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Indonesia, Sumatra – To Orangutans Living in the Free
Published: 11.3.2019
After several hours of trekking in the damp jungle, you will hear a rust, raise your head, and there is an orange furry creature swinging from the liana to the liana. The feeling of pure excitement when you see the orangutan in your natural environment. Orangutan? Yes, orangutan. You do not have to go to the zoo anymore, just connect your visit to the famous Bali with the little village of Ketambe in the middle of the dense forest on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
The western island of Sumatra is known for two reasons, including palm plantations and orangutans. If your wish list is to see orangutans in the wild, Ketambe is the perfect destination for your next exotic trip. Ketambe is located in a river valley surrounded by the dense jungle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gunung Leuser.
How likely is you to see some furry animal swinging in the crown of trees? The vast majority of guides claim that less than 90 percent of clients see at least one orangutan. But seeing the tiger is almost impossible here. Of course, the more time you spend in the jungle, the more likely it is to see some of these wild animals in their natural surroundings. From my own experience, I can say that during the three-day stay we were lucky to see the incredible eight orangutans, three kinds of monkeys, hornbills, and gibons. If you are lucky on your side, you can see the orangutan near the road just outside the village. In addition to them in the jungle you will find many other wildlife such as tigers, elephants, rhinoceros and monkeys. In the jungle grow some of the largest and wildest trees that you can only imagine. If you stand next to them, you will realize how small you are compared to them.
Be careful, walking through the rainforest has its hardship. The risk of visiting during the rainy season is a slippery and muddy forest full of leeches! Also prepare for high humidity, I recommend lightweight long-sleeved clothing. Whatever you decide for a one-day or multi-day trip through a dense forest, take as little as you can, making it easier for you to cross the river, hit a dense bush or take a quick orangutan action. In fact, you do not really need it, all the food and the "tent" will be worn by your guide all the time. In the case of multi-member groups, the carrier will go with you. The hostel also features a sleeping bag. During the trek, do not expect any luxury, sleeping on the floor, on the plastic, drinking water from the river. Each evening, pieces of wood are pushed into the ground, which is packed with a large plastic tarpaulin and a "tent" to be your home.
Text and photos: Andrea Meluzínová
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