INDONESIA TOURISM : ACEH - PLACES OF INTEREST

Around Banda Aceh: Banda Aceh is the capital of Aceh and also the main gateway to the province. The Governor's Residence, was built by the Dutch in 1880 on the spot where the palace of the sultan once stood. This building is known as one of the historical sites with a unique architecture and completed with traditional house equipments. This place is of course a restricted area and entering it must be with a kind of Permission from the security guard
BAITURRAHMAN Grand Mosque: It is one of the most outstanding landmarks in the capital city. The old mosque that stood there before it was burnt down at the beginning of the Aceh War, was rebuilt in 1875, taking its present shape after a number of renovations and expansions.

Kerkhoof and Churchyard: It is a much visited site especially by Dutch visitor where the remains of more then 2,000 Dutch soldiers lie burried.

The Syah Kuala Graveyard: It is another popular visitor's object. Teungku Syiah Kuala was one of Aceh's great Moslem Ulamas of the past. His grave stands near the mouth of Krueng Aceh River about 2 kilometers from the city, visited by local visitors and other parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indra Patra Fortress: This old fort was built during the time of Iskandar Muda. It probably functioned as a defense against invader's attacks.

Chut Nyak Dien Museum: It is a historical object. The house is a replica of the heroine Cut Nyak Dhien, from the Aceh War. The house was burnt down by the Dutch but a replica was built later, after Indonesia's independence. This house in Lam Pisang about 6 kilometers from Banda Aceh, is now c museum.

The Beaches: The most popular beaches are Gapang beach and Iboih beach in Sabang, Kuala Dou beach in west Aceh and the others most popular beaches uncrowded Banda Aceh are Ujong Batee beach, Lampu'uk beach and Lho'nga beach. It's located 16 kilometers from Banda Aceh. All the beaches have clean waters and white sands. Sunsets are quite impressive at the all beaches.

Sea Gardens: Sea Gardens are located off shore from Banda Aceh at about 45 minutes by speed boat. Some can be enjoyed around Rubiah island in Sabang and the others are around Beras islands, Aceh island and other small islands around them. Sea gigantic clams, angel fish, lion fish, sea fans and much more.

Around Takengon Lake: Takengon is a town located at the central area of Aceh. It is being promoted as a tourist resort since its temperature is about 20_C (68_F), cool enough for a holiday resort. The main feature of the town is Laut Tawar Lake. The scenery is loved and the lake can be used for water sport, such as ski. We can tour around the lake by motor boat or other water transportation. There are caves around the lake slopes of the mountain and the mountain itself is suitable for climbing. A number of hotels are being built to encourage a rapidly increasing tourist trade.
The others object around Takengon are a warm water pool at Simpang Balik, Loyang Koro and Loyang Pukes caves by the side of Laut Tawar Lake.

Around Lhokseumawe and The Former Kingdom of Samudera Pasai: Lhokseumawe is a town located 274 km from Banda Aceh which is now being developed as an industrial zone of Aceh. Many gigantic plants are constructed following the discovery of huge LNG resources in the area. Touristic features of the town is The Samudra Pasai. It was the first great Islamic kingdom of Indonesia.
All that remains of it, however, is a graveyard 18 km east of the town. The historical indication of this can be seen at the grave of Malikul Saleh, the first ruler of the kingdom and from the royal graves, including that a queen named Nahrisyah and graves of other members of the royal families of Samudra Pasai. The kingdom produced its own gold coins which still can be round in the surrounding areas. Other objects for visitors are Blang Kolam Falls and Ujung Blang beach.

Taman Nasional (National Park): The National Park of Gunung Leuser is probably the wildest in Indonesia, located in Southeast Aceh that can be reached either Kutacane, or Takengon. This magnificent national park has a wealth of flora and fauna. The park also has research facilities for the study of primates, birds, insects, and other animals. Basic accommodation facilities are available at Ketambe. The rapids-infested Krueng Alas river inside the park is popular with rafters.

Laut Tawar Lake: Laut Tawar Lake is located in Aceh Tengah. Takengon, the capital of the region, lies on the west side of this lake, 1,120 meters above sea level, with an average temperature of 20_C. The town is quite cool and is a growing holiday resort. The scenery is lovely and the lake can be used for water sports, such as ski. We can tour around the lake by motor boat or other water transportation. There are caves around the lake slopes of the mountain and the mountain itself is suitable for climbing. A number of hotels are being built to encourage a rapidly increasing tourist trade.