Tangkahan North Sumatera, Tangkahan Nature Reserve

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Lying between the Malacca Strait to the east and the deep blue waves of the Indian Ocean to the west, North Sumatra is close to mainland Asia, just an hour flight away from Singapore. A gateway to the second largest island of Indonesia, this province features pristine tropical rainforest, the spectacular Bukit Barisan mountain range, lush paddy fields and plantations, colourful coral reefs, and world class rafting and paragliding sites. North Sumatra is also the home of the Batak people and their ancient culture, shaped by megalithic, Hindu, Christian and Islamic influences. Batak clans are proud of their elaborate wedding ceremonies, their beautiful weaving and the stunning prow-shaped roofs of their traditional houses on stilts.

The natural highlight of North Sumatra is the 8600 sq.km Gunung Leuser National Park, home to Sumatran tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, and the largest flower in the world, the 1-m wide Rafflesia arnoldii. Located near the border of the Park, Tangkahan Village is becoming an exemplary site of community-based ecotourism. Within this pilot project, former illegal loggers have learned to become trekking guides. Gaining their livelihood from the beauty of the forest, they are now the best guardians of its natural wonders. Along the Bohorok River, the WWF established the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center in 1973 in Bukit Lawang, where travellers can admire the endangered primates, especially during their feeding time in the morning.

Another unique, spectacular natural phenomena of North Sumatra is Lake Toba  the biggest lake in Southeast Asia (1,265 sq.km), formed by the gigantic explosion of a volcano during prehistoric times. In the middle of the lake, travellers enjoy the cool, breezy climate of Samosir island, surrounded by blue green waters, and magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains.

Tangkahan is a peaceful jungle retreat, situated alongside the Kualsa Buluh river. Tangkahan was established as an ecotourist location 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 FFI (Flora and Fauna International) they have developed a functional, self-sustained ecotourism destination.

There are 7 elephants based at Tangkahan, who work together with the rangers to patrol the forest and keep illegal loggers and poachers out. Joining the elephants for their afternoon bathing or taking a trek on elephant back will help to support this local initiative.

This is a fascinating road where we drive straight through jungle covered mountains, deep valleys with rice fields and beautiful rivers.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/tangkahan-north-sumatra-tangkahan-nature-reserve-2784901.html

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Author: muharam

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