Sembilang National Park

Sembilang National Park comprises peat swamp forest, freshwater swamp forest and riparian forest in the province of South Sumatra.

A wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic plants grow in this Park, including paku gajah (Acrostichum aureum), nipah (Nypa fruticans), cemara laut (Casuarina equisetifolia), pandan (Pandanus tectorius), waru laut (Hibiscus tiliaceus), nibung (Oncosperma tigillaria), jelutung (Dyera costulata), menggeris (Koompassia excelsa), gelam tikus (Syzygium inophylla), Rhizophora sp., Sonneratia alba, and Bruguiera gimnorrhiza.

The coastal and forest areas, particularly in Sembilang and Semenanjung Banyuasin, are a habitat for Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus), Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), siamang (Hylobates syndactylus syndactylus), golden cat (Catopuma temminckii temminckii), sambar deer (Cervus unicolor equinus), saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Sembilang fish (Plotusus canius), giant freshwater turtle (Chitra indica), freshwater dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) and various species of bird.

Huge numbers of migrant birds from Siberia can be seen in Sembilang, reaching a climax in October. The calling of thousands of birds flying in formation can even be heard over the thundering waves of the Bangka Strait.

Other bird species inhabiting this Park include the Asian dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus), spotted greenshank (Pseudototanus guttifer), eastern white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), milky stork (Mycteria cinerea), lesser adjutant stork (Leptoptilos javanicus), and white-winged black tern (Chlidonias leucoptera).
The western part of the Park borders the Berbak National Park in the province of Jambi.



Interesting locations/attractions:

Semenanjung Banyuasin, Sembilang, Benawan Bay, Sekanak Bay, Betet Island: exploring the river and mangrove forest by boat, fishing, and watching animals, migrant birds from Siberia and freshwater dolphins.Cultural attractions outside the Park include the Krakatau Festival each July in Bandar Lampung and the Lake Ranau Festival in December in Oku, South Sumatra.

Best time of year to visit: June to August.

How to reach the Park: Palembang-Sungsang, about 2 hours by chartered motor boat, plus another 2 hours to the location.


Office: Jl. Kolonel H. Barlian 79
Punti Kayu Km 6
PO Box 1288, Palembang 310153
Tel. : +62-711- 410948

Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK No. 76/Kpts-II/2001
a total area of 205,750 hectares
Location Regency of Musi Banyuasin, (Province of South Sumatra)

Temperature 22° - 33° C
Rainfall 260 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 0 - 500 m asl.
Geographical location 104°12' - 104°55' E; 1°38' - 2°25' S

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Way Kambas National Park

Way Kambas National Park forms a lowland forest ecosystem consisting of freshwater swamp forest, tall grassland/bush, and coastal forest.

Among the plant species in this Park are api-api (Avicennia marina), pidada (Sonneratia sp.), nipah (Nypa fruticans), gelam (Melaleuca leucadendron), salam (Syzygium polyanthum), rawang (Glochidion borneensis), ketapang (Terminalia cattapa), cemara laut (Casuarina equisetifolia), pandan (Pandanus sp.), puspa (Schima wallichii), meranti (Shorea sp.), minyak (Dipterocarpus gracilis), and ramin (Gonystylus bancanus).

The Park has 50 species of mammal including the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis sumatrensis), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus), Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), Asian wild dog (Cuon alpinus sumatrensis), siamang (Hylobates syndactylus syndactylus); 406 species of bird including the storm's stork (Ciconia stormi), woolly-necked stork (C. episcopus), white-winged wood duck (Cairina scutulata), lesser adjutant stork (Leptoptilos javanicus), crested fireback (Lophura ignita), great argus pheasant (Argusianus argus argus), oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster); and various species of reptile, amphibian, and fish.

Wild elephants that have been tamed and trained at the "Pusat Latihan Gajah" (Elephant Training Centre) can be ridden, used to transport logs, and to pull ploughs. The centre is located 9 km from the Plang Ijo Gate. At the Elephant Training Centre, visitors can see elephants being trained, playing football, and swimming. The centre was constructed in 1985 and about 290 elephants have so far been tamed and trained there.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Pusat Latihan Gajah Karangsari: elephant training centre.
Way Kambas: camping.
Way Kanan: research on Sumatran tigers and Sumatran rhinoceros breeding. Facilities for researchers include a nature lab and accomodation.
Rawa Kali Biru, Rawa Gajah and Kuala Kambas: kayaking/canoeing along the Way Kanan river, observing animals (wild duck, herons, deer, migrant birds), grasslands and mangroves.

Cultural attractions outside the Park: the Krakatau Festival, held in Bandar Lampung each July.

Best time of year to visit: July to September.

How to reach the Park: Bandar Lampung-Metro-Way Jepara, about 2 hours by car (112 km); Branti-Metro-Way Jepara, about 1.5 hours (100 km); Bakauheni-Panjang-Sribawono-Labuan Meringgai-Way Kambas, about 2 hours.


Office: Jl. Raya Way Jepara
Labuan Ratu Lama, Lampung
Tel. : +62-725-44220

Declared Minister of Agriculture, in 1982
Designated Minister of Forestry, SK.No. 670/Kpts-II/1999,
a total area of 125,621.3 hectares
Location Regencies: Central Lampung and East Lampung,
(Province of Lampung)
Temperature 28° - 37° C
Rainfall 2,500 - 3,000 mm/year
Altitude 0 - 60 m asl.
Geographical location 106°32' - 106°52' E; 4°3'7' - 5°15' S

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Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park forms part of the Bukit Barisan mountain chain and comprises mangrove forest, coastal forest, lowland tropical forest, and montane forest.

Among the plant species that can be found in the Park are pidada (Sonneratia sp.), nipah (Nypa fruticans), cemara laut (Casuarina equisetifolia), pandan (Pandanus sp.), cempaka (Michelia champaka), meranti (Shorea sp.), mersawa (Anisoptera curtisii), ramin (Gonystylus bancanus), keruing (Dipterocarpus sp.), damar (Agathis sp.), rattan (Calamus sp.), and rafflesia flower (Rafflesia arnorldi).

Characteristic of the Park are tall carrion flower (Amorphophallus decus-silvae), which can reach a height of more than 2 metres, giant carrion flower (A. titanum), and giant orchid/sugarcane (Grammatophylum speciosum).

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park is a natural habitat for sun bear (Helarctos malayanus malayanus), Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis sumatrensis), Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus), Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), black-handed gibbon (Hylobates agilis), siamang (H. syndactylus syndactylus), mitred leaf monkey (Presbytis melalophos fuscamurina), lesser Malay mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus kanchil), and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).

Menjukut Lake, looking like a vast pool close to the shore, actually borders on the Indian Ocean.
Interesting locations/attractions:

Tampang, Blubuk, Menjukut Lake, Way Sleman, Blimbing: exploring the forest, marine tours, swimming, boating, observing plants (rafflesia, carrion flower), camping, and kayaking/canoeing.
Sukaraja Atas: exploring the forest, camping, observing plants and animals (especially the tall carrion flower).
Suwoh: boating, swimming, enjoying thermal springs, exploring the forest and camping.
Kubu Perahu: exploring the forest, waterfalls, observing plants and animals, and camping.

Cultural attractions outside the Park include the Krakatau Festival in July in Bandar Lampung and the Lake Ranau Festival in December in Oku, South Sumatra.

Best time of year to visit: January to August.

How to reach the Park: Teluk Betung-Tanjung Karang-Kota Agung-Tampang by motor boat, Kota Agung-Tampang by motor boat, about 6 hours; Kota Agung-Banjarnegoro-Sukaraja Atas/Suwoh, about 4 hours by bus; and Kota Agung-Kubu Perahu, about 7 hours by car.


Office: Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 19, Tanggamus
Kota Agung, Lampung 35751
Tel. : +62-722- 21064

Declared : Minister of Agriculture, in 1982,
a total area of 365,000 hectares
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK No. 416/Kpts-II/1999,
a total area of 365,000 hectares
Location : Regencies; Tanggamus, West Lampung (Province of Lampung)
Regency of South Bengkulu (Province of Bengkulu)

Temperature 20° - 28° C
Rainfall 1,000 - 4,000 mm/year
Altitude 0 - 1,964 m asl.
Geographical location 103°23' - 104°43' E; 4°33' - 5°57' S

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Berbak National Park

Berbak National Park forms a nature conservation area for the largest unexploited swamp forest in southeastern Asia. The uniqueness of the Park lies in its attractive combination of peat swamp forest and freshwater swamp forest which stretches along the east coast of Sumatra.

Plant species in the Park include meranti (Shorea sp.) and various species of palm. The Park in fact boasts the largest number of ornamental palm species in Indonesia. Of these, a number are categorized as endangered, including daun payung (Johanesteijmannia altifrons), and a newly found species, Lepidonia kingii (Lorantaceae family) which has a large, red/violet flower.

Berbak National Park is also a habitat for the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis sumatrensis), Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), lesser Malay mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus kanchil), 300 bird species including Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes), lesser adjutant stork (Leptoptilos javanicus), all species of kingfisher (Alcedinidae spp.), white-winged wood duck (Cairina scutulata), Malayan giant turtle (Orlitia borneensis), and batagur turtle (Batagur baska).

Hundreds, even thousands of migrant birds can be seen in this Park, making an amazing sight when they are flying through the air in a flock.

The western entrance gate of the Park can be reached from the Air Hitam Dalam (deep black water) river, so-called because of the water's coffee-like colour. At low tide, animal faeces, fallen leaves and so on from within the mangrove forests are carried by this river into the Batanghari river that eventually flows into the sea.

Berbak National Park is not only protected at a national level but has also been declared an International Wetland Site under the Ramsar Convention in 1992.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Air Hitam Dalam: observing plant and animal life from the river. The Air Hitam Dalam river forms a habitat for Sumatran tigers.
Simpang Kubu: conducting research or exploring the forest, and observing plants and animals.
Air Hitam Laut: conducting research or exploring the forest, and observing plants and animals.

Cultural attractions outside the Park include the Culture Parade on the Batanghari river at Muara Bulian, Jambi, each April.

Best time of year to visit: March to November.

How to reach the Park: from Jambi, by speed boat along the Batanghari river, then turn right along the Air Hitam Dalam river, about 2.5-3 hrs, or directly to Nipah Panjang, about 4'5 hours. From Nipah Panjang, head for Air Hitam Laut village, 5'8 hours via the South China Sea (the journey time depends on wave conditions).





Office: Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim 10C
2nd Floor, Jambi 36124
Tel./Fax. : +62-741-667983
E-mail: berbak@ja.mweb.co.id

Designated Minister of Forestry, SK No. 285/Kpts-II/1992,
a total area of 162,700 hectares
Location Regency of Tanjung Jabung (Province of Jambi)

Temperature 25° - 28° C
Rainfall 2,300 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 0 - 20 m asl.
Geographical location 104°05' - 104°26' E; 1°08' - 1°43' S

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Bukit Dua Belas National Park

Bukit Duabelas National Park is representative of lowland tropical rain forests in the province of Jambi. In the past, the forest area functioned as a permanent production forest, limited production forest and other forest land uses which were later merged to become the National Park. The remaining natural forest is situated in the northern part of the park, while the rest comprises secondary forest.

Plant species in the Park include bulian (Eusideroxylon zwageri), meranti (Shorea sp.), menggiris/kempas (Koompassia excelsa), jelutung (Dyera costulata), damar (Agathis sp.), jernang (Daemonorops draco), and rattan (Calamus sp.). There are about 120 species of plant, including fungi, which could be developed as medicinal plants.

This Park forms a habitat for endangered and protected animals like siamang (Hylobates syndactylus syndactylus), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa diardi), lesser Malay mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus kanchil), sun bear (Helarctos malayanus malayanus), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak montanus), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis sumatrana), hairy-nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana), Asian wild dog (Cuon alpinus sumatrensis), Sumatran rabbit (Nesolagus netscheri), crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela malayensis), etc.

Owing to the existence of so many rivers and tributaries (appearing on the map like root fibres) which drain from within the Park area, Bukit Duabelas National Park is an important water catchment area for the Batanghari watershed.

The topography of the Park varies from flat to slightly hilly with a few higher hills like Suban, Punai (" 164 m asl.), Panggang (" 328 m asl.), and Kuran (" 438 m asl.).

The indigenous people of the Anak Dalam tribe (Orang Rimba) have been dwelling in the forest area of the Park for many years. They use the forest as a place to roam where they can interact with the nature, maintaining a symbiotic relationship with the forest. To meet their daily needs, the indigenous people hunt pigs, fish, collect honey, and tap the sap from rubber trees for sale.

As for modern conveniences, most of the Anak Dalam use only wristwatches and battery-operated radios. Other than that, their simple way of life remains more or less intact. At night, they use resin torches as a source of light. The Anak Dalam community needs to be empowered so that they can benefit from improved knowledge and welfare, but this should not be at the cost of contaminating their culture.

The Bukit Duabelas area has only recently been declared by the Minister of Forestry and Estate Crops as a National Park, and as such has relatively few facilities for visitors.

Best time of year to visit: June to October.

How to reach the Park: Jambi-Pauh via Muara Bulian, about 3 hours by bus; Pauh-Lubuk Jering and Pematang Kabau, about 2 hours by chartered car.

Designated : Minister of Forestry and Estate Crops,
SK.No. 258/Kpts-II/2000, a total area of 60,500 hectares
Location : Regencies; Sarolangun Bangko, Bungo Tebo, and Batanghari (Province of Jambi)

Temperature 28° - 36° C
Rainfall 1,500 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 50 - 400 m asl.
Geographical location 102°29' - 102°49' E; 1°44' - 1°58' S


Office: Jl. Arif Rachman Hakim 10, Jambi 36124
Tel. : +62-741-667983

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Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park

Bukit Tigapuluh National Park forms part of a mountain chain that has a potential diversity of endemic plants and animal species of high value.

Ecosystem types within the forest area of the Park include lowland and highland forest types with flora such as jelutung (Dyera costulata), getah merah (Palaquium spp.), pulai (Alstonia scholaris), kempas (Koompassia excelsa), rumbai (Shorea spp.), cendawan muka rimau (Rafflesia hasseltii), jernang or palem darah naga (Daemonorops draco) and various kinds of rattan.

Bukit Tigapuluh National Park has 59 species of mammal, 6 species of primate, 151 species of bird, 18 species of bat and various species of butterfly.

Not only it is a habitat of Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), sun bear (Helarctos malayanus malayanus), crested fireback (Lophura ignita), orange-bellied flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma), great argus pheasant (Argusianus argus argus), etc., the Park also protects the hydrology of the Kuantan Indragiri watershed.

Initially, the Park area consisted of protected forest and limited production forest. In spite of this, the Park's forest areas are still in a relatively natural condition.

The communities living around the Park comprise several tribes with relatively intact traditions and cultures, namely the Anak Dalam and Talang Mamak. The Talang Mamak community, in particular, believes that the hills and plants in this area wield a magical power over their lives. Such a perception implies that they are actively participating in guarding and protecting the hills and plants of this Park.

Interesting locations/attractions:
Puputan Keling : beautiful views, and good for observing animals and plants.
Pintu Tujuh: caving.
Tembelung Berasap: waterfalls, bathing, and observing plants.
Batu Belipat and Batu Gatal: cultural interest. Rafting is possible along the Gangsal, Menggatai and Sipang rivers.
Kemantan: the ritual ceremonies of the Talang Mamak tribe.

Cultural attractions outside the Park include Siak Bermandah in June and Pacu Jalur in August, both held in Riau.

Best time of year to visit: March to July.
How to reach the Park: Pakanbaru-Siberida, about 4 hours by car (285 km), followed by walking along HPH (forest concession) roads.
Hutan Taman Nasional Bukit Tigapuluh
Office: Jl. Raya Rengat 70, Pematang Reba
Rengat Indragiri Hulu, Riau
Tel. : +62-769-341279
Fax. : +62-769-341148
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK No. 6407/Kpts-II/2002,
a total area of 144,223 hectares
Location : Regencies; Indragiri Hulu and Indragiri Hilir (Province of Riau)
Regencies ; Bungo Tebo and Tanjung Jabung (Province of Jambi)

Temperature 28° - 37° C
Rainfall 1,600 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 60 - 734 m asl.
Geographical location 102°13' - 102°45' E; 0°40' - 1°30' S

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Kerinci Seblat National Park

Kerinci Seblat National Park represents several ecosystem types: lowland rain forest, sub-alpine, peat swamp, freshwater swamps and lakes.

The forest area of the Park has 4,000 plant species which are dominated by the Dipterocarpaceae family. Endangered and endemic species of plant include Kerinci pines (Pinus merkusii strain), "kayu pacat" (Harpullia alborea), rafflesia flowers (Rafflesia arnoldi and R. hasseltii), and carrion flowers (Amorphophallus titanum and A. decus-silvae).

Kerinci Seblat National Park has 37 species of mammal, 10 species of reptile, 6 species of amphibian, 8 species of primate and 139 species of bird.

A particular attraction of this Park is the chance to observe the rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros sumatranus), wreathed hornbill (Aceros undulatus undulatus) and the marvelous hysterical laugh of the helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil).

Visitors may also catch a glimpse of the mysterious golden cat (Catopuma temminckii temminckii); or, even more mysterious, a species of primate that walks in an upright position and can disappear rapidly amongst the trees. Local people call it "orang pendek" (short man).

Kerinci Seblat National Park is part of the Integrated Conservation Development Project (ICDP).

Interesting locations/attractions:

Mt. Kerinci: mountain climbing and camping. At 3,805 m asl., this is the highest volcano in Indonesia, and is still active.
Gunung Tujuh Lake: beautiful views and a chance to observe animals. Surrounded by seven mountains, this is the highest volcanic lake in Sumatra (2,000 m asl.), with a total area of 1,000 hectares.
Napal Licin and Kasah Caves: a cave complex, rich in stalactites and stalagmites.
Solar, Nguak and Kunyit Caves: jets of crystal-clear water from thermal springs can reach up to 15 metres in height; it is also a good location for observing animals.
Letter W: rafflesia and carrion flowers, and Sumatran rabbits.
Ladeh Panjang Lake: research location and animal observation.

Cultural visits: the culture and traditions of the Kubu tribe are still relatively untouched.

Cultural attractions outside the Park include the annual parade of cultures in November in Sungai Penuh, the Malay Culture Festival in January in Jambi, and the Tabot Festival in June in Bengkulu.

Best time of year to visit: January to October.

How to reach the Park: Padang - Tapan - Sungai Penuh, 7-8 hours by car (278 km); Padang - Muara Labuh - Kersik Tuo, 5-6 hours by car (211 km); Jambi - Sarko - Sungai Penuh, 9-10 hours by car (500 km), and Bengkulu - Tapan - Sungai Penuh, 8-9 hours by car (417 km).


Office : Jl. Basuki Rahmat 11
Sungai Penuh 32112, Jambi
Tel. : +62-748-22250
Fax. : +62-748-22300
E-mail: btnks@pdg.vision.net.id

Declared : Minister of Agriculture, in 1982
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK No. 192/Kpts-II/1996,
a total area of 1,386,000 hectares
Minister of Forestry and Estate Crops, SK No. 901/Kpts-V/1999,
a total area of 1,375,349.8 hectares
Location Province: West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra

Temperature 7° - 28° C
Rainfall 3,000 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 500 - 3,805 m asl.Geographical location 100°31' - 102°44' E; 1°17' - 3°36' S

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Siberut National Park

Siberut Island in the Province of West Sumatra is separated from the mainland by the Mentawai Strait, at a distance of about 155 km from Padang. Siberut National Park is located on the island. Some 60% of the forest area is covered by Dipterocarpaceae primary forest, mixed primary forest, swamp forest, coastal forest and mangrove forest.

The forest area of the Park is still relatively natural, with abundant large trees with an average height of 60 metres.

The Park has four primate species which are found nowhere else in the world. They are the Mentawai gibbon (Hylobates klossii), Pagai pig-tailed macaque (Macaca pagensis), Mentawai leaf monkey (Presbytis potenziani siberu), and pig-tailed leaf monkey (Nasalis concolor siberu). In addition, there are four endemic species of squirrel, 17 species of mammal and 130 species of bird, four of them endemic.

Siberut island, including Siberut National Park, has been declared by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme as a Biosphere Reserve.

Very few visitors walk through the inland parts of the Park; the main attraction so far has been the culture of the Mentawai people who live in and around the Park. The Mentawai people are among the many tribes in Indonesia who have preserved their very traditional way of life. Most of the people still adhere to animistic beliefs. Their social activities are centred around the Uma, a communal longhouse which may be occupied by 30 to 80 people.

Visiting Siberut National Park can be an unforgettable adventure, involving a combination of travelling along long rivers by boat, trekking along muddy tracks, enjoying the beauty of the tropical forest with glimpses of rare plants and animals, bathing in waterfalls, and meeting the indigenous people. The trip to Siberut island can be organized by travel bureaus in Padang and Bukittinggi, and generally includes the provision of a tour guide.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Madobak, Rokdok, Matotonan, Rorogot, Butui, Teteburuk, Selaoinan and Mailepet. Exploring the forest, kayaking/canoeing, enjoying thermal springs, waterfalls, marine tours, observing plants and animals, and cultural visits (Uma and religious dances).
Good beaches at Sagulubek and Masilok. Surfing and diving/snorkelling in the marine park or mangrove forest.

Cultural attractions outside the Park include the Gandang Tasa Festival in May and Tabuik Festival in June each year, both held in the city of Padang.

Best time of year to visit: January to September.

How to reach the Park: Padang (Muara Padang)-Muara Siberut/Muara Sikabaluan/Muara Saibi by sea: about 10 hours (3 times a week, at night).

Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK No.407/Kpts-II/1993,
A total area of 190,500 hectares
Location : Regency of Mentawai Island (Province of West Sumatra)

Temperature 22° - 31° C
Rainfall 2,900 - 3,700 mm/year
Altitude 0 - 500 m asl.
Geographical location 98°36’ - 99°03’ E; 1°05’ - 1°45’ S
Office: Jl. Raden Saleh 8C
PO Box 159 Padang, West Sumatra
Tel./Fax. : +62-751-442309
E-mail: tsiberut@indosat.net.id

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Gunung Leuser National Park

Gunung Leuser National Park represents several ecosystem types, from coastal forest ecosystem through tropical lowland forest ecosystem to montane forest ecosystem. Most of the Park area is covered with thick Dipterocarpaceae forest with rivers and waterfalls flowing through it. There are some endangered and peculiar plants, namely daun payung raksasa (Johannesteijsmannia altifrons), rafflesia flowers (Rafflesia atjehensis and R. micropylora), and Rhizanthes zippelnii-the biggest flower, with a diameter of 1.5 metres. In addition, there is one plant unique to the area: the ara, a strangling plant.

Endangered and protected animal species which inhabit the Park include orangutan (Pongo abelii), siamang (Hylobates syndactylus syndactylus), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus), Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis sumatrensis), serow (Capricornis sumatraensis), great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), and leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis sumatrana).

Gunung Leuser National Park has been declared a Biosphere Reserve. Under a cooperation program between Indonesia and Malaysia, the Park is also designated as a "Sister Park" to the Taman Negara in Malaysia.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Gurah: fantastic views, valleys, waterfalls; animals and plants such as Rafflesia, orangutans, birds, snakes and butterflies.
Bohorok: an orangutan rehabilitation centre; ecotourism activities like kayaking/canoeing, camping, and birdwatching.
Kluet: boating on rivers and lakes, trekking through coastal forest and caving. Kluet is also a habitat of tigers.
Sekundur: camping, caving, animal observation.
Ketambe and Suak Belimbing: suitable place for research on primates and other animals; research facilities include accommodation and a library.
Gunung (Mount) Leuser (3,404 m asl.) and Mt. Kemiri (3,314 m asl.): mountain climbing and hiking.
River rafting along the Alas River: start from Gurah-Muara Situlen-Gelombang for a three-day trip.

Cultural attractions outside the Park include the Lake Toba Festival in June (held on the Lake) and the Malay Culture Festival held in July in Medan.

Best time of year to visit: June to October.

How to reach the Park: Medan-Kutacane about 8 hours by car (240 km), Kutacane-Gurah/Ketambe about 30 minutes by car (35 km), Medan-Bohorok/Bukit Lawang about 1 hour by car (60 km), Medan-Sei Betung/Sekundur about 2 hours by car (150 km), Medan-Tapaktuan about 10 hours by car (260 km).

Office:
Jl. Raya Blangkejeren Nr. 37 Km 3 PO Box 16, Kutacane, Nanggroe Aceh D.
Tel. : +62-629- 21358
Fax. : +62-629- 21016
E-mail: tnglaceh@indosat.net.id

Declared : Minister of Agriculture, in 1980,
a total area of 792,675 hectares
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK. No.276/Kpts-VI/1997,
a total area of 1,094,692 hectares
Location : Regencies Southeast Aceh, South Aceh,
Aceh Singkil (Province of Nanggroe Aceh Darusslam), and
Regency of Langkat (Province of North Sumatra)

Temperature 21° - 28° C
Rainfall 2,000 - 3,200 mm/year
Altitude 0 - 3,381 m asl.
Geographical location 96°35' - 98°30' E; 2°50' - 4°10' S

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