Sumatra is famous for its animals. It's wildlife is more varied than any other island in Indonesia. Sumatra contains 176 different mammals, 194 reptiles, 62 amphibians and 150 different birds. Orangutan, rhinos and wild pigs are found only in the north of the island. The tapir and certain species of monkey are found only in the south of the island. North and south, wildlife survives because the Sumatran forests provide protection. Sumatran forests cover about 60% of the island. The people of Sumatra like animals. You can see tigers, birds and strange animals painted on becaks and signs all over the island.
The Sumatran jungles support a great range of plan life. There are trees such as the ketapang, which are over 60 metres in height. Vines called 'wait a minute' have thorns that can catch people as they walk in the forest. The corpse plant is over two metres high and smells of rotting meat. The amazing rafflesia grows on the west coast of Sumatra. Its flower grows to one metre in width and is the largest flower in the world.
In recent years, forest fires have destroyed a lot of Sumatras' forests. The government are trying to stop the destruction of our forests. Let us hope they succeed. Sumatra without its forests would not be a nice place.
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Friday, June 6, 2008
Gunung Leuser
The Gunung Leuser National Park covers 8000 square kilometres. It is the largest national park in Southeast Asia and is the most important nature reserve in Indonesia. It consists mainly of brush, forest and jungle. It is situated in North Sumatra, northwest of Medan, and is park of the Bukit Barisan range of mountains. It gets its name from Gunung Leuser, the highest mountain in Bukit Barisan range.
It is famous for its orchids(anggrek) and for its beutiful trees. It has a varied wildlife including elephants, tigers, monkeys, deers and Malayan sun bears(beruang madu). Its birdlife includes different kinds of hornbills and the argus pheasant.
The Gunung Leuser National Park is famous internationally because of the Orang utan Rehabitation Centre near Bukitlawang. This has become a favourite place for many Indonesia visitors as well as thousands of foreign visitors every year. So, you see, saving the environment is good for business.
It is famous for its orchids(anggrek) and for its beutiful trees. It has a varied wildlife including elephants, tigers, monkeys, deers and Malayan sun bears(beruang madu). Its birdlife includes different kinds of hornbills and the argus pheasant.
The Gunung Leuser National Park is famous internationally because of the Orang utan Rehabitation Centre near Bukitlawang. This has become a favourite place for many Indonesia visitors as well as thousands of foreign visitors every year. So, you see, saving the environment is good for business.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Brief History Sumatra
The people of the region are hospitable and warm and can be divided into five main ethnic groups; the Coastal Malays living along the Melaka Straits; the Bataks consisting of the sub-tribes of Toba, Simalungun, Pak Pak (Dairi) and Karon of the highlands around Lake Toba and Samosir Island; the Pesisirs of Central Tapanuli along the Indian Ocean coastline; the Mandailings and Angkolas from southern Tapanuli and Nias lslanders off the western coast of the province. These groups each have their own dialects, religious beliefs and traditional arts, customs and culture. There are also several ethnic groups who live in Medan and other towns of North Sumatra, the largest of these being Chinese and Indian. Other parts of the archipelago are repre- sented, but non more strongly than the Acehnese, Minangkabou and Javanese who now live in- many parts of the area. As a result the area is often regarded os constituting a natural museum of Indonesia's proto-Malay heritage in which ancient customs and traditions have been preserved.
The diversity of arts and cultures literally make this region a Garden of Eden for social scientists and culture seekers. It is a treasure chest of culture and tradition waiting to be explored, with ancient graves of Batak kings, unique dances and ceremonies, and beautiful arts and crafts. North Sumatra is also one of the richest provinces in Indonesia for flora and fauna with a wealth of birds, butterflies, buffalo and deer. The Province proudly boats of its Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center in the Gunung Leisure National Park which is bordered by the fast flowing Bohorok River and some delightful countryside and of course lake Toba, legendary birthplace of the mountain-dwelling Bataks and the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia.
The region also produces more than 30% of Indonesia's export commodities and handles about 60% of them, making it a vital cog in the Indonesian economy. Tobacco, palm oil, tea and rubber are produced in large quantities, particularly around Medan in the north of the province.
Places of Interest
Medan
Medan was one the site of a battlefield between the Aceh people and the neighboring Deli Kingdom. Medan is the capital of North Sumatra Province, a trading center and important harbor. Once Medan was part of the Deli Sultanate. What is historically most interesting is the Mesjid Raya (Grand Mosque) and the Palace of the Sultan of Deli which has been restored to restored its past grandeur.
Mesjid Raya (Grand Mosque)
Built in a Moroccan style, the mesjid Raya dating from 1906 is the largest mosque of Sumatra. It is rich decorated and the black domes give a high contrast with the white building. You can find the Mesjid Raya at the crossroad off Jalan Mesjid Raya and Jalan Sisingamangaraja.
Istana Maimoon (Sultan Palace)
Only about 200 meters from the mesjid at Jalan Katamso is the Istana Maimoon (Maimoon Palace). The palace was designed by an Italian architect in 1888 for the sultan. It is a mixture of oriental, middle eastern and western styles. The family of the sultan still occupy one of the wings of the palace. the palace is open all day and also here only a small donation is asked for the entrance.
TemplesThere are several temples in Medan which can be visited. The oldest Chinese temple is found on Jalan Pandu dating from 1870. The largest Chinese temple on Sumatra is the Vihara Gunung Timur at Jalan Cik Ditiro which is frequently visited by Buddhist and Taoists. At the junction of Jalan Teuku Umar and Jalan H. Zainal Arifin you can find the Parisada Hindu Temple.
Bukit Barisan Museum
The Bukit Barisan Museum at Jalan H. Zainal Arifin no 8 is dedicated to the patriotic and military history of north Sumatra. It displays a collection photographs and weapons of the WWII, the War of Independence and the Sumatra Rebellion in 1958. The museum is opened from Monday till Friday from 08.00 till 12.30 and admission is free.
BUKIT LAWANG
The little village of Bukit Lawang is situated on the eastern banks of the pretty Bahorok River facing one of the grandest forest areas in South East Asia, the easter edge of Mount Leuser National Park, about 90 KM from Medan, With its restful and pleasant setting, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Sumatra, although the town exists primarily to cater to the tourist trade, with guides, restaurants and a variety of delightful guesthouses strung along the river. The proximity to the Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre across the river is the major attraction.
The Rehabilitation Centre was set up to help orphaned orang-utans that had been displaced because of land clearing or rescued from captivity, and teaching them the necessary skills to be able to survive in the wild. Visitors have an opportunity to view the apes twice daily when they come swinging through the trees to collect the bananas and milk left on feeding platforms in the forest, providing visitors with one of the more memorable experiences in Indonesia. Jungle trekking, rafting, caving and tubing down the river are other popular activities.
TANGKAHAN
Tangkahan is situated in Indonesia a part of South East Asia. Tangkahan is a part of the Gunung Leuser National Park (Leuser Mountain), found in North Sumatra and Aceh Province.
This is one of the largest National Parks in the World, with over 7750 Km2 of mountains, rivers and rainforests stretching across Sumatra to the beaches of the Indian Ocean, presenting an incredibly diverse ecosystem. Tangkahan covers a 100 Km2 area.
The National Park protects more than 120 different species of mammals, including the Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), elephant (Elephas maximus) and the orangutan (Pongo abelii). For the more fortunate who stay at Tangkahan you may see Rusa deer (Cervus unicolour), wild boar (Sus scrofa) or the clouded leopard cat (Neofelis nebulosa) whos tracks can be seen around the paths or even the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii).
Gunung Leuser National Park is also home to nearly 400 different species of bird, making it a must for any serious ornithologist. The Sumatran pheasant (Lophura hoogerwerfi), great Argus (Argusianus argus) Malaysian blue-flycatcher (Cyornis turcosus) and 9 species of hornbill can all be discovered here.
There are nearly 200 different species of reptiles and amphibians in the park, with the sea faring turtles, hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), found at the coast and the stunning spiny turtle (Heosemys spinosa) found in the rivers, buried in the vegetation. The huge water monitor (Varanus salvator), which grows up to 2 ½ meters, can also be found around the rivers and pools hunting frogs, fish and small lizards not far from the Jungle Lodge.
For fishermen there is also a myriad of fish species in the many rivers and steams in the park. Fishing is allowed, but is restricted to the areas and type of equipment that can be used, it is always best to check at the information office where is best for you to set up before casting your line.
The flora of the park is just as diverse, with a number of different ecosystems, from coastal vegetation, freshwater swamps and levee forests (riverside and alluvial), around sea level to ridge and montane forests up to 3,400m.
These contain the world's biggest and the world's tallest flowers; Rafflesia sp. and Amorphophallus sp. and many tree species including the Dipterocarps which have seeds that use the wind to disperse them on wings through the jungle. The strangler fig (Ficus sp.) also makes its home here, a great source of forest food because it fruits around seven times a year. It is spread by birds that eat its seed and deposit it high in the tree tops. The strangler fig uses the host tree, that it lands upon, to grow around as a support and source of food. As it grows it cuts the nutrient supply to the host tree which slowly dies and all that is left is the incredible mass of roots of the parasitic Ficus.
There also rattans which use barbs to grow up trees to access the light, and to protect them from hungry herbivores. These barbs can be quite painful while walking, take care that they don't snare you, or your clothes.
Ecotourism
Tangkahan, as an ecotourism site, was established in 2001. Previously the area was logged and poachers hunted the animals.
The local people have transformed the region, stopping the logging and forming forest ranger groups to patrol for illegal activities. With the help of INDECON (Indonesia's Ecotourism Network) and FFI (Fauna & Flora International-the worlds longest running conservation organization) they have developed an unparalleled, self-sustained ecotourism destination, providing a platform for research and conservation of the local ecosystem.
The Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) performs regular surveys of the orangutan population in Tangkahan. The compiled research is being used to protect these animals and their habitat, and to raise awareness of the dangers they face.
Tangkahan is now defended by two ranger patrols the LPT (Lembaga Pariwisata Tangkahan) and CRU (Conservation Response Unit). These have stopped the logging and poaching, the only signs of this history are the abandoned sites of felled trees deep within the forest.
Wildlife
Rainforests are home to 50-90% of the Earths plant and animal species, yet rainforests only cover 7% of the planets surface. This means that many of the World's species can only be found in the rainforest and nowhere else.
These forests are only found in Australia, Latin and South America, Africa and South East Asia.
Activities
Enjoy a range of adventures to suit everybody, from the intrepid explorer to the armchair adventurer.
Elephant Trekking
Ride Patrol Elephants on a choice of treks with bareback riding to embrace the adventure of the patrol. Steep slopes and dense vegetation bring you the excitement of the jungle. At the end of the trek you can bathe with the elephants as they spray water to cool off.
River Safari by raft.
This is often the best way to get a closer view of the wildlife, who feel less threatened by people floating quietly past on the river than walking.
The river passes through ravines with high rock faces affording the chance to see the iridescent kingfishers, or maybe the otters gamboling along the shore, as well as monitor lizards and the rare gibbons.
The trip lasts around 1-2 hours, at the start of the safari is a deep pool where you can swim and maybe catch fish for dinner.
Tubing Rapids
Relish the exhilaration of tubing down river. Explore the caves as you drift down stream and negotiate rapids, perhaps stopping to see the local orange and durian groves to try the succulent fruits.
Trekking
All the treks allow you to discover the many sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest.
The three main treks encompass all fitness levels and allow you to decide whether to relax, learn or explore this tropical paradise.
BRASTAGI
Brastagi, a tourist town is another lovely town located in the Karo highlands. The town is know for its plantations and various kinds of flower, vegetables and fruit, most famous of which is the "Marqisa" passion fruit.
It's 66 km southwest of Medan and is 4.594 feet above sea level. There is a pleasant colonial-style hotel with a golf course. Other new hotel can also be found from Gundalling Hill a clear view of Mt.Sibayak and Mt.Sinabung volcanoes can be seen.
Tahura - Bukit Barisan
Located at Tongkoh village, in the district of the Karo highlands, approximately 59 km from Medan. Formerly Tahura Bukit Barisan since 1916, known for its location called "Arboretum Tongkoh Berastagi", however since 1989 renovated and renamed Great Bukit Barisan Forest Park.
Found there is the zoological museum and a gazebo with Koro ornaments designed on the roof, Painted with various writing of typical welcome greeting in Tapanuli, which is "HORASS".
Tongging - Sipiso-Piso Water Fall
Tongging is place to see waterfall surrounded by beautiful sights in cool mountain air. It is 24 km from Kabanjahe, located at the north side of Lake Toba. The 360 feet waterfall is visible from a gazebo at one of the tops of hills.
Lingga Village & Pematang Purba
About 15 km south of Berastagi just of the main road is the small Karo Batak village Lingga. This village is in a poor state but gives a good example of the traditional houses of the Karo Batak. The houses which are about 120 years old are built without using nails. Guides will try to get you on their tour through the village but it is very well possible to walk around alone. The people sometimes perform a local dance for the tourists but be prepared to give a small donation.
Not far from Lingga is the village of Purba. In the traditional village don't live people anymore and it is completely restored for use as a museum now. It is nice to see the traditional King's house which also is build without a single nail. Near the village is the graveyard where the kings and their family who once lived in Purba are buried.
Parapat - Lake Toba
The town of Parapat is the main tourist resort and lies on the very shore of the famous Lake Toba. This lake is about 50 miles long and 16 miles across, with a depth about 1.400 feet.In Parapat live Batak Toba and Batak Simalungun tribes, and are happy and easy going people. They are known for their lively and sentimental love songs.
Recreational sports in Parapat are among others swimming, Water skiing, motor boating, canoeing, fishing, and golf at Sally golf course (19 hotels) about 5 km from Parapat.
Parapat is 176 from Medan and can be reached in 4 hours by bus. The climate in Parapat is cool, and dry, making Parapat an ideal palace to relax. Many hotels, bungalows, villas, resthousee welcome visitors. Small shops selling souvenirs such as "Ulos" (local woven cloths) and specific fruits local grown.
Samosir Island
The island of Samosir is right in the middle of lake Toba, covering area of 239 square miles. This island is the original home of the fiercest but kind hearted Toba Bataks, It can be reached in half an hour by boat from Parapat. Visiting the village of Tomak, Tuk-tuk, Siallagan, Ambarita are recommended for traditional Batak Toba houses, and local dances. This island has many hotels, bungalows and rest houses.
Tomok
Most interesting in Tomok on Samosir are the old graves of the former kings. Also the last king of the Batak Sidabatu is buried here. His tombstone is decorated with is image Also the other tombs are decorated with the images of his wife, the bodyguard and the woman he loved (as the story goes). Near the graveyard is a traditional Batak house which can be visited. Tomok also has many souvenir stalls where you can buy all kinds of Batak souvenirs. The boats from Prapat run directly to Tomok which will take about 45 minutes.
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk itself hasn't much to offer then good places to sleep and eat. It is located on a small peninsula and can be reached directly by ferry from Prapat. It is a good base for treks and trips across Samosir. From here it is easy to pick up the road leading around the island. By motorbike is a good option to explore all interesting villages within one or two days.
Ambarita
In Ambarita the stone furniture can be seen. At one side of the courtyard there is a stone table with several charis around and several meters further is the bucherblock with some chairs where the criminals where beheaded and chopped in peaces to be consumed. The last one was in 1900 as the stories tell. The heads of the criminals where mounted on a stick and put in the lake to warn offenders. Around the village many stalls sell their souvenirs but the prices are a little bit higher ten in Tomok.
Simanindo
Simanindo is on the northern tip of the island and easy to reach over the road leading around the island. The kings house which now turned into a museum is one of the best examples of Batak houses on the island. The house was the former home of the Batak King Raja Simalungun but now you can see all kinds of crockery and sculptures from Bataks but also from Chinese and the Dutch.
JANGGA VILLAGE
Jangga is a village of native Bataks, located in the hills, on the main road to the other Batak communities living separately there , like Lumban Nabolon village, Tonga-tonga Sirait Uruk village, Jnaji Matogu village, sihubuk hubak village, Siregar village, Sigiaol village, Silalahi Toruan Muara village and Tamak Sihatang village.
There are monuments of King Tambun and King Monurung, traditional houses, cultural and other historical remains left by Batak Kings centuries ago. This natively unchanged Batak Village has complete ornamentation, and is often visited by domestic and foreign visitors. Inn this place, visitors can watch young girl or old ladies weaving the beautiful ulos cloth inside the booths their principle livelihood beside agriculture.
SOUTH TAPANULI
It lies in the southern part of North Sumatra, bordering the provinces of West Sumatra, bordering the provinces of West Sumatra and Riau. This region has a population of approximately 900.000. It lies on the way to west to west Sumatra overland. The sceneries are attractive all the way. Same of the tourist objects are Candi Portibi, Dolok Simago-mago, Pakantan, Husar Tolang, Sibanggar, Adian Lungun Nihara.There are also hot springs and a good hotel available at Tor Sibohi.
This district is known for its ceramics and handicraft. The Portibi temple is at Padang Bolak, 78 km from Padang Sidempuan, or 581 km from Medan. There are cultural remnants of s Hindu temple kingdom of Panai, founded in 1039 A.d..
NIAS ISLAND
This island lies off West Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. The village of Bowomataluo and Hilisimae are curios place to visit, where visitors can see performances of traditional war-dances and thrilling high-jump sports, I,e. people making dangerous leaps over 2 meter-high stones. Typical scenes are dancers clad in traditional costumes with bird feathers on their heads, a hall for the Chief of Tribe built on wooden logs with stones chairs weighing up to 18 tons. There are daily flights serving Medan and Nias island.
From: ravelino travel
The diversity of arts and cultures literally make this region a Garden of Eden for social scientists and culture seekers. It is a treasure chest of culture and tradition waiting to be explored, with ancient graves of Batak kings, unique dances and ceremonies, and beautiful arts and crafts. North Sumatra is also one of the richest provinces in Indonesia for flora and fauna with a wealth of birds, butterflies, buffalo and deer. The Province proudly boats of its Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center in the Gunung Leisure National Park which is bordered by the fast flowing Bohorok River and some delightful countryside and of course lake Toba, legendary birthplace of the mountain-dwelling Bataks and the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia.
The region also produces more than 30% of Indonesia's export commodities and handles about 60% of them, making it a vital cog in the Indonesian economy. Tobacco, palm oil, tea and rubber are produced in large quantities, particularly around Medan in the north of the province.
Places of Interest
Medan
Medan was one the site of a battlefield between the Aceh people and the neighboring Deli Kingdom. Medan is the capital of North Sumatra Province, a trading center and important harbor. Once Medan was part of the Deli Sultanate. What is historically most interesting is the Mesjid Raya (Grand Mosque) and the Palace of the Sultan of Deli which has been restored to restored its past grandeur.
Mesjid Raya (Grand Mosque)
Built in a Moroccan style, the mesjid Raya dating from 1906 is the largest mosque of Sumatra. It is rich decorated and the black domes give a high contrast with the white building. You can find the Mesjid Raya at the crossroad off Jalan Mesjid Raya and Jalan Sisingamangaraja.
Istana Maimoon (Sultan Palace)
Only about 200 meters from the mesjid at Jalan Katamso is the Istana Maimoon (Maimoon Palace). The palace was designed by an Italian architect in 1888 for the sultan. It is a mixture of oriental, middle eastern and western styles. The family of the sultan still occupy one of the wings of the palace. the palace is open all day and also here only a small donation is asked for the entrance.
TemplesThere are several temples in Medan which can be visited. The oldest Chinese temple is found on Jalan Pandu dating from 1870. The largest Chinese temple on Sumatra is the Vihara Gunung Timur at Jalan Cik Ditiro which is frequently visited by Buddhist and Taoists. At the junction of Jalan Teuku Umar and Jalan H. Zainal Arifin you can find the Parisada Hindu Temple.
Bukit Barisan Museum
The Bukit Barisan Museum at Jalan H. Zainal Arifin no 8 is dedicated to the patriotic and military history of north Sumatra. It displays a collection photographs and weapons of the WWII, the War of Independence and the Sumatra Rebellion in 1958. The museum is opened from Monday till Friday from 08.00 till 12.30 and admission is free.
BUKIT LAWANG
The little village of Bukit Lawang is situated on the eastern banks of the pretty Bahorok River facing one of the grandest forest areas in South East Asia, the easter edge of Mount Leuser National Park, about 90 KM from Medan, With its restful and pleasant setting, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Sumatra, although the town exists primarily to cater to the tourist trade, with guides, restaurants and a variety of delightful guesthouses strung along the river. The proximity to the Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre across the river is the major attraction.
The Rehabilitation Centre was set up to help orphaned orang-utans that had been displaced because of land clearing or rescued from captivity, and teaching them the necessary skills to be able to survive in the wild. Visitors have an opportunity to view the apes twice daily when they come swinging through the trees to collect the bananas and milk left on feeding platforms in the forest, providing visitors with one of the more memorable experiences in Indonesia. Jungle trekking, rafting, caving and tubing down the river are other popular activities.
TANGKAHAN
Tangkahan is situated in Indonesia a part of South East Asia. Tangkahan is a part of the Gunung Leuser National Park (Leuser Mountain), found in North Sumatra and Aceh Province.
This is one of the largest National Parks in the World, with over 7750 Km2 of mountains, rivers and rainforests stretching across Sumatra to the beaches of the Indian Ocean, presenting an incredibly diverse ecosystem. Tangkahan covers a 100 Km2 area.
The National Park protects more than 120 different species of mammals, including the Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), elephant (Elephas maximus) and the orangutan (Pongo abelii). For the more fortunate who stay at Tangkahan you may see Rusa deer (Cervus unicolour), wild boar (Sus scrofa) or the clouded leopard cat (Neofelis nebulosa) whos tracks can be seen around the paths or even the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii).
Gunung Leuser National Park is also home to nearly 400 different species of bird, making it a must for any serious ornithologist. The Sumatran pheasant (Lophura hoogerwerfi), great Argus (Argusianus argus) Malaysian blue-flycatcher (Cyornis turcosus) and 9 species of hornbill can all be discovered here.
There are nearly 200 different species of reptiles and amphibians in the park, with the sea faring turtles, hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), found at the coast and the stunning spiny turtle (Heosemys spinosa) found in the rivers, buried in the vegetation. The huge water monitor (Varanus salvator), which grows up to 2 ½ meters, can also be found around the rivers and pools hunting frogs, fish and small lizards not far from the Jungle Lodge.
For fishermen there is also a myriad of fish species in the many rivers and steams in the park. Fishing is allowed, but is restricted to the areas and type of equipment that can be used, it is always best to check at the information office where is best for you to set up before casting your line.
The flora of the park is just as diverse, with a number of different ecosystems, from coastal vegetation, freshwater swamps and levee forests (riverside and alluvial), around sea level to ridge and montane forests up to 3,400m.
These contain the world's biggest and the world's tallest flowers; Rafflesia sp. and Amorphophallus sp. and many tree species including the Dipterocarps which have seeds that use the wind to disperse them on wings through the jungle. The strangler fig (Ficus sp.) also makes its home here, a great source of forest food because it fruits around seven times a year. It is spread by birds that eat its seed and deposit it high in the tree tops. The strangler fig uses the host tree, that it lands upon, to grow around as a support and source of food. As it grows it cuts the nutrient supply to the host tree which slowly dies and all that is left is the incredible mass of roots of the parasitic Ficus.
There also rattans which use barbs to grow up trees to access the light, and to protect them from hungry herbivores. These barbs can be quite painful while walking, take care that they don't snare you, or your clothes.
Ecotourism
Tangkahan, as an ecotourism site, was established in 2001. Previously the area was logged and poachers hunted the animals.
The local people have transformed the region, stopping the logging and forming forest ranger groups to patrol for illegal activities. With the help of INDECON (Indonesia's Ecotourism Network) and FFI (Fauna & Flora International-the worlds longest running conservation organization) they have developed an unparalleled, self-sustained ecotourism destination, providing a platform for research and conservation of the local ecosystem.
The Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) performs regular surveys of the orangutan population in Tangkahan. The compiled research is being used to protect these animals and their habitat, and to raise awareness of the dangers they face.
Tangkahan is now defended by two ranger patrols the LPT (Lembaga Pariwisata Tangkahan) and CRU (Conservation Response Unit). These have stopped the logging and poaching, the only signs of this history are the abandoned sites of felled trees deep within the forest.
Wildlife
Rainforests are home to 50-90% of the Earths plant and animal species, yet rainforests only cover 7% of the planets surface. This means that many of the World's species can only be found in the rainforest and nowhere else.
These forests are only found in Australia, Latin and South America, Africa and South East Asia.
Activities
Enjoy a range of adventures to suit everybody, from the intrepid explorer to the armchair adventurer.
Elephant Trekking
Ride Patrol Elephants on a choice of treks with bareback riding to embrace the adventure of the patrol. Steep slopes and dense vegetation bring you the excitement of the jungle. At the end of the trek you can bathe with the elephants as they spray water to cool off.
River Safari by raft.
This is often the best way to get a closer view of the wildlife, who feel less threatened by people floating quietly past on the river than walking.
The river passes through ravines with high rock faces affording the chance to see the iridescent kingfishers, or maybe the otters gamboling along the shore, as well as monitor lizards and the rare gibbons.
The trip lasts around 1-2 hours, at the start of the safari is a deep pool where you can swim and maybe catch fish for dinner.
Tubing Rapids
Relish the exhilaration of tubing down river. Explore the caves as you drift down stream and negotiate rapids, perhaps stopping to see the local orange and durian groves to try the succulent fruits.
Trekking
All the treks allow you to discover the many sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest.
The three main treks encompass all fitness levels and allow you to decide whether to relax, learn or explore this tropical paradise.
BRASTAGI
Brastagi, a tourist town is another lovely town located in the Karo highlands. The town is know for its plantations and various kinds of flower, vegetables and fruit, most famous of which is the "Marqisa" passion fruit.
It's 66 km southwest of Medan and is 4.594 feet above sea level. There is a pleasant colonial-style hotel with a golf course. Other new hotel can also be found from Gundalling Hill a clear view of Mt.Sibayak and Mt.Sinabung volcanoes can be seen.
Tahura - Bukit Barisan
Located at Tongkoh village, in the district of the Karo highlands, approximately 59 km from Medan. Formerly Tahura Bukit Barisan since 1916, known for its location called "Arboretum Tongkoh Berastagi", however since 1989 renovated and renamed Great Bukit Barisan Forest Park.
Found there is the zoological museum and a gazebo with Koro ornaments designed on the roof, Painted with various writing of typical welcome greeting in Tapanuli, which is "HORASS".
Tongging - Sipiso-Piso Water Fall
Tongging is place to see waterfall surrounded by beautiful sights in cool mountain air. It is 24 km from Kabanjahe, located at the north side of Lake Toba. The 360 feet waterfall is visible from a gazebo at one of the tops of hills.
Lingga Village & Pematang Purba
About 15 km south of Berastagi just of the main road is the small Karo Batak village Lingga. This village is in a poor state but gives a good example of the traditional houses of the Karo Batak. The houses which are about 120 years old are built without using nails. Guides will try to get you on their tour through the village but it is very well possible to walk around alone. The people sometimes perform a local dance for the tourists but be prepared to give a small donation.
Not far from Lingga is the village of Purba. In the traditional village don't live people anymore and it is completely restored for use as a museum now. It is nice to see the traditional King's house which also is build without a single nail. Near the village is the graveyard where the kings and their family who once lived in Purba are buried.
Parapat - Lake Toba
The town of Parapat is the main tourist resort and lies on the very shore of the famous Lake Toba. This lake is about 50 miles long and 16 miles across, with a depth about 1.400 feet.In Parapat live Batak Toba and Batak Simalungun tribes, and are happy and easy going people. They are known for their lively and sentimental love songs.
Recreational sports in Parapat are among others swimming, Water skiing, motor boating, canoeing, fishing, and golf at Sally golf course (19 hotels) about 5 km from Parapat.
Parapat is 176 from Medan and can be reached in 4 hours by bus. The climate in Parapat is cool, and dry, making Parapat an ideal palace to relax. Many hotels, bungalows, villas, resthousee welcome visitors. Small shops selling souvenirs such as "Ulos" (local woven cloths) and specific fruits local grown.
Samosir Island
The island of Samosir is right in the middle of lake Toba, covering area of 239 square miles. This island is the original home of the fiercest but kind hearted Toba Bataks, It can be reached in half an hour by boat from Parapat. Visiting the village of Tomak, Tuk-tuk, Siallagan, Ambarita are recommended for traditional Batak Toba houses, and local dances. This island has many hotels, bungalows and rest houses.
Tomok
Most interesting in Tomok on Samosir are the old graves of the former kings. Also the last king of the Batak Sidabatu is buried here. His tombstone is decorated with is image Also the other tombs are decorated with the images of his wife, the bodyguard and the woman he loved (as the story goes). Near the graveyard is a traditional Batak house which can be visited. Tomok also has many souvenir stalls where you can buy all kinds of Batak souvenirs. The boats from Prapat run directly to Tomok which will take about 45 minutes.
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk itself hasn't much to offer then good places to sleep and eat. It is located on a small peninsula and can be reached directly by ferry from Prapat. It is a good base for treks and trips across Samosir. From here it is easy to pick up the road leading around the island. By motorbike is a good option to explore all interesting villages within one or two days.
Ambarita
In Ambarita the stone furniture can be seen. At one side of the courtyard there is a stone table with several charis around and several meters further is the bucherblock with some chairs where the criminals where beheaded and chopped in peaces to be consumed. The last one was in 1900 as the stories tell. The heads of the criminals where mounted on a stick and put in the lake to warn offenders. Around the village many stalls sell their souvenirs but the prices are a little bit higher ten in Tomok.
Simanindo
Simanindo is on the northern tip of the island and easy to reach over the road leading around the island. The kings house which now turned into a museum is one of the best examples of Batak houses on the island. The house was the former home of the Batak King Raja Simalungun but now you can see all kinds of crockery and sculptures from Bataks but also from Chinese and the Dutch.
JANGGA VILLAGE
Jangga is a village of native Bataks, located in the hills, on the main road to the other Batak communities living separately there , like Lumban Nabolon village, Tonga-tonga Sirait Uruk village, Jnaji Matogu village, sihubuk hubak village, Siregar village, Sigiaol village, Silalahi Toruan Muara village and Tamak Sihatang village.
There are monuments of King Tambun and King Monurung, traditional houses, cultural and other historical remains left by Batak Kings centuries ago. This natively unchanged Batak Village has complete ornamentation, and is often visited by domestic and foreign visitors. Inn this place, visitors can watch young girl or old ladies weaving the beautiful ulos cloth inside the booths their principle livelihood beside agriculture.
SOUTH TAPANULI
It lies in the southern part of North Sumatra, bordering the provinces of West Sumatra, bordering the provinces of West Sumatra and Riau. This region has a population of approximately 900.000. It lies on the way to west to west Sumatra overland. The sceneries are attractive all the way. Same of the tourist objects are Candi Portibi, Dolok Simago-mago, Pakantan, Husar Tolang, Sibanggar, Adian Lungun Nihara.There are also hot springs and a good hotel available at Tor Sibohi.
This district is known for its ceramics and handicraft. The Portibi temple is at Padang Bolak, 78 km from Padang Sidempuan, or 581 km from Medan. There are cultural remnants of s Hindu temple kingdom of Panai, founded in 1039 A.d..
NIAS ISLAND
This island lies off West Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. The village of Bowomataluo and Hilisimae are curios place to visit, where visitors can see performances of traditional war-dances and thrilling high-jump sports, I,e. people making dangerous leaps over 2 meter-high stones. Typical scenes are dancers clad in traditional costumes with bird feathers on their heads, a hall for the Chief of Tribe built on wooden logs with stones chairs weighing up to 18 tons. There are daily flights serving Medan and Nias island.
From: ravelino travel
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