Lubuk Kertang Mangrove Ecotourism

Tracing the Green Trail of Lubuk Kertang Mangrove Ecotourism: The Lungs of Langkat's Coastline

Langkat Regency in North Sumatra is not only known for Bukit Lawang and its Leuser ecosystem. On the east coast, precisely in Lubuk Kertang Village, Brandan Barat District, lies a successful environmental restoration that has now transformed into a premier natural tourism destination: Lubuk Kertang Mangrove Ecotourism. This destination is a harmonious blend of mangrove forest conservation efforts, local community economic empowerment, and the serene beauty of the coastal panorama.

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Transformation from Critical Land to Lush Forest

Lubuk Kertang Mangrove Ecotourism has an inspiring history. This area, spanning approximately 100 hectares, was once critical land damaged by forest encroachment for illegal mangrove charcoal production. However, thanks to the perseverance of the local forest farmer group, this area was independently reforested until it became lush again.

The main uniqueness of this place lies in its vegetation density. Visitors are greeted by a vast expanse of tall mangrove trees, creating a natural canopy that shields the area below from the harsh coastal sun. The aerial root structure emerging from the mud presents an exotic sight rarely found in urban areas.

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Amazing Biodiversity

As a wetland ecosystem, Lubuk Kertang is home to diverse biodiversity. Here, you can find various mangrove species such as Rhizophora apiculata (Red Mangrove) and Avicennia (Grey Mangrove). The existence of this healthy forest attracts various fauna to settle.

For bird watching enthusiasts, this place is a hidden paradise. Various water birds and migratory birds are often seen foraging among the mangrove roots during low tide. Furthermore, this ecosystem serves as a natural breeding ground for mud crabs, shrimp, and various types of estuarine fish. If you're lucky, visitors might spot long-tailed macaques hanging from tree branches or marvel at the firefly swarms that illuminate the forest as dusk falls.

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Tourism Experience and Outdoor Activities

Lubuk Kertang Mangrove Ecotourism offers various activities designed to bring visitors closer to nature without damaging the ecosystem:

1. Exploring the Wooden Boardwalk: There is a wooden boardwalk that cuts through the mangrove forest for hundreds of meters. Walking on this bridge gives the sensation of passing through a cool green tunnel. This path is also a favorite photo spot due to the aesthetic perspective of the bridge against the backdrop of the dense forest.

2. Observation Tower: One of the icons in Lubuk Kertang is a rather tall wooden observation tower. From the top of the tower, visitors can see the vast expanse of the mangrove forest stretching to the Strait of Malacca. The visual experience of the gradient colors of the green forest and blue sea is unforgettable.

3. River Cruise by Sampan: Visitors can rent traditional sampans from local fishermen to navigate the water channels in the middle of the mangrove forest. This activity offers a different perspective, allowing you to see the mangrove root structure up close and feel the tranquility of the estuarine waters.

4. Seedling Education: As it is conservation-based, visitors can also learn about the mangrove seedling process, from sowing the fruit to the correct planting techniques in muddy soil.

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lubuk Kertang Mangrove Ecotourism is in the morning between 08:00 and 11:00 AM Western Indonesian Time, when the air is still fresh and the birds are active. The late afternoon before sunset is also highly recommended. The golden light of the sunset filtering through the gaps in the mangrove branches creates a romantic atmosphere and is excellent for photography.

Regarding seasonal variations, it is advisable to avoid the peak of the rainy season (usually October-December) if you plan to take a river cruise, as the water levels and estuarine currents tend to be stronger. However, during the dry season, the area remains cool due to the dense foliage acting as a natural temperature regulator.

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Conservation and Environmental Protection Efforts

Lubuk Kertang is a tangible example that tourism can go hand in hand with environmental protection. This area is managed with the principle of low impact tourism. The management is very strict in maintaining cleanliness; visitors are strictly prohibited from discarding plastic waste into the forest or river areas.

The mangrove forest here functions vitally as a natural barrier against coastal abrasion and saltwater intrusion into the villagers' agricultural land. By visiting here, visitors indirectly contribute to conservation funds used by the community to continue planting and nurturing new mangrove seedlings to expand the green area.

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Facilities and Accessibility

Although located in a coastal area, the facilities at Lubuk Kertang Mangrove Ecotourism are quite adequate for tourist comfort. There is a spacious parking area, clean toilets, a prayer room, and several gazebos or wooden huts for resting. There are also local eateries serving coastal specialties, such as fresh seafood and processed non-timber forest products.

To reach the location, the journey from Medan City takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by land vehicle towards Pangkalan Brandan. After reaching the center of Brandan Barat District, visitors can follow the road signs to Lubuk Kertang Village. The road access to the location is generally good and can be traversed by two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.

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Conclusion

Lubuk Kertang Mangrove Ecotourism is more than just an ordinary tourist spot. It is a symbol of human success in repairing what was once damaged. Its authentic natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and the tranquil atmosphere it offers make this destination the right choice for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while while learning to appreciate the importance of preserving the Indonesian coastline.