Born only a few doors down from our Lodge site, Ishako Ranto Simanjuntak spent many years working as a free-lance guide in Bukit Lawang, during which time he met UK born yet NL raised Lily Morgan, who moved to Sumatra in 2017 to manage the Bukit Lawang Education Trust. Ever since that fateful day, the pair have enjoyed scouring Sumatra for the spiciest food, singing sweet Batak love ballads and arguing, or discussing the greater questions in life! After falling pregnant with their first son in early 2022, the pair decided to invest all their knowledge and love for the region into a guesthouse that would honour Ishako’s Batak heritage, whilst showcasing the best of the region’s traditions and cultures, in order to provide their guests with an honest, raw yet elegant experience of Sumatran life.

We are located a 25 minute walk away from the tourist centre- do not book if you want to be in the centre! .62 812. 6572. 5207. .62 813. 7642. 3606. @sumatranethicalexpeditions Specialising in sustainable JUNGLE TREKS AND TOURS with the goal of showcasing the best of the Sumatra's raw yet elegant history and culture, Sumatra Expedition Lodge has been built with traditional Batak techniques, resulting in spacious and airy rooms, each equipped with their own private terrace and modern ensuite facilities. The Lodge is nestled between the village and rice paddy fields, meaning each of our four rooms enjoys breath-taking views of the glorious Sumatran farmland and mountainous Leuser National Park. Located opposite our eco-veg plot, the Lodge sits proudly above two large fishponds, filled with colourful Koi and (delicious when BBQ’d) Ikan Nila. From our communal dining area you can gaze at the mountainous Leuser National Park, where our registered and professional guides will take you trekking! Our goal to protect and revive our cultural heritage is also reflected in the extra-activities available at the Lodge, such as buffalo farming and day trek’s, Sumatran cooking classes, rice padi workshops, along with traditional carving and batik printing workshops. We are very well connected with the charitable community in Bukit Lawang, and endeavour to facilitate guest visits to show them the valuable work being performed in the area. Furthermore, all ingredients used in our kitchen are either grown on our veg plot, or bought locally, as we endeavour to support local, sustainable entrepreneurs.

Positioned between the village, irrigation and rice paddy fields the Lodge boasts easy access to whatever our guests may be in search of. With Soul Bar, Gino's Place, Masno's Cafe, Indomaret/Alphamaret, the Friday Market place plus local warungs (coffee bars) and kedais (corner shops) all within a ten minute radius, our guests needs are easily satisfied. Those looking for nature will find there are many local footpaths which meander through the paddy fields and surrounding farmland where you will also find our working buffalo, Betty. Additionally, Bukit Lawang Toursit centre is easily accessible by foot (20mins), bicycle (10mins), or tuktuk (5mins).