TANGKAHAN The hidden Paradise SUMATRAN ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

Tangkahan is well known as the hidden paradise in the North of Sumatra. It is located in the same region as Bukit lawang  ( Langkat Region). Tangkahan within  the same National Park Of Gunung Leuser National Park – North Sumatra Province. Tangkahan is a dense forest with little less steep terrains. due to the less steepness area, its suitable for Sumatran Elephant to make a living place. In comparison with the other area like Bukit Lawang, Batu Katak or Ketambe region. The temperature relative semiliar for the rest of the national park. Hot humid and a lot of rain

Tangkahan is a small village end of the road bordered directly with the Gunung Leuser National Park. It was a settlement or base-camp for the illegal logger and poachers by 1980s – 1990s due to the location, also is the meeting point of the two big rivers that runs trough the pristine jungle. The convenient way to transfer the logs down stream.  Over time the settlement slowly changed to the Touristic village. The people became aware of the damaged caused by such as activities. They completely stop the illegal logging and poaching activities. Also the National Park is strongly protected and monitored the Taman Nasional Authority ( TNGL). Severe punishment applied for breaching the law.

The village developed into a very touristic village Destination. The village now received a lot of local tourist and international tourist as well. The main attraction in tangkahan is Sumatran Elephant Sanctuary. Taking part in one of this tour will help the local community financially. Using the elephant for the show to attract the tourist received a lot of criticism worldwide, but it help to fund the community, the local villagers, and the Sumatran Elephant Conservation Unit ( CRU) – the mahout to monitor and protected the area from the illegal activities.

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.