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 name 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 name was Kutaraja, determined as the provincial capital in 1956. Later its name was changed into Banda Aceh, where the first component 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 initial arrived in Aceh and spread throughout Southeast Asia.

In the early seventeenth century the Sultanate of Aceh was the most wealthy, effective and cultivated state in the Malacca Straits region. Aceh has a history of political independence and fierce resistance to control by outsiders, including the former Dutch colonists and the Indonesian government. Aceh has substantial natural resources, which includes oil and gas – some estimates put Aceh gas reserves as becoming the largest in the world. Relative to most of Indonesia, it is a religiously conservative region.

Until December 26, 2004, Banda Aceh was a reasonably a little known town. On that day the Indian Ocean earthquake struck off the western coast of Sumatra. Banda Aceh was the closest key city to the earthquake’s epicenter, and suffered further damage when a tsunami struck shortly afterwards. It was the worst hit area out of all the locations hit. 130,000 folks died and many a lot more had been injured. 3 and a half Years after tsunami , a little number of men and women are still living in barrack-style temporary living centers (TLC) or tents. Reconstruction is visible everywhere, that a wonderful thing for aceh folks.

Nice to See in Aceh

Still a small people knows that Aceh is wealthy of events, attraction and distinctive cultures that it can be fascinate everyone. Aceh is also rich in natural beauty, waves and sea garden which is suitable for diving. Some of most beautiful Aceh tourism and historical internet sites and beaches have been damaged by the massive earthquake and Dec ’04 Tsunami but peoples there take care of their beautifull places.

This province which is also known as “Porch of Mecca” (Serambi Mekkah) has  various coastal attractions, handicrafts and numerous coastal attractions,  handicrafts and nature tourism. Besides that, You can also enjoy spiritual tourism and family members tourism. The Government of Aceh wants to alter the image that the tour is interesting not only on the beach or other beauty nature places but also spiritual internet sites and family attractions that can supply insight and spiritual values.

Some of nature interesting location are Lhok Nga beach, Ujung Bhate beach, Rencong handicrafts, hot spring water, etc.  Spiritual and loved ones tourism such as Indragiri Citadel Mosque (one of the oldest mosque in Aceh),  tomb of Admiral Malahayati, Teuku Cik Ditiro tombs, etc.

Below are the list of intriguing places in Aceh

Banda Aceh

Museum Negeri. The museum is filled 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 situated near the Governor’s residence. The major constructing of the Museum is a house built in a standard style by the Dutch Governor Van Swart in 1914. The museum is filled with antiques, and among the exhibits a big bell Cakra Donya a gift from the Emperor of China conveyed by Admiral Cheng Ho in 1414. On the bell can be discovered a Chinese script, Sing Fang Niat Toeng Juut Kat, no 1 knows what it actually means. Gunongan, Gunong means mountain in Acehnese, is a man created 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 constructing likely functioned as an critical recreational peace for the Queen and other royal family members to climb. Gunongan is one of the most historical creating 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 planted in front of the developing, it said that the year of the construction was 1607.

You are allowed to climb, but you want to contact the guard, to open the door The view from the leading is nice. It is nice to walk around the creating, get higher and higher. It is quite enjoyable to pay a visit to this place throughout the late afternoon or sunset. I couldn’t help myself to attempt to figure out how was the view of Banda Aceh in 1607. And how was the queen manage to climb the miniature of the mountain. It was an exciting thought.

 Pinto Khop which are situated at a few steps from the Pendopo are also charms of the city. Gunongan was erected around the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda. The Wonderful of Baiturrahman Mosque is the main feature of Banda Aceh today. Lying at the heart of the city completed with exceptional architectural style, this mosque is actually 1 of Indonesia prime tourism sides. The Mosque was built throughout the REIGNs of Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607-1636) and had caught fire numerous time such as when the Dutch attacked Kutaraja (Banda Aceh) in 1873. Yet another mosque to replace the former 1 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 minerattes, wide white walls, and around is pillars a variety of kinds of gorgeous ornament.  Kerkhof or Churchyard is a significantly visited web site specially 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 had been buried in this graveyard which includes the General Kohler. Their names, where and when they died can seen at the gateway to the Kerkoff.

Aceh Besar / Jantho

Cut Nyak Dhien Home. The home is a replica of the heroine Cut Nyak Dhien House, from the Aceh War. The home was burnt down by the colonial forces but a replica was built later. This house in Lam Pisang, about 6 kilometers from Banda Aceh, is now a museum. Lhoknga Beach, White sandy beaches and charming and beautiful view, especially for enjoying the sunset. Lhok Nga is used to be frequented by many surfers from arround the world during the winter months. It’s a lengthy white sand beaches, and still renowned location to be visited even after Tsunami. Lhoknga beach can be 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 been commence, the new beginning of beauty and new life in Aceh soon after the tsunami.  Lumpuuk Beach, Lumpuuk beach utilized to be a well-known beach. Calm water and overlook the nearby cliff island, it’s just lovely. There is also cave hidden on the hill rock.

Though the scenario is much various now, but still, it’s still interesting place to see. Lumpuuk is situated near Lhonga beach.

 Ujung Batee Beach, Ujung Bate is a black sand beach nice for walking and collecting seashells. The beach is decorated with pine trees. It is nice to go picnic, enjoy the shade under pine trees overlooking the beach and swayed by the waves.

Sabang (Pulau Weh), Sabang island has gorgeous beaches and spot for diving. Virging Iboih forrest with stunning waterfalls and Keuneukai hotspring. This stunning island on the most western tip, is where the measurement of geographical of Indonesia starts. The zero kilometer sign is situated in the island. Sabang is also a famous place for weekenders from Banda Aceh. The island is a gorgeous spot for snorkelling and diving. It has gorgeous beaches with lovely coral reefs. I hope I am not too boasting by saying Sabang is heaven for the divers. There are diving operators in Sabang. Renowned spot for diving is Iboih, Rubiah island and Gapang. The facilities in Sabang are simple and modest. Moderate class is discovered in Gapang. There are cottages with AC and attached bathroom. Cottages in Iboih are a lot simpler. Bring your own sleeping bag If you don’t dare to lay down in the thin mattress. The price is considerably cheap. Breakfast is rarely included. From Banda Aceh, it is suggested 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 price is around 40,000 to 50,000 with travelling hours around 1 hour.

Aceh Utara / Lhokseumawe

Lhokseumawe is a town situated 274 km from Banda Aceh which is now being developed as an industrial zone. Several gigantic plants are constructed following the discovery of large LNG resources in the location. Touristic attributes of the town is a.o. Samudera Pasai. It was the very first wonderful Islamic kingdom of Indonesia. All that remains of it, nonetheless, is a graveyard 18 km east of the town. 1 of the graves belongs to Malikussaleh, as Samudera Pasai’s initial king. Other objects for visitors at Lhoksuawe city are Blang Kolam Falls and Ujung Blang beach

Aceh Tengah / Takengon

Takengon, Takengon is a town situated in the central region of Aceh. It is becoming promoted as a tourist resort since its temperature is about 2O degree C (68F), cool enough for a holiday resort. The principal 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 1 of Sumatra’s foremost producers of high high quality coffee. A warm water pool at Simpang Balik, Loyang Koro and Loyang Pukes caves by the side of Laut Tawar are also intriguing objects.  Lake Laut Tawar, Located near Takengon, in the highlands of Cental Aceh, is extremely scenic. It has soaring cliffs around the shore which are perfect for rock climbing. The lake is also stocked with trout. There are warm water pools at Simpang Balik. Numerous caves dot the lake’s surroundings, Loyang Koro and Loyang Pukes caves by the side of Lake Laut Tawar are intriguing to explore. Motorboats can be hired for fishing and sightseeing.

Aceh Tenggara / Kutacane

The Leuser National Park of Gunung Leuser is almost certainly 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 park also has study facilities for the study of primates, birds, insects, and other animals. Basic accommodation facilities are accessible at Ketambe. The rapids-infested Krueng Alas river inside the park is common with rafters. Alas River, The Alas River, 165 km southeast from Takengon, cuts via the Gunung Leuser National Park. This location is particularly well-liked amongst the young and adventurous. The sharp bends and many rapids are difficult to white-water rafters.

Simeulue’s Lobster

Simeulue is gorgeous. even though several locations are not enjoyable for swimming since of its reefs. Most of lovely beaches are found in Salang and Alafan sub-district. Simeulue is surrounded by little islands. There are surprisingly folks living in some of those islands. As Simeulue has reefs around the island, this is a ideal place for lobster, shrimp and crabs. When you check out Simelue, your check out is not completed without having a plate of lobster. Sambai village (Teluk Dalam sub-district) is suggested favorite palce to get fresh lobster. Although you can’t expect lobster to be cooked, you can buy lobster as much as you like, then take it to near small restaurant stalls and have them cooked for you. Despite the fact that the wave is not as dramatic as in Nias island, not too poor areas for surfing. In Teupah Barat and Teupah Selatan, there are places nice for surfing. There is also 1 nicely-recognized resort name Willy’s Resort (in Busung village) which is known amongst the surfers.

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