Aceh (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam)

1. Alas River: Whitewater Challenge

Alas River flows directly into the Indian Ocean; it has exceptional rapids that attract whitewater rafting enthusiasts for all over the world. Situated at 165 km southeast from Takengon, Alas River 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. Rafting and kayaking is possible on the Alas river from the village of Angasan down to the city of Gelombang, close to the Indian ocean. In the upper areas of the Alas several rapids are demanding a good performance. The boat is passing pristine rainforest and many wildlife can be seen, especially monkeys and a big variety of beautiful rich coloured birds. From Kutacane to Gelombang the water is rather quite and we call this part of the trip jungle-Safari. Nevertheless also great scenery is shown. On rafting-trips longer than one day we sleep in tents on the shore of Alas river, having BBQ and playing guitar in the evenings.

2. Baiturrahman Mosque

Baiturrahman Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The ornamentation is the main feature of Banda Aceh. It has five onion-shaped domes, two towering minarets, expansive white walls and pillars with beautiful design. Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman is a large mosque located in the center of the city of Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia. It is of great symbolic significance to the Acehnese people as a symbol of Acehnese religion and culture, especially since it survived the devastating 2004 tsunami intact. This magnificent mosque was designed by an Italian architect and built by the Dutch colonial administration as a token of reconciliation following their destruction of an older mosque during t he Aceh wars. Construction of the mosque commenced in 1879 and was completed in 1881. The mosque survived the massive 2004 tsunami which destroyed much of the rest of the city of Banda Aceh. The great mosque was built in 1612 during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda, or, some say, even earlier in 1292 by Sultan Alaidin Mahmudsyah. The original mosque was razed to the ground in 1873 during the Dutch invasion. In March 1877, the East Indies Governor General offered to rebuild the grand mosque but construction only began more than two years later with the laying of the first stone by Tengku Qadhi Malikul Adil who became the first Imam. The mosque was finally completed in 1883. Many Acehnese initially refused to pray at Baiturrahman, because it was built by Dutch infidels with ambitions to conquer Aceh, but today it is the pride of Banda Aceh. The mosque was designed by an Italian architect in a North Indian Moghul style, characterized by grand domes and minarets. The Baiturrahman is probably the prototype for many mosques in Indonesia and Malaysia - first introduced by the Dutch and British colonialists, Moghul Revival architecture is now embraced by the Muslim faithful, and has widely displaced the tiered-roof mosque vernacular. The Baiturrahman Mosque initially featured only one dome and one minaret, but more domes and minarets were added in subsequent renovations in 1935, 1958 and 1982. Now it has seven domes and eight minarets, including one that is claimed to be the highest minaret in Banda Aceh. Today, the mosque has 32 pillars and covers and area of more than 1, 500 square metres. When Banda Aceh was hit by tsunami on Dec. 26, many Banda Aceh took refuge in the mosque. The mosque also served as a temporary shelter for displaced persons and only reopened for prayers after two weeks. This mosque was saved from quake and tsunami but suffered some minor damage, while the 35-meter minaret by the main gate is now slightly tilted and cracked.

3. Mount Leuser National ParkMount Leuser National Park is one of the biggest and the most diversed national parks in Indonesia (950,000 hectare), covering 7,927 km² area in northern Sumatera, Indonesia. The national park, named after its highest peak, Mount Leuser (3,381 m), protects a wide range of ecosystems. Basically it's a collection of various nature reserves and forests: Nature Reserve Mount Leuser, Nature Reserve Kappi, Nature Reserve Kluet, Sikundur Langkat Wildlife Reserve, Ketambe Research Station, Singkil Barat and Dolok Sembilin. Most parts of the national park lie in the region Aceh Tenggara (SE Aceh). Other parts are situated in the region east Aceh, south Aceh, and Langkat (a part of North Sumatra). Most visitors usually enter the national park through Bukit Lawang. Generally this park may represent each of this character of beach and swamp forest, lowland rainfores , montane or moss fores up to subalpine forest. The Mount Leuser National Park comprises more than 100 kilometers of the Bukit Barisan Mountains. Because of that, the park consists of steep, almost inaccessible mountainous terrain.The altitude ranges from 0 meter, in Kluet (South Aceh), to 3,381 meter, on top of the Mount Leuser (Southeast Aceh). The Alas river cuts the park into an eastern and western half. Apart from mountains you will find several other ecosystems: beach forest, swamp areas, lowland rainforest, alpine and mountain forest. A jungle trek is a must when you go to this park. Seeing the orangutan in the wild is one of the best experiences you will have in your life. At least 130 species of mammals are recognised in this park like the Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatraensis), Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus), Sumatran rhinocheros (Dicherorinus sumatraensis , Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), Siamang (Hylobates syndactilus), macaques, clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa), ajak (Cuon alpinus) and various sub species of deers and sambars. Bird watchers might find this place to their liking for at least 325 species of birds live inside the park. Reptils and fish may also represent the still diversed ecosystem. In Bohorok-Bukit Lawang lies the Orangutan Rehabilitation Station and in Ketambe stands the Ketambe research station. The research station is not open to tourists. An Orang Utan sanctuary of Bukit Lawang is located inside the park.. Estimated there are up to 5000 orangutans inside the parks, together with Bukit Barisan Selatan and Kerinci Seblat national parks, they form a World’s Heritage Site. It is the only place on earth where four of world's spectacular animals namely the orangutans, rhinocheros,elephants and tigers are found together. It is not permitted to go unaccompanied into the jungle. There are plently of good and reliable guides around so take your time to get to know some of them, have a chat, make your choice and prepare for a great adventure. All guides have to be licensed so ask to see their permit if in doubt of someone's expertise. A fixed price for jungle treks is €25 per day. Usually food and camping gear is arranged for by your guide. Always ask though to make sure. Even though sightings of the orangutan and other wildlife can never be guaranteed, when following the instructions of your guide the chances are favourable. Another hero is the Thomas Leaf Monkey. Such a wonderful creature that leaps into air with wild abandon as they move from tree to tree. Their mohawk hair styles and faces filled with millions of years of character really make these little guys stand out. If you want to go on a multiple day trek make sure you are fit and in good condition. The humidity coupled with the intensity of grade of the hills makes for some hard work. The reward at the end of your jungle adventure is a late afternoon paddle in the river back to the village. Everyone who is planning to go on a jungle trek or even to the feeding platform is asked to refrain from any physical contact with the orangutans. Getting too close to an orangutan increases the risk of passing on disease and viral infection, which jeopardises the orangutans chances of survival and in turn the health and survival of the wild orangutan population in the entire area. All guests should keep at least 10 metres away and move away if an orangutan approaches. The motto of any jungle adventure should be take only pictures, leave only footprints. Another popular past time activity is tubing. When tubing one uses an innertube to float down the river. Tubes can be rented at various stalls along the village and expect pay around 10.000Rp per tube. Be carefull on the water because currents are strong. You can also visit the bat cave, make a stroll around the rice fields and rubber plantations, visit some of the social projects (like the free English School, Children's Home and free clinic), visit the Friday market or just hang out with some of the locals and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. For a different kind of experience altogether, you may consider hiking to the peak of Mount Leuseur (3,404 meters), which takes about 10-14 days. The small village of Angasan is a suitable starting point. The first five days will be spent trekking through virgin rain forest where rare primates can often be seen. Need to be physically fit and accompanied by a guide. Whatever you do, remember to enjoy your stay to the fullest!

4. Weh Island

Weh Island is often referred to by the name of its capital, Sabang. It is the westernmost island of the Indonesian archipelago. Situated at the mouth of the Malacca strait is a sea passage for many yachts and cruise ships only 18 miles away, one hour by ferry, from Ulee-Lheue harbor in Banda Aceh. Diving in Weh Island is a well-established recreational activity. Dive masters and dive instructors are ready to offer a variety of dives to sites like the fabled Sea Garden in Rubiah Island. You'll find many delightful sea creatures, most notably manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins and sea turtles. Diving is of course, the most favorite activity. Many dive masters and instructors will gladly escort you to explore the underwater life in Weh island. Why not explore the city as well? You might want to take a picture at a sign bearing "Indonesia Nol (Zero) Kilometer". Water Front Resort is also interesting if you want to see the diversified marine life. For shoppers enthusiast, try visiting traditional markets to get fresh tropical fruit and snacks. Many other fascinating sites of interest include a waterfall, volcano and hot springs; plus the Zero Kilometre Monument, the Japanese bunkers from WWII, the historical graveyard, Durian Keramat and Sabang town.

(references: www.indonesia.travel and www.my-indonesia.info)