Yusuf Sihotang

I have been working as a guide in North Sumatra since 1998, with much of my guiding experience based around Bukit Lawang and the forests of Gunung Leuser National Park. Over the years, I have guided visitors who come to this part of Indonesia to experience the rainforest, wildlife, local villages and everyday life around Bukit Lawang. My main focus is nature and ecotourism guiding. I help travelers explore the forest around Bukit Lawang and understand more about the environment, wildlife and local communities connected to Gunung Leuser. I also assist with jungle trekking and other nature-based activities in the area. My work often begins before guests reach Bukit Lawang. I can help arrange pickup from Kualanamu International Airport near Medan and assist travelers with transportation to Bukit Lawang. I can also help them find suitable accommodation and understand how to organize their stay. For visitors who want to see more than the forest, I can help arrange village visits and other local experiences around Bukit Lawang and the wider Langkat area. I enjoy introducing travelers to local places, people and daily life instead of limiting a trip to only the main tourist activities. I have also completed professional competency training related to ecotourism guiding. In 2012, I received a Certificate of Competence in Ecotourism Guiding through Indonesia's professional certification system. My competency assessment included working with visitors, maintaining tourism knowledge, working as an ecotourism guide and providing ecotourism interpretation. After many years of guiding, I understand that every traveler arrives with different expectations. Some want an active jungle experience, while others need more help with transportation, accommodation and local arrangements. I try to make their time in North Sumatra easier while giving them a closer introduction to Bukit Lawang and the Gunung Leuser area.