Gunung Leuser National Park (Kedah)

Exploring the Heart of Leuser: Kedah's Natural Tourism Charm in Gayo Lues

Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser (TNGL) is one of the world's remaining lungs, but for those seeking the purest and most challenging access to its highest peaks, Dusun Kedah in Gayo Lues Regency is the primary gateway. Situated at a refreshing altitude at the foot of the mountains, Kedah is not just a stopover, but a natural theater showcasing the grandeur of Sumatra's tropical rainforest in its most primitive and untouched form.

#

Gateway to Leuser's Summit

Dusun Kedah is located in Blangjerango District, Gayo Lues. Geographically, this location is the most popular starting point for adventurers aiming to conquer the Summit of Mount Leuser (3,466 masl). Unlike other entrances in North Sumatra, the Kedah route offers dramatic mountain landscapes with vegetation gradients that change with altitude.

This area is dominated by lower montane forests to humid mossy forests. The air in Kedah is very clean with temperatures ranging between 15 to 22 degrees Celsius, providing instant refreshment for anyone coming from the hustle and bustle of the city. The view of the green Gayo valley and the mist-shrouded Barisan Mountains serves as an eternal backdrop to this destination.

#

Biodiversity: Home to the King of the Forest

As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ecosystem around Kedah is home to Sumatra's "The Big Four": Sumatran Orangutan, Sumatran Tiger, Sumatran Elephant, and Sumatran Rhinoceros. Kedah's uniqueness lies in its still well-preserved vegetation density, making it an ideal location for wildlife viewing. Visitors often have the chance to see Sumatran Orangutans (Pongo abelii) swinging freely in the canopies of giant trees. Kedah is also a paradise for birdwatchers. Exotic Great Argus pheasants, various types of hornbills with their whirring wingbeats, and endemic Sumatran mountain birds can be found here. The flora in this region is equally stunning; various species of pitcher plants (Nepenthes) creep on the forest floor, while rare wild orchids thrive on the moss-covered trunks of old trees.

#

Outdoor Activities and Magical Experiences

Kedah's nature tourism offers a wide spectrum of activities, from family recreation to extreme expeditions:

1. Jungle Trekking: This is the main activity in Kedah. Short trails are available for day trips to expeditions lasting over ten days to the Leuser summit. Walking under the dense forest canopy provides a spiritual sensation, where the sounds of nature—the rushing river, the chirping of forest insects (cicadas), and the calls of birds—become the accompanying music of the journey.

2. Wild Orangutan Observation: Unlike rehabilitation centers, seeing orangutans in Kedah means witnessing them in their natural behavior without human intervention.

3. Camping by the River: Around the forest entrance, clear rivers flow with very cold water. Camping by the river while enjoying a bonfire under the star-studded Gayo sky is an unforgettable experience.

4. Nature Photography: The mossy forest landscape at higher altitudes leading to the trekking trails offers surreal "cloud forest" views, perfect for landscape and macro photographers.

#

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kedah is during the dry season, between June and September. During this period, rainfall is relatively low, making the trekking trails less slippery and reducing the risk of flash floods in the forest rivers. However, for tropical plant lovers, visiting at the end of the rainy season can be an attractive option as forest flowers usually start to bloom. Avoid November and December if your main goal is long-distance trekking, as rainfall in the Gayo Lues mountains can be extreme during these months.

#

Conservation Status and Environmental Protection

Kedah is not just a tourist destination, but an important buffer zone for TNGL. Tourism management here strongly emphasizes the principle of low impact tourism. Visitors are required to adhere to strict rules: no feeding of wildlife, no leaving any trash, and no taking any flora from the forest.

The presence of local guides from the Gayo community in Kedah plays a crucial role in conservation. Those who may have once depended on forest products for a living are now at the forefront of forest protection through ecotourism. This environmental awareness ensures that the Leuser ecosystem remains preserved for the sustainability of water supply and climate balance for the people of Gayo Lues.

#

Accessibility and Facilities

To reach Kedah, the journey begins from Blangkejeren, the capital of Gayo Lues. From Blangkejeren, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour of driving through winding roads with stunning views of coffee plantations and pine forests.

Facilities in Kedah have developed while maintaining a traditional feel. There are several guesthouses or homestays owned by local residents known for their hospitality. One of the most legendary is the Rain Forest Lodge Kedah, managed by a senior local guide. These facilities provide basic needs such as beds, local Gayo food (like the world-renowned Gayo coffee and asam jing cuisine), and guide and porter services for trekkers.

For international and domestic tourists alike, Kedah offers an entry into "Indonesia's Amazon" in a more intimate and personal way. Here, the boundary between humans and nature seems to melt away, leaving a deep admiration for the majesty of God's creation in the land of Aceh. Exploring Kedah is not just a physical journey through the forest, but a journey home to the purest roots of the universe.