TRAVELENSES

Experience Aceh’s prime surf competition on Beach of Lampuuk. Surfers exclaim with freestyle moves. There is no limit to the expression on the waves. They are judged based on skill sets, creative individuality & style while surfing on Kuala Cut Lampuuk. Aceh Surfing Festival 2016 is all set to ignite the swell and sands with surfing, community gathering, flashmob, windsurfing, traditional food of Aceh, music, and art from 10th to 11th December, bringing together not only surfers from across the country and abroad but also artists, Acehnese musicians. This year ASF will leave no stones unturned to offer a variety of learning sessions and workshops to all its camping, residents and visitors. More than being a surf community celebration, ISF is a melting pot of ideas and creativity utilizing Art, Music and Ocean Adventure attempting to promote and encourage the use of self-sustainable and eco-friendly ways of living with the mother nature-culture.  It’s a con...

[INFOGRAPHIC] 3 Steps To Vote Indonesian In World Halal Tourism Award - Nominations are now open for the World Halal Tourism Awards. You know what that means how to vote Indonesia… [INFOGRAPHIC] 3 Steps To Vote Indonesian In World Halal Tourism Award Categories were open on the 11th of September. 2016 marks the 2nd edition of the awards after the inaugural awards ceremony last year. The categories are dispersed across sixteen different areas such as World’s Best Halal Cultural Destination & World’s Best Hajj & Umrah Hotel. This awards ceremony is important in helping recognize and raise awareness of best practice in the Halal travel sector and excellent services delivered by tour operators, companies, businesses, and organizations.  As Muslim spending power increases, younger people, in particular, are looking for Halal options within the travel and tourism sector. Halal tourism is also becoming more favorable for non-Muslim travelers also who are looking ...

Liang Beach, Most Beautiful Place in Ambon -  Liang Beach in central Maluku has been crowned as the most beautiful place in Ambon, Indonesia by the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) in 1990. This was due to their captivating underwater scenery. Liang Beach, Most Beautiful Place in Ambon Liang is the popular name for the beautiful beach which is located in Liang village. It also has another name, Hunimua Beach. The white carpet of sands stretches along one-kilometer long and 300-meter wide beach. There are certain months when the beach is calm and only a little wind breezing, which is between September to November and April to May. During other times, the beach is turbid because of the high waves. Hunimua is 40 kilometers away from the Pattimura International Airport and there are many options to reach the spot. Besides taxis, Trans Amboina  buses are available at Rp10,000  and motorbike ride Rp. 40,000 for each passenger. But if you go out wit...

Throughout the years, this far-flung corner of the Indonesian archipelago has snatched features for all the wrong reasons. Seismic tremors, waves, common war and sharia law are the fundamental affiliations individuals have with Sumatra's northernmost state.  [INFOGRAPHIC] 3 Ways Dealing With Aceh Halal Destination With the recreation from the 2004 Boxing Day tidal wave since quite a while ago finished, post-tidal wave Aceh is gradually recuperating the social injuries caused by the common debacle and the past common war.  Still, while the weapons have been set down and a level of self-governance has been conceded to the area, there are periodic blips making progress toward peace, for example, the April 2015 murder of two Indonesian officers, the administration risk to send the armed force in fresh, and the overall confidence in whatever is left of Sumatra that the general population of Aceh is quick to spread their preservationist Islamic routes over the entire n...

Kawa daun Coffee generally derived from the coffee beans and processed into coffee powder. Actually, this coffee comes from the leaves of coffee. How come?  Kawa Daun, The Joy of Coffee Leaves Blend With Tea Taste  This coffee named Kawa Daun Kawa, derived from the Arabic qahwah, which means coffee. Kawa daun made from steeped coffee  leaves . Kawa daun boiled until lightly browned then added by milk or sugar.  This minang drinks sold at a relatively affordable price that is between Rp5.000,- up to Rp10.000,-. Uniquely, this coffee is served in a coconut shell. The drink presented in a unique way that uses coconut shells as a substitute for glass. If a visit to Payakumbuh or Tanah Datar, you can feel the sensation to enjoy this coffee.  Kawa daun with fried banana Coffee flavor is very similar, such as tea, coffee with a distinctive aroma. Kawa daun feels good when bika cake, lemang and fried banana beside you.  “The taste ...

Aluminium Big Bird A 6.30am reminder for a 7am pickup to Kualanamu air terminal for a 9am flight. With next to no movement on the streets at this dull hour, I was at the air terminal at 7.45 am for an aggregate taxi toll of Rp40.000,- . With just my lightweight stuff, I checked in for the 9am Garuda Indonesia flight to Jakarta and headed through security. There were numerous shops were open, so after a few laps of the flight's lounge I held up until loading up started.  A snappy stroll down a few stairs and I headed over the landing area to my holding up Boeing 737-800. As the sun ascending high, a few travelers were taking photographs of themselves before the glimmering white flying machine.  Up the forward stairs and onto the plane I was warmly welcomed by a lodge team part once locally available this generally airship.  A photo posted by Garuda Indonesia (@garuda.indonesia) on Jul 13, 2016 at 7:57pm PDT Delicate green seeds and cocoa ...

Rapa’i-Aceh’s traditional music percussion An old music instrument of the Aceh known as "Rapa’i" has a long history as a province branding inhabited by the majority of Acehnese society. Rapa’i is a traditional Acehnese percussion music instrument and mostly used for dance performances, religious ceremonies such as marriage, circumcision, anniversaries and traditional event. The First An International Rapa’i Festival In Aceh The event was opened by 150 appearances Rapai drummers from various communities in Aceh. They show a wide expertise beating Rapai, from large to small sizes. The main show was held in Taman Ratu Safiatuddin. It was also held at Taman Budaya and Taman Tsunami. Aceh International Rapa’i Festival Takes place from 26 to August 30 under The Light Of Aceh, The Aceh International Rapa’i Festival was held for the first time in Banda Aceh – the capital city of Aceh Province aims to enliven Aceh as world halal tourism destination.  Musical ...

Group of young tourist down of boat for tour Rangit Kecil island, Aceh Singkil Island hopping is probably at the top of every Banyak visitor’s to-do list. This coastal district boasts more than 63 islands and beautiful island formations out at sea, which makes for a thrilling boat ride. You’ll take in breathtaking colors and scenery before even reaching the white sand beaches and turquoise water! Banyak Island Hopping Trip and How To Make The Best of Them The Acehnese traditional boat is used to visit islands close to shore. But you know all that already, right? What you want to know is, what’s the best way to visit the Banyak islands ? Which Banyak islands are the best / which ones should I visit if I have only 1 or 2 days? How do I avoid the crowds? The Itineraries There are two groups of islands accessible from the mainland coast in Banyak, Balai Island that i visited: West: Tailana, Sikadang, Asok, Lambudung and South: Rangit Kecil, Palambak, Malelo, Panja...

Traditional boat and traditional cruise anchoring on Ragit Kecil Island, Aceh Singkil If you’ve ever dreamt of having a tropical island entirely to yourself, complete with palm trees, powdery white beaches, and crystal-clear waters. the Banyak (Many) Islands are situated about 30km west of Singkil. Banyak Island Hopping Boat Rental One of the most popular tours on offer is the Island Hopping around Banyak. As the name blatantly suggests, you’ll be heading on a full day tour to see -you guessed it- 5 islands that are only a short boat ride away from shore. I’m usually a huge fan of island tours since they’re a great way to explore a range of nearby islands. READ TOO:   Banyak Island Hopping Trip and How To Make The Best of Them Which vessel you choose to visit the Banyak islands is a crucial decision. Aside from your own personal preference sitting on a wooden bench in a traditional boat, banging up and down in a speed boat, or relaxing on the deck of a fishing or div...

Birder getting up close to seagulls  A bird watcher paradise. Thousands and thousands of Sea-Eagle flying over your head. Seagulls cliffs painted white by the sheer number of birds breeding there. The constant and powerful roar of thousands of Trinil Bedaran calling at the same time. The power of an Egret as it drives and penetrates the water like a torpedo in the hunt for fish. These are all but a few of the things you can experience when watching the birds of the Banyak Island. Birding Aceh: Banyak Island with Exotic Seabird Banyak Island shore is one of the richest bird-watching regions in Aceh. On the shores and islands of the Banyak Seas live a real kingdom birds. This magnificent site, in combination with harsh nature, will leave you in awe of nature regardless if you are a birder or not. White-bellied Sea-Eagle in flight The Singkil’s island was home to the most densely populated bird I’ve eve seen. Even non-birders like me were in awe of the sheer nu...