Ketambe - Sumatra
Highlights - Gunung Leuser National Park, Orangutan, hotsprings, wildlife
Cities and towns in Sumatra
At Ketambe there is a rainforest research station but this is off limits to tourists.
As well as jungle trekking one of the highlights close to Ketambe are hot springs that join the Alas river giving a choice of hot water bathing or cooler water in the river. These hot springs are a 2 hour walk from Ketambe.
There is a camp ground half way between Ketambe and the springs if you want to spend the night in the jungle.
There is no orangutan rehabilitation centre here so the Orangutan you see are all wild animals and have not be reintroduced in the jungle like some of the ones you see at Bukit Lawang. As well as the orangutan you have a chance of seeing Thomas Leaf Monkeys and gibbons.
If walking through the jungle it is best to move slowly and quietly. The animals usually hear you before you can see them and they will move off away from your direction to save encountering a human.
If entering the National Park you will need a permit and a guide. These can be arranged at the PHPA office in Tanah Merah about 15 minutes out of Kutacane. This office can supply you information about various treks within the jungle including getting the Gunung Kemiri, Gunung Leuser, Gunung Perkinson and Gunung Simpali.
You can catch a bus from Medan to Kutacane for around 6000Rp. The trip takes close to 6 hours.
Hotels to stay
There are 6 guest stay hotels in Ketambe all with basic accommodation.
The Friendship Guesthouse - http://ketambe.com/index.html
Pondok Wisata Jl Raya Blankejeran km 32 Tel (061) 7867051
Wisma Cinta Alam Jln. Blangkereren
Pak Mus
Bhakti Wisata
Gurah bungalows
Last updated 20th September 2009
