Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get there?
For North Sumatra: all you need to do is book a flight to Medan (Kuala Namu airport), the capital city of North Sumatra. Ensure you also book comprehensive travel insurance which is compulsory for all adventures. You will be met at the airport by a driver with a private vehicle. You will need to obtain a tourist visa on arrival which must be paid in cash - either 500.000 IDR or 35 USD. Check here to ensure your passport is eligible for VOA. Your tourist visa lasts 30 days. You may also arrange an e-visa prior to traveling here.What should I pack?
Find your packing list here.What vaccinations do I need?
This link is a guide only. We recommend you consult your doctor before traveling. How much money should I bring?
There are no card facilities in most of the places we visit so cash (Indonesian Rupiah/IDR) is a necessity. This can be organized prior to your departure, or at an ATM at Medan airport and in Medan city. ATMs are not available in the villages. As a guide a beer will cost you around $6NZ and snacks between $2 and $5NZ. Souvenirs can be purchased on some trips and prices vary. You will also need to bring tip and gratuities money of 300.000IDR and pay for a visa on arrival in cash. Please check your itinerary for inclusive and exclusive costs. Can I donate items for the projects or communities?
Yes! Donations are always welcome, see our packing list for project wish lists.Are your animal interactions ethical?
Always. We will not support elephants posing with tourists, washing, or riding. We very carefully navigate this by only supporting a reputable sanctuary and when we are able to find wild elephants we will observe them from a safe distance, undisturbed, without any impact to them. Your participation in our elephant experience field trip provides support for Sumatran elephant conservation in North Sumatra as well as local livelihoods.We only use extremely reputable forest guides to find wild orangutans and always observe the IUCN guidelines for responsible primate watching. We maintain a minimum distance from wild or semi-wild orangutans of at least 10 metres and spend no longer than one hour with them. Participating in the orangutan field trips helps support the work of Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme as well as local communities and businesses.How old do I need to be to participate?
You must be a minimum of 18 years of age to participate in our field trips.What can I expect?
If you enjoy a more luxurious style of travel with air conditioning, hot showers, and room service then these aren't the adventures for you. If you are after an authentic experience with connections to wildlife, nature, and local people then you're in the right place. Some cultures and countries operate very differently to the one you may be used to so it's important to participate with an open mind, trust in your leader, and acceptance of differences. This is when the magic happens. How fit do I have to be?
All of our itineraries are adventurous and require at least a medium level of fitness. You will be walking a lot and activities may involve climbing, pulling yourself up, physical exertion for long periods, and walking on uneven terrain in high heat and humidity. We can adjust most activities to suit your level of fitness and capability so don't let the active itineraries scare you! “You’re doing such amazing work and I cannot wait for you to continue to inspire and influence people from all over the globe”