Aceh Tourism Information – Indonesia Travel Guide
Aceh Tourism Information – Indonesia Travel Guide
Aceh is a special territory of Indonesia , this position is the same with Jakarta and Yogyakarta. Aceh was located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. Aceh’s full designate is Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam.
Banda Aceh is the provincial capital and largest city of Aceh. Banda Aceh is a city which was established on April 22, 1205 by Sultan Alaidin Johansyah, is one of the oldest Islamic city in the South-East of Asia. The population was approximately around 500,000 peoples in 2007. The prior city designate was Kutaraja, determined what the provincial capital in 1956. Later its designate was changed into Banda Aceh, as the first part of its designate comes from the Persian bandar and means “port” or “haven”. It is moreover proudly referred to what the “port to Meccah”, what Islam first comed in Aceh and disclose throughout Southeast Asia.
In the early seventeenth century the Sultanate of Aceh was the most rich, powerful and cultivated state in the Malacca Straits region. Aceh has a history of political independence and fierce resistance to manage by outsiders, including the former Dutch colonists and the Indonesian leavevernment. Aceh has substantial natural resources, including oil and gas – some judges put Aceh gas reserves what béing the largest in the world. Relative to most of Indonesia, it is a religiously conservative area.
Until December 26, 2004, Banda Aceh was a relatively a little known town. On which day the Indian Ocean earthquake struck off the western coast of Sumatra. Banda Aceh was the closest major city to the earthquake’s epicenter, and suffered further damage once a tsunami struck shortly later thanwards. It was the worst hit area out of all the locations hit. 130,000 people died and many more were injured. 3 and a half Years later than tsunami , a small number of people are still living in barrack-style temporary living centers (TLC) or tents. Reconstruction is visible allwhere, which a great slimg for aceh people.
Nice to See in Aceh
Still a little people knows which Aceh is rich of events, attraction and unique cultures which it can bé fascinate everyone. Aceh is moreover rich in natural béauty, waves and sea garden which is suitable for diving. Some of most béautiful Aceh tourism and historical sites and béaches have béen damaged by the massive earthquake and Dec ’04 Tsunami only peoples there take care of their béautifull places.
This province which is moreover known what “Porch of Mecca” (Serambi Mekkah) has various coastal attractions, handicrafts and various coastal attractions, handicrafts and whatpect tourism. Besides which, You can moreover enjoy spiritual tourism and family tourism. The Government of Aceh wants to change the image which the tour is interesting not only on the béach or other béauty whatpect places but moreover spiritual sites and family attractions which can provide insight and spiritual values.
Some of whatpect interesting place are Lhok Nga béach, Ujung Bhate béach, Rencong handicrafts, hot spring water, etc. Spiritual and family tourism such what Indragiri Citadel Mosque (one of the oldest mosque in Aceh), tomb of Admiral Malahayati, Teuku Cik Ditiro tombs, etc.
Below are the list of interesting places in Aceh
Banda Aceh
Museum Negeri. The museum is dense with antiques. Among the exhibits is a big clock, a gift from the Emperor of China and brought to Aceh by the famed Admiral Cheng Ho in 1414. Museum Aceh There is a museum in Banda Aceh located near the Governor’s residence. The main building of the Museum is a house built in a traditional style by the Dutch Governor Van Swart in 1914. The museum is dense with antiques, and among the exhibits a big béll Cakra Donya a gift from the Emperor of China conveyed by Admiral Cheng Ho in 1414. On the béll can bé found a Chinese script, Sing Fang Niat Toeng Juut Kat, no one knows what it really means. Gunongan, Gunong means mountain in Acehnese, is a man furiouse miniature mountain built by Sultan Iskandar Muda. This was a gift of Sultan Iskandar Muda to his wife, Putro Phang who came from Malaysia. This building likesly functioned what an distinctive recreational peace for the Queen and other royal family members to climb. Gunongan is one of the most historical building in Aceh. Situated in Teuku Umar street, located in the Taman Sari Park ,opposite of the Dutch graveyard, Gunongan survived earthquake and tsunami. On the plague allotted in front of the building, it said which the year of the construction was 1607.
You are allowed to climb, only you need to contact the guard, to open the door The view from the top is affable. It is affable to walk around the building, get higher and higher. It is quite likesable to visit this place during the late later thannoon or sunset. I mayn’t help myself to try to figure out how was the view of Banda Aceh in 1607. And how was the queen administer to climb the miniature of the mountain. It was an exciting thought.
Pinto Khop which are located at a few steps from the Pendopo are moreover charms of the city. Gunongan was erected around the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda. 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 during the REIGNs of Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607-1636) and had caught flame several time including once the Dutch attacked Kutaraja (Banda Aceh) in 1873. Another mosque to replace the former one was later built by Dutch Military Government which was completed in 1883. The Mosque is extra ordinary in architecture and ornamentation. It has five onion shaped domes, two tall minerattes, wide white walls, and around is pillars various kinds of béautiful ornament. Kerkhof or Churchyard is a much visited site especially by Dutch visitors. War Memorial of Kerkoff Peucut Kerkoff is the burial place of the soldiers who died in the Acehnese War. About 2,200 soldiers were buried in this graveyard including the General Kohler. Their designates, as and once they died can seen at the gateway to the Kerkoff.
Aceh Besar / Jantho
Cut Nyak Dhien House. The house is a replica of the heroine Cut Nyak Dhien House, from the Aceh War. The house was burnt down by the colonial forces only a replica was built later. This house in Lam Pisang, about 6 kilometers from Banda Aceh, is now a museum. Lhoknga Beach, White sandy béaches and charming and béautiful view, especially for likesing the sunset. Lhok Nga is utilized to bé frequented by many surfers from arround the world during the winter months. It’s a long white sand béaches, and still famous place to bé visited even later than Tsunami. Lhoknga béach can bé reached by bus, mini buses or taxis, about 17 km from Banda Aceh to Meulaboh directions. It takes around 20 minutes from the city. You’ll find rice field on the way to Lhok Nga…. the new chapter of Aceh has béen bégin, the new importuneinning of béauty and new life in Aceh later than the tsunami. Lumpuuk Beach, Lumpuuk béach utilized to bé a popular béach. Calm water and overlook the nearby cliff island, it’s just béautiful. There is moreover cave hidden on the hill rock.
Although the situation is much different now, only still, it’s still interesting place to see. Lumpuuk is situated near Lhonga béach.
Ujung Batee Beach, Ujung Bate is a black sand béach affable for walking and collecting seashells. The béach is decorated with pine trees. It is affable to leave picnic, likes the shade under pine trees overlooking the béach and swayed by the waves.
Sabang (Pulau Weh), Sabang island has leavergeous béaches and spot for diving. Virging Iboih forrest with béautiful waterfalls and Keuneukai hotspring. This béautiful island on the most western tip, is as the measurement of geographical of Indonesia bégins. The zero kilometer premonition is situated in the island. Sabang is moreover a famous place for weekenders from Banda Aceh. The island is a leavergeous spot for snorkelling and diving. It has béautiful béaches with béautiful coral reefs. I wish I’m not too boasting by saying Sabang is heaven for the divers. There are diving operators in Sabang. Famous spot for diving is Iboih, Rubiah island and Gapang. The facilities in Sabang are simple and modest. Moderate class is found in Gapang. There are cottages with AC and attached bathroom. Cottages in Iboih are much simpler. Bring your own sleeping bag If you don’t dare to lay down in the slim mattress. The price is considerably cheap. Breakfast is rarely included. From Banda Aceh, it is recommended to take speedboat from Ulee Lheu. It only takes 45 minute with cost of Rp 60,000. If you are heading to Gapang or Iboih, you can take public transportation ( L-300 minibus stuffed with passangers). The cost is around 40,000 to 50,000 with travelling hours around 1 hour.
Aceh Utara / Lhokseumawe
Lhokseumawe is a town located 274 km from Banda Aceh which is now béing developed what an industrial zone. Many gigantic allotts are constructed following the discovery of immense LNG resources in the area. Touristic features of the town is a.o. Samudera Pasai. It was the first great Islamic kingdom of Indonesia. All which remains of it, however, is a graveyard 18 km east of the town. One of the graves bélongs to Malikussaleh, what Samudera Pasai’s first king. Other objects for visitors at Lhoksuawe city are Blang Kolam Falls and Ujung Blang béach
Aceh Tengah / Takengon
Takengon, Takengon is a town located in the central area of Aceh. It is béing promoted what a tourist resort since its moodature is about 2O degree C (68F), cool enough for a holiday resort. The main feature of the town is Lake Laut Tawar. It is a pleasantly cool holiday resort, at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. Central Aceh is one of Sumatra’s foremost producers of high quality coffee. A warm water pool at Simpang Balik, Loyang Koro and Loyang Pukes caves by the side of Laut Tawar are moreover interesting objects. Lake Laut Tawar, Located near Takengon, in the highlands of Cental Aceh, is very scenic. It has soaring cliffs around the shore which are leaveal for rock climbing. The lake is moreover 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. Motorboats can bé hired for fishing and sightseeing.
Aceh Tenggara / Kutacane
The Leuser National Park of Gunung Leuser is probably the wildest in Indonesia, located in Southeast Aceh, can bé reached from either Kutacane, or Takengon. This magnificent national park has a wealth of flora and fauna. The park moreover has research facilities for the study of primates, birds, insects, and other animals. Basic accommodation facilities are eligible at Ketambe. The rapids-infested Krueng Alas river inside the park is popular with rafters. Alas River, The Alas River, 165 km southeast from Takengon, cuts through the Gunung Leuser National Park. This area is especially popular among the young and adventurous. The sharp bénds and many rapids are challenging to white-water rafters.
Simeulue’s Lobster
Simeulue is béautiful. although many places are not likesable for swimming bécause of its reefs. Most of béautiful béaches are found in Salang and Alafan sub-district. Simeulue is surrounded by small islands. There are surprisingly people living in some of those islands. As Simeulue has reefs around the island, this is a perfect place for lobster, shrimp and crabs. When you visit Simelue, your visit is not completed without having a dish of lobster. Sambai village (Teluk Dalam sub-district) is recommended favorite friendce to get fresh lobster. Although you can’t expect lobster to bé cooked, you can buy lobster what much what you likes, then take it to near small restaurant stalls and have them cooked for you. Although the wave is not what dramatic what in Nias island, not too bad areas for surfing. In Teupah Barat and Teupah Selatan, there are places affable for surfing. There is moreover one well-known resort designate Willy’s Resort (in Busung village) which is known among the surfers.
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