Mount Leuser National Park

Baborok is only a small part of the 1.094.962 hectares of Mt. Leuser National Park. The magnificent rainforest of the park has become famous throughout the world as it harbours some of the most endangered and rare species on earth, for example, Sumatran rhinoceros, orangutans, and Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. The park is inhabited by animals like the Great Argus Pheasant, elephant, Sumatra Tiger, and as many as seven species of primate, one of which is the Siamang, which has an impressive, far-reaching vocal display. The agile and pretty-faced Thomas leaf monkey and long-tailed macaques are also commonly seen.

In total, the park lists 285 species of birds and 90 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The park’s flora contains some 3500 plant species, and on each hectare of the lowland forest, you can find an amazing 60–13 tree species. Geologically, there are several limestone formations along the foothills of the mountains, some with beautiful caves. Long ago, these were coral reefs, which have since been uplifted from the sea at a rate of a few millimetres per year by the process of colliding ocean floors and drifting continents. These infinitely slow collisions and the enormous forces involved have led to the formation of high mountains and volcanic zones. Only some 1800 years ago, during glacial times. The peaks of the park, Mt. Leuser, Mt. Kemiri, and others, were still covered by glaciers, snow, and ice. The sea level at that time was more than 80 m lower than it is today, and the islands of Sumatra, Java, and Borneo then formed one huge land mass that was connected via Malaysia to the Asian Mainland.