Above the clouds
A white sea below the peaks.
OJI 007 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Muklana mustaqim pulungan — CC BY-SA 4.0
A viewpoint on a high hilltop above the town of Takengon, at close to 1,800 metres, which the Gayo people call the land above the clouds. From here the view takes in the whole of Lake Laut Tawar, the town on its shore, the coffee gardens and the mountains around. It is at its most beautiful at sunrise, when cloud fills the valley below like a white sea with peaks rising from it, then slowly clears to reveal the lake. The summit has platforms and small cafés serving hot Gayo coffee, and it is very cold in the morning. It is usually free, with occasional small parking charges, and is reached by car on a winding road in about half an hour from town. Set off before dawn to catch the sunrise, and bring a warm jacket. Then go down to the lake to spend the rest of the day around it.
A white sea below the peaks.
Laut Tawar from above.
In the morning cold.
Hills north-west of Takengon, Central Aceh
Usually early in the morning after a clear, cold night, burning off as the sun rises. On overcast days you may not see the lake, so pick a clear day if you can.