- Outdoor recreation:
- Weh Island
Locally known as Sabang, this place is a small volcanic island off Aceh, a province on the northwestern tip of Sumatra. Located between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans, the coral reef around this island is packed with a great diversity of fish species. The beaches are a haven for nesting sea turtles, and its waters are full of marine species such as manta rays, dolphins and the rare megamouth sharks.
This place is great for those of you who like to dive. If you feel afraid to dive but are dying for a peek at the reef, no need to worry because diving instructors are ready to accompany you down into the water and guide you to great diving spots like the Rubiah Island.
Because it is separated from mainland Aceh, you will need to board a ferry that leaves from Ulee Lheu in Banda Aceh and get off at Balohan harbor in Weh island.
- Culture & Heritage:
- Banda Aceh
Banda Aceh is the province's capital and also the largest city in Aceh. The city was first established by Sultan John Syah in 1250. It originally named Kutaraja or "City of the King", but was then changed to Banda Aceh in 1962. Its position on the westernmost tip of the archipelago helped the process of trading with merchants from distant places such as Persia, and through this it is also said that Banda Aceh was the first city in Southeast Asia that welcomed Islam.
Although some historical buildings were swept away by the devastating tsunami in 2004, some still remains. Masjid Raya Baiturrahman (Baiturrahman Grand Mosque) is one example. Its five black-colored domes and four tall white minarets will surely attract you to this spiritual tourist spot. For your information, this mosque was the only building that withstood the devastating tsunami despite its old age. Bear in mind that when visiting, wear proper clothing, especially women are advised not to wear skimpy clothings, and do not forget to take off your shoes before entering.
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| Cur Nyak Dien's House |
You can go to Banda Aceh in three ways. You can go by plane from Jakarta. The Garuda airliner has three flights from Jakarta to Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport in Banda Aceh.
You can also get there by bus from Medan but it takes 9 to 13 hours depending on traffic. Travelers from Malaysia and Singapore can take ferries and get off at Batam and take another ferry heading for Bandar Aceh.
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| Masjid Raya Baiturrahman |
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| Museum Negeri Banda Aceh |
2. Takengon
Looking for an escapade? Then Takengon is the right place to go. This small town is located in Aceh off the shores of the Laut Tawar Lake. It is inhabited by indigenous people called the Gayonese or urang gayo in local tongue. Since a long time ago, these people have lived in Takengon along with their customs and traditions which are still preserved until today, such as the Didong dance. This dance is usually performed during important events like wedding party or welcoming ceremony. Takengon is also famous for its coffee.
The natural beauty of this town resides in the lake itself. The cool weather (around 20 degress Celcius most of the time) and the beautiful scenery make the lake a very good spot for relaxation. Motorboats can be hired for fishing trouts that live there and for exploring Loyang Koro and Loyang Pukes caves. For those of you who are more adventurous, you can go explore the surrounding forests that is home to wild orchids and maybe continue to trek the Tetek and Telong volcanoes.
Looking for an escapade? Then Takengon is the right place to go. This small town is located in Aceh off the shores of the Laut Tawar Lake. It is inhabited by indigenous people called the Gayonese or urang gayo in local tongue. Since a long time ago, these people have lived in Takengon along with their customs and traditions which are still preserved until today, such as the Didong dance. This dance is usually performed during important events like wedding party or welcoming ceremony. Takengon is also famous for its coffee.
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| Laut Tawar Lake |
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| Takengon |
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| Telong Volcano |
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