Tangkahan & the Elephants: A Story of Transformation From Logging to Conservation

In the early 2000s, Tangkahan was at a tipping point—rife with illegal logging and unsustainable forest exploitation. But instead of continuing this path, the locals came together to form a community-led initiative to protect their land.

They partnered with the Leuser International Foundation and the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, creating a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) with trained elephants and local mahouts (elephant handlers). These elephants, once part of government-run camps or taken from captivity, were repurposed as forest guardians and symbols of conservation.

 What is the CRU?

The Conservation Response Unit in Tangkahan serves two major functions:

1. Forest Patrols: Elephants help rangers monitor forest areas to prevent illegal activities like logging and poaching.

2. Ecotourism Ambassadors: Tourists can observe, interact with, and learn about elephants ethically, providing income for local conservation.

Tangkahan Today: Eco-Activities & Wildlife Encounters

1. Bathing Elephants in the River

One of the most iconic experiences in Tangkahan is bathing the elephants in the Batang Serangan River. Under the supervision of mahouts, visitors can:

• Scrub and wash elephants in the river

• Learn about elephant behavior and biology

• Observe the bond between elephants and handlers

 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

 Sustainability & Community Benefits

Tangkahan is a model of successful ecotourism, where:

• Local villagers manage tourism operations

• Revenue funds conservation, education, and village development

• Visitors are educated about responsible tourism and wildlife protection

When to Visit Tangkahan

• Best season: May to September (dry season, ideal for jungle trekking and river tubing)

• Wet season: October to April – Forest is lush, but trails are slippery, and wildlife can be harder to spot