Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra

The Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra is a World Heritage natural property that combines three large national parks on the western side of Sumatra: Gunung Leuser, Kerinci Seblat and Bukit Barisan Selatan. It conserves extensive tropical rainforest and a high level of biodiversity including numerous endemic and threatened species.

Visitors and researchers focus on wildlife surveys, guided nature treks and targeted conservation activities; the parks include lowland and montane forest types, crater lakes and active volcanoes, and provide habitat for species such as the Sumatran orangutan, tiger, elephant and rhinoceros. Access and facilities vary by park, with some areas remote and requiring permits and guides.

The parks were established across the 20th century and later combined for World Heritage recognition to preserve contiguous rainforest along Sumatra’s Bukit Barisan mountain chain. Conservation efforts have included protected-area management, anti-poaching operations and community-based initiatives to reduce habitat loss.

Geographically the property runs along the western mountain spine of the island of Sumatra in western Indonesia, spanning provinces from Aceh in the north to Lampung in the south and encompassing both coastal and highland landscapes.

• Three national parks: The property comprises three large national parks along the western mountain spine of Sumatra that together conserve one of the largest remaining areas of tropical rainforest in Southeast Asia.
• Conservation priorities: The area is internationally important for critically endangered species including the Sumatran orangutan, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran elephant and Sumatran rhinoceros, and conservation focuses on habitat protection and anti-poaching measures.

What to See#

• Gunung Leuser National Park: Gunung Leuser National Park in Aceh and North Sumatra protects lowland and montane rainforest and is a key refuge for Sumatran orangutans and other threatened species.
• Kerinci Seblat National Park: Kerinci Seblat National Park spans central Sumatra along the Bukit Barisan mountain chain and includes Mount Kerinci, the island’s highest active volcano, as well as extensive forest habitats.
• Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park: Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park protects southern Sumatran forest and coastal ecosystems and forms the southern component of the chain of protected areas that make up the property.

Access points vary by park: Medan is the gateway for Gunung Leuser (then overland to Bukit Lawang or Ketambe). Kerinci Seblat is accessed from Padang or Jambi by road. Bukit Barisan Selatan is reached from Bandar Lampung. Internal travel requires local guides and often long drives on rough roads.

• Plan visits with conservation operators who coordinate access and safety in remote rainforest areas.
• Ensure vaccinations and health precautions are up to date - insect-borne diseases are a real concern in tropical rainforests.
• Support reputable ecotourism operators that provide income for local communities and contribute to conservation efforts.