It's important to keep in mind that the location is quite remote. This means you'll either have to walk 50 minutes to the village (less pleasant in the dark) or travel by motorbike or scooter. Fortunately, the staff are always happy to take you there by motorbike or scooter. Although the road is bumpy, they know what they're doing and are mindful of your safety. After all, it's definitely worth it for the peaceful surroundings you'll get in return.

We initially booked two nights, after which we did a 3D2N jungle trek. We arranged this through Batu Kapal and we really enjoyed it. Guides Holanda and Donnie led us through the jungle with great enthusiasm. We saw many beautiful places and animals (orangutans, gibbons, hornbills, great argus, and many more). Because we enjoyed Batu Kapal so much, we booked three more nights after the jungle trek. A real plus is the guesthouse's more remote location. This means you wake up in the morning with only the sounds of birds and the river, and you go back to sleep in the same tranquility at the end of the day. Furthermore, all the staff are very friendly and helpful. There are many different activities available. Although the night trek seems a bit expensive, we found it well worth it. During the three-hour walk, we were able to spot other nocturnal animals (loris, snakes, geckos). The food at Batu Kapal is good; be sure to try the fruit.

Stayed in August 2025

This is a great place, located in a very quiet area right next to the jungle. The river is just a few meters from the cabin. You can only get there on foot or by scooter, but the owner can organize transportation. They also organize jungle treks and provide delicious food. The staff is incredibly friendly. A special thanks to Wanta, Jajang, Bagus (and all his wives 😉), Habib, and all the other guys working there. See you next time!

Stayed in August 2025

Apparently no luxury retreat

Bayu and his team are great! Everyone of us, my wife, me and the two kids, had the feeling of beeing part of the family! Especially tracking overnight with them was a lifetime experience. The way how they treat with the kids was so caring. Thank you so much! The luxury of this retreat is the seclusion. You are welcomed by motorbikes, to bring you the last 10mins to the guest house. No worries about the luggage or anything else, everything will be made possible. Highly recommend this place for a more quiet, but really adorable adventure. Once again thank you all!

Stayed in August 2025

I stayed in two different rooms. In the first room (upstairs with balcony) the bed was damaged so the mattress was hanging through on one side. Guess the staff just didnt know. The second room (bottom left) was much worse though. The mattress was very worn out and you would roll into the middle (the worn out part). Not really a big pleasure. Also no bedside table or lights. Very poor (or no) WIFI connection in the rooms. This would be an easy fix.. I had food poisoning on the last night and I only had two meals that day of which one was many hours before so I can say with good confidence that this one meal made my stomach sick. I know it's not the staff's fault, the food was absolutely delicious. But still, cant give a perfect rating for this.

The location of this place is absolutely stunning. You are deep in nature, far away from noise, pollution, people. Absolutely loved it. The staff is also super friendly, speaks good English and happy to sing and entertain you in the evenings and organize tours for you. The drive there (on my motorbike) was an adventure by itself (and should only be attempted by confident drivers with maps.me installed on their phone (Google Maps was useless as it didnt know the trails).

Stayed in August 2025

Very good - we stayed in the family lodge, which was great! The guys who organize the guesthouse are great. Especially their music in the evening. 🎶😊 They react very flexibly to travel changes and organize everything perfectly.

Stayed in August 2025

Everything was great!

Everything about our stay here was so great! They helped us with airport transfer. The room was great and overlooked the beautiful grounds and jungle. The staff are the best, made us so welcome and made the whole experience 100% better. We also did the 2day trek through the guesthouse which was amazing! We would definitely recommend staying at this guest house!

Stayed in August 2025

The staff were incredible, so friendly and hospitable. They helped with everything and made our stay so easy. The location is absolutely stunning and it was magical waking up in the rainforest. Food was also very good 🙂Would definitely come back.

Stayed in August 2025

All

Stayed in June 2025

Batu Kapal Guest House is not just a guest house – it's a family. We stayed with them (not just at their place) for only five days, but it was one of the most intense and rewarding experiences of our lives. Yes, you need to adapt. Yes, there’s no TV or hot water. Yes, the city is far away and the motorbike ride isn’t the most comfortable. But no one chooses the jungle for comfort. We rediscovered a raw, precious, and unique humanity. We were treated not as guests, but as an integral part of a community. They taught us and showed us what it means to live in and with the jungle, generously sharing their knowledge and experiences. Of course, it's not for everyone – especially not for those unwilling to strip away the superfluous and rediscover the essence of life. Leaving was hard, and the ride "back to civilization" was filled with silence. We immediately felt a hole in our stomachs and found ourselves looking at each other saying, "We already miss it so much." Batu Kapal Guest House is not just a guest house – it’s a project. Or rather, a network of projects. The young people who built it poured all their money and energy into helping the youth of their community – giving them jobs, a home, and a deep understanding of how to protect the nature that surrounds them. They are ambitious and talented, and no number of thank-yous could ever fully express the gratitude we feel for everything they’ve given us. That’s what Bukit does – it changes your life in just five days. We’ll be back soon. Thank you, guys.

Stayed in July 2025

Everything was perfect!

It was just paradise on earth!! The location is superbe and the whole team of Batu Kapal Guest House was amazing! So friendly, helpful, caring and reliable!! We had an incredibly perfect stay!! Thank you for this unforgettable experience memory

Stayed in July 2025

nothing

staff was supernice and polite! we made a 3h trekking (50€/person) and we saw 3 orangos! they are doing etichal trekking basically respecting Orangos and their habitat. the guesthouse is in the forest without any noise. food was delicious and cheap. WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING

Stayed in July 2025

I missed a table in the room tu put the bags.

The location and all their staff! They were very kind.

Stayed in June 2025

Absolutely nothing!

The location, the price and, most importantly, the people who work there! The guesthouse is located on the edge of the jungle and getting there on the back of a motorbike is an adventure in itself. The room is basic, but clean and has everything one might need - all for a great price. We booked a three day jungle tour and our guides, Jajang and Wanta, were absolutely incredible. They were professional, fun and caring, and went that extra mile (literally - we love hiking and ended up doing ~10km each day in the jungle, which was perfect for us!) to make sure that we had the best experience. And we did! Honestly, it felt like we were on a jungle trek with friends. Definitely recommend!

Stayed in May 2025

This place is really unbelievable with the nature surrounding the place. We even got to see orangutans twice in their "backyard". The owner of the guesthouse helped us arrange a 3 days Jungle trekk which turned out to be really amazing. Shout-out to our two guides Berry and Bagus who were really great!

Stayed in April 2025

We were sad to leave!!! :(

Amazing hospitality. We were picked up with motos to get to the guesthouse where we were welcomed so warmly! The jungle trek we did was just amazing! We were very well taken care of and so much was explained about plants and wildlife. We had a lot of fun. The vibe at the guesthouse itself is soooo good. We did not feel like guests but part of it all. I hope we can come back for a longer trekking in the future and to do some night fishing!! Wishing you all the best with all the cool projects that are still in development!!

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing! It was perfect

One of the nicest places I’ve stayed - the guest house is in an amazing location a bit further out of town with beautiful views. Every single person there was so kind and helpful with anything you need. On top of this the jungle trek was so well organised and the guides were great at helping you to see the animals. I had a great time, thank you all!

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing

What a gem of a place, nestled in what feels like the jungle, the ride there alone was an experience of its self. The beauty that surrounds you here is truly astounding. It’s quiet, peaceful and absolutely mesmerising. The staff are wonderful, they become your friends. I did a 2 day trek with Berry and Donnie which was fantastic. Extremely welcoming place with great vibes. I hope to come back!!!!

Stayed in April 2025

Absolutely incredible stay - one of the best we’ve ever stayed at! All of the staff were so friendly and welcoming and made us feel at home and taught us about the jungle. The bed was very comfy and we slept very well. Amazing views from the restaurant and balcony. You can swim in the river which is very refreshing and watch monkeys in the trees. Sometimes they have orangutans on the property (we didn’t see them but apparently they were there the day before). The food was so tasty. We also booked jungle trekking through the guesthouse which we could write another 10 star review about. Just everything was amazing. Go and visit and say hi from us!

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing

Bayu, Jaka and their whole team provided the best customer service I’ve ever experienced—genuinely warm, attentive, and always willing to go the extra mile. I felt completely safe and incredibly welcome throughout my stay, which made all the difference for a solo female traveller. Every staff member I interacted with went above and beyond to make sure my visit was as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. They helped me organise the jungle trek which I was initially nervous about but they made sure I was comfortable with the options. I will definitely be back for a longer stay. The trek they organised was fantastic too. My guides - Ponidi and Naufal - were knowledgable, friendly and made sure we had a unique experience.

Stayed in April 2025

Mattress on the bed definitely needs replacing as not comfortable. Lighting needs to be improved as very hard to see.

Loved the location. Near the river at the end of a track. No cars here. Staff were fantastic and food was good. I did 3 day trek organized through the homestay, which was very enjoyable.

Stayed in March 2025

Wonderful place with a beautiful garden and wonderful people. Very peaceful area. I stayed there for two weeks and could get back every time.

Stayed in February 2025

Well, where should I start... with my review I would love to try to do justice to Batu Kapal Guest House and to Bayu, Aji and their staff. But honestly the time I spent there was so special to me that it is hard to put in words. So I'm gonna keep it short. Thank you to everyone in Batu Kapal! Thank you my Jungle brothers and sisters for making my life more happy and more wonderful:)! To all the travelers: Visiting here is a special experience in itself. Never have I come to a place and been instantly treated like a friend, yes like family and like I belonged. Everyone here has a good Heart. They work so hard to keep this place the paradise it is and also to educate, preserve, grow and learn in unison with nature, animals and all their local neighbors, friends and brothers and sisters. Everyone that comes here can learn something to help make the world a better place. And obviously you can learn so much about the jungle, the animals and the way of life here, because these guys have so much knowledge , it's crazy! Nature is obviously special here. All the way in the jungle, away from big crowds, Batu Kapal is just magical. During any time of the day, when you chill here, monkeys, orangutans, beautiful birds and butterflies and much more fascinating animals will join you right there, at the Guesthouse, next to you in the trees. And not to forget the beautiful human beings ;)! What should I say? I came back now in February/march 2025 and I will be back again;)! I feel lots of love for you guys (abang and kakak;))! Thank you for having me at your place, stay healthy, wonderful and continue your amazing journey! Wherever I will be on this planet, all of you have a home, like you gave me a home in Sumatra! Love Johann

Stayed in December 2024

Nothing. It was utterly enchanting

This is a very special place. The location is beautiful, the staff are warm and welcoming. It’s right near the jungle and close to the river for swimming. Wild life abounds. It’s 25 minutes on the back of a motorbike to get there which might be a consideration for some

Stayed in March 2025

Just as a suggestion for others. It's secluded, which is nice, but bring some snacks before you go here. Shops aren't directly available.

The people make the place. It's a wonderful secluded location, no doubt about it. But the people, man, they're amazing. Made me feel at home from minute one till the very last moment.

Stayed in February 2025