Jungle Trek in Bukit Lawang
In 2020, before the world went on lockdown and before our baby was born, we had the opportunity to visit a place recommended by some traveller friends. It’s not popular in tourism guides, but it is part of an eco-tourism initiative raising awareness about deforestation, biodiversity loss, and wildlife conservation. Tourism here also provides an alternative income for remote villages that would otherwise rely on exploitative palm oil plantations. This is the photo story of our Jungle Trek in Bukit Lawang.
I think that everyone should experience nature and culture in a place where tourism supports conservation and local communities at least once in their lifetime.
Being there, it’s impossible not to reflect on how our lifestyle choices impact the environment and communities in less developed areas. I’ve become much more conscious of avoiding palm oil and choosing the sustainable options.
When the pandemic hit, fragile economies like this one suffered immensely. Our guide eventually reached out for help—there was no tourism therefore no income. A stark reminder of how interconnected we all are.
Read the full story on Substack as well as my travel tips to visit there.
Click on the image to see the full picture.
