Tangkahan has a lot to offer. You can always get more information at the community owned visitor Centre, CTO. They work on behalf of the Park Authorities.

ELEPHANT RIDING

Are any of your friends an elephant? If not, Tangkahan is the best place to get an elephant friend. Meet the seven (June 2008) Sumatran elephants staying in Tangkahan. The 35 years old Eva and her female friends Agustin, Ardana, Sari and Yuni. The only male is the still relatively young Teo. The last and smallest, but not the least, is the cute Olive, still too young to join the jungle patrols.

To join the jungle patrol, report to the CTO Visitor Centre and they will arrange everything, including the park permit (Rp. 20.000). You cannot go directly to the Elephant camp. A one hour ride in the jungle is Rp. 160.000 per person. A two hour ride is Rp. 300.000 per person, and a three hour ride is Rp. 420.000 per person. The price includes the park permit.

You also get to see and to help the elephants getting bathed. Every morning around 08.00 to 08.30 they come down to the river for their morning bath. Every elephant has its "Mahout", or elephant trainer/driver. Respect the elephants and follow the instructions of the mahouts. Elephants are big and do have a mind of their own. All the elephants in Tangkahan were born in the wild.

A ride is recommended for several reasons:

1. The prices are lower than in other places.

2. Tangkahan the ride goes through jungle.

3. The ride functions as a jungle patrol. You actively help prevent illegal logging.
 

SWIMMING AND TUBING

Sungai Musam is perfect for bathing and playing around in the clear water. Or just walk up-river, exploring the sights and enjoying the stream. Just float back down! You can rent a tube for Rp. 10.000 per day. It is ideal for floating back down the river. Ask in your accommodation where the butterfly beach is.

Just opposite the accommodations in Sungai Musam is a narrow little cave. Inside is a nice hot spring; so perfect to sit alone contemplating or with a friend, talking about the beauty of life.

JUNGLE TREKKING

Park permit and guide are obligatory for trekking in the Leuser National Park. It is all available at the community owned CTO Visitor Centre. There are several treks and walks to choose from. Anything between so called family treks to advanced treks.

As an example, for Rp. 250.000 you can get a one day of trekking in the jungle. You will see a cave and a hot spring and do tubing. The price includes lunch, fruits, drinks and of course the guide.

If you like waterfalls, there is a 10m high waterfall a three-hour trek from Tangkahan.

A 5-day trek to Bukit Lawang is Rp. 200.000 per person and day, incl. food and porter. Minimum 3 persons.

For more general information on jungle trekking, see under PRACTICALITIES, IN THE JUNGLE.

VILLAGE LIFE

Tangkahan itself is just a few huts, but the two nearest villages, a few kilometers away, have app. 2.000 inhabitants together. The locals work mainly in the palm oil and rubber plantations/orchards. The 1st and 15th every month is the “rubber market” when the locals sell their raw rubber to the buyers that come and pick it up. It can be an interesting experience.

HANDICRAFTS

Check up the beautiful and price worthy necklaces made of colorful stones from the rivers.

COMING SOON – THE ELEPHANT JUNGLE PATROL

• A unique and exclusive four-day elephant trek from Tangkahan to Bukit Lawang.
• Only you, a mahout and an elephant.
• Minimum three and maximum four participants.
• Only twice a week.
• Planned to start in August.
• Contact naikgajah@gmail.com for more info and booking.