Takengon

Takengon is the capital of Central Aceh, set on the shores of Lake Laut Tawar in the Gayo highlands. It is the center of Gayo coffee production, one of the finest Arabica coffee-growing regions in Indonesia. The climate is cool, the scenery is beautiful highland, and the Gayo people have a distinct culture.

Buses from Banda Aceh to Takengon take about 6-8 hours via a winding mountain road. From Medan, it's about 8-10 hours.

Lake Laut Tawar — a large scenic lake (about 17 km long, roughly 5,472 hectares) on whose western shore Takengon sits. The Gayo traditional village of Toweren, reachable by speedboat across the lake, with a traditional house known as Umah Pitu Ruang. The Kopi Gayo (Gayo Arabica) plantations. Burni Telong, an active volcano about 17 km from Takengon (2,600 m elevation) in Bener Meriah district, with a trekking route from Bandar Lampahan village that takes roughly 3–4 hours to the summit.

Visit coffee plantations and learn about Arabica coffee production. Trek Mount Burni Telong. Boating on Lake Laut Tawar. Explore the Gayo Highland villages.

Gayo cuisine. Local coffee is a must. Fresh fish from the lake.

Gayo Arabica coffee beans (excellent quality). Gayo woven cloth.

Banda Aceh (6-8 hours north). Medan (8-10 hours east). Kutacane and Ketambe (for Gunung Leuser trekking).