Banyak Island, Archipelago group in Aceh Province, Indonesia.
This archipelago is made up of about a hundred small islands scattered across the Indian Ocean off the coast of Aceh, with Tuangku being the largest. The group sits relatively close together in the water and includes both inhabited settlements and empty stretches of land.
These islands lay along ancient trade routes that connected seafaring peoples across the Indian Ocean for many centuries. This trade shaped how the communities developed and what they depend on for their livelihood.
The people here come from northern and central Sumatra and Nias, and they blend their traditional ways with Islamic faith in their everyday lives. You notice this mix in how they build their homes, the way they fish, and how they spend their time.
Getting there takes most of a day: first a long drive to Singkil Port, then several hours by boat to the islands. Plan for plenty of time and bring water and snacks, as the journey can be tiring and there are few stops along the way.
One of the islands, Bangkaru, hosts a sea turtle conservation program where strict visitor rules protect the nesting grounds. Seeing these creatures in their natural habitat is a rare experience that few travelers encounter.
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