Kuala Baru is located on the fringes of Leuser National Park. Rawa Ulue Bubu (The Ulue Bubu Swamp) has an interesting wildlife. Orangutans, Tigers, Mouse deer, and birds like Hornbills and Shama. To see the area go by local canoe through the swamps and then walk in the forest. You need to use a local guide. The Singkil swamps can be reached both from Kuala Baru and Singkil.

An unusual attraction is beach trekking between Kuala Baru via the even more isolated village of Buluhseuma to Kedai Trumon in the north. In the late 1990ies about 50 backpackers did this trek over the years, but it stopped during the Aceh conflict. The walk is beautiful between the ocean and the forest. It is an adventurous walk and you should bring a guide. There are several rivers to cross. Approximately 35 kilometers north of Kuala Baru is Buluhseumah; a very nice place to stop over for a couple of nights. Contact the Village head (Kepala Desa). They will be over-delighted to see you. The people here are truly isolated. Their main income is from wild bee hobby collecting. For them it is important that the big trees stand. More information about this trek will come.

Most of the men in Kuala Baru are fishermen. Around 05.00 in the morning they get their boats and canoes ready in the river. They all leave for the sea through the river mouth to the south of Kuala Baru and return back in the afternoon with fresh fish. Purchasers are waiting for them at the boat landings on the river side. The wheeling and dealing goes on until sunset. Some fishermen also look for Ikan Lele (k.o. cat fish) in the swamps. Tarik Pukat is another and very interesting activity. A big community group pulls a huge net towards the beach in order to catch fish. This is fun to sea and take part in.

Kuala Baru is well-known for its handicraft. In almost every home in Kuala Baru the women do embroidery. They have learnt it from their mothers. The patterns are often inspired by fish, birds and trees. Most of the production is sold in the region, but some of it can be great and unique souvenirs.
Two home industries to mention are:
Uning Baya Souvenir Jl. Tanah Tinggi, Kuala Baru. 20 employees.
Adami Souvenir Jl. Tanah Tinggi, Kuala Baru. 12 employees.

Culture and traditions are strictly controlled by community representatives. They control traditions and rules for the sea, the river, the forest, and the fields. It is for example forbidden by traditional law to fish with bombs and poison. The culture is strongly influenced by the two major ethnic groups of Kuala Baru, Acehnese and Pesisir (a coastal mix). This can easily be seen in wedding decorations and the traditional dancing.