Hidden Gem of Banda Aceh
Banda Aceh is located on the tip of North Sumatra province. It can be a perfect getaway as it offers a much slower pace of life. At the same time, it allows one to rejuvenate by indulging in massage and be swam with delicious Malay cuisine. Unfortunately, the area was hit by a Tsunami attack on 26 December 2004. The city is still recovering from the physical and physiological damage. As many as 150,000 people were killed in the province, making it one of the worst natural disaster to happen on record. Naturally, the town had since established attractions related to the Tsunami disaster.
Getting There
There is no direct flight from Singapore to Banda Aceh. As of date (Aug 2018), one may catch the twice daily AirAsia flight that departs from Kuala Lumpur at 0730H or 1455H to Banda Aceh. Another method with more flight options is to fly into Jakarta and catch Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink Indonesia. Some flights may include a short transit at Medan, the capital of Indonesia’s North Sumatra province. One can also catch a flight from Singapore into Medan and take the non-stop night buses, with travel times ranging from 9-13 hours.
Transportation Within Banda Aceh
The main methods of getting around would include using the motorbike taxis or what is more commonly known by the local as becak. I use the Becak as a form of transport to get to my hotel and only realized that I had pay almost double of what a local paid. However, it is still considered relatively cheap as my Becak ride cost me SGD$4 for a 20 mins ride. Unless you can bargain well using the local language and know the market rate, it will be good if you use GRAB service which is also commonly available. If you travel alone, you may try Grab Motorbike which is around half the cost of a GrabCar. For instance, I took a 20 minutes GrabCar ride for SGD3, but it will cost SGD$1.50 for a motorbike service.
Things to do in Banda Aceh
#1: Aceh Tsunami Museum
With the disaster, it brings together a museum that exhibits the story on that faithful day, the collection of stories, pictures of the aftermath and educational lessons on Tsunami. The Aceh Tsunami Museum closes at 4pm.Recommend to go as I spend roughly 1 hour, covering 3 levels.
Location: Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda no.1 | Blang Padang, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
#2: Fisherman boat on an inhabitant house
Also link to the Tsunami, the boat was swipe into the offshore and 59 people were reportedly saved by boarding this small boat during the disaster. Being there in person does incredibly enables one to visualize how great the effect of mother nature. This boat is located slightly away from the main town but the dramatic scene of it makes it worthwhile to visit.
#3: Floating Electric Generator Ship
More popularly known by the local as PLTD Apung 1, this is another dark tourism attraction. This ship got stranded right in the middle of a residential area of the city and it now turns into an observation tower, a striking memorial monument with small shops outside the attraction selling drinks, souvenirs to visitors. Located beside the ship lies Tsunami Monument & Garden. Admission to this site is free by the way, but you are strongly encourage to do a donation to help the community.
Address: Punge Blang Cut, Jaya Baru, Banda Aceh City, Aceh 23116, Indonesia
#4: Baiturrahman Grand Mosque
Located right in the center of Banda Aceh city, this mosque is a magnificent religious monument from all angle. Do remember to wear long pants/ jeans and ladies to observe the conservative dress code. There is no entrance fee required as well. Head there and admire the architecture followed by wandering just outside the area that sells local dessert, like Ice kacang literally meaning “bean ice” to cool yourself.
Address: Masjid Raya, Kp. Baru, Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
#5:Pulau Wek Island
The best hidden gem of Banda Aceh is Pulau Wek, often known as Sabang name after the largest city
Pulau Wek is a paradise with not many human traffic flow. Most of the time, you can have the whole beach to yourself with the crystal clear water always so inviting for you to take a dip with the fishes. Staying in the small hut located in the Iboih Beach is an enjoyment while waking up to beautiful sunrise straight from your bed.
Surprisingly, the area is popular with many French visitors. The Kilometer Zero Monument Indonesia is one of the main tourist attraction on this island. It marks the start of Indonesia archipelago, beginning point of a country with the most number of islands in the world.
Tip: Climb down the stairs at the side which would lead to the Andaman Sea. It is a great place to hang out for sunset.
Categories: Asia Region
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