Sumatran orangutans
An endangered species found only here.
Arian Zwegers — CC BY 2.0 · HaidirAndiNovianto — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arian Zwegers — CC BY 2.0 · Raul Heinrich — CC BY-SA 3.0
A small village on the bank of the Bahorok River, about three hours by car from Medan, the eastern gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park and one of the few places in the world where you can see Sumatran orangutans up close in their forest. The Sumatran orangutan is a critically endangered species found only in northern Sumatra. An orangutan rehabilitation centre was founded here in 1973 and closed in 2002, and generations of apes that lived there remain in the forest, seen by visitors on walks among the trees, along with other primates and hornbills. Many treks end with a float back to the village on inner tubes down the river. Entering the forest is only allowed with a licensed guide, and treks are sold as packages including the permit and guide, from about seven hundred and fifty thousand rupiah for half a day, more for full-day and overnight jungle treks. Compare guides and choose one who will not feed or touch the apes. The road from Medan is long, so it is best to stay a night in the village. Bring walking shoes, light rain gear and insect repellent, and keep a safe distance from the apes, which are wild animals.
An endangered species found only here.
Gateway to a vast national park.
Floating to the village on tubes.
On the Bahorok River, about 86 km north-west of Medan
Not guaranteed, as they are free, but the chances are very high on half-day and full-day treks with an experienced guide who knows where they are.