Sumatra — gentle enough for first-timers and families, rich enough to remember for life. Run by locals, for everyone.

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Two kayakers paddling toward the jungle mountains on the Landak River
Plan Ahead

The perfect rest day between treks.

Most travellers come to Bukit Lawang for the orangutan trek — and many tell us, when they arrive, they wish they'd known about us sooner. The kayak day is the perfect counterpoint: a slower, gentler way to experience the rainforest, with the same trusted guides who lead the jungle treks.

Plan ahead: add a kayak day to your itinerary before you arrive, so you don't have to choose.

See it in motion

A glimpse from the river.

A yellow Jungle Kayak boat resting in a quiet bend of the Landak River, surrounded by jungle and giant boulders
Our Story

Started for the village.
Run by the village.

Jungle Kayak began as a way to support the local community of Bukit Lawang — a small jungle town on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park. We employ local guides, source food from local kitchens, and reinvest in the place we call home.

Every paddle stroke on the Landak River helps keep this corner of Sumatra thriving. You get an unforgettable day on the water. The village gets a future built on its own terms.

"The river belongs to everyone — visitors, villagers, and the jungle alike."
The Day Trip

One river. One day. Everything you need.

A full-day journey on the Landak River with a cold lunch, fresh fruits, friendly guides and all the gear. No experience needed — just curiosity and a sense of adventure.

Expert local guides

Born and raised on this river. They know every bend and every story.

Lunch & fresh fruits

A cold lunch with seasonal tropical fruits, prepared locally and served riverside.

Life vest & helmet

Safety gear sized for adults and kids. Inspected before every trip.

Dry bag for valuables

Phones, cameras, snacks — keep it all dry while you ride the river.

€50 per person

Everything included

  • Local guides for the day
  • All equipment (kayak, paddle, life vest, helmet, dry bag)
  • Cold lunch with fresh tropical fruits
  • Transport to and from the river

Payment in cash on the day, directly to your guides. No deposit required to book.

Who Comes Along

Solo travelers, couples, families and small groups

From a single paddler to a group of fifteen, we tailor the day to fit. Kids welcome alongside their parents.

01

Solo Adventurers

Join an existing group or paddle with one of our guides for the full day.

02

Couples

A romantic, slow-paced way to experience the rainforest together.

15

Families & Small Groups

Up to fifteen people. Perfect for friends, families, and team escapes.

Why Paddle With Us

Eco-conscious, family-friendly, locally rooted.

Built for the village

Local guides, local kitchens, local impact. Your trip directly supports the families who call Bukit Lawang home.

Safe for all ages

Inspected gear, certified life vests, and guides trained for the river. Children paddle alongside parents.

Light on the river

Small groups. No motors. Pack-in pack-out. We leave the Landak as we found it — for the next paddler and the next generation.

Wildlife along the way

Bukit Lawang is home to the Sumatran orangutan and rich rainforest wildlife. Depending on the season, you might spot orangutans, monkeys, or hornbills near the bat cave on the way to the river.

Featured Partner

Showcased with Wonderful Indonesia.

Jungle Kayak has represented Bukit Lawang at the Wonderful Indonesia stand during Salon des Vacances / Vakantiesalon in Brussels — joining the Republic of Indonesia's official tourism brand to present Sumatran adventure travel to European visitors.

Wonderful Indonesia Salon des Vacances · Brussels
The Wonderful Indonesia stand at Salon des Vacances / Vakantiesalon in Brussels, with the thatched roof and Indonesia tourism branding
What guests say

Loved by paddlers from around the world.

4.8 out of 5 on Tripadvisor

From start to finish it was well organised. All the equipment is first class. Our guides were always close to hand, advising us when needed, and making it extra fun with their sense of humour, and all the while feeling completely safe. The food was more than plentiful and delicious — the presentation was top notch.

DiverDee73 Paphos, Cyprus · February 2019

Friendly, attentive, professional guides. They were well organised, and all the equipment was good quality. The river is beautiful, and suitable for beginners as well as having plenty of fast bits for more experienced kayakers. We had a delicious lunch and fruit by the river too.

Ella C October 2019

We had 2 very friendly guides who were really looking after us and gave us a very nice experience! A relaxing morning and afternoon on the Landak river. Thank you for taking care of everything!

Flyer13814054350 August 2024 · Couples

The scenery is very beautiful, the river is long, clean, clear water and no garbage. I highly recommend the Jungle Kayak operator. If you come to Bukit Lawang, please try kayaking in the Landak River.

Lio C Yogyakarta · December 2017 · Solo
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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I plan for Bukit Lawang?
Most visitors come for the orangutan trek and stay only 2-3 days, then realise they wish they'd planned more. We recommend at least 4 nights in Bukit Lawang so you can do both — a 1-2 day jungle trek with our local guide partners, plus a kayak day on the Landak River. It's the perfect way to experience both sides of the rainforest.
How much does the trip cost?
€50 per person, all-inclusive. The price covers local guides, all equipment, a cold lunch with fresh tropical fruits, and transport to and from the river. Payment is in cash on the day, directly to your guides.
Is it suitable for beginners and children?
Yes. The Landak River is calm and well-suited for first-time paddlers and families. Children paddle alongside their parents in tandem kayaks, and our guides stay close throughout the day.
What should I bring?
Swimwear or quick-dry clothes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water shoes or sandals you don't mind getting wet. We provide a dry bag for your phone, camera, and valuables. A change of dry clothes for after the trip is a good idea.
How do I book?
Send us a message on WhatsApp or by email with your preferred date and group size. We'll confirm availability quickly. No deposit is required to reserve your spot.
What if it rains?
Light rain is part of the jungle experience and we paddle through it. If the weather is unsafe or the river is too high, we'll reschedule or refund — your safety always comes first.
Is insurance included?
No, trips are joined at your own risk and insurance is not included in the price. We strongly recommend arranging your own travel and activity insurance before joining a trip.
Find Us

In the heart of Bukit Lawang.

Our meeting point is in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra — easy to reach from Medan (about 3 hours by road). Get in touch and we'll send precise directions and pickup options.

Book Your Day

Ready to paddle
the Landak?

Drop us a message on WhatsApp — we usually reply within a few hours. Tell us your dates, group size, and we'll take it from there.

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WhatsApp +32 479 98 10 17
Email jungle.kayak@gmail.com
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Find Us Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra

Important — please read before booking

Trips are joined at your own risk. Insurance is not included in the price; we strongly recommend arranging your own travel and activity insurance before participation. Jungle Kayak, its guides, and partners cannot be held responsible for any accidents, injuries, illness, loss, or damage to personal belongings before, during, or after the trip.