Indonesia > Leeches in the forest

It is dry as I follow Suka to the riverbed. Gunung Leuser National Park lies on the other side of the river. Due to recent rainfall, the water level is high. I take off my hiking boots and step into the river with my water shoes. The current is strong. Soon I am standing in the fast-flowing water up to my waist. I reach the other side safely. Here, I dry my feet and put my shoes back on. On this side of the river, I enter the national park. Suka shows me various plants and points out insects. In the distance, I hear the monkeys calling. They are too far to approach. I walk carefully along the narrow paths. Due to the rain, it is sometimes slippery. Suka explains about the large jungle trees, the climbing plants, and the lianas.

Indonesia - To reach Gunung Leuser National Park you must cross the river

It’s an enjoyable walk, though there are also many leeches in the forest. I have already removed several from my shoes. Other travelers were too slow and ended up with large bloodstains on their clothing. Fortunately, they are harmless. After more than three hours, I return to the river. I must cross it again. Here, the water is even a bit deeper. To be safe, I empty all my pockets and hold my backpack above my head. Not without reason—I wade through water up to my hips. Although the water is cold, it is also wonderfully refreshing. When I walk back to the lodge, my clothes dry quickly. I estimate the temperature at around thirty degrees Celsius. I quickly change for tubing. Ten minutes later, in my swimwear, I am ready to float down the river. Normally, the day program combines a long trek with tubing, but today, due to the high water, that would be too dangerous. So I do the two activities separately. At the river, Samuel is ready with five connected inner tubes. As I lie in one of the tubes, the river water feels cold beneath me. During tubing, all I have to do is enjoy myself. Samuel leads in front, Suka follows behind. Along the way, Suka points out monkeys in the trees, birds above the river, and unusual trees.

Indonesia - A beautiful location to enjoy a picnic lunch and swim a little

It is wonderful to float like this. At some small rapids, water splashes over the tube—cold! After half an hour, we come to a stop. I follow the two guides through the water into a creek. After walking a few hundred meters up the creek, I see a beautiful waterfall ahead—a perfect spot for lunch. Carefully, I walk over the very slippery rocks. While Suka sets up lunch, I take a dip in the pool beneath the waterfall. Delightful! Suka has made a table out of stones and covered it with banana leaves, decorated with small flowers. My lunch is served in a bundled leaf of paper—a beautiful presentation. I enjoy the rice, chicken, and vegetables. For dessert, fresh pineapple is served. When Suka tells me that a large rock broke off here just a few weeks ago, I am less eager for another dive. After eating, I return to the tubes. I float another twenty minutes down the river, passing a few rapids. At the end point, we pull up at a small beach. Samuel retrieves the tubes from the water. They are collected here. I walk back on foot. The route passes extensive palm plantations and two villages. “Selamat Sore,” I call enthusiastically to the villagers. This means good afternoon. Children come running excitedly to wave at me. Suka guides me back to the lodge. Enjoying a beer, I reflect on this amazing day. From the terrace, I see a monitor lizard walking along the river and a troop of monkeys crossing via a power line. Can it get any better? I decide to have dinner here in the evening as well. I order my meal and go to my cabin for a shower. During dinner, a heavy rainstorm hits again. A severe thunderstorm hangs directly above me against the mountainside. When it is dry, I return to my cabin. I reorganize my luggage and pack everything carefully in large plastic bags. Tomorrow, the luggage will go on the roofs of the jeeps.