Beyond the Tourist Trail: Your Private Gateway to the Rainforest

Enjoy a relaxing stay at this mission-driven eco-lodge located in the tranquil village of Batu Katak, North Sumatra.

Ethical Wildlife Encounters at Ibu Bumi Orangutan Guesthouse.

Ibu Bumi Orangutan Guesthouse (also known as Batu Katak Gibbon Guesthouse) is a mission-driven eco-lodge located in the tranquil village of Batu Katak, North Sumatra. Situated right on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park, it serves as both a gateway for wildlife enthusiasts and a base for volunteers to the non-profit organisation dedicated to rainforest conservation and sustainable development.

The property is located right on the river and across from the Karst forest. Frequently, you are able to see and hear Gibbons, Siamang and occasionally Orangutans directly from the guesthouse terrace while drinking your morning coffee!

  1. Peaceful & Remote: Unlike the busier Bukit Lawang, we offer a much more secluded, "hidden gem" feel.

  2. Eco-Conscious Design: The guesthouse has a rustic, warm aesthetic with many outdoor spaces like balconies and patios designed to keep you connected to the surrounding jungle.

Our rooms are simple and have private bathrooms, and we offer meals tailored to our guests' needs. Our policy is to provide excellent service, and our products are environmentally friendly.

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Four people sitting at an outdoor wooden table by a river, smiling and chatting, with trees and bridge in the background.

“Fabulous lodge next to the rainforest and Natural Park Gunung Leuser, where you can see the real, wild orangutans (not like the semi-wild ones in other areas close by), you can see gibbons in the forest next to the river, while having your coffee from the restaurant, an experience like nowhere else!!! Great people, amazing food, comfortable rooms, I would recommend this place over and over to all those willing to have a wildlife trip in Sumatra! Thanks to Nora for managing this great place!!”

Alessandro Broglia

Four friends sitting at a wooden table on a porch overlooking a river, surrounded by green trees, with a wooden building in the background.
A smiling woman with glasses and a woman wearing a striped apron sitting at a table
A lush tropical garden with a stone pathway, green grass, various plants, palm trees, a swimming pool, and a shaded patio area with outdoor furniture.
Lush green garden with stone pathways, trees, bushes, and plants, featuring a red building on the left side and several small structures with pink roofs in the background.
View of a garden with winding stone pathways, trees, and shrubs seen from a porch
View from a wooden balcony over lush green vegetation, trees, and a river in a tropical setting.
A bed with white sheets and pillows, decorated with pink flower petals and surrounded by a canopy of sheer white fabric in a bedroom with a wooden ceiling and green curtains.
Bathroom with a tiled floor, stone wainscoting, a white toilet, a small ceramic sink, a window with wooden slats, and a green plastic wall shelf.
View from a covered porch area overlooking a lush garden with trees, bushes, and a small pathway, with informal seating on the porch.
Two people sitting on the forest ground enjoying a meal, with tropical plants and fallen leaves around them. They have food in disposable containers and there are decorative leaves with tropical fruits and nuts on the ground nearby.

Amazing guesthouse, perfectly located, in front of the river and the jungle, you can even hear and see some gibbons from the terrace. The atmosphere is very peaceful, and our room was quite big, with a western bucket toilet, a cool shower, and a fan. It’s comfortable enough for your stay here.
The guesthouse offers a restaurant service, I highly recommend it, the dishes are delicious!
People are very welcoming and respectful, and also very friendly if you want to have a talk or some help.
Last point, this guesthouse and its team are part of an NGO, which aims to support local people and encourage nature conservation.
You’ll be sure to have an amazing and authentic experience by going to Batu Katak Gibbon Guesthouse!

A woman sitting on a large tree root in a dense jungle, smiling, holding a walking stick, wearing a bucket hat and outdoor clothing.

“Just spent 8 nights at Gibbon guesthouse, a beautiful location on the river in Batu Katak. This has been a lovely time here, all the staff have been very helpful & kind.

I have had a fantastic time being in Batu Katak, the villagers are very kind & welcoming. Enjoyed my time here so much that I am going to return for a few days before I leave Indonesia. This place is authentic Indonesia that I remembered when I travelled this country 35 years ago. Thank you to all the staff who made my stay memorable.”

David Brady

Primates expedition in Gunung Leuser National Park at Karst forest.

This place is magnificent! Between the karst forest and the village of Batu Katak. Nora, the manager of this guesthouse, is incredibly kind and does everything she can to ensure we have a wonderful stay. Her team also allowed us to observe orangutans, gibbons, and many other species in the surrounding forest. We could even see some from the guesthouse on the other side of the river. The rooms are functional and suitable for a two-week stay. And the food is delicious! Thank you, Nora and your team!