Trekking Gunung Leuser National Park in northern Sumatra in search of orangutans endangered in another world.
Since Leonardo DiCaprio hit the headlines of local and international news with its short but sweet visit to Gunung Leuser National Park North Sumatra, I could not stop thinking about the place. It was not only the 41-year-old actor-environmentalist-cum attracted me to visit this area, but the message he transmitted through his Instagram channel :. It was a special place that should be protected
lowland forest ecosystem Leuser still home to ancient migration routes of elephants followed by some of the last wild herd of elephants from Sumatra, number less than 1,000. " But the expansion of oil palm plantations fragmenting the forest # key and cutting the elephant migration corridors ," DiCaprio said on his Instagram page, which makes it " more difficult for elephant families to find adequate sources of food and water. "the eponymous foundation DiCaprio supports the protection and conservation of the Leuser ecosystem.
Gunung Leuser National Park covers an area of 7.927 km2 in Sumatra, and is located on the northern border of Sumatra province of Aceh Shariah-governed. with Bukit Barisan Selatan and Kerinci Seblat national Park, Gunung Leuser form a world Heritage site known as the tropical rainforest Heritage of Sumatra. This is the only place in the world where orangutans, elephants, rhinoceros and tiger always coincide. Today the Leuser ecosystem is fragile at the cross roads, but ecotourism plays an important role in helping to conserve this glorious stretch of virgin forest which is under siege of palm oil plantations and other development projects.
Although you are unlikely to encounter a tiger or rhino in these forests unless you walk for several days deep into its depths, you will almost always get to see the orangutans on a two-day hike. These beautiful creatures can sometimes be seen from the balcony of your accommodation in Bukit Lawang.
Bukit Lawang village is the gateway to the Gunung Leuser National Park and the Bohorok river is the only thing that separates humanity from the desert
Bukit Lawang
the door of the national park entrance can be described as a hyper tourist village. Bukit Lawang is sitting on the edge of the Bahorok river, and a cemented path big enough for two bikes running through its entirety. . The river is the only thing that separates humanity from the desert
In 03, a terrible flash flood swept almost all the village - which at the time consisted of only a few chalets. Thirteen years later, Bukit Lawang has developed into a tourist center happens filled with amateurs orangutan and those looking for a simpler and fresh existence.
The drive is about 4 hours from Medan International Airport. On arrival you will be greeted in English with "Welcome to the jungle, brother!" And the rushing sounds of the river will start to relax of-travel-weary minds. The village is filled with residents cafes, bars Bob Marley and accommodation "eco".
accommodation in Bukit Lawang is simple without air conditioning or hot water. electricity is not stable, but that adds to its charm. people come here to experience the wildlife and jungle trek, not to bask in luxury five stars.
jungle fever
most accommodation can be arranged a range of trekking options for you. on our two days, a night hike in the national park, we spotted our first orangutan in the trees above us only an hour into the hike. Semi-wild and used to people, you can get very close to these endangered animals, which were given names by the locals.
An orangutan in the National Park of Gunung Leuser
Mina does not like humans and is very aggressive, often accosting tourists on their walks. It is that she had been abused by humans when she was younger, causing trust issues, of course. Other creatures you may encounter on the trail are macaques, punk rock-looking Thomas monkey leaves, pig-tailed macaques and even gibbons
The hike itself is quite painful, because the region is hilly -. Which is actually the saving grace for which it has not been exploited by oil palm plantations. It is extremely hot and humid, so not suitable for walkers or the elderly without a moderate level of fitness. Although hiking is a little hard, you can stop and rest whenever the need arises.
We trekked 6.5 kilometers through dense jungle, stopping for a fruit snack and a lunch of nasi goreng . One thing I noticed is that the track is very clean, no litter to find. The guides were taught early on that waste means no guests, which in turn means no money, so even cigarette butts are brought back to Bukit Lawang, a refreshing change from other walks in Indonesia .
glamping
We arrived at our camp from the river to 16.30; accommodation with bamboo and tarpaulin. Our guide, Ipong (we like to call Mowgli as he was so in harmony with the forest) made a fire while looking forward to a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the river, with the virgin forest that dominates us each side.
camping in the National Park of Gunung Leuser
a team of chefs prepare a delicious dinner and dined on field under the stars. It is rare that we have the chance to live pitch-black darkness - a welcome change from the endless city lights. You will be provided with a yoga mat to sleep, and that sleeping bags are provided, an additional game and a blow-up pillow would not hurt to act as a buffer in the hard ground below you.
wake up the sights and sounds of the rainforest - and hundreds of monkeys frolicking and being their cheeky me - was simply spectacular. After breakfast, we walked upstream to swim in a small incredible waterfall that has sufficient pressure to rip off your pool equipment.
tired legs of the hard hiking the day before were relieved when we were able to "hit" back to the village on the giant inflatable tires, tied together to form a raft. Ipong made each of us a crown of leaves, donned tribal face paint made clay, and headed downstream. Tubing gives you a completely different perspective of the forest, actually allowing you to see rather than being in the heart of it.
Of all the trips I have made in Indonesia, this one takes the cake. It was really special and an experience I intend to repeat next time visit to Tangkahan elephant sanctuary and perhaps make a trek of seven days in the jungle to find my Mowgli inside. I urge other outdoor enthusiasts to visit this place from another world before it's too late
In summary :. Gunung Leuser National Park
Getting there: daily flights available with local airlines at the international airport of Medan Kualanamu. Flights also available from Singapore and neighboring Malaysia. Ask your hotel to arrange the transfer from the airport (about Rp.0,000 go) in Bukit Lawang, which takes about 3.5-4 hours
Where to sleep :. Travel Eco Cottages or Riverside Guesthouse offers clean budget accommodation with fans. Riverside has an observation deck with stunning views of Bukit Lawang and the forest. Travel Eco Cottages is located on the river
What to bring :. Sun block, mosquito repellent, projector, hiking shoes / trainers, long pants and long sleeve top for the evening, shorts and a light top for hiking, backpacking, silver (the the nearest ATM is half an hour), camera
What to do :. hiking, photography, watching orangutans, tubes, excursion elephant Tangkahan, dancing to the live band on Saturday night, relaxing
Suitable for: .. adventure junkies, lovers of animals, reggae fans
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