Today we awoke in the forest of Gunung Leuser National Park, in the northern hills of Sumatra. After a hearty and spicy Indonesian breakfast, we began our walk into the forest. We started early to avoid the bite of the midday sun. Guests also had the option to visit the nearby town for cultural insight of the local community.
For those who opted for the forest walk, our efforts were instantly rewarded with a rare sighting of an elusive pit viper. As we ascended the hill, we also came across an impressive lizard our guides identified as the giant forest lizard. Before long we had stumbled across another group of orangutans and leafy langurs. These encounters were incredibly close and offered some fantastic opportunities for photography. The keen-eyed birders of the group were treated to a broadbill sighting, although most heard its distinctive call.
On our walk home, some guests caught a glimpse of white-faced gibbons across the valley. All in all, it was another great day exploring Indonesia and the restful bus trip home was well received.
