Day trek out of Takengon or Bireuen
Max elevation: 2624m
This is a demanding trek up an isolated volcano in the Gayo Highlands.
Bur ni Telong from the south
Bur ni Telong is a large volcano north of Takengon, 4km south of the larger Gunung Geuredong massif. The volcano is active and there are massive landslides on its southern face. A large part of the peak collapsed in the December 2004 earthquake. The trek starts in a coffee plantation near the village of Lampahan,
one hour north of Takengon on the road to Bireuen,
approximately 6 hours away from Banda Aceh.
Sliding in the forest
The path climbs steeply into the forest. At 2100m elevation you emerge out of the trees into an open area of scrubland.
Summit pinnacles
Your guides may stop at the first 'puncak' but it is not the true summit, continue up to the left to reach the peak
On the summit
Practicalities
Turn off Bireuen - Takengon road: 4°44'27.50"N 96°46'55.30"E
Start of trek: 4°46'4.30"N 96°48'5.65"E
Summit: 4°46'09.90"N 96°49'16.40"E
Start elevation: 1570m a.s.l
Summit elevation: 2624m a.s.l
Duration: 2.5 hours each way
Summit Temperature: 15 C
Water: None
Trash: Some trash on the trail and more at the peak
There are volcanic hot springs in a village on the Bireuen road, most welcome after the stiff hike.
Guides and assistance
Contact: Hasbi on +62 (0)852 6218 8562
Guides are essential for route-finding in the forest. Insist that they actually accompany you up the mountain and do not abandon you in the coffee plantation.