{Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Sumatra Utara (North Sumatra)}, Jambi, Sumatra Barat (West Sumatra), Sumatra Selatan (South Sumatra), Bengkulu, and Lampung}

 

The 2.5 million-hectare Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra site comprises three national parks: Gunung Leuser National Park, Kerinci Seblat National Park and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. The site holds the greatest potential for long-term conservation of the distinctive and diverse biota of Sumatra, including many endangered species. The protected area is home to an estimated 10,000 plant species, including 17 endemic genera; more than 200 mammal species; and some 580 bird species of which 465 are resident and 21 are endemic. Around 50 percent of the total plant variety in Sumatra can be found in the three national parks. The site also provides biogeographic evidence of the evolution of the island.

An orangutan (Pongo abeli) sits on a platform in Gunung Leuser National Park (Photo: Shutterstock)

The site holds the greatest potential for long-term conservation of the distinctive and diverse biota of Sumatra, including many endangered species


EXPEDITION 

INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE
Medan is the main hub for flights to Sumatra. Medan’s Kuala Namu International Airport has connections to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bangkok, which also have flights to Banda Aceh (North Sumatra) and Padang (West Sumatra).

WHEN TO GO
The best months tend to be outside the hot summer months: May and June, and September and October. Avoid the monsoon between November and March.

WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Orangutan (www.hotelorangutan.com), on the doorstep of the Gunung Leuser National Park, offers cosy accommodation and expert trekking tours. Wild Sumatra (www.wildsumatra.com) organises excellent treks around Kerinci Seblat National Park, which include guesthouse accommodation and camping.


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