Gunung Leuser National Park

Gunung Leuser National Park

Gunung Leuser National Park, covering up 950,000 hectares in northern part of Sumatra, Indonesia, frames the edges of North Sumatra and Aceh. The project began in 1995 with the aid of European Union.

The forest, regarded as one of the World’s biggest rain forest, combines few national parks of Indonesia namely, Gunung Leuser, Kappi, Kluet, Sikundur Langkat Wildlife Reserve, Ketambe Research Station, Singkil Barat and Dolok Sembilin. The park is playing an import role as protector of a vast range of ecosystems and a sanctuary. The Alas River divides the park into two half.

Gunung Leuser National Park reserves approx 700 characters of animals, amongst which are 320 birds, 176 mammals, 194 reptiles and amphibians.
Mammals covers Orangutan, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, leopard cat, banded leaf monkey, silvered leaf monkey, long-tailed macaque, Malayan sun bear, red giant flying squirrel, Asian elephant, Temminck's golden cat, siamang, Sumatran Serow, swamp crocodile and the clouded leopard.

Gunung Leuser is esteemed for its reservation of Sumatran tiger and around 400 of them are inhabiting there. Gunung Leuser f sanctuary of Orangutan, the tree-living apes with long arms and brown or red hair. Two Orangutan reserves come within its limit.

Gunung Leuser National Park is the abode of around 300 species of birds and around 10,000 types of plants including the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world and Amorphophallus, the tallest flower in the world. Different species of moss, wild flowers like Gentians, Primula's, Strawberry and herbs and wild orchid are visible here. But, the park is in trouble with illegal logging and poaching practice.

The nearest airport to Gunung Leuser National Park is Kualanamu International Airport (IATA: KNO, ICAO: WIMM) located in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Kualanamu International Airport is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Gunung Leuser National Park. From the airport, visitors can travel by road to reach the park, which is one of the main gateways for tourists visiting this renowned conservation area known for its diverse wildlife and rich natural environment.

Buses are available from Medan to Kutacane (takes 5-6 hours) and Bohorok-Bukit Lawang. Minibus service is available from Medan to Kutacane, covering 233 km, faster. Organized trekking is permitted with food and permits. For guide, contact PHPA offices, charges are negotiable. The trip can be a thrilling experience with watching Orangutan in open area along with an adventures trekking. But the sky is often cloudy and it may rain a lot.