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Orang Pendek of Sumatra
A small, bipedal ape-like creature has been reported in Sumatra's jungles for over a century. Unlike most cryptids, Orang Pendek has scientific supporters and may be a real undiscovered primate.
1900 - Present
Sumatra, Indonesia
300+ witnesses
Orang Pendek
In Sumatra’s jungles, locals report Orang Pendek (“short person”)—a small bipedal creature that might be a real, undiscovered primate.
The Description
- 3-5 feet tall
- Covered in short, dark or reddish-brown hair
- Walks upright
- Broad chest, powerful arms
- Extremely shy
Why It Might Be Real
Unlike most cryptids:
- Credible habitat (vast, unexplored jungles)
- Consistent descriptions for a century
- Indigenous people treat it as ordinary, not supernatural
- Homo floresiensis proves small hominids existed in Indonesia
- Legitimate researchers take it seriously
The Search
Expeditions continue in Kerinci Seblat National Park with camera traps, hair samples, and footprint casts. If any cryptid could be discovered, this may be the one.
In Sumatra’s jungles, something walks upright—not an orangutan, not a bear. Three to five feet tall, covered in reddish hair. The Orang Pendek may be the world’s most scientifically plausible cryptid.