Gunung Leuser National Park
Nothing beats the magic of spotting wild orangutans in their most natural habitat.
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Gunung Leuser National Park FAQs
Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the last places on Earth where wild orangutans still roam free. Most travellers visit from Bukit Lawang, where you can trek into the rainforest to spot orangutans, Thomas’s leaf monkeys, gibbons, and hornbills. Treks range from a few hours to several days, with overnight camping deep in the jungle for a real adventure.
The park is also home to rare wildlife like Sumatran elephants, rhinos, and tigers, though sightings are extremely rare. In Tangkahan, you can walk along quiet forest trails, soak in riverside hot springs, and help bathe rescued elephants. Everywhere you go, local guides share stories about the forest and its conservation, so your visit helps protect this incredible habitat and the communities who live around it.
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In Gunung Leuser National Park, the most rewarding activities are ethical jungle treks led by experienced guides who prioritise wildlife welfare. Visitors can spot wild orangutans in their natural habitat from a safe distance, watch gibbons and hornbills in the canopy, and explore the park’s rivers, waterfalls, and forest trails. In Tangkahan, you can also observe elephants in a responsible way and enjoy quiet forest walks and natural hot springs.
We avoid recommending nearby Bukit Lawang, because the rangers there are not well trained. They have allowed tourists to get too close to orangutans, and this has caused the animals to behave aggressively - something that’s unusual for these naturally shy creatures. By trekking in Gunung Leuser instead, you get to see incredible wildlife without putting animals or yourself at risk.
Top places of interest in Medan are:
- Gunung Leuser National Park - here you can spot orangutans in the wild, in an ethical way.
Top places of interest in Indonesia are:
- Komodo National Park - here you can do Sightseeing Boat Cruise and Diving
- Mount Bromo - here you can do Mountain Climbing
- Ubud - here you can do Woodworking Classes, Meditation, Cooking Classes, Cycling Tours, Coffee Farms, Jewellery Making, Creative Workshops, Culture & Sightseeing, Motorcycle Tour, ATV & Off-Road, Sightseeing Tours, Yoga and Other Wellness Experiences
- Nusa Penida - here you can do Sightseeing Tours, Snorkelling, Culture & Sightseeing and Diving
- Mount Batur - here you can do Mountain Climbing, ATV & Off-Road and Motorcycle Tour
The most popular cities in Indonesia for travellers are:
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