About Tangkahan
Eco tourism destination in Batang Serangan Langkat District placed at the junction of two magnificent rivers, Buluh and Batang and surrounded by the Gungung Leuser National Park. Even though Tangkahan is famous for its animal residents-Sumatran elephants, it has much more than that: 17.000 hectares of astonishing and untouched rainforest with ancient trees, wild primates such as orangutans, waterfalls, caves and hot springs that invites you to explore every corner of this friendly village and all the surroundings.
The Tangkahan herd counts 9 critically endangered Sumatran elephants in good health, all rescued from human- elephant conflict in North Sumatra. Herd is trained and used for patrolling the forest and conservation of the species.
Just a 3 hours drive from Medan, it’s the perfect getaway and place to relax, admire nature and experience the adventure of a lifetime.
About Tangkahan History
The small village of Tangkahan was built when the community decided to stop illegal logging within the Leuser area that was happening from 1980- 1990. and develop the area into a sustainable eco-tourism destination.
Being aware of the damage that has been done to the environment, the community decided to change the direction and agreed on fixed regulations that prohibit illegal logging. In 2001 they established Tangkahan Tourist Institute and formed Conservation Response Unit that took in rescued Sumatran elephants who were trained along with a group of mahouts to patrol and protect forests.
