Takengon is located in the heart of the Gayo Highlands which stretches
along a ridge from the north of Aceh and ends in the south almost at the
border of North Sumatra, the city often becomes a choice when it comes to a vacation. Not only it features beautiful nature, but it also consists of several cities for tourists to explore. Here is an example. The name is Takengon that offers many options of nature tourism. The fact is that Takengon is the capital of Center Aceh Regency so it is considered famous as compared to nearby cities.
Located deep in the centre of Aceh, much of the region is heavily forested and has yet to succumb to the deforestation that has so devastated the rest of Sumatra. It’s the dense jungle home to all the rare animals you see on the National Geographic channel such as rhinoceros, elephants, tigers and orangutans. Experts give two reasons for the lack of deforestation over the past 20 years: firstly that the region was gripped by an armed insurgency that pitted separatists against government forces. This insurgency used the jungle as a place to hide and launch lightning raids on their opponents. Secondly, the terrain in these highlands is so mountainous and hilly as to be of little value to large corporations looking to plant palm trees for palm oil. Still, you do see the odd bit of forest cleared for local small scale agriculture, particularly around larger settlements.
It’s this small-scale clearing that has led to one of Aceh’s truly well-known agricultural industries: coffee. While coffee is grown throughout Indonesia, only a few specific regions have gained worldwide recognition, with the Gayo Highlands being one of them. In fact, dribs and drabs of buyers from around the world stop in Takengon to meet with the various local coffee co-ops to get a better understanding of how their coffee is grown and processed and to seal supply deals. If recognition of this coffee continues to increase at the rate it’s currently at, expect coffee tourism to become a thing over the next decade.
The climate in the Gayo Highlands gives rise to stunning misty mountains, tiny villages enveloped in seemingly perpetual drizzle and a temperature that’s cool compared to Banda Aceh and the surrounding coastal areas. It’s the sort of place you come if you don’t want to be running into other tourists and want to just disconnect from the outside world for a while. The best itinerary for Takengon involves Ketambe to the south and Banda Aceh to the north. www.travelfish.org
It’s this small-scale clearing that has led to one of Aceh’s truly well-known agricultural industries: coffee. While coffee is grown throughout Indonesia, only a few specific regions have gained worldwide recognition, with the Gayo Highlands being one of them. In fact, dribs and drabs of buyers from around the world stop in Takengon to meet with the various local coffee co-ops to get a better understanding of how their coffee is grown and processed and to seal supply deals. If recognition of this coffee continues to increase at the rate it’s currently at, expect coffee tourism to become a thing over the next decade.
The climate in the Gayo Highlands gives rise to stunning misty mountains, tiny villages enveloped in seemingly perpetual drizzle and a temperature that’s cool compared to Banda Aceh and the surrounding coastal areas. It’s the sort of place you come if you don’t want to be running into other tourists and want to just disconnect from the outside world for a while. The best itinerary for Takengon involves Ketambe to the south and Banda Aceh to the north. www.travelfish.org
Takengon offers many options of nature tourism :
The Nuance
The most important thing people should know about Takengon City is related to its geological position, which is considered high. No wonder, lots of tourists call it a city of the clouds! It resides about 1,200 meters above the sea level and makes it a region with cold temperature. Not only visitors can enjoy stunning views from there, they can also visit some local attractions including the fresh water lake, Putri Pukes Cave, and Pantan Terong. On top of that, the air feels so refreshing and the locals are friendly to everyone.
Exploring Takengon City
Once arriving at Takengon City, tourists can start exploring the region. In this case, it is better to hire a local guide as he can help regarding routes, accommodations, and other information. He even provides some facts related to the city! For instance, it is the history of Takengon. The name means “Tikungan” or winding. The locals named it that way because everyone should pass through winding roads in the hill when heading to the city. This is why a trip to Takengon is both challenging and fun, featuring lush trees, cliffs, and other breathtaking views of nature.
The Nuance
The most important thing people should know about Takengon City is related to its geological position, which is considered high. No wonder, lots of tourists call it a city of the clouds! It resides about 1,200 meters above the sea level and makes it a region with cold temperature. Not only visitors can enjoy stunning views from there, they can also visit some local attractions including the fresh water lake, Putri Pukes Cave, and Pantan Terong. On top of that, the air feels so refreshing and the locals are friendly to everyone.
Exploring Takengon City
Once arriving at Takengon City, tourists can start exploring the region. In this case, it is better to hire a local guide as he can help regarding routes, accommodations, and other information. He even provides some facts related to the city! For instance, it is the history of Takengon. The name means “Tikungan” or winding. The locals named it that way because everyone should pass through winding roads in the hill when heading to the city. This is why a trip to Takengon is both challenging and fun, featuring lush trees, cliffs, and other breathtaking views of nature.
Laut Tawar Lake, walk to the lakefront to see the fishing villages. Starting in the morning you can walk all the 25 kilometres to the other end. If you go on a Sundays, you will have company, as the whole region goes to the lake to party and to relax.
When it comes to tourists activities, many fun things can be done in Takengon City. It is as simple as riding a bicycle and get around the site in the morning. During the activity, tourists can feel a refreshing nature nuance and meet some locals. No wonder, most people who come to the city have a similar reason why they spend the weekend in Takengon, which is to eradicate stresses and get closer to nature. Have no worries. Some locals provide the bikes for rent!
The next fun activity to do is to visit local coffee and tobacco plantations. Well, Takengon is famous for their Arabica Coffee, after all. It is even possible to take a sip of the coffee in any local food vendors (Warung) during the vacation. Later, tourists can visit a nearby lake and encounter some exotic animals like forest cats, deer, pangolins, and many others. Do not forget to carry a camera and take pictures of them!
When it comes to tourists activities, many fun things can be done in Takengon City. It is as simple as riding a bicycle and get around the site in the morning. During the activity, tourists can feel a refreshing nature nuance and meet some locals. No wonder, most people who come to the city have a similar reason why they spend the weekend in Takengon, which is to eradicate stresses and get closer to nature. Have no worries. Some locals provide the bikes for rent!
The next fun activity to do is to visit local coffee and tobacco plantations. Well, Takengon is famous for their Arabica Coffee, after all. It is even possible to take a sip of the coffee in any local food vendors (Warung) during the vacation. Later, tourists can visit a nearby lake and encounter some exotic animals like forest cats, deer, pangolins, and many others. Do not forget to carry a camera and take pictures of them!