Gunung Leuser National Park

Gunung Leuser National Park

Gunung Leuser National Park, sprawling across 950,000 hectares in the northern part of Sumatra, Indonesia, encompasses the borders of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces. The project, initiated in 1995 with assistance from the European Union, is a vast expanse of pristine rainforest that includes several national parks and wildlife reserves, including Gunung Leuser, Kappi, Kluet, Sikundur Langkat Wildlife Reserve, Ketambe Research Station, Singkil Barat, and Dolok Sembilin. The park serves as a crucial protector of diverse ecosystems and wildlife species, acting as a sanctuary for numerous endangered animals.

Divided by the Alas River, Gunung Leuser National Park is home to approximately 700 species of animals, including 320 bird species, 176 mammals, and 194 reptiles and amphibians. Among the iconic mammals found here are the Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, orangutan, Asian elephant, Malayan sun bear, and clouded leopard.

Notably, Gunung Leuser National Park is renowned for its significant population of Sumatran tigers, with around 400 individuals inhabiting the area. It also serves as a vital sanctuary for the critically endangered orangutan, with two orangutan reserves located within its boundaries.

The park boasts a rich diversity of bird species, with around 300 recorded species, as well as an impressive array of plant life, including over 10,000 types of plants, such as the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, and the Amorphophallus, the tallest flower. However, the park faces threats from illegal logging and poaching activities.

The nearest airport to Gunung Leuser National Park is Kualanamu International Airport (IATA: KNO, ICAO: WIMM) located in Medan, North Sumatra, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) away. From the airport, visitors can travel by road to reach the park, which serves as one of the main entry points for tourists wishing to explore this biodiverse conservation area.

Travel options from Medan to Gunung Leuser National Park include buses to Kutacane or Bohorok-Bukit Lawang, with a journey time of 5-6 hours, or minibusses for a faster option. Organized trekking is permitted within the park, and visitors can arrange guides and permits through the PHPA offices, with charges being negotiable. Trekking in the park offers a thrilling experience, with opportunities to observe orangutans in their natural habitat, although visitors should be prepared for frequent rainfall due to the region's cloudy skies.