Thursday, June 30, 2011

Exploring the Forests of the Upper Ridge Gajah, Mt. Leuser National Park

Tangkahan is an area within the Mt. Leuser National Park, Sumatra. This place presents an unspoiled natural charm and giving you the opportunity to explore the forest from the backs of elephants.

From Medan, Tangkahan can be reached by car for 3-6 hours. The village is situated at the junction between two rivers -  Batang river Attacks and River Tubes. If you're lucky, you can meet orangutans there.

Elephants in Tangkahan maintained by Flora Fauna International, an organization engaged in nature conservation. The main task of these elephants is helping the police combat illegal logging of forests.


 

When the daytime, visitors can take an elephant bathing, or rent it to explore the forest (jungle elephant trekking).



In contrast with what might you have ever done in Thailand or in other parts of the country, ride an elephant in Tangkahan means exploring the jungle that never touched human. So, hold the saddle on tight, because you will be invited to climb the hill with a slope of up to 60 degrees!


The cost of a rather expensive ride an elephant pay off when you try it.

In addition to exploring the forests of the upper backs of elephants, many other things to do in Tangkahan. Some people might be interested in swimming in the river is still crystal clear and free of pollution. Or, if you want something more challenging, Tangkahan Tourism Institute also provides various options such as tubing, caving, jungle trekking or - with a choice of one to five days.

You can also relax on a hammock, or sitting on a riverbank with a book. By swimming across the river, you can reach a hot springs in this area, and pampering your body in there.

Just before the river meets the River bamboo stem attacks, there is a small waterfall. You should walk up the low cliff as far as 100 m to reach the waterfall. Once you get there, sit under the waterfall and let the water run down your back massaging tired.

 

To Tangkahan

You can reach Tangkahan by bus from Medan. From Pinang Baris terminal, use the bus "Universal Development" at a rate Rp 14 thousand. After Binjai, you will go through the winding roads with views of palm oil plantations.

Buses depart Tangkahan-field twice a day, and be prepared to spend about 5-6 hours on the road. My personal experience shows, this bus has twice the leaking tire. So prepare yourself with food, drink, and most important: patience!

If you want to return to the field, the first bus from Tangkahan leave at 7:00 pm. Prepare about 15 minutes earlier in front of the Visitor Center if you do not want to miss.

Renting a car may be a more convenient choice when you are traveling in groups or carry a child. With a private vehicle, travel time is only about 3 hours.

Buses depart Medan-Tangkahan twice a day, and be prepared to spend about 5-6 hours on the road. My personal experience shows, this bus had two punctures. So prepare yourself with food, beverages, and above all: patience!

If you want to go back to Medan, the first bus from Tangkahan depart at 07.00 pm. Be prepared for about 15 minutes earlier in front of the Visitor Center if you do not want left behind.



Accommodation

There are eight accommodation available in Tangkahan, among other Mega Jungle Lodge and Inn. To go to two places, you have to cross by raft from the Visitor Center. When visiting there, I chose to stay at the Jungle Lodge at a price of Rp 80 thousand per room per night.

Small huts of wood provides a place to stay fairly comfortable with the incredibly beautiful scenery - it is suitable to release the fatigue from the busy city life.

Inn-lodging in Tangkahan provide food such as fried rice, instant noodles, sandwiches, coffee, tea and other soft drinks at a price that makes sense.


Other Information

Throughout my observations, there are no ATMs in Tangkahan. So you will be easier when carrying cash from Medan. Lodging costs may not be expensive, but you still need the money, especially if planning to ride an elephant - at a cost of Rp 300 thousand per hour per person.

But exploring the forests of the upper backs of elephants is not enough in an hour. Trust me.

Visit to Kawah Ijen

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