Northern Sumatra - Main Attractions
Gunung Leuser - The Gunung Leuser national park covers an area of about 9.000 sq km, and Bukit Lawang is today the main point of access to this impressive habitat, which wildlife includes tigers, rhinos, tapirs, elephants, gibbons, reptiles and of course the Orang-Utan. There are also more than 380 species of birds. Trekking is one of the main activities in this area but also somewhat tough physically due to the climate and the steep terrain. Travellers can participate in a one-day trek or trek for several days deep into the forest. There is also the possibility to combine a trek with rafting back to Bukit Lawang, a very pleasant end of the day. Accommodation is at the Pan Eco Lodge or Bukit Lawang Cottages.
Bohorok Orang-Utan Sanctuary - started in 1973 by two Swiss zoologists, Regina Frey and Monica Boerner, the intention was to help orang-utans that had been displaced due to land clearing or recovered from captivity. Once rehabilitated, the Orang-Utans are released back into the forest which surrounds a feeding platform. This ensures that researchers can keep an eye on the health of the recently released animals when they come into feed twice a day.
Trek through the jungle to experience the feeding of these wild and re-habilitated animals at first hand, there are no fences or cages just a backdrop of dramatic dense jungle and tropical plants. Eerily human with their wrinkly faces and intelligent eyes it is no wonder these great apes have been called "old men of the forest"; not only are these great apes smart but they are also extremely mischievous so watch out for your belongings.
Best Time of Year To Visit: The dry season runs from May - September however this does not preclude travel at other times of the year with it remaining hot year round. Temperatures tend to be hotter on the beaches and cooler inland
Once in a Lifetime: why not combine a trip to Northern Sumatra with a visit to Borneo to form a breathtaking itinerary of jungles, beaches and wildlife.
