Review Author: Felix

Review Date: 02 Sep 2026

Review Body: We had a fantastic experience with Jack. He was an expert tracker, and we saw more amazing wildlife than we dared to dream of, including lots of time with orangutans! Would highly recommend this tour to anyone who fancies a wild adventure.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Matt T

Review Date: 20 Jul 2019

Review Body: Ketambe jungle trekking with Jack and Raza We initially contacted Jack via email after reading some of his Tripadvisor reviews. He quickly responded and helped us organise 4 days guided trekking in Ketambe with him and his brother. He arranged an overnight stay for us in Medan and met us the following morning where he had a taxi waiting to take us on the 8 hour drive to Ketambe. We were prepared to make the longer journey to Ketambe rather than the shorter trip to Bukit Lawang as we wanted a chance to see the Orangutan in their natural environment and not at a feeding station with lots of other tourists. Jack arranged for us to stay at a guesthouse in Ketambe as a base for our jungle walks. The guesthouse was nice and the people running the place very friendly and helpful. All the locals seemed happy to see us and we felt like celebrities as people would just stop us on the road and want to shake our hands and have a picture taken with us. The jungle trekking with Jack and his brother was incredible and were lucky enough to spot Orangutans on each of the 4 days we were there. We also saw Hornbills, Thomas Leaf Monkeys, lots of Macaques, as well as a variety of butterflies and insects which were all very impressive. The parts of the jungle we walked in were very unspoilt. We had arranged for Jack to be our private guide which meant we only saw 3 or 4 other tourists the whole time we were in the jungle, so it was a very special and unique experience, especially when we spent time watching the Orangutans up in the canopy. If you are looking for luxury accommodation and to be waited on hand an foot, this is not the place to come. This is definitely the place to come if you want a life changing adventure which will see you experience one of the last remaining and most bio-diverse jungle habitats in the world. An experience that will likely stay with you forever! Jack is an official ranger of the National Park and is very passionate about it's protection. He employs local people in a range of jobs to ensure that they have work so they are not tempted to get involved in illegal logging or the bush meat trade. Coming to Ketambe and using Jack's services as a jungle guide will ensure that your money is directly contributing the the protection of the jungle rather than giving your money to someone who maybe out to make a quick buck and not care too much about the jungle and sustainable eco-tourism.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Clara P

Review Date: 20 Sep 2019

Review Body: Amazing Trek of 3 days and 2 nights + 1 day with night trekking We are a spanish couple that went to Ketambe twice in the same journey because we really liked the place, the people and the jungle. Jack was our guide in both excursions and we really enjoyed our time with him and learned a lot. First we did the 3 days 2 nights trek with three more people. Another guide called Udin also went with us, and he was a great guide too. We had sooooo much fun altogether!!!!! The places we visited were marvellous, and we saw a wide variety of wildlife: insects, lizards, squirrels, monkeys (punky, macaque, white handed and black gibbon) and many orangutans, even the great king Louie!! The place where we slept was comfortable, they lent us a mosquito net and a mattress. The food was incredible, so many fruits and delicious noodles, currys, sambals, and other different plates. They really made us feel the jungle like home, we didnt want to go back to civilization. That is why two weeks later we went back lo Ketambe, and went into the jungle again. We were running out of time so we could only go one day, and decided to do the night trek too. One of us had a knee injury and Jack was really understanding. He adapted the trek to us, going slowly, and he even made a natural walking stick. We saw orangutans again. Then, the night trek was amazing. The jungle looks so different: the sounds, the animals you see... Jack was really good at spotting animals and we saw a flying lemur, a slow loris, a wildcat and many spiders and other insects. We are really thankful with Jack, who was a key person that contributed in making our journey unforgettable. Thank you Jack, and see you soon!!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Stephlovesbali, Germany

Review Date: 21 Aug 2017

Review Body: Ketambe Trekking with Jack Hey everybody, I did a jungle Trek with Jack in April this year. It was just me and him, as i read some recommendations about the hostels, which take most of the money when you book through them. Paying a little bit more cause of that fact was okay to me. As I travelled alone it meant also it will be a two-people-trek. The trek was amazing! Jack is a really good guy and also funny. Sometimes while walking he stopped and said "Can you smell?". Than he started walking fast till we finally saw some orang utans. That happende two times and we ended up seeing these magnificant monkeys! Jack told me, I was especially lucky seing orang utans three times in two days. As it is the wild jungle you can«t except seeing any of course. It«s the wild jungle! But I can promise, Jack will do his best to find some for you! He is a really good guide, with a proper english. He usually works as ranger of ketambe nationalpark, trying to safe the forest and to prevent illegal deforestation. He does has a lot of knowledge because of that and that means he is the perfect guide to hit the jungle for a couple of days. If you want to have a chat with him before booking, you can also find him on facebook. I recommendent a 3 days 2 night tours, with some friends. It«s simply more fun to go on trek with a couple of peoples (: Have a good time in Ketambe!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jemima

Review Date: 19 Jul 2026

Review Body: We had an amazing time with Raza Jack on the one night jungle trek! We were lucky enough to see many animals - 7 orangutans , lots of Thomas Leaf Monkeys, giant squirrel, long tail macaques. We were totally alone watching the orangutans and most of other animals which is very special. The lodge you stay at is very comfortable but showers are cold so keep that in mind. The food on the trek is incredible!!! You are very very well fed. I'd recommend packing a pillow and jumper for the overnight stay in jungle as it gets cold, as well as lots of water if you drink lots! The guide will bring a few litres too. We even got to enjoy dinner with Jack's family which was so nice too! Jack is a true passionate eco warrior and wants to help the orangutans and jungle stay how they are. Due to the petrol crisis in Sumatra be prepared for a long car drive, but it is worth it, you will be alone when you see the orangutans and not with anyone else! Ensure you bring at least 5 million IDR for the cost of transport, tips, and food for outside the trek.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: SanneVanBever, Belgium

Review Date: 18 Nov 2018

Review Body: Great guide and ranger, respecting nature! We did a two day and night trek with Jack. I thought it was important to find some one who really respected nature and leaves the apes in peace. Jack is a very recomended guide. In opposite to other guides, he ownes a private tent so your sleep in the jungle is more private and protected to insects. Other guides tents made of big plastic, leaving the sides open. The trek was very nice, we didn't see so many apes but it is because they are very wild here, it is only logical as they live high in the treetops. If you want guarante you can attend a zoo ;) . On an other day we did see more then 5 so it is about luck! Jack speaks good english and is open for a nice conversation, he knows something about the plants and the trees. He made us very nice meals!! Pancakes in the morning. And at the hotsprings he started moving around the stones, making us a nice pool with perfect temperature to relax a good nature spa! GREAT experience! Thank you Jack! Greating from Belgium, Brecht and Sanne.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Marc Rius

Review Date: 10 Feb 2017

Review Body: Thanks to Jack and Randy 'the cook', me and my wife were able to discover the exotic wildlife of Sumatra; such as orangutans, gibbons, macaques, birds, strange insects and spiders, as well as colorful flora. He brought the two of us to some wonderful spots: hotsprings, waterfalls, gorges and rainforests. We spend 3 days (2 nights) living in the jungle, a worthy experience which I would recommend to anyone interested in nature and wildlife. The daily trekking time was like 2-3h in the morning and 2-3h more in the afternoon, with plenty of time for resting, eating and sleeping and the heat/humidity in August was bearable enough, so as a whole it wasn't very demanding. But if you want more, you can stay up to 20 days exploring the jungle. Jack is a nice, amusing, easy going and calmed individual; however, he can climb a giant tree in a matter of seconds. Besides, he is an experienced official ranger of the Gunung Leuser Park and you will learn many secrets about its jungle.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: lukasb366, Germany

Review Date: 23 Aug 2018

Review Body: Good and intresting jungle trekking Jack picked us up with a driver in medan. I contacted him via whats app and everything was very easy to communicate and jack replied always very fast. After the long ride we stay in the "pondok wista guesthouse". ( amazing guesthouse, with amazing Food and friendly people!!) After that, We go with jack to the jungle. He show and explain us, the fruits, animals and all the many wonderfull things. We are so Happy. We sleep in a tent which jack organized for us. At the evening he cooked very good indonesia food for us. Also in the morning, we have pancake. Jack and the other ranger, loves her home and they will Protect the jungle and ketambe to beware this wonderful place for the future. We always feeled Comedy auf welcome in Ketambe. We can highly recommend Ketambe and Jack for Jungle trekking. Thank you and looking forward to See you again.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lina S, Malaysia

Review Date: 12 Jun 2018

Review Body: Gerat Trek to see Trekked with Raza Jack a few weeks ago for 2days and 1 night into the jungle to see Orangutans. Was a great trip! Was a very exciting hunt to try to locate the orangutans. When we finally saw them it was amazing! Raza was a very caring guide, cooked great meals and provide a lot of info about the forest. Raza also organised the accommodation and return to the airport in a shared taxi. Getting out to Ketambe can be a bit of a chore, but it's totally worth it. And a private car or shared taxi is the way to go! Would highly recommend. I hear now he also has a more comfortable reusable tent (many guides use environmentally unfriendly plastic tarps :( )! Even more reason to go with Raza!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: JazzzzBoo

Review Date: 04 Aug 2017

Review Body: Great jungle experience with Jack Had an awesome 1n/2d jungle trek with a local guide Jack. Saw orangutans, long-tail macaques, and Thomas' leaf monkeys. Jack is a very knowledgeable and professional guide. Also a very good cook, I was given a first class service in a literally million-star hotel. Like pancake for breakfast in the middle of the jungle, how cool is that?! Please go with the local guides and support the local community! Jack has just recently started a group of local guides called Tourist Information Centre. I met a few of them and they are all very nice people. So as long as you go with one of them, I am sure you will not regret it. Strongly recommended. Unforgettable experience!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: sm0g100, Germany

Review Date: 27 Jun 2018

Review Body: Jungle tour We had an amazing three day Jungle Trip! Jack was really good in spotting orang-utans, we saw 4 in the First day and got really close to them(we also saw snakes, scorpions and a few more Monkeys) We spent the night in a Basic camp and had local Food for breakfast, lunch and Dinner. We were six People in total and had 4 additional Tour Guides (so a total of 5 including Jack). Some Tours include much less guides, but we were very happy Them as this had Alowed us to split up any Time (e.g in case someone wanted to Go back earlier.) Furthermore, By doing so, he gives the locals the Chance to earn more money for their Families. So in summary, it was a very Nice trip that we Highly recommend!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: CharlotteR629, United Kingdom

Review Date: 08 Jun 2018

Review Body: Amazing wildlife in beautiful jungle! We went on a great 3 day jungle trek in April with Jack as our guide. He was very professional and met with us before to talk through the trip. We saw lots of wildlife thanks to his skills in spotting orangutans and other monkeys up in the rainforest canopy. The scenery was beautiful and each day we had a refreshing swim in the river and a stop at some amazing hot springs! We camped for two nights and were cooked plenty of good food for 3 meals a day by our porter and cook Udin - including banana pancakes for breakfast! I would definitely recommend Jack as a guide for jungle trekking. His English is good and he is easy-going and helpful.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: hanlinn95

Review Date: 29 Jul 2019

Review Body: Unforgettable experience with Armada and Basar An amazing four days trekking and three nights camping in the jungle. Our team were so lovely. Armada, our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the animals, plant life and their conservation, very encouraging and really good fun. The best food we have had in Sumatra after a month here was served by our ever smiling chef Basar, two lovely guys. We saw lots of beautiful orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, Gibbons, lots of birds, beautiful trees, flowers and mushrooms. Refreshing swims in the river and hot springs.A very well organised, enriching experience that I would definitely recommend and would love to do again.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Pablo W

Review Date: 19 Jul 2019

Review Body: Most beautiful Jungle experience in Ketambe. We spent three days (2 nights) with Jack in the jungle of Ketambe. Jack is very well organised so the booking went very smooth. Jack is a very experienced and qualified guide. We had the luck to see orang-utans in their natural habitat. Furthermore we could hike to some beautiful waterfalls and take a bath in the natural hot springs. The food that jack prepared was delicious! We slept in tents next to a river, always after a beautiful dinner at a bonfire. Anybody whoÔd like to experience the natural beauty of the jungle and itÔs animals just needs to do this trip! We couldnt have asked for more! Thanks for everything Jack! :)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Charlotte Richardson

Review Date: 09 Feb 2019

Review Body: We just arrived back from a great 3 day jungle trek with Jack as our guide. He was very professional and met with us before to talk through the trip. We saw lots of wildlife thanks to his skills in spotting orangutans and other monkeys up in the rainforest canopy. The scenery was beautiful and each day we had a refreshing swim in the river and a stop at some amazing hot springs! We camped for two nights and were cooked plenty of good food for 3 meals a day by our porter and cook Udin - including banana pancakes for breakfast! I would definitely recommend Jack as a guide for jungle trekking. His English is good and he is easy-going and helpful.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Han Nah

Review Date: 10 Aug 2019

Review Body: An amazing four days trekking and three nights camping in the jungle. Our team were so lovely. Armada, our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the animals, plant life and their conservation, very encouraging and really good fun. The best food we have had in Sumatra after a month here was served by our ever smiling chef Basar, two lovely guys. We saw lots of beautiful orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, Gibbons, lots of birds, beautiful trees, flowers and mushrooms. Refreshing swims in the river and hot springs.A very well organised, enriching experience that I would definitely recommend and would love to do again.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: senshee

Review Date: 14 Jun 2018

Review Body: Amazing jungle trekking I did the ketambe jungle trekkin with raza jack in may and i had a great time. I went to ketambe over bukit lawang as i want to avoit interference with wildlife and i was glad to see that indeed the guied not going to feed the animals and dont get close to them. I did 3D2N trekking where we staying next to the river and next to the hotspring for the saferal night. Raza jack speak english as well he can expalaint a lot af nature and wildlife. And know jungle as well. And he is happy to explaint. If you go trekking in ketambe, definitely go with raza jack!! Cheers

Review rating: 5

Review Author: annaliblume, Germany

Review Date: 05 Jul 2018

Review Body: Aaaaaaawesome We spend 3 days in the jungle, guided by the best guide Jack! We had a lot of fun and luck, seeing oranutans,a lot of wildlife and a lot other small things Jack showed us, we maybe would never paid attention to! We had an awesome time with Jack at natural pools, in the night time with a lot of good storys and cool magic tricks! We just can recommend to pick Jack as your guide. He is funny, will keep an eye of you and will give a lot of interesting informations! We would love to come back to the jungle with you Jack-thanks a lot, Malte and Anna

Review rating: 5

Review Author: ardjan, The Netherlands

Review Date: 10 Jun 2018

Review Body: Amazing trek into a beautiful Jungle We went with Jack on a 3 nights and 4 days trek. He is an excelent guide, with a lot of knowledge about the wildlife and the jungle. He provided us with some of the best meals we have had in all of Indonesia, and was always in for a good joke! Best part was when he woke me up early in the morning to look for gibbons, we had to run, but we did see them eventualy! He also carved some cool souvenirs in sandalwood for me and my wife! thanks again Jack!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jelger H, The Netherlands

Review Date: 18 Jul 2018

Review Body: Highly recommende guide We arranged our jungle trek with Jack. We found him via his website and communication with him was easy using Whattsapp. Response time was fast (sometimes some delay because he was in the jungle. Besides the Jungle tours he can also arrange transport. He is one of the few rangers that work for the park and by that he has a lot of knowledge about the park, the ecosystem and the animals. Besides that its a nice guy. Higly recommended guide!

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Today you will arrive in Ketambe, where your adventure begins!

Itinerary Description: Evening: Dinner, spend the night at the guesthouse in Ketambe

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Today you'll get to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat!

Itinerary Description: Morning (8am): Begin trek in the jungle, spotting of orang utans, monkeys, gibbons, and birds Afternoon: Arrive at campsite, lunch, continue trek in the jungle Evening: Return to camp for dinner

Itinerary Day 3

Itinerary Summary: Apart from enjoying wildlife, you'll also get to soak in a nice hot spring!

Itinerary Description: Morning: Breakfast, begin trekking Afternoon: Lunch, hot spring Evening: Fishing, dinner

Itinerary Day 4

Itinerary Summary: Today you'll return to Ketambe for an overnight stay.

Itinerary Description: Morning: Trek out of the jungle after lunch Afternoon: Return to Ketambe for an overnight stay in guesthouse

Itinerary Day 5

Itinerary Summary: Today you'll be returning to Medan.

Itinerary Description: Morning: Depart Ketambe for the drive back to Medan