Mount Leuser National Park, Sumatra : Shared Commitment for leuser's Hidden Paradise

Mount Leuser is the tallest mountain in the Indonesian province of Aceh, with an elevation of 3,466 metres (11,371 ft). Mount Leuser National Park protects the mountain and its surrounding ecosystems. It has been confirmed by some scientists that 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake has activated the volcano. The area surrounding Mount Leuser National Park famous known with Leuser ecosystem. Part of the Barisan mountain range lies within the park. The highest peak, and the park's namesake, Gunung Leuser can be climbed. Much of the park is steep and inaccessible.


The natural appeal of the local landscape tempts visitors to include Tangkahan as must see destination. Here is where the striking clear green blue water of Batang Serangan River converges with Buluh River. Both rivers with its sloping riverbanks cleave into verdant tropical forest home to a wide array plant species. Translucent water with a tinge of green surrounded by lush vegetation creates a tranguil, mystical ambience and panorama. Tangkahan is perfect for isolating oneself from the hustle and bustle of the polluted city.

The gentle rush of the river deep within the rainforest and its diverse flora intersperse with rocks in colorful hues along the river edge. The meandering Alas River is a favorite spot for rafting enthusiasts to enjoy an adrenaline pumping adventure.

Elephant patrol, Sumatran orangutans and luxuriant tropical forest are among the appealing features of Tangkahan. Reputed for its natural splendour, the area is dubbed Leuser's hidden paradise. Exploring the forrest on elephant back can offer a different perspective of the natural landscape. Elephant are also useful for patrolling the national park to unsure its security. Elephant back trekking follows the route normally used for forest patrol. This provides a new experience for combining elephant ridding and acotourism.

The Tangkahan local community has linked arms with Mount Leuser National park to develop ecotourism within the region. In 2001, local resident came together and agreed on a village regulation that imposes a ban on illegal forest activities and helps establish the Tangkahan Tourism Institute.

Seeing the orangutans is a magical experience. In Bukit Lawang, you can usually see them near the rehabilitation centre and at the feeding platform during the morning and afternoon feeding sessions.
The best experience is an encounter in the jungle where there are many semi-wild and wild animals. The wild orangutan can be difficult to spot unless you go deep into the jungle. There are also white and black gibbons that make an amazing noise calling out to each other, and Thomas Leaf monkeys. If you are lucky, you may be able to see hornbills, toucans, moon snakes, monitor lizards. Since there are very few still alive, it is very improbable that either the Sumatran Tiger or the Sumatran Rhinoceros will be encountered, although footprints and droppings have been reported. For elephants, go to Tangkahan or near Ketambe you can trek further into the jungle to try and spot wild elephants

Accessibility and Direction : 

• By Plane : Medan holds the nearest big airport for accessing the region. For Ketembe or hiking Gunung Leuser, you could fly to Kutacane from Medan (30 mins) or Banda Aceh (on Wednesdays and Fridays). Note the flights fill very quickly so make sure you book as soon as you can. Note also that the airline flying is on a contract basis and from time to time when the contract finishes there are times when there are no flights until a new contract is signed. From Kutacane you'll need to continue by road.

• By Bus : Medan - Bukit lawang : a one-way bus fare on large, non air-conditioned buses from Medan (Pinang Baris Bus Terminal) to Bukit Lawang, 86 km by road to the north-west, was Rp 10,000 per person (in October 2008), 3-4 hours. There should be buses every 30 minutes, but sometimes some are skipped. Back to Medan, you can take a minibus (Rp 12,000 per person (October 2008)) or a large bus (Rp 10,000, but they might ask for more). They alternate every 15 minutes from Bukit Lawang Bus Terminal. Medan - Kutacane : the companies BTN and Karsima run several public minibuses a day (and one overnight) between the two (7 hours, Rp 50,000, January 2011). They leave from their ticket offices. They usually go via Berastagi where you can flag them down or hop off if you wish to make the detour. Ketambe - Kutacane : take a local car (mobil) from the station by the market in Kutacane (about 1 hour, Rp 10,000, January 2011).
• By Car : Medan - Bukit Lawang : If you prefer the convenience of an air-conditioned transfer - a private car can be arranged for Polonia Airport or your Medan hotel pick-up. Many Bukit Lawang hotels will arrange this service for you in conjunction with an accommodation booking.

Sightseeing and Acitivities :

• Orangutan Feeding Station in Bukit Lawang. Feedings are daily at 8.00AM and 3.00PM. Attending the feeding costs Rp 20,000. The proceeds are used to keep the project running. The rangers are highly qualified and can tell you a lot about orangutans and the project.
• Bat Cave near Bukit Lawang
• Elephant Camp at Tangkahan 
• Various waterfalls in the jungle 
• Ketembe : You will see real wild living orangutans (not like in Bukit Lawang, were you can even feed them), monkeys and many kind of birds. On a 2 to 3 day trip you can go to a hot spring beside the Alas river and camp over there. The treks are not very strenuous as the emphasis is on finding wildlife not hiking.
• Kedah : There is jungle trekking around Pucuk Angkasan.
• Mount Leuser : The best starting points are the villages near Blangkejeren. The trek from Kedah to the Gunung Leuser peak and back takes 10 days in total. Guides charge Rp 350.000,-/day/person. Since the trek is about 70% in alpine regions, you will not see too much wildlife, but exciting flora. For wildlife you better choose a trek to Gunung Angkosan (2 days) or to upper Alas valley (4 days).
• Tubing in Bukit Lawang
• Rafting along the Alas River, Ketembe
• Bathe in hot springs in the jungle near Ketembe

Sleep :

• Lodging : Arranged by your guide when wildlife trekking
• Camping : Arranged by your guide when wildlife trekking
• Backcountry : Your guide should cover all your requirements for accommodation in the jungle, even right down to leech socks if required. Just make sure you take enough dry clothes as it's so humid nothing will dry once wet. In the Kutacane region the electricity supply can be a bit variable so don't leave charging your camera until the morning you head out to the jungle.
• Bamboo River, Jungle Lodge, Mega Inn ( In Tangkahan )
• Friendship Guesthouse, Gurah Bungalow, Pak Mus Homestay, Pondok Wisata, Sadar Wisata, Wisma Cinta Alam ( In Ketembe )
• Rainforest Lodge ( In Kedah )

Climate : During the wet season, October to March, expect rain at least daily, towards the late afternoon and early evening. Intensity varies, but invariably the monsoonal rains always arrive. Climate is always very humid, so pack a lot of drinking water if you are trekking.

Best Time to Visit : From June to October

Fees/Permits : Permits need to be arranged at a PHPA office before entering the park. The fee is Rp 20,000 per person. In Bukit Lawang this can also be paid at the orangutan feeding ground. The permit should be included in all treks and jungle activities, but check with the guide to be sure. In Ketembe your guesthouse may ask for your passport to register you with the authorities. If you have copies of your passport (including the visa page) you can give them those instead.