You could quite literally throw a stone from the balcony of Sam's Bungalows across the Bohorok river in north Sumatra and it would land in the Gunung Leuser National Park. If you did you might startle a Thomas’s Leaf monkey foraging in the greenery, or disturb a water monitor basking in the sun on riverside rocks. Better than attacking the local fauna would be to sit with a cup of jungle tea and one of Sam's special fruit salads and watch the jungle move.Sam's Bungalows are ideally situated up the river opposite the Park entrance, a short walk from the orangutan feeding site. There are currently 3 bungalows, all with their own balcony and shower room - beautifully decorated with rounded stones, smoothed by the river, and blending with the surroundings. The soothing sound of a nearby waterfall reminds you that this is rainforest, and you feel at one with nature.
Electricity has not yet reached this far up the river, but a generator provides power daily between the hours of 6pm and midnight. There is also only one temperature for the shower – Fresh! Daily rates range from between 80,000 – 150,000 IDR (£4.50 - £8.50) and the adjacent “Sam’s restaurant” overlooking the river below, is the perfect place to enjoy delicious home cooking from Ifat’s kitchen.
For bookings, contact Sam on: +62 813 7009 3597
I would like to encourage anyone who has stayed at Sam's Bungalows or been to Bukit Lawang to write a review in the form of a comment on this post to advise others who are thinking of travelling to this beautiful part of the world.
6 comments:
Sam and Ipat have created a little oasis at the end of the Bukit Lawang trail. An oasis for the weary traveller to recharge the batteries, relaxing and feasting on an ingenious menu of cross-cultural fare. Here you can cool off and rest up... although you will be tempted to venture into the forest all around. Take them on at Scrabble if you dare!
I stayed at Sam's Bungalows in November/December and really can recommend it to anyone. It was my fifth visit to Bukit Lawang and normally I stay at Jungle Inn.Becasue Sam is a good frined I wanted to stay in his place this time. Both places have a good standard and are value for money. bets food eaten was at Jungle Tribe Cafe. Please try the Nasi Soto. You won't regret it!!!
Bukit Lawang - A paradise found !
We can't recommend it enough and encourage like-minded travellers with a passion for wildlife and the environment to make their journey to this wonderful destination. Meet the wonderful and generous people who make Bukit Lawang their home and made our time there so special - like Sam and his family, the Jungle Inn staff, Rosa, Nora and local artist Genta. A trip into the jungle is a must but take Martin's advice and be responsible by ensuring the guide is well trained and eco-friendly - meaning no feeding of any wildlife, unfortunately a common practice that only you - the responsible traveller, can change. After all, it is a wild jungle, not a petting zoo. On our 3day/2night trek we were lucky enough to encounter 2 black gibbons along with 9 orangutans - all by chance with no feeding. Such a special experience. Go there if you can.
Congratulations to Sam and Ifat who gave birth to their first child today - a baby boy!
did you go? February? was it really wet?
Was there early Feb 08. It did rain a bit, but by no means all the time. The humidity meant the afternoon rain was actually quite welcome!
Post a Comment