Aceh has a fascinating history which over the centuries has shaped and transformed the region into what it is today. In 1292, Marco Polo, on his epic voyage from China visited Sumatra on his way to Persia and reported that in the northern part of the island there were as many as six busy trading ports including Perlak, Samudera and lambri. The first Islamic kingdom of Perlak was established in the year 804 about 100 years after Islam is first believed to have reached the archipelago. In 1511, the Portuguese seized the important strategic port of Malacca, pushing many Asian and Arabic traders to call instead on the developing port of Aceh, bringing with them wealth and prosperity. Aceh's dominance in trade and politics in northern parts of Sumatra and in the entire region had begun and would last until it reached its zenith between 1610 and 1640.

Aceh's decline began with the death of Sultan Iskandar Thani in 1641, and as a result the British and Dutch both began vying for domination of the area. Eventually the signing of the London Treaty in 1824 saw the Dutch gain control of all British possessions in Sumatra in return for their surrender of enterprises in India and withdrawal of all claims on Singapore.

The Dutch found gaining control of Aceh to be more difficult than they had anticipated. It was a long drawn out struggle for the Dutch in their attempts to subdue the rebellious and courageous Acehnese. The Aceh War, which lasted intermittently from 1873 to 1942, was the longest ever fought by the Dutch costing them over 10,000 lives.

Things are different now as industrialization and global communications have made contact with the outside world a daily occurrence and with it have come a more open attitude towards things alien. Visitors should keep in mind, though, that the Acehnese take their religion, their manners and their morals very seriously.

AROUND BANDA ACEH
Banda Aceh is the capital of Aceh and also the main gateway to the province. The Governor's Residence was built by the Dutch in 1880 on the spot where the palace of the sultan once stood. This building is known as one of the historical sites with a unique architecture and completed with traditional house equipments. This place is of course a restricted area and entering it must be with a kind of Permission from the security guard.


BAITURRAHMAN GRAND MOSQUE
It is one of the most outstanding landmarks in the capital city. The old mosque that stood there before it was burnt down at the beginning of the Aceh War, was rebuilt in 1875, taking its present shape after a number of renovations and expansions.

MUSEUM NEGERI
It is another charm of the city. The museum is filled with antiques. Among the exhibits is a big clock, a gift from the Emperor of China and brought to Aceh by the famed Admiral Cheng Ho in 1414.

GUNUNGAN and PINTO KHOP
Gunongan and Pinto Khop which are located at a few steps from the Pendopo are also charms of the city. Gunongan was erected around the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda.

KERKHOP or CHURRHYARD
It is a much visited site especially by Dutch visitor where the remains of more then 2,000 Dutch soldiers lay burried.

THE SYIAH KUALA GROVE
It is another popular visitor's object. Teungku Syiah Kuala was one of Aceh's great Moslem Ulamas of the past. His grave stands near the mouth of Krueng Aceh River about 2 kilometers from the city, visited by local visitors and other parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.

INDRA PATRA FORTRESS
This old fort was built during the time of Iskandar Muda. It probably functioned as a defense against invader's attacks.

MUSEUM CHUT NYAK DIEN
It is a historical object. The house is a replica of the heroine Cut Nyak Dhien, from the Aceh War. The house was burnt down by the Dutch but a replica was built later, after Indonesia's independence. This house in Lam Pineung about 6 kilometers from Banda Aceh, is now museum.

BEACHES
The most popular beaches are Gapang beach and Iboh beach in Weh Island - Sabang, Kuala Dou beach in west Aceh and the others most popular beaches uncrowded Banda Aceh are Ujong Batee beach, Lampu'uk beach and Lho'nga beach. Its located 16 kilometers from Banda Aceh. All the beaches have clean waters and white sands. Sunsets are quite impressive at the all beaches.

SEA GARDENS
Sea Gardens are located off shore from Banda Aceh at about 45 minutes by speed boat. Some can be enjoyed around Rubiah Island in Sabang and the others are around Beras islands, Aceh Island and other small islands around them. Sea gigantic clams, angel fish, lion fish, sea fans and much more.


AROUND TAKENGON and THE LAKE

Takengon is a town located at the central area of Aceh. It is being promoted as a tourist resort since its temperature is about 20_C (68_F), cool enough for a holiday resort. The main feature of the town is Laut Tawar Lake. The scenery is loved and the lake can be used for water sport, such as ski. We can tour around the lake by motor boat or other water transportation. There are caves around the lake slopes of the mountain and the mountain itself is suitable for climbing. A number of hotels are being built to encourage a rapidly increasing tourist trade.
The others object around Takengon are a warm water pool at Simpang Balik, Loyang Koro and Loyang Pukes caves by the side of Laut Tawar Lake.

AROUND LHOKSEUMAWE and
THE FORMER KINGDOM of SAMUDRA PASAI
Lhokseumawe is a town located 274 km from Banda Aceh which is now being developed as an industrial zone of Aceh. Many gigantic plants are constructed following the discovery of huge LNG resources in the area. A touristic feature of the town is The Samudra Pasai. It was the first great Islamic kingdom of Indonesia.
All that remains of it, however, is a graveyard 18 km east of the town. The historical indication of this can be seen at the grave of Malikul Saleh, the first ruler of the kingdom and from the royal graves, including that a queen named Nahrisyah and graves of other members of the royal families of Samudra Pasai. The kingdom produced its own gold coins which still can be round in the surrounding areas. Other objects for visitors are Blang Kolam Falls and Ujung Blang beach.

THE NATIONAL PARK
The National Park of Gunung Leuser is probably the wildest in Indonesia, located in Southeast Aceh that can be reached either Kutacane, or Takengon. This magnificent national park has a wealth of flora and fauna. The park also has research facilities for the study of primates, birds, insects, and other animals. Basic accommodation facilities are available at Ketambe. The rapids-infested Krueng Alas River inside the park is popular with rafters.