The Most
Western Part of Indonesia National Parks
Tourist Spots inside Leuser National Parks -1
a. Gurah, Ketambe
Gurah is the name of one of tourist spot part
of Gunung Leuser National Park, in the location we can see Raflesia (Rafflesia
Atjehensis) one of the world's largest flower species, we can also find
Sumatran Orangutan, a natural hot spring baths and some waterfalls in surround
of the area. Because of the tropical rainforest in surround, Gurah is
relatively having cool and fresh air; in my opinion, this place is a good place
to get fresh air and relaxation. Gurah administratively is part of Simpur
Village, Ketambe Jaya sub district of Southeast Aceh, Aceh province.
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| Butterflies in Gurah |
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| Biawak (Varanidae) on his habitat in Gurah |
So far, Gurah is a developed tourist spot,
facilities at the site relatively sufficient. Forest trails are available to
explore the greenery of surrounding forest, the routes is easy even if you walk
without a guide. On site bungalows, cottages and lodging available provided by
the local community, there are some choices and you can select according to
your desire. Moreover, there are also camping grounds, wildlife observer
towers, information boards, signs instructions, shelter, canteen, parking lots,
and souvenir shops. If you do not want to stay on site, you can also choose to
stay in Kutacane the nearby town; there are many cheap lodging options in
Kutacane.
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| Greenery toppings in Gurah |
Besides its popular plants and animals,
various on site endemic plants and animals growing in surrounding of area,
which include kantung semar, mushroom forest orchids, matoa, jelutun and kapok
wood. While the fauna of this region included siamang, sun bear, long-tailed
macaques, monkey, Sumatran Tiger, various birds and butterflies.
This location is also a very good area for
bird observation.
Local people generally work in agriculture.
The majority local community who lives in surrounding area is the Gayo tribe.
More than just a natural attraction, in Gurah
also we can also enjoy various folk art performance, Saman dance a well known dance is one of them, there is also Mesekat dance a dance that
combines body movements with the hands and poems chant contain religious and
commune guidance, the Poems are sung by
the dancers while performing dance. Mesekat usually played by men. Other local
cultural attractions in Gurah is Pelebat, originally this art is a part of
local marriages ceremony, but now often also served as a ceremonial welcome.
Using bamboo stick as a weapon and a shield made of webbing, two dancers
attacking on each other in theatrical motions.
