By Ahyoni
Are you tired of going to the beach every weekend? Are you eager to explore more of the Acehnese culture and its natural beauty? Well, it’s time to get motivated and begin experiencing Aceh – inside and out.
Are you tired of going to the beach every weekend? Are you eager to explore more of the Acehnese culture and its natural beauty? Well, it’s time to get motivated and begin experiencing Aceh – inside and out.
I recommend visiting Danau Laut Tawar Takengon (Takengon Tasteless Sea Lake). If you look at a map of Aceh, you will see a lake in the middle of the province – this is Takengong. Hopefully the following information will help you discover the highlights of this destination.
To begin, there is no public transportation from Meulaboh to Takengon so a rental car is necessary. The trip is about five hours—50% is paved roads, 30% is under construction, and the remaining 20% is gravel. Most of the ride is mountainous and there are no repair shops or gas stations along the road until you reach Takengon. Therefore, I recommend traveling in a convoy and bringing essential mechanical tools with you—just in case!
The ride is beautiful! About two hours outside of Meulaboh you will see the magnificent coastline of West Aceh. Once in the mountains, view the winding rivers and forest stretching as far as your eyes can see. Don’t forget to try the local fruits along the way, such as pineapple in Blang Bebangka, Rujak or typical fruit salad in Bies and durian in Rongka.
When you arrive in Takengon, here are a few recommendations to get you started on a great getaway:
When you arrive in Takengon, here are a few recommendations to get you started on a great getaway:
If you love the water, visit Atu Telak Bintang and Tanyor Nunguk – both are fantastic places to swim or jump in the water and enjoy the surrounding nature. Another option is to get on a speed boat for Rp. 5,000 (per person), sail the lake and enjoy the beauty surrounding the lake.
Or, if you prefer to stay on land, you can take a leisurely drive around the entire lake and enjoy all of the magnificent views from the lookout points in about 2 hours.
Perhaps a hot bath sounds more appealing than a swim. If that’s the case, enjoy a relaxing bath at Wih Pesam (Hot Springs) for only Rp. 1,000 (per person). This spring water is believed to be able to cure all skin diseases (approximately 20 km from town).
If you’re interested in legends and folklore, I’d recommend visiting Atu Belah (Split Stone) at Penarun. Here you can see the legendary monument of the Gayo tribe. The legend goes that a mother was swallowed by a stone and the child feels guilty. Local people believe that if a certain sorrowful chant is sung, the stone will split open, but so far no one has been brave enough to do it. Who knows? Maybe you can finally release her!
If you’re interested in legends and folklore, I’d recommend visiting Atu Belah (Split Stone) at Penarun. Here you can see the legendary monument of the Gayo tribe. The legend goes that a mother was swallowed by a stone and the child feels guilty. Local people believe that if a certain sorrowful chant is sung, the stone will split open, but so far no one has been brave enough to do it. Who knows? Maybe you can finally release her!
Finally, don’t forget to bring oleh-oleh back to Meulaboh! Choose your ethnic Kerawang Gayo souvenirs and accessories with typical Gayo paintings at the souvenir shops in town.
Not only is there a lot to see and do in Takengon, it’s also fun to experience a different culture in town. The people are fashionable, the traffic is easy to navigate and the people are so polite and friendly. There are also many places to eat but the most famous restaurant is Gayo Bersemi – Idola Resto. They serve typical Indonesian cuisine, but with local flavors. Try the juices and baked duck while you’re there! Oh, and you must have a cup of coffee Arabica while in Takengon– the town is famous for it!
Because my trip to Takengon was last minute, I didn’t have the opportunity to stay in the luxurious Hotel Renggali right on the lake, but it’s very popular. Therefore, if you’re hoping to stay at Hotel Renggali, I recommend booking early as it fills up quickly.
But wherever you choose to stay and whatever highlights you choose to enjoy, you’re sure to have a quiet and relaxing weekend getaway at Danau Laut Tawar Takengon.
Directions: Take the Nagan Raya road and keep heading straight to Jeuram. About twenty minutes from the Jeuram Dam turn left on the road leading to Beutong. If you pass Beutong you are heading in the right direction. There is no other cross or T junction so stay on this road until you reach Takengon. However, on the way back to Meulaboh you need to be careful. After you exit the town of Takengon, you will find a T junction and you have to make sure to take the road on your right (although it looks like a rough road, don’t be fooled into taking the better looking road on the left side without a road sign). Remember, there aren’t any restaurants along the way so bring snacks! One last note: the first village you will reach on your way to Takengon is about two and half hours from Meulaboh and this will be your first chance to use a restroom.
Hotel Renggali
Jl. Takengon – Bintang
Phone (0643) 21144, Takengon
Room rates: Standard Rp. 250,000, Deluxe Rp. 300,000, Suite Rp. 550,000
Not only is there a lot to see and do in Takengon, it’s also fun to experience a different culture in town. The people are fashionable, the traffic is easy to navigate and the people are so polite and friendly. There are also many places to eat but the most famous restaurant is Gayo Bersemi – Idola Resto. They serve typical Indonesian cuisine, but with local flavors. Try the juices and baked duck while you’re there! Oh, and you must have a cup of coffee Arabica while in Takengon– the town is famous for it!
Because my trip to Takengon was last minute, I didn’t have the opportunity to stay in the luxurious Hotel Renggali right on the lake, but it’s very popular. Therefore, if you’re hoping to stay at Hotel Renggali, I recommend booking early as it fills up quickly.
But wherever you choose to stay and whatever highlights you choose to enjoy, you’re sure to have a quiet and relaxing weekend getaway at Danau Laut Tawar Takengon.
Directions: Take the Nagan Raya road and keep heading straight to Jeuram. About twenty minutes from the Jeuram Dam turn left on the road leading to Beutong. If you pass Beutong you are heading in the right direction. There is no other cross or T junction so stay on this road until you reach Takengon. However, on the way back to Meulaboh you need to be careful. After you exit the town of Takengon, you will find a T junction and you have to make sure to take the road on your right (although it looks like a rough road, don’t be fooled into taking the better looking road on the left side without a road sign). Remember, there aren’t any restaurants along the way so bring snacks! One last note: the first village you will reach on your way to Takengon is about two and half hours from Meulaboh and this will be your first chance to use a restroom.
Hotel Renggali
Jl. Takengon – Bintang
Phone (0643) 21144, Takengon
Room rates: Standard Rp. 250,000, Deluxe Rp. 300,000, Suite Rp. 550,000
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