Welcome to the jungle
Ketambe, right in the heart of the Gunung Leuser National Park, can be a little tricky to get to. But that’s part of the appeal. Unlike the popular tourist destination of Bukit Lawang on the eastern edge of the jungle, Ketambe is a regular village where most of the people make a living through farming in the plantations. The population of around 500 is about 80% Gayo and 20% Alas people, who each have their own distinct languages. Just a short walk away and you are plunged into spectacular old-growth jungle with enormous liana trees, natural volcanic hotsprings and the rushing Gurah River.
The orangutan population local to Ketambe has about 20-30 individuals that live completely free and wild. They travel among the treetops, eating the native fruits and making nests to sleep in each night. If you are lucky you may catch sight of a mother and baby, or the big alpha male with his huge cheek pads. This jungle is also home to macaques, gibbons, Thomas Leaf monkeys, hornbills, snakes, giant squirrels, civet cats, binturongs, owls, mouse deer, sun bears, fruit bats, clouded leopards, elephants and a myriad of bizarre insects. Although many are very rare to find, you never know what you will see here. Find out more about the Leuser Ecosystem.
Meet Safar
Safar was born in Ketambe and lived here all his life, a true jungle boy. As a Gayo person he speaks several local languages as well as Indonesian and English. He’s currently trying to learn Spanish but needs some practice.
Safar has been a guide for over a decade and worked as a porter before that. He is completely at home in the jungle, building tents and fires with ease. He has a very calm presence and animals seem to be drawn to him. His keen eyes are well- practiced at spotting orangutans in the canopy and snakes in the under-growth long before anyone else. Wild animals are his passion and he is full of facts about the various creatures to be found around his home.
Especially important, Safar is an excellent cook and fun company when trekking. If there is a tree to climb or a vine to swing on, you can be sure your guide will be the first one there.
