Tangkahan and the Sumatran Elephant sanctuary at the border of the jungle

Tangkahan: Indonesia’s Hidden Jungle Sanctuary

Where is Tangkahan?

Tangkahan is a remote village and ecotourism destination nestled in Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. It lies on the outskirts of the Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP), a UNESCO-listed tropical rainforest and one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Tangkahan is about 80–90 kilometers from Medan, the capital of North Sumatra.

What Makes Tangkahan Special?

Tangkahan is often described as “The Hidden Paradise of Sumatra” for its unspoiled beauty, dense rainforest, and strong commitment to community-based ecotourism. It’s not as commercial as nearby Bukit Lawang, making it ideal for travelers seeking peaceful immersion in nature.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Off-the-beaten-path experience

• Conservation-driven tourism

• Presence of Sumatran elephants in the Conservation Response Unit (CRU)

• Jungle adventures with a strong ethical foundation

The Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus)

Species Overview

The Sumatran elephant is one of the four recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant. Native only to the island of Sumatra, it plays a crucial role in the rainforest ecosystem as a “keystone species.”

• Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List)

• Estimated wild population: Fewer than 2,800 individuals

• Habitat: Tropical rainforests, grasslands, and lowland forests

• Diet: Herbivorous (consumes up to 150 kg of plant matter daily)

• Lifespan: 60–70 years in the wild

Threats to the Sumatran Elephant

Sumatran elephants face severe threats:

• Deforestation for palm oil, logging, and agriculture

• Human-wildlife conflict due to habitat loss

• Poaching for ivory and retaliation killings

• Fragmentation of habitat, which isolates herds

The shrinking forests of Sumatra have forced elephants to increasingly interact with human settlements, often resulting in conflict.

Taking part of bathing the elephant in the Buluh River, walking with the elephant into the jungle is one of the activities we could do close to the elephant habitat without exploiting them. It also help the local community financially.

Tangkahan has moved away from offering elephant rides in response to ethical tourism concerns. Focus is now on non-exploitative, educational experiences

2. Jungle Trekking

Trek through the pristine rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park. Guided by local experts, these treks offer:

• Sightings of orangutans, gibbons, and hornbills

• Exploration of hot springs, caves, and waterfalls

• Insights into medicinal plants and jungle survival skills

3. River Tubing & Waterfalls

Float along jungle rivers surrounded by towering trees and chirping birds. You can:

• Tube down the Buluh River
• Swim in the river or under jungle waterfalls
• Relax in natural hot springs

4. Homestays & Cultural Experiences

Stay with locals in eco-lodges or wooden bungalows. Most accommodations are community-run, offering:

• Traditional cooking experiences

• Village farming or handicraft workshops

• Immersive, slow-paced tourism with a low ecological footprint

• Pick up and Transfer back to the Airport : 750.000 IDR | fit 4 px  with luggage| one way
  

• Village Day Tour : 350.000/ person | go around the village by tuk tuk to interact and observe the daily life of the locals. visit the Tofu and tempeh home production, palm leaf and bamboo weaving, try out some the durian fruit or young coconut, observing the palm sugar home production

• Batcave and Landak River: 300.000| person.  It is one hour walking distance from Bukit lawang. A dark cave with very beautiful shape of stalactite and stalagmite rocks. it takes 2 hours to complete the cave tour

• Sumatra Elephant Sanctuary: Get along and participate in one of the Sumatran Elephant activity at the border of the national park Tangkahan. Walk with the elephant to the river trough the Sumatra jungle, then bath the elephant in the river. This activity is 8.30 am and 3.30 pm. For the walking and bathing the elephant, the CRU will charge for 1.000.000 IDR, 600.000 IDR for only bathing the elephant. We will organized the transport to go and back to Bukit lawang village for 1.200.000, IDR. The car fit 4px max. Lunch will be provided

• Volcano Hike Mount Sibayak – BERASTAGI: 500.000 IDR| 2px Min.  You need to be in Beratagi to do this Tour. Climb a magnificent active volcano in Berastagi Region- Mount Sibayak. Suitable almost for everyone. The summit is only 2200 meter. You could do it early in the morning for the sunrise or at anytime during the day. Volcano views  with many Fume Holes all over the crater. Take a dip into the Thermal bath pond at the bottom of the mountain on your way down.