Summary
The Tangkahan elephant sanctuary is a hidden paradise in Indonesia where you can wash and interact with semi-wild Sumatra elephants in their natural environment. This riverside elephant habitat sits on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, which is one of the most important and threatened rainforests globally, offering a diverse array of rare wildlife.
Tangkahan is conveniently located near the popular orangutan trekking hub of Bukit Lawang. There is also ample accommodation for visitors who wish to immerse themselves more in the lives of these majestic Sumatran elephants. This blog post will provide you with essential information on how to reach Tangkahan, where to stay, and other important details before you embark on your journey!
Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary: What To Expect
The Gunung Leuser National Park is a protected jungle area in North Sumatra filled with a variety of wildlife, from tigers and orangutans to rare birds and lizards. However, this precious ecosystem faces threats from illegal deforestation and poaching, putting Sumatran elephants at critical risk.
At Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary, visitors can interact with 9 rescued elephants (including a baby born in 2021). You can pet, feed, and help bathe them in the river, providing a rewarding experience. While riding elephants was previously allowed, this practice has been discontinued to promote their well-being. Instead, visitors can enjoy the serene experience of trekking through the jungle alongside these gentle giants.
During our visit, it was evident that the elephants receive proper care, with ample freedom to roam and a visibly happy demeanor. The ethical treatment of these animals is a crucial aspect of this sanctuary, which I will explore further in this guide.
• Elephant Washing
One of the main attractions at Tangkahan is the elephant washing activity, where guests can bathe and scrub Sumatran elephants in the river. Unfortunately, tourist participation in this activity was not permitted during our visit, so it is an opportunity we hope to seize in the future!
• River Lunch
A half-day tour of Tangkahan includes a delightful riverside lunch experience. While there, a fun jungle crown was crafted for Intan using fern leaves, followed by a delicious meal featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, chicken, and fish. The scenery along the river was breathtaking, with its stunning turquoise waters.
• Waterfalls
Several small waterfalls near Tangkahan provide picturesque spots for swimming and exploring. These stunning natural features are conveniently close to the village and require minimal hiking, though stream crossings may necessitate the use of a waterproof bag for electronics.
• Jungle Trekking
The prime location for jungle trekking in the area is Bukit Lawang, known for its orangutan treks. However, Tangkahan also offers exceptional trekking opportunities through the incredible Gunung Leuser jungle habitat, where you might encounter wild orangutans, gibbons, Thomas leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and much more. The prospect of spotting rare birds, Sumatran tigers, and other fantastic wildlife adds to the allure of this region.
Sumatran Elephant Conservation
With Sumatran elephants facing critical endangerment due to illegal deforestation and poaching, it is vital to understand their plight. Though the Indonesian government protects these elephants by law, enforcement has been inadequate, resulting in the loss of nearly 50% of the world’s Sumatran elephants between 1985 and 2007. Consequently, conservationists fear that Sumatran elephants may vanish from the wild in less than a decade if poaching persists.
Sanctuaries like Tangkahan are essential for providing a safe haven for these elephants to live and reproduce peacefully. While Tangkahan has areas for improvement, there remains hope that the influx of tourist dollars will support their protection, ensuring the opportunity for future generations to enjoy these incredible animals. Observing the elephants during our visit, they appeared happy and healthy, with signs to indicate their well-being, such as tail wagging similar to that of a dog.
How To Get To Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary
Tangkahan is situated in north Sumatra, Indonesia. The nearest international airport is in Medan (KNO), which receives daily flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta, with tickets starting at approximately 500k Rupiah (~$30 USD) for a one-way fare. You can explore flight options to Medan easily.
Reaching Tangkahan typically requires a 3+ hour drive from Medan city or about 1 hour from Bukit Lawang. However, heavy traffic may extend the journey to 4 hours or more if traveling from Medan airport.
Most roads to Tangkahan are recently improved, making for a pleasant journey. Your hotel can arrange transportation from Medan, or you might consider hiring a driver online. Alternatively, tours to Tangkahan can be booked from Bukit Lawang, as it often features better accommodations and additional activities.
Tangkahan Accommodation – Where To Stay
Tangkahan offers several budget-friendly hotels that may be basic but provide comfortable stays. Here are a few recommended options:
- Green Forest Tangkahan – Features single rooms and family accommodations, along with complimentary breakfast.
- Green Lodge Tangkahan – Offers beautiful garden views on the north side of Tangkahan village.
- Mountain View Cottages & Restaurant – Enjoys stunning garden or mountain views with breakfast included.
For additional options, consider staying at a hotel in Bukit Lawang or Medan, allowing you to take day trips to Tangkahan. Bukit Lawang is particularly appealing due to its diversity of hotels and activities, making it a preferable base for visitors. The primary reason for staying in Tangkahan would be to enhance your experience with the elephants, as it is the sole location to interact with them.
Other Tangkahan Tips
- ATM: There is no ATM in Tangkahan, so it’s crucial to bring enough cash. The nearest ATM is in Titi Mangga, about 20 minutes away, or you may find one outside of Bukit Lawang. Payment by bank transfer is possible, but credit cards generally aren’t accepted.
- Hotels: Accommodation options in Tangkahan are basic but gradually improving, with cold showers and fan-only amenities. Expect a fan to be sufficient for nighttime comfort. While electricity is generally stable, occasional outages may occur.
- WiFi: Access to WiFi is limited in Tangkahan, though this may evolve.
- Cell Service: Telkomsel provides decent 3G/4G reception in the village, making it possible to use it as a hotspot when necessary.
- Restaurants: Standalone dining options are scarce, but meals can be enjoyed at your Tangkahan accommodation, many of which provide complimentary breakfast.
- Safety: North Sumatra is generally safe for travelers. Basic precautions are advisable, and solo female travelers may inquire about joining trekking groups.
- Mosquitoes: Reports suggest that malaria is rare in this part of Sumatra, yet using mosquito nets for sleeping and applying repellent is highly recommended to avoid potential issues.
More Things To Do Near Tangkahan
• Bukit Lawang: Orangutan Trekking
Bukit Lawang is the primary trekking town in Gunung Leuser National Park and an excellent place to witness Sumatran orangutans in their natural habitat. This is a vital aspect of your visit to North Sumatra
Explore the Area: A mere hour’s drive separates Tangkahan from Bukit Lawang, providing an easy opportunity to explore this integral part of the region.
• Batu Katak: Rafflesia & Titan Flower Trekking
Located to the east of Leuser, Batu Katak is a small village where remarkable flower trekking experiences await you. Here, you can see the gargantuan Rafflesia and Titan Arum flowers, some of the largest in the world. The breathtaking Titan Arum can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall! This village lies about 3 hours south of Tangkahan or 40 minutes from Bukit Lawang. For local assistance with trekking and logistics, you can contact Joe via WhatsApp (☎ +62 812-6340-3452).
When To Visit Tangkahan
The Gunung Leuser National Park is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate; thus, rainfall is common throughout the year. For those concerned about the best time to visit, the driest months are typically February, March, June, and July, yet rain is always a possibility, albeit often occurring during the evenings.
During our visit in December, the weather proved favorable for observing elephants. It is worth noting that the peak tourist season occurs from June to August, so if you aim to avoid crowds, selecting another month would be wise. Happy travels!
