Takengon is a non-eventful town smack in the center of Aceh Province, north Sumatra. Its claim to fame, besides its coffee production, is that it is the main center on the affable Gayo Highlands plateau.
Apart from its nice surroundings, one of the appealing things about Takengon is that its setting at altitude keeps the temperature and humidity lower than coastal Aceh towns. Its other main appeal is the lake that it sits on, the 26km long Lake Lut Tawar.
Takengon sits at the shore of one of the lake and is surrounded by high mountains that visitors can hike to get a better perspective of the region. You can also do some rock climbing at some of the cliffs on the lake, plus the waters are stocked with trout and fishing is permitted.
Nearby are the hot spring pools of Simpang Balik, while cavers may like to check out the Loyang Koro and Loyang Pukes caves next to Lake Laut Tawar.
Getting There & Away
The trans-Sumatran highway leads for part of the way on the 200km-plus long journey from Banda Aceh, the main gateway to Takengon. Minivans run directly from Banda Aceh to Takengon but take an excruciating 6 hours over tough roads for the most part. Flight time from Jakarta to Banda Aceh is 2 hours, 40 minutes.
Things to Do
Takengon Attractions
- Lake Lut Tawar
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Takengon’s main attraction measures 26kms long by about five kilometers wide and is surrounded by cliffs and mountains that are good for hiking, rock climbing and taking pictures.
Side trips from Takengon
- Blankejeran
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Situated 100kms south of takengon, this other town in the gayo highlands has access to the stunning leuser national park.