Tangkahan is a small village on the border of Gunung Leuser National Park located in North Sumatra. It is situated at the junction of 2 rivers, the Buluh River and the Batang River. Tangkahan specialises in eco-tourism activities like jungle trekking and Elephant trekking.
Tangkahan is sometimes mentioned as the HIDDEN PARADISE IN NORTH SUMATRA. It is definitely hidden and for many a paradise. It is the perfect place to get off the beaten track, but still have access to nice food and comfortable bungalows. Click to enlargeTangkahan is an interesting place in many ways. Interesting for what it has to offer and an interesting background. The elephants, the jungle, and the clean rivers are obvious attractions. What makes Tangkahan different is that it is a good example on how community based eco-tourism can stop illegal logging, improve livelihood, and develop a sense of pride amongst the locals. This development on the border of Leuser National Park where the bigger river Batang Serangan meets the smaller river Sungai Musam is the hidden paradise of Tangkahan.
* Join the forest rangers on their elephants when they patrol the jungle!
* Float down the clear river!
* Go jungle trekking!
* Soak yourself in hot springs!
How to get to Tangkahan
There are 2 ways you can get to Tangkahan. From Medan there are only 2 buses a day leaving from Pinang Baris Bus Terminal, leaving at 10am and 1pm and taking around 4.5 - 5 hours (longer if raining). The cost is 15,000Rp per person.
Buses leave Tangkahan at 7.30am and 2.30pm to go back to Medan.
You can also get to Tangkahan from Bukit Lawang either on the back of a motorbike, a very bumpy 3 hour trip or hire a 4WD to take you. Prices for a 4WD can be up to 1,000,000Rp (US$83) for a one way trip.
List of Hotels and guesthouses in Tangkahan
Jungle Lodge is probably the nicest place to stay. Located 10 minutes walk from the river crossing. For pictures, prices and contact details click here.
Mega Inn located right at the river crossing. Prices from 50,000Rp - 85,000Rp per night. For pictures, prices and contact details click here.
Green Lodge is located right at the elephant camp. Prices start are 85,000Rp per night. For pictures, prices and contact details click here.
Bamboo River Hotel located right next door to Mega Inn. Price is 100,000Rp per night. For pictures, prices and contact details click here.
More information about Tangkahan
Recently a lot more information is being released on the internet about Tangkahan. Here are some of the better websites for more information about Tangkahan as well as organised travel there:
Organised travel to Tangkahan:
www.naturalguide.org/ng_recommended_detail.asp?idrecomm=238&cat=109
Information sites about Tangkahan:
www.sumatraecotourism.com/tangkahan/index.html
More great photos of Tangkahan contributed by Pamela from Australia travel.webshots.com/album/558220008eKUdnh
* Join the forest rangers on their elephants when they patrol the jungle!
* Float down the clear river!
* Go jungle trekking!
* Soak yourself in hot springs!
How to get to Tangkahan
There are 2 ways you can get to Tangkahan. From Medan there are only 2 buses a day leaving from Pinang Baris Bus Terminal, leaving at 10am and 1pm and taking around 4.5 - 5 hours (longer if raining). The cost is 15,000Rp per person.
Buses leave Tangkahan at 7.30am and 2.30pm to go back to Medan.
You can also get to Tangkahan from Bukit Lawang either on the back of a motorbike, a very bumpy 3 hour trip or hire a 4WD to take you. Prices for a 4WD can be up to 1,000,000Rp (US$83) for a one way trip.
List of Hotels and guesthouses in Tangkahan
Jungle Lodge is probably the nicest place to stay. Located 10 minutes walk from the river crossing. For pictures, prices and contact details click here.
Mega Inn located right at the river crossing. Prices from 50,000Rp - 85,000Rp per night. For pictures, prices and contact details click here.
Green Lodge is located right at the elephant camp. Prices start are 85,000Rp per night. For pictures, prices and contact details click here.
Bamboo River Hotel located right next door to Mega Inn. Price is 100,000Rp per night. For pictures, prices and contact details click here.
More information about Tangkahan
Recently a lot more information is being released on the internet about Tangkahan. Here are some of the better websites for more information about Tangkahan as well as organised travel there:
Organised travel to Tangkahan:
www.naturalguide.org/ng_recommended_detail.asp?idrecomm=238&cat=109
Information sites about Tangkahan:
www.sumatraecotourism.com/tangkahan/index.html
More great photos of Tangkahan contributed by Pamela from Australia travel.webshots.com/album/558220008eKUdnh
