By Glen M. Cole 
Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary is a hidden paradise in Indonesia where you can swim and interact with semi-wild Sumatran elephants in their natural environment.
This riverside elephant habitat is located on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the most important (and endangered) rainforests in the world, and the jungle is home to a variety of rare animals.
Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary: What to expect
Gunung Leuser National Park is a protected jungle area in the north of Sumatra, where you can see all kinds of animals, including tigers, orangutans, rare birds and lizards and much more.
- This tropical forest and the animals that inhabit it are pressurized by against law deforestation and poaching, and Sumatran elephants are on the verge of extinction.
- 9 Elephants have been rescued at Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary (a baby was born in 2021) and you can pet them, feed them and help them swim in the river. It was a great experience!
- Previously, they were also allowed to ride an elephant, although this was discontinued. Instead, you can take a walk with the elephants in the jungle.
* Washing of elephants
- One of the main activities in Tangkahan is elephant washing, where you can bathe and rub a Sumatran elephant in the river.
- Unfortunately, during our visit they did not allow tourists to participate in the elephant washing, so one day we will have to return!
* Lunch on the river
- We booked a half-day trip to Tangkahan via our hotel, and one of the things that was included was a lunch by the river.
- They made a funny jungle wreath for intan with fern leaves, and then prepared a meal for us, which included fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, chicken and fish.
Conservation of the Sumatran elephant
- Sumatran elephants are pressurized with extinction due to against law deforestation and poaching. Its original habitat on Sumatra is damaged by man and replaced by useful plants.
- Although the elephant is protected by Indonesian law, the government has not done much to enforce it, and 50% of the world’s Sumatran elephants died between 1985 and 2007.
- Unfortunately, conservationists believe that the Sumatran elephant could die out in the wild in less than 10 years if poaching is not stopped.
More tips from Tangkahan
- ATM: There is no ATM in Tangkahan, so make sure you have enough cash with you. The nearest ATM is located in the village of Titi Mangga, about 20 minutes from Tangkahan, otherwise there is one outside Bukit Lawang. You can also pay by bank transfer, but credit cards are usually not accepted.
- Hotels: Accommodation in Tangkahan is quite simple, but it is getting superior and superior. Expect cold showers and only a fan, no air conditioning. The fan should be enough to keep you cool at night. The power supply is stable, but sometimes there are short outages.
- Wi-Fi: There is almost no Wi-Fi in the village or in one of the hotels in Tangkahan, but this can change in a short time.
- Cellular service: Telkomsel has a decent 3G / 4G reception in the village. Sometimes we could use it as an access point.
- Restaurants: There are not many independent restaurants in the area yet, but you can have all your meals at your accommodation in Tangkahan. Most hotels offer free breakfast.