Aceh Tourism Travel Guide and Tourist Attractions.
Aceh or Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) is a very west Province in Republic of Indonesia and located on the top of Sumatera Island, located between Hindia Ocean and Malacca Strait. The location is very strategic as entrance door to Archipelago and some countries in Asia. The provincial capital is Banca Aceh and also largest city of Aceh. Later its name was changed into Banda Aceh, where the first part of its name comes from the Persian "Bandar" and means “port” or “haven”. It is also proudly referred to as the “port to Meccah”, as Islam first arrived in Aceh and spread throughout Southeast Asia.
Aceh is where Islam was first established in Southeast Asia. In the early seventeenth century the Sultanate of Aceh was the most wealthy, powerful and cultivated state in the Malacca Straits. Aceh was the closest point of land to the epicenter of the massive 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, which triggered a Tsunami that devastated much of the western coast of the region, including Banda Aceh. With the help of International community and the strong spirit of the locals, Aceh was able to "built back better". Most Aceh regions are covered with forest, rich with economic commodities of oil and gas and other agriculture products.
Geographically, Aceh is located on 2°-6° north latitude and 95°-98° east longitude. Temperatures are approximately between 22-30 degrees Celsius. The rainfall differs from area to area, but averages 1.000-4.000mm per year. The relative humidity is 70-90% in lowlands. The year can be divided in two major seasons, dry season from February to August and wet season from September to January. However, the difference between seasons is not as big as in other parts of Indonesia. The change of season is also normally extra wet. The area width : 55.390 km2, including some islands along West and South coast. In the middle to the West be spread out a group of Bukit Barusan that still covered with heavy forest, and the top of the mountainous are Geureudong (2.595 m), Peut Sago (2.780 m), Burni Telong (2.566 m), Ucop Molu (3.187 m), Abong-abong (3.015 m), Leuser (3.466 m), Seulawah Agam (1.782 m), Seulawah Inong (866 m),
The native atnic groups in Aceh is : Acehnese, Gayonese, Alasnese, Aneuk Jamee, Melayu Tamiang, Kluet, Lekon, Devayan, Sigulai, Singkil, Pakpak, Haloban and Nias, including their local language, that spread out in 23 Regencies and Cities.
Aceh has many tourist objects, ranging coastal attractions such as Lhok Nga beach which beautifully with exquisite white sandy hills of the surrounding landscape, presenting the major tourist sites that are not less than Bali, to the mountain attractions. Aceh has a freshwater lake in the mountains of the sea at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level. The length of the lake reaches 26 km with a width of 5 km, and depth 50 m. Laut Tawar Lake is located in the Takengon, Central Aceh. You also can visit the Hot Springs Pool is located at Simpang Balik, approximately 14 km from Takengon. This pond is often visited by local and foreign wisatwan, local residents themselves believe that the pool of hot water can cure some types of skin diseases. To get to the location can use private vehicles or could use car rental services in Aceh.
In addition to natural attractions, there are also historical attractions such as Tjut Nyak Dien Traditional House, a national hero woman from Aceh. The traditional house is located in the district Matangkuli, Pirak village. Sightseeing is another history Tsunami Museum (the museum built to commemorate the tragedy of the storm Tsunami in December 2004), Meseum Aceh, bell Cakra Donya (which was a gift from the king granting China in 1414 AD), Gunongan (one legacy Iskandar Muda Ottoman empire used as a tool / recreational Royal family members at that time. Gunongan is a symbol of the mountain which is part of the Acehnese Sultanate Palace Park). For spiritual tourism, the visitor also can visit Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, which is one of the most magnificent mosque in Southeast Asia. Not only this mosque which is a historic mosque in Aceh, there are many other historic mosques. Tomb Syah Kuala (disseminator Islam at Century 17, whose real name is Syech Abdurrauf bin Ali Al Fansuri As-Singkili). He is very persistent in spreading the religion of Islam and run the Shari’a in Aceh so that the soil is believed to be the Fair Malikul Kadhi level with the Supreme Court in the Kingdom of Aceh Darussalam. Some of most beautiful Aceh tourism and historical sites and beaches have been damaged by the massive earthquake and Dec 2004 Tsunami but peoples there take care of their beautifull places.
Aceh tourism travel guide and tourist attractions popular destinations can be enumerated as below :
Mount Leuser National Park.
Mount Leuser National Park is one of the largest national parks in the world, containing over 950,000 hectares of virgin rainforest. The park is home to orangutans, gibbons, monkeys, elephants, tigers, and among the last of the Sumatran rhinoceros. There are research facilities for the study of primates, birds and insects, the Orangutans rehabilitation center at Bukit Lawang being the most popular with tourists. It is possible to raft Alas River from Ketambe to the Indian Ocean on a 4 - 5 day expedition. The journey takes us through exciting white-water rapids to the calmer, crocodile-infested waters of the lowlands. Basic accommodation is available at Ketambe.
Mount Leuser National Park is probably the wildest in Indonesia, located in Southeast Aceh, can be reached from either Kutacane, or Takengon. This magnificent national park has a wealth of flora and fauna. The Leuser Ecosystem is an outstanding wilderness in Aceh northern Sumatra. It is one of the richest expanses of tropical rain forest in Southeast Asia. More than 2.5 million hectares in size, it is the last place on earth where elephants, rhinos, tigers, clouded leopards, and orangutans are found within one area.
Mount Leuser National Park comprises more than 100 kilometers of the Bukit Barisan Mountains. Because of that, the park consists of steep, almost inaccessible mountainous terrain. The altitude ranges from 0 meter, in Kluet (South Aceh), to 3,381 meter, on top of the mount Leuser (Southeast Aceh). The Alas River cuts the park into an eastern and western half. Apart from mountains we find several other ecosystems: beach forest, swamp areas, lowland rainforest, alpine and mountain forest. In Bukit Lawang is the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Station and in Ketambe stands the Ketambe research station.
Cut Nyak Dhien Museum.
Cut Nyak Dhien is well-known as Indonesia National Hero who came from Aceh, and against the Dutch at Perang Aceh (Aceh War). She was born in Lampadang Aceh Besar 1848 - November 6th, 1908, and passed away in Sumedang, West Java, she burried at Mount. Puyuh, Sumedang. Inside there is evidence and objects, a collection of relics of historical objects Cut Nyak Dhien and Teuku Umar.
This house had burned by the Dutch army in 1893 which was rebuilt in the early 1980s and become a museum. The museum is located about 6 km on the west road banda Aceh Lhok Nga, in rural areas with the green paddy field, precisely in the Village Lampisang, Lhok Nga, Aceh Besar Regency.
Museum Negeri Aceh.
The main building of Aceh Negeri Museum is a house, built in a traditional style by the Dutch Governor Van Swart in 1914. The museum has 3 floors filled with antique weapons, gold jewelry, ceremonial costumes and household furnishings. This museum is an excellent example of traditional architecture, built completely without nails, being held together by cord and pegs. Among the exhibits is a big clock Cakra Donya, a gift from China Emperor and brought to Aceh by the famed Admiral Cheng Ho in 1414. On the bell can be found a Chinese script, Sing Fang Niat Toeng Juut Kat, only chinese paople may know that mean.
Tsunami Museum.
The museum is officially opened by The President of The Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on February 23rd, 2009. The building is developed with "Rumoh Aceh Escape Hill" concept that has special Aceh architecture, it can be seen by the exterior design with saman design, as well as the interior which describe the greatness of the Majesty Lord, Allah S.W.T.
Sultan Malikussaleh Graveyard.
In the 13th Century, Samudra Pasai Kingdom is the biggest Islam Kingdom in Indonesia which not only for International Centre of Commerce, but also Islam Educational Institutional and Culture. The kingdom established by Meurah Silu who had surname as Malik Al-Saleh, and other name is Malikussaleh, and he has been The First King of Samudra Pasai Kingdom. Sultan Malikussaleh led the kingdom from 1270 - 1297 AD and known as a king who has strong religious conviction also pious and has saintly status. On this place also has tomb of Sultan Malikul Zahir, the King Sultan Malikussaleh Son. Tha graveyard located at Beuringin Village, Samudra sub-district, about 18 km from Lhokseumawe City, Lhokseumawe know as the center of the kingdom Samudra Pasai at old days, or about 274 km from Banda Aceh.
Queen Nahrisyah Graveyard.
Queen Nahrisyah was led Samudera Pasai Kingdom on 1416 - 1428 (some script write 1420 - 1429 and some 1405 - 1428), the Queen well known as wise person. Queen Nahrisyah is son of Malikuzzahir or grandson of Sultan Malikussaleh. Queen Nahrisyah was passed away on 17th Zulhijjah 831 H. The grave is located in Kuta Krueng Village, Samudra subdistrict. About 18 Km from Lhokseumawe City to the eastward.
Fort Indra Patra.
It was built on Hindustan Kingdom, Indra Patra period. This fortress was built for defense from colonizer attack on that period of time. And then, when Sultan Iskandar Muda was held the power, this fortress still kept functioned as defense fortress. Located at Mesjid Raya sub-district, Krueng Raya street, about 19 km from Banda Aceh.
Sultan Iskandar Muda Graveyard.
Sultan Iskandar Muda was an icon in Aceh history. On the period of time when Sultan led Aceh Darussalam Kingdom (1607-1636), the Sultan has put Aceh Kingdom on big five of the biggest Islam kingdom in the world at 17th Century. In the past, Banda Aceh was central of Aceh kingdom, and central of trading. The Sultan also is a great Achehnese leader and till this time Aceh people still praise to the lord. The grave located at Sultan Alaidin Mahmud Syah Street, Baperis Aceh Museum, side of Pendopo of Aceh Governor.
Gunongan.
Gunongan is a park, call it Putroe Phang Park built by Sultan Iskandar Muda (1608-1636). Sultan Iskandar Muda built this park for his wife, Princess Pahang. According to the history, Princess Pahang always homesick to her hometown, Pahang, Malaysia. Sultan knew about this and built this park with hilly structure like hills on Penang. The Princess Pahang name is Princess Kamaliah. She is also advisor for her husband, she is made rule of law about children and woman protection then, the law realized by her daughter, Queen Safiatuddin.
Syiah Kuala Graveyard.
Syiah Kuala Grave location is not far from mouth of river which in Acehnese language called Kuala, thats why graveyard call it Syiah Kuala. Tengku Syiah Kuala is a greatest and famous, pious and has saintly status. He had written many books on the subject. He has been Queen Safiatuddin advisor in 17th Century. He built an Islam educational institutional. His graveyard always visited by visitors especially his ex-students from West Sumatra and Malaysia.
Kerkhoff Graveyard.
Kerkhoff is a biggest Graveyard in Aceh or even in Indonesia where more than 2200 Dutch including 4 Generals were buried there since 1883 to 1940. List of names who buried are listed on the gate of the Graveyard. One of interesting thing is, there is one Moslem graveyard in the middle of Christians.
The Moslem who buried there is the Son of the King Iskandar Muda who ruled Aceh in 17th Century. The Son was killed by his father because he made a fatal mistaken and he was not buried in area of other Sultanate family’s graveyard. The Graveyard is called Peucut or ‘Pocut’. Pocut means ‘beloved son`. Another nice place to visit. This place can be reach easily because of its location in the city center of Banda Aceh.
King Linge Traditional House and Graveyard.
In the graveyard area of King Linge there is a house call it pintu ruang (a house which has seven doors) and an old well whose water has never been dried out all the times.
Located at Linge sub-district, about 70 km from Takengon City.
Baiturrahman Mosque.
Sitting in a vast expanse of green fields, the white washed walls and minerals, and charcoal blacks domes of the Grand Mosque are the most famous landmark in Aceh. The Great of Baiturrahman Mosque is the main feature of Banda Aceh today. Lying at the heart of the city completed with excellent architectural style, this mosque is really one of Indonesia prime tourism sides. The Mosque was built in 12 Century and had caught fire several time include when the Dutch attacked Kutaraja (Banda Aceh) in 1873. Another mosque to replace the former one was later built by Dutch Military Government that was completed in 1883. The Mosque is extra ordinary in architecture and ornamentation. It has five onion shaped domes, two tall mine rates, wide white walls, and around is pillars various kinds of beautiful ornament.
Lake Laut Tawar.
Lake Laut Tawar is located near Takengon City, in the highlands of Cental Aceh, is very scenic. Takengon City is the capital of the region, lies on the west side of the lake, 1,120 meters above sea level, with an average temperature of 20ºC. It has soaring cliffs around the shore, which are ideal for rock climbing. The scenery is lovely and the area is being developed as a tourist resort with water recreation such as skiing and boating being readily available. The lake is also stocked with trout. There are warm water pools at Simpang Balik. Many caves dot the lake's surroundings, Loyang Koro and Loyang Pukes caves by the side of Lake Laut Tawar are interesting to explore. There is excellent hiking in forests filled with exotic orchids, and trekking to the Telong and Tetek volcanoes for the more energetic.
Indonesia Zero (0) Kilometer Monument.
The Zero Monument (0) km is established in 1997 and determined by vice of president H. Try Sutrisno. For this moment the monument of 0 km as a tourism object that lively of the visitor, especially the foreign tourist as well as the domestic tourist, while it is deficiency of facility, but this monument always lively vised by tourist. If you arrived in Banda Aceh, then it is not perfect if you don’t visit the city of Sabang or mention it Weh Island, and than if you arrived in weh Island, then it is not fully equipped if you don’t visit to the monument of 0 Km western of Indonesia.
Indonesia Zero (0) Kilometer Monument is located in Natural Park of Sabang area, in this place we can enjoy greeny forest as well as beautiful Hindia ocean`s view.
Sabang/Weh Island.
Weh Island or Pulau Weh is an island just north of Aceh close to Banda Aceh. Weh means move or go away in Achenese. Sabang is the administrative name of Weh Island.
Sabang is the main town on Weh Island and still has many old Dutch colonial buildings shadowed by huge trees that the Dutch imported from Suriname giving the town great character. Because of it's excellent harbour and good water supply Sabang became an important coal loading station for ships en route between Europe and Asia. At one time Sabang had a larger population than Singapore. The merabu graveyard has many interesting gravestones. Each morning are fresh food markets. Some great beaches are walking distance from Sabang, such as Sumur Tiga beach are great for swimming, Gapang Beach and many more. Beer or other alcoholic beverages are generally not available in Aceh but places serving Westerners generally do serve these.
Besides this island has a diving and snorkeling sites are attractive and also forest areas located in the center of the island.
Keureusik Island.
Keureusik Island located in between Nasi Island and Breuh Island. Keureusik Island has an amazing beach on its eastern end. Its form and accessibility depends on season. There are a holy Muslim scholar that is buried on the island.
Breuh Island.
Breuh Island has most jungles left and it is easy to spot wild boar, deer, monkeys, squirrels and many beautiful birds and butterflies. The highest mountain in Mount Ceumoh. It is clad in jungles and offers a nice one day trek up and down. Start the trek at Baluh Beach.
On of the most popular beach in this island can be found in the Gugup area. Five hundred meters west of the village Lambaru is Lambaru beach with yellow sand and big waves rolling in. A similar but more secluded beach is Baluh beach to the north. At the northern end of this beach are fluorescent rocks. At special occasions the locals use the dust of these rocks as decorations on hats and shirts. Baluh is can be reach about 1,5 hours walk from Gugup. Further up the coast, near Rinon and Meulingge are more beautiful beaches to explore.
Nasi Island.
Nasi Island is easier to visit and has more facilities and shorter distances. Nasi Island is smaller than Breuh Island it feels more crowded and social, compared to Breuh Island. One of the popular place in Nasi Island is Pasi Raya, Nipah and Lamtadu. Pasi Raya is very secluded, as one has to climb a bit to reach it. The beach is open to the west and can have big waves.
To visit Pasi Raya, visitors will pass the beach Mata Ie. There is a both a freshwater well and a bat cave behind this beach. Nipah is also very quiet, but facing east. It has small waves and is more suitable for families. The grand Lamtadu beach can be reach in about 15 minute walk from the Kandang village. It is located in a relatively deep bay facing south west. The waves can be big. In the eastern season turtles sometimes lay egg here.
Deudap Village and Lamting Village are the two major entry points to Nasi Island. Deudap is a nice fishing village on a nice beach. The mountain behind is Mount Peunyeri and its summit can be reach form either Deudap or Kandang Village. Kandang is the biggest village at Nasi Island.
Banyak Island.
Banyak in English is "many". Banyak Island (or in English could be "Many Island") are a group of mostly uninhabited islands located between Simeulue and Nias off the western coast of Sumatra Island, Aceh Singkil Regency, Aceh Province and its consisting of 99 islands. The largest island in the group is Tuangku Island, with the principal town of Alaban. Two other major islands located either side of Tuangku are Bangkaru Island and Bago. Tuangku is separated from Bangkaru by a fault line.
With an area of 123 square miles (319 square km), the group lies north of Nias and 18 miles (29 km) west of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. The islands have long been noted for the existence of substantial offshore coral reefs, though problems with overharvesting, damage from explosives, and recent geological disturbances have threatened these underwater resources
This island can be reach via Aceh Singkil Regency (about 30 km west of Singkil).
Tsunami Island.
Tsunami Island is new island when Tsunami happened in 2004 ago at Aceh Jaya Regency, before Tsunami this island is a part of Keuleuang island and located in Keuleuang village, Jaya sub-district. This lcoation is suitable for fishing or snorkling.
Lhok Nga Beach.
In general Lhok Nga Beach usually crowded, hundreds or even thousands of people come in this beach to enjoy the atmosphere, especially for enjoy the sunset. Lhok Nga beach always crowded by local and foreign tourists (mostly foreign workers coloring Aceh), including the growing number of surf lovers. High waves rolling smoothly but breaking on the sandy beach blackish color mix of white shells, making the seemingly bored surfers paddle boards to the middle of the ocean.
The distance is too close to the city of Banda Aceh, about 15 minutes from the city center. Lhok Nga beach is a beach that most tar-develop, public toilet facilities and some simple cafes to rest easily found along the coast. Even at this beach is also there with the life guard tower supervisor. The existence of a rescue team was initiated by a local organization which was initially driven by foreign workers who work in Banda Aceh.
Lampu'uk Beach.
Lampu'uk beach has the beach with white sands and located in the bay so this place is very appropriate as recreation area, it`s good for sea bathing or just enjoy beautiful beach view. Before Tsunami happened, this area was a traditional village, the people were working as fisherman, farmer, employee of Semen SAI fabric, etc. Because of this area located in shore and in top of Sumatera`s island, so the Tsunamis effect is very fatal. Located at Meunasah Masjid Village, about 15 km from Banda Aceh City.
Krueng Juli - Ujong Blang Beach.
Krueng Juli - Ujong Blang beach became the most favorit recreation place and beach tourism object in Aceh, the beach area that holds the enchanting beauty of sea sand beaches, this beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and other beach activities. Located on the north coast of Bireun Regency, Ujong Blang Vilage - Krueng Juli, Kuala sub-district.
Iboih Forest and Beach.
Iboih is a small and friendly village. Its people will happily serve the tourist in any way. Iboih Recreational Forest is situated adjacent to Rubiah Sea Garden. This forest covers about 1300 hectares area and is also protected as a special nature reserve for Weh Island. This forest is a thick tropical rain forest and although it is dense a difficult to wander trough, visitors are encouraged to explore it. This are is as home to many kinds of animals. See wild monkeys, small and big reptiles and colorful birds. Beside forest there is also Iboih Beach, its one of famous beach in Sabang (Weh Island), Aceh. On this place visitors can be enjoyed white beach, also visitor can swim, snorkling, diving or other sea actifities, beside the beach it self there are available facilities such as: motel/bungalow and cottages, foodstalls, and many more. This place can be reach in about 23 km from down town of Sabang City.
Sumur Tiga Beach.
Sumur Tiga Beach is the only beach in Weh Island (Sabang) with about 2 miles long white sandy beach. Located at the east coast of Weh Island, about 5 minutes drive from Sabang town, it has tobe one of the best beach on the island during the western season, especially the second half of the year. The beach is near to town but still quiet and laid back. There are some facility such as Resort, Inn, bungalows, restaurants, and many more. Sumur Tiga Beach located at Ie Meulee Village, about 30 minutes from Sabang City.
Gapang Beach.
Gapang Beach is the one most popular beach at Sabang (Weh Island), Gapang beach has a bigger sand beach than Iboih.
The beach is usually crowd on the weekends with locals tourist. Located about 21 km from Sabang city. There are available facilities such as hotels, bungalows, restaurants, and many more.
Saman Dance.
Lyrics from Saman dance is use Arabian and Gayonese language. In the past, Saman dance was usually performed to celebrate important events in Acehnese tradition and people. Beside that reason, this dance also performed to celebrate Nabi Muhammad SAW birthday. In the fact, the word "saman" was found by Syech Saman. Saman Dance usually performed with use voices from dancers and their clap hands are usually combined with hit their chest and hip as sinchronize and throw their body to everywhere. This dancing is lead with a leader who well-known called as Syech. Because of many kind of formation variety and time accuracy is a must in perform this dancing, so dancers must be have full consentration and serious exercise in order to give perfect performance. This dancing is performed with team, and played by men.
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