🐘 Elephant Tours – Tangkahan

Duration: Full Day Trip (from Bukit Lawang)
Price: €120 per person

Tangkahan, often called the Hidden Paradise of Sumatra, is a peaceful eco-tourism village located deep in the Leuser rainforest, about 2–2.5 hours’ drive from Bukit Lawang. This unique destination is famous for its breathtaking nature, crystal-clear rivers, soothing hot springs, and most importantly, its herd of Sumatran elephants cared for by local mahouts.

Unlike regular tourist attractions, Tangkahan offers a natural and authentic experience where visitors can connect with the elephants in an ethical and respectful way. This trip is a wonderful combination of wildlife interaction, local culture, and pristine jungle adventure.

What to Expect

Your journey begins with a scenic drive through traditional villages, rubber and palm oil plantations, and winding forest roads before reaching Tangkahan. To enter the conservation area, you’ll cross the Batang Serangan River on a small wooden ferry or suspension bridge — an adventure in itself!

Once inside, the highlight awaits: meeting the Sumatran elephants. Under the guidance of their mahouts (keepers), you’ll help wash and bathe the elephants in the cool river. Watching them splash, play, and enjoy the water is a magical and heartwarming experience.

In addition to spending time with the elephants, you’ll also enjoy the stunning natural surroundings. Relax and swim in the river, visit nearby hot springs bubbling at the riverbank, or walk to small hidden waterfalls in the forest. Lunch will be at a local eco-lodge, where you can taste traditional Indonesian dishes while listening to the sounds of the jungle.

This full-day tour is perfect for those who want to experience more than just trekking in Bukit Lawang — it’s an immersion into nature, wildlife, and authentic rural life in North Sumatra.

Highlights

  • Scenic 2–2.5 hour drive through countryside and rainforest

  • Cross the Batang Serangan River by traditional ferry

  • Meet and interact with Sumatran elephants in their natural habitat

  • Help bathe and care for elephants alongside their mahouts

  • Swim in the clear river and relax in natural hot springs

  • Explore small jungle waterfalls and hidden spots nearby

  • Enjoy traditional Indonesian lunch in an eco-lodge

  • A unique eco-tourism experience away from the crowds

Itinerary (Approx.)

  • 07:30 – Pick-up from your accommodation in Bukit Lawang

  • Drive through local villages, plantations, and forest roads

  • 10:00 – Arrive in Tangkahan, cross the river by ferry

  • Meet the elephants with their mahouts

  • Bathe, feed, and interact with the elephants (about 1–2 hours)

  • Free time: swim in the river, visit hot springs or waterfalls

  • Lunch at local eco-lodge (not included in price)

  • 15:30 – Depart Tangkahan

  • 18:00 – Arrive back in Bukit Lawang

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