The Flying Squad
Elephants protecting villages.
A. C. Shapiro from Capitol City, USA — CC BY 2.0 · Domiyanto — CC BY-SA 4.0 · RaiyaniM — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Afrianto silalahi — CC BY-SA 4.0
A national park in Riau protecting a remnant of Sumatra's lowland rainforest, which is fast vanishing before oil-palm plantations; researchers have recorded here one of the highest plant diversities in the world in a small area. It is home to the endangered Sumatran elephant and, rarely, the Sumatran tiger. The park hosts a base of the Flying Squad, trained elephants that rangers use to steer wild herds away from villages and farms without harming them, and visitors can watch them and join them in the river. The park also offers forest walks, boat trips on the Nilo River and birdwatching. The foreigners' national-park fee is about IDR 150,000 per day, with activities and guides priced separately, and visits are arranged through the park office. The park is remote, about four hours by car from Pekanbaru through palm plantations, so allow two days with simple lodging. Remember that the forest is shrinking, and responsible visits support its protection.
Elephants protecting villages.
Among the richest in plants.
Boat trips.
Pelalawan regency, Riau, about 4 hours from Pekanbaru
No, wild herds roam the forest, but the patrol squad's elephants are at the base and can be seen up close, the surest experience.