Gunung Leuser, Aceh - Sumatera

We intend to introduce the hidden beauties and pearls of Aceh to a worldwide community of interested lovers of pure Nature. There are best diving places on Pulau Weh, pristine beaches along the 600 km west-coast of Aceh and on Pulau Banyak, volcanoes to climb, rich biodiversity in the forests as well as of mammals and birds, insects, reptiles. Several Entrepreneurs started in 2006 tourism activities, after the Helsinki Treatment. Those activities are on their best way to improve and several thousands of Eco-tourists have visited Aceh meanwhile, this astonishing Province of Indonesia, on the northern tip of Sumatra. Our contribution to the preservation of the pristine rainforests is the sponsoring of two Rainforest Lodges at Kedah and Ketambe. Their staff and chief guides Mr. Jally and Johan offer a professional and phantastic job, by introducing the pristine rainforests of  UNESCO World Heritage „Gunung Leuser Eco System“ to interested persons from all over the world and attracting tourists to visit Aceh and our lodges, as well as other Eco Tourism facilities. The surrounding Acehnese and Gayo communities gain sustainable income and they in return support preserving nature and help protecting it against poachers and loggers. On the other hand the project will be accompanied by training villagers to plant and harvest Arabica coffee at altitudes above 1.000 m, in organic and rainforest standards. The area is dedicated for such a project. Preserving pristine jungle and marketing high quality coffee will be our aim medium-term. Our lodges are supported by European management and operated by local Gayo staff. We are proud, that our guides are among the best in the Gunung Leuser Eco System, on the other hand we are working hard to improve our service and hospitality facilities. We support you in planning your roundtrip through Aceh and North Sumatra in combinations with diving, snorkeling, swimming, birding, biking. It does not matter, whether you start and depart at Medan or Banda Aceh.

LOCATION

Our lodge with 3 bungalows at Kedah is located in the outskirts of pristine rainforest near a creek with fresh water all year long at an altitude of approximately 1.400m above sea-level, 15 km west of Blankenjeren in the district of Gayo Lues. Our lodge Wisma Cinta Alam with 2 bungalows at Ketambe is located at the mainroad between Kutacane and Blankenjeren at left hand side, in Alas valley with direct access to Alas river and astonishing view of rainforest canopy opposite the river.

ACCOMMODATION

Several wooden bungalows on stilts, accommodating 2 persons each, mosquito dome for 2 persons and hammock. Each bungalow with spacious single room and balcony. At Kedah you share the Mandi (toilet and bath) with the other guests, at Ketambe you have own facilities.

WATER & ELECTRICITY

Fresh water for shower from nearby passing jungle-creek, shared bathroom and toilet (kamar mandi). No electricity. Since we prefer Eco-tourism, we do not run generators. Photovoltaic elements presently under trial. Since Kedah Rainforest Lodges are located under pristine jungle giants, it is complicated to get sufficient photovoltaic power.

LEUSER NATIONAL PARK

LEUSER NATIONAL PARK

Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser (TNGL), or normally called just "Leuser", covers app. 1.094.692 Hectares. The main part of the park is in the province of Aceh, but the park stretches into North Sumatra in the regencies of Langkat, Karo and Dairi. Leuser is the last place on earth where elephants, rhinos, tigers, clouded leopards, and orangutans are found within one area. Leuser has two major river systems, two major volcanoes and three lakes. The Alas River cuts the park in a western and an eastern half. The driest months are February and June/July and the wettest March/April and September to November. 45% of all recorded plant species in the West Indo-Malayan region are found in Leuser. There are around 700 animal species living in the park. Between 300 and 400 of them are birds. About 8.500 plant species grow in the park, including the biggest flower in the world, Rafflesia Arnoldi. Two million people depend on the area as their water resource. Leuser is not only unique for its richness in wildlife but also for its history. The first efforts to conserve Leuser arose from the surrounding communities. In 1934 the first document officially protecting Gunung Leuser was signed. In 1980 it was established in its present form. However, due to corruption illegal logging and animal poaching still threaten Leuser. Source: http://www.sumatraecotourism.com

SINGKIL

SINGKIL

Welcome to Singkil For most visitors Singkil is just a transit place on the way to Pulau Banyak. The first impression one gets when entering Singkil is not the best, partly due to the Nias Earthquake in early 2005. Many buildings were destroyed and parts of Singkil just disappeared into the ocean. First time that happened was in 1935. Singkil was then located on the other side of the river. The people moved over to the present side near the Alas River. The river has been very important for Singkil. Not until later years it has lost its importance for the people of Singkil. Singkil got connected by road to the other Sumatra in the early 1990ies. Before one had to go there by river boat Around the turn of the Millennium Singkil became the center for a newly formed regency; Aceh Singkil. New government building started to grow up, but further away near the sea where a new harbor was built. This new part "Pulo Sarok" is the boring part of Singkil. If you have time, visit the old part, called "Pasar". It has a nice atmosphere, traditional wooden buildings and the life along the river is very lively. Much of Singkil was destroyed in March 2005 and the scars are still there to see, especially near the harbor where the land sank. A new harbor has been built since. The major income of Aceh Singkil derives from the vast palm oil plantations and a few palm oil factories. All the plantations are on the southeastern side of the river. On the other side is the Singkil Swamps, protected by law, but still suffering form illegal logging. The Singkil Swamps is a good reason to stay on for a few days in Singkil or Kuala Baru before heading for the beaches in Pulau Banyak. The people of Singkil are a great mix of many ethnic groups: The Pak-Pak people along the river up-stream, the Nias people from the big island in the south, Minangkabau people from Southeast, the Acehnese from the Northwest, and many more groups. They are a rough and loud, but yet a very friendly and social people. Nearby Kuala Baru is very different, but yet has much in common, especially the Singkil Swamps. Photos by: bazandbev@yahoo.com >> SEE ALSO Source: http://www.sumatraecotourism.com

Simeulue

Welcome to Simeulue…

"Simeulue Ate Fulawan", or in Indonesian "Simeulue Berhati Emas",
describes the openness and friendliness towards visitors in Simeulue. It means "Simeulue With a Heart of Gold".

Simeulue has a lot to offer; beaches, islands, caves, forest, wild life, surfing, diving and even two lakes and a waterfall. There are traditions and culture; performances such as Debus, Nandong and Nanga-nanga.

Simeulue Regency consists of many islands. Besides the big Simeulue (100 km long) there are many more smaller beautiful islands with inviting beaches and great waves for surfing. Simeulue has a great tourism potential. Besides all the attractions, it is also easy to go there.

This Simeulue section is under development and much more information will soon follow together with up-dates of maps and many more photos.

>> SEE ALSO

Source: http://www.sumatraecotourism.com

Banda Aceh (Kuta Raja)

Welcome to Banda Aceh...

This friendly and pleasant historical town was for almost 800 years called Kutaraja, until the name in 1962 was changed to Banda Aceh. Here traders from all over the known world met. From here Islam spread to Malaysia, southern Thailand and southern Philippines. In the 17th century Banda Aceh was the center of a strong trading and military power fighting Melaka and Portugal for dominance over the Melaka Straights.The Acehnese armada lead by a female admiral and using women as officers were feared by all. The black pepper trade in the 19th century Aceh made Aceh a strong power again. In 1873 the Dutch tried to take Kutaraja with 3.000 men, but were thrown back into the sea. Later with 10.000 men, the biggest Dutch army ever in Indonesia, they managed to take Banda Aceh. The war went on until 1907. A civil war went on for many years until Aceh was hit by the Tsunami in 2004. Not many knew Banda Aceh until December 26, 2004, but on this day Aceh made the headlines. The Tsunami, this tragic catastrophe killed around 75.000 of Banda Aceh's population and destroyed almost 60% of the town.

This turbulent history has left many objects of interest. See under "WHAT TO SEE AND DO". You can read more about the Aceh history under GENERAL INFO > HISTORY

Since the Tsunami new roads and houses have been built by different aid organizations. Banda Aceh was and still is a lush town with lots of trees giving shadow to its streets. Best is to take a day or two and really enjoy the attractions and get to know the very friendly people. The Acehnese love visitors, from wherever they come. If you just have a few hours you still can see some centrally located objects of interest, such as the impressive Grand Mosque and the central market behind it. The Tsunami museum is also well worth a visit, as well as the Aceh museum, and the PLN Electricity barge, a reminder of the Tsunami.

Maybe the biggest attraction of Banda Aceh is the nightlife with all its coffee shops and other places to eat. See more under "EATING OUT".

Remember, Lampuuk and Lhoknga with its fantastic beaches, good surfing and delicious fresh fish BBQs. Are not far away! See LAMPUUK LHOKNGA.

Note: Only hotels, restaurants and travel agents that help us cover the costs of the Banda Aceh section are listed and named in the maps.

>> SEE ALSO

Source: http://www.sumatraecotourism.com

Bukit Lawang

Welcome to Bukit Lawang... Bukit Lawang is one of the most popular destinations in Sumatra. It is a convenient first stop for travels in Sumatra with lots of activities, great nature, tourist adapted food, convenient accommodation, and friendly people. Here one can get adjusted to Sumatra before onward travels. Bukit Lawang and its many restaurants and accommodation are nicely located along the clear and clean Bohorok River on the outskirts of the huge national park, Gunung Leuser. See the Bukit Lawang map under ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD. Enjoy the Orangutans, the Long tail and Pig tail macaques, Thomas Leaf monkeys, Langurs, Siamangs and of course the Orangutans. It is hard to miss them. Some jump over your bungalow. Besides seeing orangutans Bukit Lawang also has a long range of other out-door activities. Bukit Lawang is easily accessible and is a lively and social place. On Sundays it is particularly lively as hundreds of Indonesians come to picnic along the river and watch the tourists. Bukit Lawang is perfect for relaxing and for families. It is easy to see orangutans, even if you are in a hurry. Bohorok is the administrative unit that contains Bukit Lawang. Indonesians often say Bohorok when they refer to Bukit Lawang. The area of Bohorok has many plantations like cocoa, palm oil, rubber, oranges, etc. Bukit Lawang started as an orangutan rehabilitation center, but quickly developed into one of the most popular destinations of North Sumatra. For map, see under ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD. >> SEE ALSO Source: http://www.sumatraecotourism.com

Tangkahan

Welcome to Tangkahan…

Tangkahan is sometimes mentioned as the HIDDEN PARADISE IN SUMATRA. It is definitely hidden and for many a paradise. It is the perfect place to get off the beaten track, but still have access to nice food and comfortable bungalows. Tangkahan is an interesting place in many ways. Interesting for what it has to offer and an interesting background. The elephants, the jungle, and the clean rivers are obvious attractions. What makes Tangkahan different is that it is a good example on how community based eco-tourism can stop illegal logging, improve livelihood, and develop a sense of pride amongst the locals. This development on the border of Leuser National Park where the bigger river Batang Serangan meets the smaller river Sungai Musam is the hidden paradise of Tangkahan.

• Ride the Sumatran elephants in the jungle!
• Float down the clear river!
• Go jungle trekking!
• Soak yourself in hot springs!
• Or take a course in how to handle and care for elephants!

Lembaga Pariwisata Tangkahan (LPT) is a local organization formed with the purpose to develop eco-tourism as a new form of lively hood and in this way prevent illegal logging. The idea was successful and illegal logging was effectively stopped in 2001. Indeconhelped establish LPT and gave training in guiding, handicraft, etc. CTO is the the tourism business owned by LPT. All visitors to Tangkahan end up in the Visitor Center managed by CTO. They also control the eco-tourism, promote, receive bookings, coordinates, and arranges the elephant riding.

The Community Response Unit (CRU) was formed byFauna & Flora International and elephants were brought in to Tangkahan from Aceh. In some areas where humans and elephants often come in conflict over land use, elephants have been removed to a few "elephant schools". In Tangkahan the elephants were given a new dual function:

1. They directly help the rangers to patrol the forest of the national park against illegal logging.
2. As an eco-tourism attraction they improve the livelihood of the local communities and in this way indirectly prevent illegal logging.

In 2010 the Veterinary Society for Sumatran Wildlife Conservation, VESSWIC took over and continued the program.

You can find an area map under TRANSPORTATION and a local map under ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD.

>> SEE ALSO

Source: http://www.sumatraecotourism.com