A truly off-the-beaten-path trek in Sumatra

Hi everyone,

I’m finalizing my trip plans for Sumatra in June. I’m trying to lock in a trek (around 5 days), but I’m not really finding what I’m looking for.

The idea is to really go "off the beaten path" (I’m not a fan of the phrase since it’s lost all meaning, but anyway...). However, I’m struggling to find destinations or programs that are even slightly original.

We’re leaning toward a jungle trek starting from Ketambe—it seems nice in itself, but it feels a bit repetitive. All the guides offer the same packages: stops at fixed camps, you settle in, walk around the camp, eat, sleep, then move on the next day for 2-3 hours with the same routine. After all my research, I feel like I’ve already seen it all because every guide and tourist posts the same photos (hollow tree, hot springs, etc.).

Anyway, do you know of a guide or agency that offers a *real* trek (meaning you walk all day until you find a spot for the night, from a starting point A to an endpoint B) in an area that’s a little different from where everyone else goes? (Gunung Leuser or similar, though for transport and time reasons, I’d ideally like to stay in northern Sumatra.)

Thanks, and if you have any good tips about anything related to Sumatra, I’m all ears.

Have a great day,

hi there,

The idea would be to really go in "off-the-beaten-path" mode (not a fan of the phrase since it’s lost all meaning, but oh well...)

I totally agree with that statement.

Most guides offer the same formula: stop at fixed camps, set up, walk around the camp, eat, sleep, move on the next day for 2-3 hours, same routine...

Have you ever been to the jungle? If you don’t stop at a fixed camp, you risk sleeping in the mud, which really isn’t pleasant. Especially since the trails in Southeast Asia’s tropical forests are teeming with leeches.

Anyway, do you know of a guide or agency that offers a real trek (meaning you walk all day until you find a spot for the night)?

If you want something "adventurous," you could also check out Taman Negara.

Ketambe can offer treks that are way less touristy than what most travelers... there are even week-long to ten-day treks!

That said, in Sumatra, there’s also Kerinci Seblat—much less crowded and far more scenic... though this park doesn’t have orangutans!!