Hi Hive Lovers
Weekends are synonymous with a calm atmosphere. This allows you to take a complete break from all your routine obligations to do or complete your work. The tranquility of the weekend will become even more peaceful if you get out of your house and enjoy the serene natural scenery outside.
Choice of place
One of the favorite places for local and foreign tourists that is a weekend destination with a calm atmosphere in my area is Lake Lut Tawar, which is located in the #GayoHighlands, #CentralAcehRegency, #Aceh. This lake is the third largest lake in Indonesia after #LakeToba in North Sumatra and #LakeTowoti in South Sulawesi.
#LutTawarLake is a tectovolcanic lake with a circumference of 5472 hectares and is located at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level. This altitude makes the temperature there very cool, even though it is currently the peak of the dry season. But during the rainy season, you are forced to look for warm water to bathe, even though you do it during the day.
Travel path
If you are coming from the east in Medan City, the capital of North Sumatra province, then you will travel around 10 hours by land, or the travel time will be the same if you depart from the west in Banda Aceh City, which is the capital of Aceh province.
You will never get bored during your long journey. The condition of the Sumatran national road is in very good condition, and smooth asphalt has been built for the comfort of your journey. You will witness the unique beauty of the green scenery shown by the #BukitBarisan mountains of Sumatra and the Gayo Coffee plantations during the journey to Takengon City.
Accommodation and activity options
The local government has built a paved road approximately 50 km long that surrounds the beautiful lake, and it will take approximately 1.5–2 hours to travel by motorized vehicle. You will see a very calming view of the lake and clear blue skies. You can stop at several potential points to see the beautiful views and take selfies there.
You can also go around every corner of the lake with rented boats managed by community groups there. You only need to spend 2 US dollars to do this, and you will get friendly service from the boat driver, who also acts as a guide for lake visitors.
You also don't need to hesitate or worry about accommodation while you are around the lake. Many star hotels and cheap accommodations are available there. If you want the sensation of staying in the open air, then you can rent a small tent with a capacity of two people for only 10 US dollars.
In some shallow parts of the lake, you can swim in the cool lake water or feel the sensation of rafting. You can also watch various local community activities while socializing with them. Many of them have mastered foreign languages because foreign tourists often visit there.
The best spot
The best spot for me is a small pier at Pante Menye, which is located to the west of the lake. This iconic pier has also become a floating café to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, and it is the best photo spot. But if you visit it in the afternoon, you will find a busy atmosphere full of visitors.
Small gifts
If you visit there, don't forget to visit the coffee plantations and enjoy the best coffee spots scattered in various corners of the city. You can also bring various souvenirs typical of the Gayo Highlands, especially #GayoCoffee, which is famous throughout the world.
Apart from the best coffee, you can also bring home fruit typical of the Highlands, such as the best-grade avocado, passion fruit, Dutch eggplant, various other types of fruit, and various types of fresh vegetables.
The lake, which is the pride of the Acehnese people, is the largest water source for dozens of rivers that irrigate the east coast of Aceh province and is a source of life for the local community. Many traditional fishermen fish for various types of freshwater fish, and you will also find cages of local fishermen in several parts of the lake.
What is most interesting to me is the hard work of the local community in maintaining their lake ecosystem. Any violation that pollutes or damages the lake ecosystem will be subject to heavy fines by indigenous communities in collaboration with the local government. This regulation has ensured that ecosystem continuity is maintained and preserved as the most valuable natural asset for human life.
So, get out of your house and enjoy the travel, places, and various calming atmospheres out there.