Mount Burni Telong Is a Paradise of Climbers | Aceh
EIGHT 30 years ago, precisely 7 December 1924, this mountain exploded and burned all the surrounding villages. Lava and hot lava spread everywhere. Hundreds of hectares of villagers' gardens were destroyed by the burning heat from Burni Telong mountain. And, 82 years later, the lava has been petrified and spread in the Jamur, Pante Raja, Simpang Balik and Lampahan villages, all in Bener Meriah District.
The trauma was still imprinted on the minds of the residents of Bener Meriah. When the earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter Scale which caused the tsunami on December 26, 2004, residents around again panicked absurdly. They saw the rocks at the top of the mountain collapsing instantly causing a roar, the devastating earthquake disturbed the calm of Burni Telong. Concerned about waking up lava and lava, residents fled. The panic said that the volcano Burni Telong would explode, ultimately not proven.
Burni Telong, which in Indonesian is defined as a burning mountain, is at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level. This mountain is only five kilometers from Redeolong, the capital of Bener Meriah Regency and Rembele Airport (RBL). To reach the mountain which is often called Burni Cempege (a mountain full of sulfur - red), there are several pathways. One of them, through the Edelwais Line. It was named Edelwais because along the path was overgrown with Edelwais flowers which the Gayo people believed to be eternal flowers. This path begins with an asphalt road starting from the intersection of the main road of Takengon-Bireun to the slopes of Burni Telong precisely in Bandar Lampahan village, Timang Gajah Subdistrict, which is 3 km away.
The habit of children of mountaineers or moutaners and also for laymen, they if they want to climb first coordinate with the local people, especially local young people. For those who are accustomed to or who are familiar with the paths and terrain in Burni Telong, it is not a problem but for immigrants and tourists who have not or do not know more about Burni Telong, they usually invite youth or the community from around this area as a guide.
Field conditions to reach peak heights are rather steep. But, the path from Bandar Lampahan to the slopes of the mountain is a favorite choice of nature lovers or mountain climbers. After passing through steep terrain, we find a cave, which climbers often use as a place to stay if you want to spend the night for a few days.
At the level of Burni Telong, a stretch of pine trees spoil your eyes. This is the only volcano in the highlands of Gayo, Aceh Tengah and Bener Meriah. The caves that are mentioned can be used for picnics, while enjoying the gusts of cool wind.
Climber heaven
If you don't want to get to the top, at the foot of the mountain, in a fairly well-known place there are two hot spring pools, in Simpang Balik Village. The hot water comes from Borni Telong Mountain. The most fun to take a bath in the afternoon and evening because the water is rather hot. Visitors will feel a surprising touch, but then it feels delicious mixed with cold.
Arifin, a special guide from the Tourism Office said, this mountain is suitable for climbers. However, first there must be built several shelters to facilitate climbing. "At present the Tourism Office is focusing on the entrance gate of Lake Laut Tawar. For Burni Telong, it is still in submission to the regional government, "Arifin told Aceh Magazine, the beginning of this Apri.
The Tourism Office itself, he said, continued to strive to manage this Sulfur Mountain tourist attraction. Yes, they want to make this mountain a paradise for climbers.