SOUTHEAST ACEH

Southeast Aceh (Aceh Tenggara) is located at the border between Aceh and Northern Sumatra Provinces. The capital is called Kutacane. This region is much closer to Medan than Banda Aceh.

GETTING THERE

When you are in Medan, you can get a bus from Pinang Baris bus station direct to Kutacane. The trip will take 7 – 8 hours. Takengon, Kutacane and Blangkejeren in Central Aceh are also connected by regular buses.

Leuser National Park

The Leuser National Park is the main feature of this region. It is the largest park in Indonesia and covers some 850,000 ha. It represents the whole spectrum of rain forest ecosystems from swampy areas to highland areas. You can stay in bungalows near the road or camp deep in the jungle.
The thick forests contain everything from huge trees, wild flowers, wild animals, stunning views, hot springs, waterfalls etc. In addition to various kinds of primates, the park is also home to many kinds of insects and colourful butterflies. Among its 3,500 species of plants, the Rafflesia Acehensis is the most popular.
Visitors can enter the park through various points throughout Southeast Aceh.

Gurah Rain Forest Park

Quran is one of the entry points to the Leuser ecosystem. It is located 43km from Kutacane and is the main destination for most visitors. The park has a research station located across the river. The Gurah side of the river is of more interest to the majority of visitors. The forest is beautiful and orangutans and tigers have been seen there.

Alas River

The Alas River is one of the biggest rivers in Nanggröe Aceh Darussalam province. It starts in the Alas Mountains and flows down and out into the Indian Ocean. Along the lower sections of the river rapids make it possible for white water rafting trips, attracting rafters from allover the world. The Alas River offers both adventurous rafting and calmer waters for a smoother ride.

Gunung Leuser (3,404m)

A hike up to the peak of Gunung Leuser takes about 10 – 14 days. The little village of Angasan is a suitable starting point. Agusan is located several hours walk west of Blangkerjeren. It is advisable to spend the night in Agusan and start the trek in the morning. The first five days lead you through virgin rain forest where rare primates can be seen. On the sixth day the path becomes steeper and takes you up the mountain through the forest when birds are plentiful. The last couple of days hiking lead you through a stunted moss forest, alternating with open fields continuing until just below the top, where you will arrive at open alpine meadows. The view from the peak is spectacular and well worth the hike.

Gunung Perkison (2828m)

The top of Gunung Parkinson is located on the border of the park, east of the Alas valley. The village of Lawe Harun is a perfect starting point for this trek that takes about 7 days. The village is not far from Tanah Merah and the PHPA office. The trek will take you through typical lowland mountain forest for the first two days, after this the forest becomes less dense as altitude increases. Squirrels, primates and hornbills in particular can be seen here. At around 1,200mt, the huge Rafflesia flower can be found near the trail. The top of the mountain offers a great view over the Alas Valley and Kutacane. The western mountains of the Bukit Barisan range can Gunung Bendahara can also be seen on clear days.

Gunung Bendahara (3,012m)

This trek starts in the village of Seldok. The first day is spent trekking for 5 – 6 hours through mountain forests. On the second day the trek crosses the Penganggalan and then the Aunan Rivers. This part of the trek is very steep and continues for about 5 -6 hours. On the third day, the trek passes through three different kinds of vegetation zones; tropical vegetation with 30-40m high moss covered trees, mountainous vegetation with trees 10 – 20m high and then sub-alpine vegetation with few trees, many small plants and mossy ground. This part of the trek lasts for another 5-6 hours. You can reach the summit of Bendahara on the fourth day having trekked for 4 -5 hours. The fifth and sixth days are used for trekking back to Seldok.

Bukit Lawang

It is possible to trek to Bukit Lawang. There is a route that takes five days. To do this you will need a permit from the PHPA office in Tanah Merah, Kutacane or the PHPA office in Gurah. Your guest house in Gurah can also help you to arrange the permit.