The Le Hu Garden

Exploring the Natural Charm of The Le Hu Garden: A Green Oasis in the Heart of Deli Serdang

North Sumatra is not just about the grandeur of Lake Toba or the tranquility of Bukit Lawang. In Deli Serdang Regency, specifically in Patumbak District, lies a natural tourist destination that offers a concept blending the lushness of a tropical forest with an aesthetic touch of man-made landscapes. This destination is The Le Hu Garden. This place has transformed from a private family garden into one of the premier natural tourist destinations, offering serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of Medan city and its surroundings.

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Harmony of Ecosystem and Hillside Landscape

The Le Hu Garden stands on terraced land that utilizes the natural contours of Deli Serdang's low hills. The main characteristic of this place is its dense and diverse vegetation arrangement. Unlike ordinary city parks, Le Hu Garden preserves many native tropical shade trees that create a cool microclimate.

Here, visitors can find a well-organized ecosystem, ranging from collections of exotic ornamental plants, colorful seasonal flowers, to man-made swamp areas functioning as retention ponds. The biodiversity in this place includes various types of local birds often seen perching on the branches of towering mahogany and trembesi trees, creating an authentic forest atmosphere even though its location is not far from settlements.

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Unique Natural Features: Man-made Lake and Land Contours

One of the most prominent natural features at The Le Hu Garden is the presence of a man-made lake designed to follow the natural water flow from the surrounding land. This lake is not just a water reservoir but the center of a freshwater ecosystem that houses thousands of carp and tilapia. The calm water surface reflects the lush green of the surrounding trees, creating a soul-soothing view.

The terraced land in this area also provides a unique visual experience. Visitors don't just walk on flat ground but ascend and descend paths surrounded by earth walls covered in moss and ferns, giving the impression of exploring a hidden valley.

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Outdoor Activities and Interactive Experiences

The Le Hu Garden is designed for those who want to interact directly with nature. Some of the main attractions include:

1. Boating on the Lake: Visitors can rent traditional wooden sampans to circle the lake. This activity allows visitors to enjoy proximity to the water element while viewing the garden's structure from a different perspective.

2. Agricultural Education and Fishing: There is a special area where visitors can learn about farming techniques or simply indulge in the hobby of fishing in the provided ponds. This is a highly educational experiential tourism for children.

3. Light Trekking: The walking paths that crisscross the garden are designed to provide a light trekking sensation. Every corner of the path offers a different view, from rose gardens to lush bamboo forest areas.

4. Nature Photography: With a backdrop of green hills and a lake, this place is a paradise for landscape photographers. The unique structure of the garden, blending natural stone, wood, and water elements, creates dramatic visual compositions.

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Best Time to Visit

To get the maximum experience at The Le Hu Garden, the timing of your visit is crucial. Considering North Sumatra has quite high rainfall, the best time is during the dry season, between January to April or June to August.

In the morning around 09:00 AM Western Indonesian Time, sunlight filtering through the tree canopy (the Tyndall effect) creates a magical atmosphere in the garden area. Additionally, in the afternoon approaching sunset, the air temperature in Deli Serdang will decrease, providing extra coolness as you relax by the lake. Avoid visiting during the peak of the rainy season (October-December) as the paths made of natural materials tend to be more slippery.

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Conservation and Environmental Protection

The Le Hu Garden operates on the principle of sustainable tourism. The management implements strict environmental cleanliness rules to maintain the lake ecosystem and plant health. The water used for watering plants and filling ponds comes from rainwater harvesting systems and natural seepage, thus not disturbing the groundwater sources of the surrounding residents.

Conservation efforts are also evident in the replanting of rare tree species and the maintenance of large green areas as the lungs of the Deli Serdang region. Visitors are encouraged to minimize the use of single-use plastics while in the garden area to preserve the soil and water.

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Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Administratively, The Le Hu Garden is located on Jalan Deli Tua - Patumbak, Deli Serdang. Its location is very strategic as it is only about a 40-60 minute drive from the center of Medan City. The road access to the location is well-paved and can be traversed by two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.

The available facilities are quite adequate to support tourist comfort, including:

• Spacious Parking Area: Capable of accommodating tour buses and private vehicles.
• Restaurant and Cafe: Serving local dishes with an open-air concept overlooking the lake.
• Musholla and Toilets: Available at several points in clean and well-maintained conditions.
• Gazebos and Garden Benches: Scattered in shaded areas for visitors who want to rest while enjoying the fresh air.

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Conclusion

The Le Hu Garden is a tangible proof of how private land can be managed into a natural tourist area that provides ecological and recreational benefits to the wider community. With a blend of floral beauty, the tranquility of the lake water, and clean mountain air, this place becomes a must-visit destination for anyone visiting North Sumatra. More than just a photo spot, The Le Hu Garden is a space to reconnect with nature, reminding us of the importance of maintaining harmony between humans and the environment amidst rapid urbanization.