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Aceh is a special region of Indonesia. The province is located at the northern end of Sumatra. Its capital is Banda Aceh. It is close to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India and separated from them by the Andaman Sea.

Aceh is thought to have been the place where the spread of Islam in Indonesia started, and was a key part of the spread of Islam in Southeast Asia. In the early seventeenth century the Sultanate of Aceh was the most wealthy, powerful and cultivated state in the Malacca Straits region. Aceh has a history of political independence and resistance to control by outsiders, including the former Dutch colonists and the Indonesian government.

East Aceh, Sabang Province

Aceh is a diverse region occupied by several ethnic and language groups. The major ethnic groups are the Acehnese (who are distributed throughout Aceh), Gayo (in central and eastern part), Alas (in Southeast Aceh Regency), Tamiang-Malays (in Aceh Tamiang Regency), Aneuk Jamee (descendant from Minangkabau, concentrated in southern and southwestern), Kluet (in South Aceh Regency), and Simeulue (on Simeulue Island). There is also a significant population of Chinese, who are influential in the business and financial communities. Among the present day Acehnese can be found some individuals of Arab, Turkish, and Indian descent. Before the tsunami, the region of Meureuhom Daya (Lamno) used to have an unusually high number of people with fair complexions, blue eyes and blond hair, which local traditions attributed to Turkish or Portuguese ancestry.

Here is the place I recommend to visit:

1. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is the Aceh Sultanate Mosque, The mosque was designed by a Dutch architect Bruins and built by the Dutch colonial administration as a reconciliation following the destruction of an older mosque during the Aceh Wars. Construction of the mosque commenced in 1879 and was completed in 1881. The original mosque was smaller and consisted of a single dome. Years later the mosque was renovated and expanded by constructing additional wings. The mosque survived the massive 2004 tsunami, because of it's high standard (European) contruction, which destroyed much of the rest of the city of Banda Aceh.

2. Sabang

Sabang is a town name on a island north of Banda Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra. Strictly speaking, the island's name is Weh Island (Pulau Weh) and Sabang is the main town on the north coast, but the names are often used interchangeably. Among locals the place is more often referred to as "Sabang" but among tourists it is well known as "Pulau Weh". The island is best known for its snorkeling and diving.

Paradiso Beach

Sabang has many tourist destinations especially nature tourism. In Sabang Area Master Plan 2007 - 2021 has been established tourist areas that will be prioritized in the development of Sabang Tourism Region in the period of 5 years to come is in the area of marine tourism and Gapang Iboih. Further developed the International Zone's Nest Cave Resort in Kampung Paya, Old Town Revitalization Sabang and development of nautical tourism in Nipah Beach (P. Rice). Gapang Iboih tourist area and a marine tourism destination serving the underwater scenery is very beautiful. This scene can be enjoyed by diving or by boat with a glass bottom that has been available there. Exploration of the beauty of the underwater world in Iboih and Gapang can proceed to P. Rubiah. In addition to the underwater scenery, tourism potential that can be managed from Iboih and Gapang is fishing (fishing game). Tourism potential is an opportunity to attract tourists the world with all international facilities.