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An Ecotourism Paradise in North Sumatra
Location and Accessibility
Tangkahan is an ecotourism destination located near a small village called Tangkahan, not far from Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra. It is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Buluh River and the Batang River.
Forest and Elephant Trekking
In Tangkahan, you can enjoy forest trekking and elephant trekking. There are 7 trained elephants ready to accompany you through the forest. These elephants were previously tasked with patrolling and protecting the National Park from poaching and illegal logging. Now, they help protect the village and other elephants in the wild.
Accommodation and Facilities
Upon arrival in Tangkahan, you will pass the Visitor Center. Then, you will find a suspension bridge to cross the Buluh River. After crossing, you will find various accommodations such as Jungle Lodge, Mega Inn, Linnea Resort, Hotel Sungai Bambu, and Wakyon Guest House.
To reach the elephant camp, you need to walk for about 20 minutes from the visitor center. The entrance ticket to the elephant camp is Rp 20,000 per person. Here, you can see the elephants being bathed in the morning and afternoon, and you can even participate in bathing and feeding them.
Elephant Trekking
If you want to go elephant trekking, you need to pay Rp 650,000 per person for a one-hour trip. This activity is not available on Fridays because the elephants are patrolling the forest.
There are various options for trekking in the forest behind an elephant, ranging from a minimum of 1 hour to a 4-day journey through Gunung Leuser National Park to Bukit Lawang.
Hot Springs and Waterfalls
Just across from Jungle Lodge, there is a small cave with a hot spring that flows into the river. You can enjoy the mixture of hot and cold water there.
Before the Buluh River meets the Batang River, there is a small waterfall. To see it, you need to walk along a small river for about 100 meters.
Another larger waterfall can be found about an hour’s journey along the Buluh River. You have to walk in the river because there is no forest path, and in some parts you have to swim because the water is quite deep. This waterfall has a clear water pool below it, where you can swim and enjoy the freshness.
How to Get to Tangkahan
From Medan, you can reach Tangkahan by public transportation from the Pinang Baris terminal for around Rp 20,000 per person. The distance is about 50 km, and the last 20 km the road is not very good.
Tangkahan offers a unique and unforgettable ecotourism experience. Forest trekking, elephant trekking, hot springs, waterfalls, and the hospitality of the locals will make you want to come back to this place again.
Tips for Visiting:
- Bring comfortable clothes and shoes for trekking.
- Use sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Bring enough cash as there are no ATMs in Tangkahan.
- Respect the elephants and the surrounding nature.
- Keep Tangkahan clean and well-maintained.
Come and visit Tangkahan and experience the amazing ecotourism experience in North Sumatra!
