Aceh: More Interesting Destination

Around Lhokseumawe

Lhokseumawe is a town located 274 km from Banda Aceh, which is now being developed, as an industrial zone. Many gigantic plants are constructed following the discovery of huge LNG resources in the area. The touristy feature of the town is i.e. Samudera 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. One of the graves belongs to Malikussaleh, as Samudera Pasai's first king. Other objects for visitors are Blang Kolam Falls and Ujung Blang beach.

Takengon

Takengon is a town located in the central area of Aceh. It is being promoted as a tourist resort since its temperature is about 2O degree C (68F), cool enough for a holiday resort. The main feature of the town is Laut Tawar Lake. It offers soaring cliffs around the shore, which are ideal for rock hiking. The lake is also stocked with trout. 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 also interesting objects.

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.

Gunongan - Gunongan

Gunongan had erected by Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607 - 36) as a private playground and bathing place for this wife Putro Phang (From Malaysia). This whimsical architectural fantasy had access to the sultan's palace through the traditional 'Pintu Aceh', used by royalty only. This building likely functioned as an important recreational peace located in the Taman Sari Park for the Queen and other royal family members to climb. It is quite enjoyable to visit this place during the late afternoon or sunset.

The Monument RI.001 Seulawah

The Monument was erected to commemorate the heroic donation of the Acehnese to the central Government of the Republic of Indonesia became independent in 1945, the Dutch intended to reoccupy the country. In the ensuring struggle in 1949, the Republic of Indonesia was badly in need of an airplane to open the blockade of the enemy as much area had been already fallen into their hands. Mr. Soekarno, the president of the Indonesia at that time.

Urgently requested that Aceh people to donate the money for an airplane. A Douglas DC-3 was bought shortly afterwards, and paid for with Acehnese Gold. This very early plane was the precursor of Garuda Indonesia fleet, which nowadays is the biggest airline in Indonesia.

Alas River

Alas River, 165 km southeast from Takengon, cuts through Mount Leuser National Park. This area is especially popular among the young and adventurous. The sharp bends and many rapids are challenging to white-water rafters.

The Governor's Residence

This Governor's Residence building has 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.

Source:www.indonesia-tourism.com