This is not polished resort tourism or crowded beach clubs. Sumatra offers something far rarer: ancient rainforest, wild rivers, volcanic lakes, rich culture, extraordinary biodiversity, and the feeling of stepping back into a slower, more connected way of living.
Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the last places on Earth where critically endangered species like orangutans, gibbons, hornbills, and sun bears still live together in the wild. Every day here feels immersive, grounding, and awe-inspiring.
Beyond the jungle, we journey to the vast volcanic beauty of Lake Toba, where life moves slower and the landscape invites deep rest, reflection, and connection.
This retreat is for those craving something real. Nature. Adventure. Simplicity. Presence. Community.
Meaningful travel that leaves a positive impact.
WHY THIS RETREAT?
This is more than a yoga retreat.
It is an invitation into conscious adventure, deep nature connection, and purposeful travel.
Across 11 days, we will move through rainforest trails, float down jungle rivers, practice yoga surrounded by the sounds of nature, gather around fires, share incredible meals, connect with local culture, and experience one of the most biologically important ecosystems on Earth.
What makes this retreat unique is the intention behind it.
Part of the proceeds from this retreat directly support the long-term vision of protecting threatened rainforest bordering Gunung Leuser National Park before it can be cleared for palm oil development.
Together with local partners, Soul Odyssey Retreats is working toward helping protect and regenerate land while creating sustainable tourism opportunities that directly support local communities and conservation.
By joining this retreat, you become part of something much bigger than a holiday.
PURPOSEFUL TRAVEL
We believe travel can be regenerative.
Tourism has the power to either consume places or help protect them. Sumatra is a place where conscious tourism truly matters.
This retreat directly supports local guides, local businesses, eco-lodges, and future conservation initiatives focused on protecting rainforest, restoring damaged land, and creating sustainable alternatives to palm oil expansion.
Our long-term vision is to help create a sanctuary space where people, wildlife, forest, and community can coexist and thrive together.
By choosing to travel here instead of more saturated destinations, your presence contributes to the local economy while helping raise awareness around one of the world’s most precious ecosystems.
WHO THIS IS FOR:
This retreat is for you if you are craving:
• Deep connection with nature • Adventure and meaningful experiences • A reset from busy modern life • Yoga beyond the studio walls • Conscious and purposeful travel • Community and genuine connection • Simplicity, presence, and perspective • To feel challenged, inspired, grounded, and alive
You do not need to be an advanced yogi or experienced trekker to join. The retreat is designed to be supportive, accessible, and adaptable to different experience levels.
If you feel called toward nature, adventure, and meaningful connection, this retreat is for you.
A conscious adventure into one of the last wild places on Earth!
For further inquires please connect with Jay and Chloe | namaste@satsangasanctuary.com.au
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Jay- Yogi, father, and grounded guide. Jay brings a calm, steady presence to the retreat, weaving together Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, movement to support hiking, meditation, and deep nature connection. He’ll guide grounding practices, jungle adventures, and mindful hikes through the wild landscapes of Sumatra, helping you reconnect with both nature and self. Off the mat, he brings a playful energy and a deep passion for wildlife, conservation, and the natural world.
Chloe- Yogi, mama, and heart-led space holder. Chloe offers a nurturing and intuitive presence, creating spaces for deep rest, nature connection, and transformation. She’ll guide restorative yin yoga, breathwork, meditation, and soulful practices designed to open the heart and help you drop deeply into yourself amidst the beautiful energy of Sumatra. With a love for hiking, community, and meaningful connection, she invites you to slow down, reconnect, and fully immerse in the magic of the jungle.
Together, Jay & Chloe bring a playful, heart-led energy to their teaching, blending grounding structure with deep inner exploration. With a shared love of yoga, spirituality, and connection, they create a space that feels both safe and expansive. Expect a mix of depth, laughter, and real connection as you’re guided back home to yourself- one breath, one practice at a time.
Join Soul Odyssey Retreats for 11 unforgettable days through the jungles, rivers, villages, and volcanic lakes of Sumatra. This retreat blends yoga, adventure, nature, culture, and purposeful travel into an experience designed to reconnect you to what truly matters.
Expect wild orangutans, jungle hikes, river swims, meaningful connection, incredible local food, and the rare opportunity to travel in a way that directly supports the protection of threatened rainforest and local communities.
Throughout the retreat, we will experience:
• Daily yoga, mindfulness, and movement practices • Guided jungle trekking through Gunung Leuser National Park • Wild orangutan encounters • River tubing and jungle swims • Cave explorations • Breathwork and meditation in nature • Visits to local villages and farms • Cultural experiences and connection with local communities • Boat adventures and waterfall excursions at Lake Toba • Batak cultural experiences and museums • Fresh local food and traditional Indonesian flavours • Optional overnight jungle camping experience with campfire under the stars • Free time for rest, massage, cafes, reading, swimming, and exploring
Every day offers a balance of adventure, restoration, movement, connection, and awe.
ACCOMMODATION
Our journey includes two beautiful eco-conscious stays immersed in nature.
In Bukit Lawang, we stay at the Butterfly Eco Lodge nestled between the jungle and the river. Rooms are simple, comfortable, and eco-friendly, with fans, WiFi, laundry service, an onsite restaurant, and the sounds of the rainforest surrounding you. Guests can choose between jungle-view or river-view rooms.
At Lake Toba, we stay at Tabo Cottages, peaceful lakefront accommodation overlooking one of the largest volcanic lakes in the world. Cottage-style rooms offer a quiet and grounding place to rest, reflect, and soak in the slower rhythm of island life.
These stays are designed to help you feel immersed in nature while still feeling comfortable and supported throughout the retreat.
FOOD & MEALS
One of the highlights of Sumatra is the food.
Expect fresh tropical fruit, nourishing local meals, rich Indonesian flavours, incredible coffee, vibrant spices, and meals prepared with care using local ingredients wherever possible.
Throughout the retreat we will enjoy a mixture of traditional Indonesian cuisine, fresh fish, vegetarian options, farm meals, riverside BBQs, local cafes, and shared dinners together as a group.
Food in Sumatra feels deeply connected to the land, the people, and the experience itself.
TRAVEL & TRANSPORT
Guests will fly into Medan, Indonesia, where the retreat journey begins.
From there, all major retreat transport is organised for you, including transfers throughout the retreat experience.
Once registered, guests will receive detailed guidance and support around flights, arrival timing, transport, visas, packing recommendations, and preparation for the journey.
We understand international travel can feel intimidating for some people, so our team is here to support you every step of the way.
INVESTMENT
Early Bird Pricing
Single Room — $3,500 AUD Shared Room — $6,000 AUD per room
Regular Pricing
Single Room — $4,200 AUD Shared Room — $7,300 AUD per room
Deposit — $1,000 AUD
Payment plans are available and we are happy to work with you to create a manageable option where possible.
Limited to 12 people.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Accommodation throughout the retreat • Welcome Feast • Yoga, mindfulness, and movement practices • Guided excursions and experiences listed in the itinerary • Local guides and transport throughout the retreat • Airport transfer coordination and support • Most meals throughout the retreat • National park trekking experiences • Lake Toba experiences and boat adventures • Optional overnight jungle camping experience • Community, connection, and full retreat facilitation
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• International flights • Travel insurance • Indonesian visa fees • Additional meals during free time or transit (roughly $5 per meal with a huge selection) • Personal shopping and optional massages/treatments • Alcoholic beverages • Additional accommodation before or after retreat dates
CANCELLATION POLICY
If the retreat is cancelled due to safety concerns, global events, or serious illness or injury, guests will receive a full refund with deposits transferable as credit toward a future Soul Odyssey Retreats offering or Satsanga Sanctuary Memberships - valid for three years.
READY TO JOIN US?
This is not just a retreat.
It is an opportunity to step away from noise, reconnect with nature, experience genuine adventure, and be part of protecting something precious.
FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Absolutely. Many people join retreats for the first time feeling nervous or unsure, and often leave wondering why they didn’t do it sooner. This retreat is designed to feel welcoming, supportive, and grounded. You do not need to be an advanced yogi or experienced traveller to join us. If you feel called toward nature, adventure, meaningful connection, and stepping outside of your normal routine, this retreat is for you.
I’ve never been on a yoga retreat before. Is this for me?
This retreat includes a mixture of yoga, jungle trekking, swimming, walking, river tubing, and adventure activities. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, but you do not need to be an athlete or highly experienced hiker.
There is always space to rest, move at your own pace, or opt out of certain activities if needed. The retreat is designed to feel adventurous and alive while still being supportive and accessible.
How physically demanding is the retreat?
Yes. Many guests come solo, and retreats often create connection very quickly. The small group size allows for a warm and supportive atmosphere where people naturally bond through shared experiences, adventure, meals, movement, and travel.
You will not feel alone for long.
I’m coming alone. Will I feel welcome?
Most travellers will require a visa to enter Indonesia. Visa requirements can vary depending on your country of origin. Once registered, we will provide guidance and support to help make this process simple and stress-free.
Do I need a visa?
Comprehensive travel insurance is strngly suggested for all guests attending the retreat. We recommend choosing a policy that covers international travel, medical expenses, cancellations, delays, and adventure-based activities.
Do I need travel insurance?
In general, we recommend: • Lightweight clothing suitable for tropical weather • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes • Swimwear • A rain jacket • Natural insect repellent • Personal toiletries and medications • A reusable water bottle • A small backpack for day adventures • Comfortable clothing for yoga and movement • A sense of adventure
What should I pack?
One of the unique additions to the 2027 retreat is an optional overnight jungle camping experience beneath the stars.
This guided experience includes a campfire, dinner, and the chance to fully immerse yourself in the sounds and atmosphere of the rainforest at night. Guests do not need to bring camping gear or equipment, everything is organised for you. Participation is completely optional.
What is the optional jungle camping experience?
This retreat blends yoga with conscious travel, adventure, conservation, local culture, and genuine connection to nature.
Rather than isolating ourselves in a resort, we immerse ourselves in the landscape, communities, and ecosystems of Sumatra. The experience is designed to feel alive, meaningful, grounding, and deeply memorable.
What makes this retreat different from a typical yoga retreat?
Soul Odyssey Retreats is currently working alongside local partners toward a long-term vision of helping protect threatened rainforest land bordering Gunung Leuser National Park.
The intention is to support conservation, regeneration, sustainable tourism, and future retreat spaces that create positive outcomes for wildlife, local communities, and the environment.
This includes helping protect existing forest, supporting alternatives to palm oil expansion, and creating experiences that encourage people to connect with and care for these extraordinary ecosystems.
What conservation work are Soul Odyssey Retreats supporting?
The following policy applies to retreat payments made after the deposit: More than 4 months prior to the retreat start date: * 50% of payments made (excluding the deposit) will be refunded. * The remaining 50% will be issued as a credit to use toward future Satsanga offerings. Within 4 months of the retreat start date: * 50% of payments made (excluding the deposit) will be issued as a credit toward future Satsanga offerings. * No cash refunds will be provided.
