Private rainforest experiences, professional expeditions and thoughtful hospitality from Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra.
ABOUT AUTHENTIC ORANGUTAN EXPERIENCE
Authentic Orangutan Experience is a Bukit Lawang based rainforest experience company operated by PT DMB Samosir Tour. Since 2022, we have been creating private journeys for travelers who want to experience the rainforest in a more personal, flexible and thoughtfully supported way.
Our guests have come from countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the United States, Russia, Japan and other international markets.
As we continue to grow, our focus remains the same: credible information, professional local operations and experiences built around the individual guest rather than mass tourism.
Your experience is organized for your own group, not combined with unrelated travelers.
Personal support before, during and after your rainforest journey.
A local team with years of practical experience in and around Bukit Lawang.
Our main operational languages are Indonesian and English.
We also understand that not every international traveler feels completely comfortable communicating in English.
When needed, AOE can use a Vormor A20 translation device during the journey to help reduce language barriers.
It may assist guests in understanding important information related to:
We want communication to support confidence and comfort throughout the experience, especially when clear understanding matters.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE EXPERIENCE
Authentic Orangutan Experience is supported by a core team of around eight people covering senior guides, forest assistants, logistics support and forest advisory capability.
The experience within the team ranges from several years of guiding and logistics work to decades of connection with the forests and communities around Bukit Lawang. Some team members have lived or worked around the area for more than 30 years, while our senior guides are associated with Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI).
Our Team
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Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about our team, guest support, responsible operations, safety approach and the standards behind every Authentic Orangutan Experience journey.
Yes. We can organize customized programs for companies and larger groups, including team bonding, team building, leadership activities, corporate retreats, nature immersion and adventure programs.
Larger groups can join one overall program while being divided into smaller operational trekking groups when needed.
Yes. AOE welcomes universities, schools, students, educational groups and student organizations.
Programs can include field trips, environmental education, biodiversity, wildlife observation, rainforest ecology, tourism and conservation education, cultural activities, adventure education and research support.
Larger educational groups can also be arranged with appropriate operational grouping.
Hospitality is one of AOE’s core values.
Depending on the journey, support may include pre arrival communication, airport pickup, private transportation, welcome assistance, briefing, dietary requirements, family assistance, luggage support and reasonable personal requests.
For us, premium should be felt in the way guests are cared for, not simply in the price.
Our main operational languages are Indonesian and English.
When needed, we can also use a Vormor A20 translation device to help reduce language barriers during safety briefings, itinerary discussions, activities, instructions, meals and other personal needs.
Hygiene is an important part of our operations.
We pay attention to drinking water, reusable bottles, relevant equipment, food preparation, fruit handling, eating utensils and food storage throughout the journey.
AOE is also preparing a documented Jungle Hygiene Standard / SOP to further formalize these practices.
Waste generated during a trip is collected and brought out of the rainforest.
Both guests and crew share responsibility for keeping the environment clean, and waste is managed according to applicable rules.
For us, enjoying the rainforest also means taking responsibility for how we leave it.
We believe quality rainforest experiences require fairly compensated professionals.
AOE does not want lower prices to come at the expense of fair wages, service quality, safety, food, equipment or professionalism.
We also aim to work with local suppliers and local businesses whenever possible and do not employ underage workers in professional operations.
AOE supports and appreciates the work of Nature For Change.
AOE is a tourism company, not an NGO or charity, so any conservation relationship should be understood as support or collaboration.
We also avoid publishing sensitive wildlife information, including specific animal or camera trap locations.
AOE has a core team of around eight people, including senior guides, forest assistants, logistics support and forest advisory capability.
Different members bring years of experience in guiding, forest knowledge and logistics, with some having decades of connection to the Bukit Lawang area.
Senior guides also have credentials or association with Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI).
Our current field preparation includes first aid kits, emergency communication, field support, emergency coordination, access to local medical support and evacuation coordination when required.
Weather, trail conditions or other force majeure situations may also require itinerary changes for safety.
AOE is currently developing a more formal emergency and evacuation SOP, so we avoid making claims that cannot be formally verified.
Authentic Orangutan Experience operates through PT DMB Samosir Tour, established in 2022.
The company has relevant legal and tourism permissions and uses official permit processes for activities that require permits.
Specific permit numbers, certifications or regulatory details should only be published after verification.
Yes. AOE has handled more than 500 guests from countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the United States, Russia, Japan and other international markets.
Guest reviews are available on platforms such as Google, TripAdvisor and GetYourGuide. Any ratings or review totals displayed on the website should always use the actual figures available at the time of publication.
