Batu Kapal Guest House

Incredible place for what it is. Immersed in jungle, unlike a lot of guest houses in Bukit Lawang that are side-by-side. As a consequence it requires a 15-minute dirt bike ride (the path is barely wider than a bike’s tyre and not passable by cars or even tuk-tuks). Property will arrange this for 50k, or locals hanging around the bus station will drive there for the same price.Staff exceedingly helpful, and communicated well from the moment of booking right up to my arrival, offering assistance with getting there and planning excursions.Rooms are basic, but for the price more than sufficient with a comfortable enough bed, electricity, and running cold water pumped up from the nearby river, which is also suitable for swimming albeit with a strong current.Very nice views from the rooms, of which there are only four so you get to know other guests if you so choose. Wifi newly available in the restaurant/common area, but not in rooms. Meals were reasonably priced at 30-50k, 1.5l of bottled water was 15k, cold Bintang for 80k. More than a similar meal would cost in Medan, less than at Medan airport, I didn’t feel ripped off despite not having any choice on where to eat (though you’re welcome to bring food in when you arrive).Jungle treks are all regulated prices, and we had no issue arranging a trek for the next day with a knowledgeable local guide who had been doing this for two decades.Guide offered no guarantees obviously, but we had over an hour with an adult female and baby orangutan very, very close. Also monkeys on the property, staff saw two orangutans over the three days I was there too.Wonderful experience, delivers what it promises.Not related specifically to the property but for anyone else considering the public busses: it took me five hours from the airport, train first to Medan (40k) then Binjai (5k), tuk tuk to the minibus stop (20k), 2.5 hours on the minibus (20k without a bag, 50k with) then finally the scooter ride to the guest house (50k). Trains are all timed to connect to each other, minibuses leave regularly from early morning to mid afternoon. I found it comfortable enough, had plenty of space, and actually preferred the multiple transfers to stretch my legs compared to the more expensive direct tourist vans that would save maybe 90 minutes.

Batu Kapal is a magical place, surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle of Bukit Lawang. The staff is wonderful, they made us feel like we were at home. They helped us with everything and shared laughter, music and card games with us. We felt like we took home not only the experience, but also having met good friends.Also around our room we were able to see Thomas leafs, different types of macaques (in fact one day they were on our balcony) and on the last day an orangutan!We also had the opportunity to do the 3-day trek, sleeping two nights in the jungle, which was another unforgettable experience and we would like to highlight our guide Jipur, who was great and informed us about the jungle and the species that inhabit it, and the cook Mr. Black, who despite being in the jungle, made us delicious and abundant meals.It has truly been an unforgettable experience and, although we know it is difficult, we would love to revisit this wonderful place and its people, Bagus, Jipur and the rest of the team.

We came across the Batu Kapal by chance and had one of the best stays here in recent years. The motto of the entire team on site is “Make you happy & feel like family” and you can feel that too! All the staff were friendly, warm and helpful. We always spent the evenings with very good food and a private concert. It was magical! I would particularly like to highlight the two owners. They took a lot of time for us, organized individual tours and told us about the many local projects they support. Anyone looking for an extraordinary stay in the middle of the jungle, where getting to the guesthouse is an adventure in itself, will be very happy here! We'll be back!!

Great stay located in the jungle. This beautiful accommodation with excellent staff is located among the fruit trees. The people here treat you like family and everything is very well organised. We also did a 3-day Jungle Tour here. The guides are also from the accommodation and they know all about the animals, trees and plants. We really had a great time & we will certainly miss it.