Trip Dossier and Kit List - Sumatran Orangutan Society...such as the Sumatran orang-utan, tiger, elephant and rhino. Bukit Mas Bukit Mas is a 100-hectare plot of land on the edge of

This trip is operated by The Different Travel Company for Sumatran Orangutan Society (Reg. Charity 1158711). The Different Travel Company Ltd. is a company registered in England, number 05324268.

Trip Dossier and Kit List


SOS Conservation Adventure: Sumatra

15 – 27 March 2020

Sumatra Sumatra is an Indonesian island located in the west of the Greater Sunda Islands within the Indonesian archipelago. It is the sixth largest island in the world covering an area of 473,481 sq. km. Sumatra has a vast biodiversity however due to deforestation many species are now critically endangered such as the Sumatran orang-utan, tiger, elephant and rhino. Bukit Mas Bukit Mas is a 100-hectare plot of land on the edge of the Leuser Ecosystem in North Sumatra. Once a lush, biodiverse jungle, a few years ago the area was cleared and replaced with rows and rows of oil palms – turning it into a biological desert. SOS are working hard to reclaim the site for wildlife. The majority of people living adjacent to the Bukit Mas site previously worked on the oil palm plantation. Following a tried and tested model, they have now been offered employment on the restoration project, including the establishment of community-managed organic tree nurseries. Fifty hectares of the site is in the process of being developed as a permaculture demonstration site and social enterprise, offering further employment and training opportunities. In addition, through training in agroforestry, permaculture and organic farming techniques, farmers can increase crop yields

and improve their profit, reducing their need to expand farmlands into the forest. Described as ‘a dream come true’ by Sabar, the Permaculture Manager, this project is bringing barren land back to life. Within 3-4 years we will see this land thriving, and the trees planted will be a haven for orangutans, elephants and countless other species.

Leuser Nature School Sekolah Alam Leuser, or Leuser Nature School, is being built at Bukit Mas with the aim of incentivising local farmers to become guardians of the forest by providing free education for their children in exchange for their active involvement in forest restoration and protection efforts. There are currently sixteen pupils of secondary school age enrolled at the school. There are no other secondary schools in the area, making it extremely expensive and challenging for families to send their children to school. Sekolah Alam Leuser will therefore enable local children in the villages around Bukit Mas to remain in education for much longer than they might otherwise have done – before Sekolah Alam Leuser, they would have finished their schooling at age 11 or 12. At Bukit Mas, you will have the opportunity to assist with permaculture and restoration, and can also get the school children to test how many words of Indonesian you’ve picked up!


Cinta Raja Near Tangkahan, there are two projects you may be assisting with. One, Cinta Raja III, is a forest restoration site that SOS has been supporting since early 2018. The oil palm trees were removed from the site in 2018 and it is already well on its way to looking and sounding more like a natural forest. You will be able to see how the restoration staff nurture trees from seeds through to being large enough to plant and will see and hear how much wildlife is already returning to the site. The second project in the area is an 890-acre plot of land which SOS raised money to buy, completing the fundraising in March 2019. This site is earlier in its development and you may be asked to help with anything from preparing tree nurseries to walking transects with the restoration team leader as he establishes what native species are growing around the site.

Who accompanies us? You will be accompanied throughout the trip by local guides (English-speaking), driver, and a Different Travel UK tour manager. You will also benefit from the support and expertise of the local conservation staff. Where will we stay? You will stay in hotels in Medan, Tangkahan and Bukit Lawang on a twin or triple room basis (a single occupancy room may be available subject to availability and payment of a single supplement). During your time at Bukit Mas you will stay in very basic dormitory style accommodation (no single rooms are available). What about meals? All your meals are included except for lunches and dinners on days 9-11, as specified on the itinerary. Who can join this trip? The minimum age is 18, although 16-17 year olds may register if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Health considerations We require a medical form to be completed by everyone upon registering, and any pre-existing conditions, medications used and other medical issues must be noted and (if relevant) signed by your GP. Any conditions that develop must be declared and a new medical form completed and signed.


Itinerary Day 1 (Sunday 15 March 2020): Medan Meet at the Deli River Hotel (or similar), located in a peaceful setting just outside the city where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing, before the team gathers for a welcome meeting and dinner this evening. Meals: dinner Day 2 (Monday 16 March 2020): Medan – Bukit Mas This morning we set off by jeep for Bukit Mas where we will spend the next three days. We will stay at basic shared accommodation which is ideally located at the Permaculture Centre itself. Once we’ve settled in we will meet the local team and get stuck into the project this afternoon. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3-4 (Tuesday 17 – Wednesday 18 March 2020): Bukit Mas For the next two days we will get involved in a range of activities in the Bukit Mas area, including assisting with permaculture and restoration and even trying out some your Indonesian language skills with the children Leuser Nature School! Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 5 (Thursday 19 March 2020): Bukit Mas - Tangkahan After breakfast we transfer to the village of Tangkahan (approx. 4 hours’ drive), a hidden paradise on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park. On arrival we check into the Mega Inn (or similar), where we will stay for the three nights. This afternoon you may wish to explore the local area or simply relax in the grounds, before dinner. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Days 6-8 (Friday 20 – Sunday 22 March 2020): Tangkahan Spend 3 days visiting, and assisting at, projects in the local area, accompanied by your local guide. Activities could include anything from preparing tree nurseries to walking transects with the restoration team leader and more. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner. Day 9 (Monday 23 March 2020): Tangkahan – Bukit Lawang After breakfast we set off for the scenic drive to Bukit Lawang, on the banks of the Bohorok River (approx. 4 hours). Check into the Bukit Lawang Cottage (or similar) where you will enjoy a relaxing end to your trip. Meals: Breakfast, lunch.


Days 10-11 (Tuesday 24 – Wednesday 25 March 2020): Bukit Lawang On either Tuesday or Wednesday we will have an amazing opportunity to take part in a trek through the primary jungle of Gunung Leuser National Park during which we will hopefully spot wild orangutans (up to 6 hours walking). This may be the only opportunity you have to see these incredible primates during the trip so participation is highly recommended (N.B. wildlife spotting can never be guaranteed). There is also a range of other activities for you to take part in, bookable and payable locally, or simply relax and enjoy exploring this wonderful area. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12 (Thursday 26 March 2020): Bukit Lawang - Medan We drive back to Medan this morning, stopping for lunch en route. We will enjoy a final night in Medan, staying overnight at the Deli River Hotel (or similar), and this evening we enjoy an authentic Indonesian farewell dinner. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Day 13 (Friday 27 March 2020): Medan This morning you will check out of the hotel and the group will disperse for onward travel or flights home (booked yourself). Meals: Breakfast.

What does it cost?

The total cost of the trip is £1950 per person. A £150 deposit is payable at the time of booking, then a final balance of £1800 is payable no later than 8 weeks before departure. What is included? A substantial donation to SOS, transfers and transport in Sumatra from day 2-12, orangutan jungle trek, accommodation throughout (twin or triple rooms at hotels, shared dormitories at Bukit Mas), most meals as specified, drinking water on project days and during transfers, local English-speaking guides, UK tour manager. Trip Does Not Include: International flights (approx. £750-800)*, airport transfers, Indonesia visa (if required), lunches and dinners on days 9-11, optional activities and drinking water on free days, personal expenses (drinks, snacks, laundry, souvenirs etc.), travel insurance, vaccinations, tips, single room supplement for hotels (£225), etc. *Please do not book flights until the trip reaches minimum numbers and is guaranteed to operate; you will be advised when to book.

N.B. This itinerary may be subject to change depending on factors outside of our control such as weather, the need of the project at the time, your flight schedules and daily circumstances. Any changes in the itinerary will be made in the interest of group safety and enjoyment. You will be informed each evening of the plans for the next day. Your guide and tour manager will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group


Before You Go!

Important information to help you prepare for your trip

Country tips and practicalities Trek knowledge Food and drink

Kit tips Culture and responsible travel

Fitness, health, hygiene and safety Kit list

Country tips and practicalities

Visa. At the time of writing, if you’re travelling to Indonesia on a British passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Indonesia for visits of up to 30 days, calculated to include your date of arrival and date of departure. Visa-free visits can’t be extended or transferred to another type of visa. For a list of airports, seaports and land border crossings for entering/exiting Indonesia under this visa waiver scheme, and more information about entry requirements, visit the website of the Indonesian Embassy in London (http://indonesianembassy.org.uk/en/) or your nearest Indonesian embassy. You must have at least 6 months validity on your passport from the date of entry. This advice may differ for travellers of other nationalities; please contact the Indonesian Embassy for information. Travel insurance. The Different Travel Company will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip however unexpected things can occur such as delays, medical problems, baggage loss, cancellation by you etc. The purchase of travel insurance is mandatory; you are advised to organise it at the time of booking to ensure you are covered immediately. Different Travel is an authorised introducer for Campbell Irvine Direct insurance policies. You can find out more here: www.campbellirvinedirect.com/differenttravel. Please note: most travel insurance policies protect you before departure too so it is advised to buy insurance as close to booking as possible as it may protect you against the loss of your non-refundable, non-transferable registration fee if you cancel due to injury, illness etc. Tipping. While tipping is not mandatory it is appreciated by your guides and drivers. We would recommend allowing approx. £25 for tips. Photocopies. Remember to photocopy of all your documents (insurance details, passport, credit/debit cards etc.) and take a copy with you during the trip, stored separately from the original copies. You should also scan and email these documents to yourself and leave a copy with a trusted family member or friend. If you lose any of your documents you will then have access to a copy with you and online. You may also wish to upload your documents to cloud storage such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Books. There are several guide books on Indonesia such as Lonely Planet Travel Guide to Indonesia (July 2019); ISBN: 978-1786574770; £20.99. For tips on learning the local language, why not pick up the Lonely Planet Indonesian Phrasebook (Sept 2018); ISBN: 978-1786570697, £4.99.

http://indonesianembassy.org.uk/en/

http://www.campbellirvinedirect.com/differenttravel


Electricity. Electricity in Indonesia is 230V, 50Hz. The plugs used are European two round pin plugs. Electricity is available at all the accommodation throughout the trip to charge devices. If you think you may require backup power for USB devices during the day, you are recommended to bring a portable power pack (power bank or battery pack) which when fully charged allows you multiple charges of USB-powered devices such as phones. You should buy a power pack with a minimum capacity of 15,000mAh and these are widely available online. Language. Although there are over 700 languages and dialects spoken across Indonesia, the national language, Bahasa Indonesia will get you by across the entire archipelago. Here are some helpful words and phrases: Good morning: Selemat pagi/siang How are you?: Apa kabar? I’m fine: Baik-baik saja Thank you: Terima kasih How many/How much?: Berapa? 1: Satu 2: Dua 3: Tiga

4: Empat 5: Lima 6: Enam 7: Tujuh 8: Delapan 9: Sembilan 10: Sepuluh

Money. The currency of Indonesia is the rupiah. At the time of writing there were approx. 18,204 rupiah to the pound. You will require cash for meals not included, drinks, snacks, laundry, tips, optional activities etc. It is better to bring too much cash than not enough, and the money you pay helps support the local economy. Approx. £200-250 in rupiah should be sufficient depending on the activities you wish to take part in. Try to obtain low denomination notes (sub-20,000 rupiah) as change is difficult to come by, particularly in more remote locations. Accessing cash. It is possible to obtain Indonesian rupiah outside of Indonesia but the exchange rate is often very poor so we recommended that you exchange cash locally or withdraw cash from ATMs. There are a few ATMs in Medan which accept Visa and MasterCard but there are no ATMs in Bukit Mas, Tangkahan or Bukit Lawang. You are recommended to bring enough rupiah cash for the trip with you from Medan. Please note that ATMs usually have a maximum per-transaction limit of 2,500,000rp (approx. £137) and attempting multiple withdrawals in a row may cause your bank to flag this as fraudulent activity and block your card so please inform them of your travel plans before departure and leave at least 24 hours between withdrawals if possible. You may prefer to use a prepaid MasterCard or Visa currency card loaded with pounds to withdraw cash instead of using a bank card. It is usually possible to get a cash advance on a credit card at a bank in Medan (N.B. your credit card company may charge you for cash withdrawals). If you wish to exchange cash please bring undamaged English pound sterling notes (Isle of Man, Channel Island or Scottish notes will not be accepted for exchange). It is usually only possible to exchange foreign currencies at banks at the airport, or official money changers in Medan. You should exchange rupiah back to pounds before you depart Indonesia.


Phone and Wi-Fi access. Sumatra is served by a number of mobile networks including Telkomsel, Indosat, XL Axiata, 3 Indonesia and more. Coverage is patchy outside of major towns and your access to phone reception will vary depending on your home network, roaming capabilities, contract type and mobile handset. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, although this may be slow and unreliable. Please contact your phone provider to find out details about costs and remember to turn off data roaming on your phone to avoid incurring high data charges. Weather and climate. The weather of Indonesia is fairly stable throughout the year, with a hot, humid climate. March is one of the cooler, drier months to visit and generally sees cloudy skies with a 30-40% chance of rain, of about 90-120mm each day, and very high humidity. Temperatures historically range between 24°C to 32°C. It tends to get dark at around 7pm. Please note: the conditions above are historically accurate but climate change can lead to uncharacteristic conditions which are out of our control.

Food and drink

Water bottle. You need to bring your own 1-litre water bottles e.g. a plastic Nalgene or metal Sigg bottle. You should bring one or two bottles. Please write your name, initials, or a personally identifying mark on your water bottle(s) in marker pen. Drinks. Tap water in Indonesia is not safe to drink; this includes the tap water at the hotel. You must not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with any tap water, only use bottled or purified water. Drinking water is provided at the project on days 2-4, 6-8 and during the vehicle transfers on days 5, 9 and 12. The rest of the time you should purify or boil your own water. A highly recommended method purification is ‘Biox Aqua’ tablets which contains chlorine dioxide (other brands are available). This blend of chemicals kills 99.9% of all known bacteria plus cysts such as cryptosporidium and giardia and doesn’t leave water tasting of chemicals. A small selection of tea and coffee will be supplied at breakfast but if you have any preferences (e.g. hot chocolate, decaff coffee, herbal tea etc.) you should bring your own supply. Drinks and bottled water is available for purchase at the hotels but please consider the environment before purchasing single-use bottles. Keeping hydrated. Electrolyte tablets (e.g. Nuun, High5, PowerBar etc.) are flavoured effervescent tablets which contain salts, sugars and minerals which are naturally lost from your body when you sweat. By adding these tablets to your water it not only offers flavour to your water but it can help prevent dehydration before it begins. Electrolyte tablets are widely available in outdoors stores and online for around £8 for 12 tablets. You may also wish to bring a small supply of rehydration salts (e.g. Dioralyte) which treat dehydration. Dietary requirements. The majority of special diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc., can be catered for if we are notified in advance. Please ensure that you notify us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking or as soon as possible. Please note that we cannot guarantee that food preparation will have taken place in a contamination free environment.


Food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included throughout the trip, except on day 9 where dinner is not included, and days 10 and 11 where lunch and dinner are not included, as specified on the itinerary. Indonesian cuisine is a fusion of cultures. Rice and noodles are staple foods in Sumatra and Chinese and Indian cuisines are significant sources of Indonesia's culinary heritage. Tropical fruit and seafood are featured ingredients, and chillies, peanuts and curries form the basis of spicy preparations. Popular dishes include sate, bite-sized pieces of grilled meat, marinated in spices then skewered through thin bamboo strips and barbecued over charcoal fire; and cap cay, Chinese stir fried vegetables. Snacks. You may wish to bring a small selection of snacks for energy and a pick-me-up during project days and for during the orangutan jungle trek walk. Please bring snacks you have tried before (and enjoy) so they are appetising to you. Most people bring sweets, individually wrapped cake bars, protein bars or dried fruit but savoury snacks such as salted nuts, individually wrapped cheese, Peperami, Cheddar biscuits or salted crackers are great, often overlooked, options too.

Kit tips

Discount. When you book you will receive a 15% Cotswold Outdoor discount voucher and a 10% Nomad Travel discount voucher for use at their travel clinics. Clothing. As a Muslim-majority country you should carefully consider what you wear to ensure you are respectful of the local culture and avoid causing offence or attracting unwanted attention. Legs and shoulders must be kept covered so lightweight trousers with a loose shirt or a maxi dress teamed with a pashmina are ideal outfits for travel days, free days or evenings (and will help minimise mosquito bites). Men should avoid shorts higher than knee length, vest tops or going topless. Swimwear can be used around any swimming pools but you should cover up as soon as you leave the pool area. Evenings can be cool so you should bring a warm sweater, jacket or fleece. Clothing and footwear during the projects. During the project activities you should wear comfortable, lightweight clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. To help you manage the hot climate, you may wish to consider bringing technical non-cotton sportswear (e.g. wicking clothing) which stays dry and keeps you smelling fresh. Clothes can be washed at the hotels and will dry quickly so you can re-wear them. You can find good quality low-cost sports clothing in a wide variety of stores including Sports Direct, H&M, Primark etc. and even large supermarkets such as Tesco and ASDA etc. Lightweight waterproofs or a poncho is recommended in case there are showers. You are recommended to bring long sleeved tops and long leg bottoms (e.g. non-cotton cargo pants) to minimise your risk of mosquito bites and contact with plants which may have sharp barbs on them. You should bring sturdy trainers or hiking shoes with a good grip, and a pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands. Clothing and footwear for the orangutan trek You are advised to wear comfortable non-cotton sportswear with long sleeves/legs to minimise your risk of mosquito bites and contact with plants which may have sharp barbs on them; you should also wear sturdy hiking boots or hiking trainers with good grip, and carry a small backpack to hold your water, lunch, snacks, small first aid kit etc.


Buff headwear or bandana A ‘Buff’, is a stretchy tube of fabric and a really handy accessory to bring with you during the trip, especially with the hot and humid climate; see www.buffwear.co.uk for details. It can be used as a bandana, sweat band, hair band, hat and much more! There are many own-brand versions of the Buff at low prices available online and in outdoor stores. Cobber neck cooling wrap Another accessory to consider, particularly if you struggle with high temperatures and humidity, is a body cooling neck wrap known as a ‘Cobber’. When this neck wrap is submerged in water for 30 minutes the poly-crystals absorb it making them swell and turn cold. You wear it around your neck and it cools the blood flowing through your carotid arteries and keeps your body temperature down. One 30 minute submersion in water keeps the crystals cool and moist for 3 days before they start to dry out. They can be purchased for less than £10 from eBay or Amazon. Head torch. Power cuts are common in Indonesia, particularly in remote areas. You should bring a head torch with you in case power is lost during the evening or at night. It’s also handy to have a head torch if you wish to read or journal at night but don’t want to disturb your room mate with the room light. Petzl is a brand which makes good quality headlamps but there are many options available from other companies. Please take an LED torch as ones with bulbs are not bright enough. Bring your head torch with fresh batteries inside it. Do not bring a wind-up head torch as these are unreliable. Hiking poles. Hiking poles can be useful during the orangutan jungle trek as you will be walking over uneven and possibly slippery jungle terrain. They are not mandatory but are a worthwhile consideration if you are concerned about uneven terrain, or if you suffer from any knee or ankle problems. If you bring hiking poles they must fit inside your suitcase/kitbag for the purposes of your international flight. Luggage. 1. During the trip your luggage will be transferred with you by jeep and minibus. It is best to pack your luggage into a large rucksack or a soft-sided kit bag or duffle bag (e.g. Mountain Equipment wet and dry bag, or North Face Base Camp duffle bag) which is far easier to transport than bulky suitcases with solid sides. Make sure your name or an identifying mark is on your luggage. The capacity of your luggage should be around 70 litres but as long as all your items fit it doesn’t matter if the size differs. Please pack lightly; do not bring more than 15kg if possible (laundry facilities are available at the hotels), and consider leaving large electronic items such as hairdryers and straighteners at home. 2. Please ensure you have some combination padlocks to secure your bags in transit. 3. We recommend that you bring a small backpack with you to hold your personal items during the project (e.g. camera, lunch, snacks, basic first aid kit, water bottles etc.) and during the orangutan trek, which may involve walking for up to 6 hours. Ideally your backpack should be 20-25 litres in capacity and have a hip belt and chest strap for optimal comfort and support. 4. You may wish to consider bringing a small lightweight waterproof dry bag (e.g. Exped dry bag) to keep your belongings dry in rainy conditions while inside your backpack (e.g. electrical items, first aid kit, trip documentation or other items that need to be kept dry). This is optional but handy.

http://www.buffwear.co.uk/


Sunglasses. These are important even on overcast days. They must offer a minimum of 100% UV protection, and polarized sunglasses are ideal.

Culture and responsible travel Animal welfare. Viewing wild animals when travelling is an incredible and memorable experience however on occasions some animals are subjected to cruelty, taken from their natural habitats or used for entertainment, such as elephant riding. The Different Travel Company does not condone any form of animal cruelty or exploitation and we ask that you make educated and positive choices when travelling to avoid being part of exploitation, even unknowingly. Please consider visiting the World Animal Protection website for advice on how to travel responsibly: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk. Begging and poverty. Begging in Indonesia can be an issue particularly in tourist hot spots and large cities due to the best but ultimately wrong intentions of tourists. As part of our responsible tourism policy we strongly advise against giving anything directly to beggars or offering gifts to children. This can lead to these individuals pestering other travellers or considering that begging is more profitable or beneficial than searching for work or attending school. Etiquette.

Use both hands when handing somebody something. Public displays of affection in public are frowned upon.

Remove shoes and dress modestly (cover shoulders, arms and legs) when visiting mosques, temples and local homes or offices.

Keep noise to a minimum at accommodation, especially early in the morning and late at night.

Be respectful to your guides, hosts and team mates; don’t forget to say please and thank you.

When taking photographs of the local people, ask permission first. Taking a photograph of someone without permission can cause offence.

When shopping for gifts in markets where there are no price tags it is expected that you will haggle. The first price given is often multiple times the true value of the item, but remember to engage with the vendor and encourage rapport before haggling then pay what you think is a good price for the item, rather than aiming to get the lowest price possible.

Women should never sunbathe topless.

Environment.

Never leave litter on the ground.

Don’t dispose of fruit peel, cores or seeds on the ground; although they decompose eventually they are unsightly and may attract animals.

Turn off lights when not in rooms.

Minimise your water usage by having short showers.

Use natural or biodegradable toiletries where possible. Religion. The majority of the population of Sumatra are Muslim (87.1%), 10.7% are Christian and the remaining 2% identify as Buddhist or Hindu.

https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/


Fitness, health, hygiene and safety

Vaccinations and travel health. Different Travel regrets that we cannot provide medical advice or recommendations. You are advised to seek medical advice at least 8 weeks before travelling to ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For general information visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk but your GP or travel health professional should be the first stop for a consultation tailored to your medical history. Please note that failure to be adequately vaccinated, or take necessary prophylactic medication can invalidate travel insurance policies as it is considered that you have not taken necessary precautions. Fitness training. To make the most of your experience in Sumatra it is advised that you arrive in the country with a good level of overall fitness, especially for the orangutan jungle trek which will involve approximately 6 hours of trekking over rough terrain. The best form of training for a day of jungle trekking is to get outside and walk. If you’re not a regular walker, start slowly with short distances then as you get more comfortable, increase your mileage and add in more challenging terrain until you can comfortably walk for 6 hours on uneven terrain. Other activities which can complement hill walking include running, cycling, gym workouts and boot camps etc. Developing your core and leg muscle strength with exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, planks and crunches will really enhance your training. These exercises can be done at home; no gym needed. You can download a number of free apps, which will help you train and track your progress. E.g. MapMyWalk, C25K (couch to 5k run), MyFitnessPal. Please note that attempting to complete the orangutan jungle trek without any training may make it unneccesarily difficult and hinder your experience. The local guides, in consultation with your Different travel tour manager, may advise that if you are not fit enough to continue that you leave the walk. First aid kit. You should bring a small first aid kit of essential items which is for your own personal use. You may wish to include items such as personal prescription medicine, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, 50% DEET insect repellent, Loperamide (e.g. Imodium), anti-histamine tablets, lip balm with SPF, indigestion remedy for unfamiliar food etc. See the kit list for details. Emergencies and evacuations. In the unlikely event of a serious illness or accident, the local team will ensure you are transferred as swiftly as possible to the nearest hospital. Please ensure your travel insurance covers you for airlifting/emergency evacuations as this can be required to reach casualties on more remote trails in an emergency. You are recommended to bring a credit card during the trip in the event that you need to pay for medical treatment upfront in the event of an emergency. Safety. Please take common-sense precautions while travelling to ensure your safety and the protection of your belongings. For example: leave flashy jewellery, watches and accessories at home; keep wallets out of sight stowed in a handbag or backpack rather than sticking out of a pocket; don’t leave bags unattended at any time; carry cameras in their cases rather than carrying them openly with the camera strap; split cash into different pockets rather than carrying all your money in one place, especially immediately after you have used the ATM; and so on.

http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/

http://www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/


Insect Repellent. There are many biting insects and mosquitoes in Sumatra, so you are advised to take a large bottle of insect repellent with you. Although (at the time of writing, May 2019) the majority of Sumatra is considered at a low risk of malaria for most travellers (exceptions apply), it is essential that you use insect repellent day and night to minimise your risk of other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever or Zika, and use mosquito nets wherever they are provided. The Department of Health recommends 50% DEET as the most effective repellent available for use on your skin. Never use 100% DEET on your skin as it is not designed to be used this way. Be careful when using any DEET product as it can stain clothes, melt plastic and remove dye from fabrics. You are also recommended to prevent bites by wearing long sleeve tops, long leg trousers, covering your ankles and sleeping under mosquito nets (firmly tucked in under the mattress each night). Please consult your travel health practitioner for the current advice about mosquito-borne diseases in Sumatra.

Hygiene and toilet facilities. The hotels in Medan, Tangkahan and Bukit Lawang have en-suite facilities with flushing toilets, showers and towels. Toilet paper should always be placed in the bin, not flushed. Please bring one roll of toilet paper for your own use (e.g. for comfort breaks at roadside facilities or local restaurants where toilet paper may not be provided). At the accommodation in Bukit Mas you will have the opportunity to use a traditional mandi where you use a cup to scoop cold water from a large container and pour it over yourself to wash. There are squat toilets at Bukit Mas and you will use water to clean yourself after using the toilet (and to flush you will pour water down the toilet). You will need to bring your own towel for the days staying in Bukit Mas. A lightweight, fast drying non-cotton trek/travel towel is strongly recommended (please bring a large one). You are advised to use natural or biodegradable toiletries; Lush products (http://www.lush.co.uk/) are particularly good.

http://www.lush.co.uk/


Kit List

PLEASE NOTE: this list is just a guideline and is not exhaustive.

The items on this list do not take into account your personal preferences based on your previous

trekking experience, or individual requirements. For information about items on this list please refer to the trip dossier or contact The Different Travel Company on [email protected]

*Please ensure you pack your hiking boots or trainers into your hand baggage in the unlikely event

your checked luggage goes missing or is delayed.

ESSENTIALS HYGIENE OPTIONAL

E-tickets + pre-departure info Shampoo + shower gel Video camera + charger

Passport + copy Toothbrush + toothpaste MP3 player/iPod

Pen for immigration forms Antiperspirant deodorant Playing cards, notepad or diary

Travel insurance info Wet wipes (small pack) Luggage organiser bags

Cash + credit/ATM card(s) Toilet paper (1 roll) Walking pole(s) for jungle walk

LED head torch Hand sanitiser Portable powerbank/powerpack

Adaptor 2 round pins (Euro) Sun cream (SPF 30+)

Sunglasses (100% UV) Feminine hygiene products LUGGAGE

Mobile phone + charger Non-cotton travel towel (large) Kit bag/rucksack/suitcase

Camera + spare batteries

Daypack (20-25 litres)

Combination padlocks

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES FIRST AID KIT Dry bag (optional)

Hiking boots or hiking trainers* Prescription medicine

Shoes or sandals for free days 50% DEET insect repellent EATING AND DRINKING

Socks + underwear Ibuprofen 1-litre water bottle x2

Non-cotton top (long sleeved) Paracetamol Water purification

Non-cotton t-shirt Anti-histamine tablets/cream Energy snacks

Warm jacket or fleece for evenings Imodium (Loperamide) Electrolyte tablets (optional)

Lightweight trousers Plasters

Waterproofs or poncho Rehydration (e.g. Dioralyte) SLEEPING

Sun hat Indigestion remedy (Gaviscon) Ear plugs (essential)

Casual attire for travel days Antiseptic cream (e.g. Savlon) Pyjamas

Scarf or pashmina (for temples) Lip balm with SPF protection

Swimwear Muscle rub (e.g. Deep Heat) PROJECT ITEMS

Blister plasters (Compeed) Gardening gloves

Scissors/tweezers Lightweight clothing

Decongestant Buff headwear (buffwear.co.uk)

Spare glasses/contact lenses

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Trip Dossier and Kit List - Sumatran Orangutan Society...such as the Sumatran orang-utan, tiger, elephant and rhino. Bukit Mas Bukit Mas is a 100-hectare plot of land on the edge of