Sustainable & Responsible Travel: North Sumatra

Protected Areas

Gunung Leuser National Park (UNESCO site) is critical for endangered species like Sumatran orangutans. Support conservation by choosing ethical tour operators.

Lake Toba Ecosystem

Efforts protect Lake Toba's ecosystem and water quality. Avoid polluting the lake with trash or chemicals.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Prioritize accommodations and tour operators committed to sustainability, waste reduction, and local conservation projects.

Environmental Considerations

Thoughtful actions minimize your environmental footprint.

Waste Management & Recycling

Waste management is a significant challenge; minimize your impact.

Responsible Practice

Carry a reusable water bottle and refill often.
Say no to plastic bags, straws, and excessive packaging.
Dispose of all trash properly; avoid littering in natural environments.
Recycling infrastructure is limited outside major cities.

Water Conservation Issues

Water resources are precious, despite ample rainfall.

Mindful Water Use

Be mindful of your water usage in accommodation.
Take shorter showers.
Turn off taps when not in use.
Especially in more populated areas, water is a valuable resource.

Carbon Offset Options

Mitigate the environmental impact of air travel.

Offsetting Your Journey

Consider purchasing carbon offsets for your flights.
Many international organizations offer this service.
Supports projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A contribution to global environmental efforts.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation & Operators

Choose options that actively support sustainability.

Sustainable Choices

Look for places that implement waste reduction programs.
Choose accommodations using energy-efficient practices.
Support operators active in local conservation projects.
Many guesthouses and guides in Bukit Lawang/Tangkahan are eco-tourism focused.

Resources for Sustainable Travel

Eco-Friendly Accommodation

Find sustainable places to stay.

Explore Ecobnb

Carbon Offsets

Offset your travel emissions.

Visit Terrapass

Conscious Choices

Your choices truly impact the environment and local communities. Support responsible initiatives.

Cultural Sensitivity

Engage respectfully with local traditions and beliefs.

Cultural Preservation Efforts

Support local communities in keeping their heritage alive.

Sustaining Traditions

Visit traditional villages to see authentic cultural heritage.
Attend authentic performances, like the Sigale Gale dance.
Buy directly from local artisans to support their livelihoods.
This direct support helps traditional crafts continue.

Respectful Interaction Guidelines

Mindful behavior fosters positive exchanges.

Practices

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
Always ask for permission before photographing people or ceremonies.
Use your right hand for greetings, giving, receiving, and eating.
Engage in friendly bargaining in markets, respectfully.

Photography Ethics & Privacy Concerns

Be thoughtful about where and what you photograph.

Respectful Photography

Be mindful of people's privacy.
Avoid intrusive photography, especially in private moments or homes.
Respect any refusals or discomfort around being photographed.
Some traditional beliefs involve sensitivity around being photographed.

Religious Site Etiquette

Proper conduct at sacred locations.

Respectful Practices

Remove shoes before entering mosques, temples, and some traditional homes.
Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees).
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor inside religious buildings.
Do not walk in front of people who are praying.

Additional Cultural Resources

Equip yourself with tools for responsible consumerism and ethical travel.

Sustainable Gear

Find outdoor clothing and equipment from ethical sources like Patagonia.

Reusable Products

Reduce waste by opting for reusable products from Package Free Shop.

Ethical Tour Operators

Consider ethically-minded tour operators such as G Adventures for your travels.

Important Warning

Indonesia has extremely strict anti-drug laws with severe penalties, including the death penalty. Do not engage with drugs in any way.

Positive Footprint

Make a conscious effort to leave a positive footprint during your North Sumatra travels. Your choices truly impact the environment and local people.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel