Ethical Ecotourism in Sumatra: Our Values, Palm Oil-Free, and Responsible Tourism

Harvesting palm fruits for palm oil production, under the shade of the palm trees on a plantation.

ethical ecotourism, Sumatra, responsible tourism

When I founded Wild Nature Trips, I didn’t want to create “just another trekking agency in Sumatra”. I wanted to build something that was consistent—between what I stand for as a conservation biologist and the way I live here in Bukit Lawang, in the heart of Gunung Leuser National Park.

Ethical ecotourism isn’t just a marketing pitch for us. It’s our raison d’être.

Zero Palm Oil: A Non-Negotiable Commitment to the Rainforest

palm oil deforestation Sumatra, orangutan conservation

Palm oil is one of the main causes of deforestation in Sumatra. Millions of hectares of primary rainforest have been cleared to make way for palm oil plantations—directly destroying the habitat of Sumatran orangutans, elephants, and tigers, as well as countless other species.

I cannot, in good conscience, serve products containing palm oil to my travelers while taking them to observe the very forests that this industry is destroying.

Wild Nature Trips is committed to not using palm oil in our cooking during your treks. We source artisanal coconut oil directly from locals in Bukit Lawang.

Traveling with us means aligning your actions with your values.

Ethical and responsible trekking: small groups, certified local guides, and experienced guides

ethical trekking Bukit Lawang’, 'local guides', ‘small group’

Our treks in Gunung Leuser National Park are conducted in small groups—to avoid disturbing the wildlife, to ensure quality orangutan sightings, and to give each traveler a truly personal experience.

Our local guides have known the Bukit Lawang jungle since childhood and all have over 10 years of experience. They are fluent in the language of the forest and are officially certified by the local Bukit Lawang Guides Association (Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia HPI) and Gunung Leuser National Park.

Zero plastic, locally sourced, minimal impact

sustainable travel Indonesia, sustainable tourism Sumatra

Water filtered on-site, single-use plastic packaging banned. Our meals are prepared with fresh produce purchased at the local market in Bukit Lawang. Every euro spent with Wild Nature Trips stays within the local economy as much as possible: guides, host families, village producers.

A concrete social commitment: the school and community of Bukit Lawang

community-based tourism in Sumatra, local impact

Wild Nature Trips donates a portion of its profits directly to families with children in difficult circumstances or with disabilities. Handcrafted by locals in Bukit Lawang. Traveling with us means living in harmony with your values.

Responsible tourism can be a positive force—for the conservation of Sumatra’s rainforest, for local communities, and for travelers themselves.

That’s what Wild Nature Trips is all about. And if you share these values, you’re exactly the kind of travelers we’re looking for. 🌿

Harvesting and weighing palm fruits at the oil palm plantation