Sumatra's Gunung Leuser

Gunung Leuser National Park spans 7,927 square kilometers in northern Sumatra, forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra. This vast wilderness is one of only two remaining habitats for critically endangered Sumatran orangutans and the only place on Earth where orangutans, tigers, elephants, and rhinos still coexist in the wild. The park harbors approximately 5,000 Sumatran orangutans, fewer than 200 Sumatran rhinos, plus tigers, elephants, sun bears, and clouded leopards. Over 380 bird species include the helmeted hornbill. The forest contains exceptional plant diversity including the world's largest flower, Rafflesia arnoldii. Many areas remain unexplored by scientists. Conservation faces severe challenges from palm oil plantations, logging, and poaching. Community-based programs provide alternative livelihoods through ecotourism. Former poachers work as guides and rangers. The Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme rehabilitates confiscated orangutans. Despite pressures, Gunung Leuser remains crucial for preventing extinctions.

Water Features

Rivers, waterfalls

Ecosystem

This destination features a tropical rainforest ecosystem.