There are many tourist destinations in Takengon, Central Aceh, Indonesia. However, it will feel lacking if you don't visit Lukup Badak, a location for white water rafting lovers.
My friends and family and I have been to Lukup Badak several times, but I have only gone white water rafting four times. Twice for the family category and twice for semi-extreme.
Well, there are only two categories in Lukup Badak, Central Aceh. I still remember the first time I tried rafting, it was a semi-extreme class and it was quite fun. If I'm with my family, I only do white water rafting in the family class.
For the family class, one person is only charged IDR 75,000, including the cost of a guide and photo documents and a short video. Many say the cost is expensive, but there are also those who say it is relatively affordable. Depends on the contents of each person's wallet.
Along the flow of the Peusangan River, visitors can enjoy beautiful views. Green mountains and forests, traditional windmills, and Gayo horses grazing.
In the family class, there are no strong currents, and it is relatively safer, including for children. Meanwhile, in the semi-extreme class, the current is quite strong and can be dangerous if you hit rocks or are hit by the current. A lecturer at Malikussaleh University once fell and broke his arm when he hit a rock.
But, once you try white water rafting at Lukup Badak, visitors will be addicted, at least that's what I felt. You can't just go rafting in Lukup Badak once.[]
Reje (village leader in Aceh Tengah), Usman Latip, my classmate at STM Negeri Bireuen, 1988-1991.
Banyak destinasi wisata di Takengon, Aceh Tengah, Indonesia. Namun, akan terasa kurang jika tidak mengunjungi Lukup Badak, sebuah lokasi untuk pecinta arung jeram.
Saya bersama kawan-kawan dan keluarga sudah pernah beberapa kali ke Lukup Badak, tetapi saya baru empat kali mengikuti arung jeram. Dua kali untuk kategori family dan dua kali untuk semi esktrem.
Yah, memang hanya ada dua kategori yang ada di Lukup Badak, Aceh Tengah. Aku masih ingat, pertama kali mencoba arung jeram, langsung kelas semi ekstrem dan cukup menyenangkan. Jika bersama keluarga, aku hanya melakukan arung jeram di kelas family.
Untuk kelas family, satu orang hanya dikenakan biaya Rp75.000 sudah termasuk biaya seorang pemandu dan dokumen foto serta video singkat. Banyak yang bilang biaya itu mahal, tetapi ada juga yang bilang relative terjangkau. Tergantung isi dompet setiap orang.
Sepanjang arus Sungai Peusangan, pengunjung dapat menikmati pemandangan indah. Gunung dan hutan yang hijau, kincir angin tradisional, serta kuda ras Gayo yang sedang merumput.
Di kelas keluarga, tidak ada arus yang deras, dan relatif lebih aman termasuk bagi anak-anak. Sedangkan di kelas semi ekstrem, arus lumayan deras dan bisa berbahaya ketika menabrak bebatuan atau dihantam arus. Seorang dosen Universitas Malikussaleh, pernah terjatuh dan patah tangan karena membentur batu.
Tapi, sekali mencoba arung jeram di Lukup Badak, pengunjung akan dibuat ketagihan, setidaknya itulah yang aku rasakan. Arung jeram di Lukup Badak memang tidak bisa hanya satu kali.[]
