ACEH BESAR

Jantho

Jantho is the capital of Aceh Besar and is of little interest to most tourists. The town mainly consists of government buildings and residential areas. There are no guest houses or hotels.

There is however, a big waterfall about 12 km from Jantho which can be reach by public transport and a short walk or by motorcycle. Public transport leaves daily from Banda Aceh to Jantho. Normally one has to change in Seuliman at the junction to Medan, 12km from Jantho. Seuliman is 42km from Banda Aceh.

Pulau Aceh (Beras)

Pulau Aceh is a group of five islands off the tip of Sumatra. Despite its proximity to Banda Aceh Pulau Aceh is seldom visited by tourists.

If you would like to go there you can get a boat from Ulee Lheue. Check first to find out what time they leave and return.

The biggest islands are Breueh Utara (north) and Breueh Selatan (south) and they are split by a very narrow strait.

Gunung Seulawah

Gunung Seulawah is a mountain with two peaks; Seulawah Agam and Seulawah Inong, of which Agam is the highest at 1,806m and the most interesting. Inong and Agam mean woman and man respectively in Acehnese. The mountain is covered with forest full of monkeys and birds. It is said that elephants can also be found here at certain times of the year. It takes 6 hours to climb the mountain and 3 hours to come back down. There is a narrow path leading up to the summit and behind the peak there is an area suitable for camping.

Saree

Saree is about one and a half hours by bus from Banda Aceh (70km) on the road to Sigli and Medan. There is no accommodation in this village however there is a quite a large fruit and vegetable market lining the main road.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Lhoknga and Lam Puuk Beaches

Both of these beaches are located on the west coast of Aceh about 17 km from Banda Aceh and can be reached by car or other public transportation in less than 30 minutes. These white sand beaches are startlingly beautiful and can be used for swimming, sun bathing, fishing, sailing, diving, and other recreational activities. In the late afternoon breathtaking sunsets can be seen from the beaches.

Malahayati Monument

This is the grave and monument to Malahayati, a female Admiral, who commanded the Royal Acehnese Navy and fought against the Portuguese. There is a fantastic view over Kreung Raya and over the ocean from this site. It is located near Krung Raya and is not too far a walk from the main road.

Ujung Batee Beach

There is a nice, wide, black sand beach at Ujung Batee, 17km to the east of Banda Aceh. Pine trees provide shade from the sun. There are also toilets, shelters and food stalls nearby. To get here, take a minibus from the terminus towards Krueng Raya.

Cut Nyak Dhien Museum

Cut Nyak Dhien was a famous female freedom fighter who was married to Tueku Umar. Her activities proved to be very embarrassing to the Dutch, who eventually burnt her house down. A replica of her house, filled with Acehnese artifacts and various possessions can be found in Desa Lam Pisang, 6km west of Banda Aceh. It is a very interesting museum for its history, culture and architecture, a visit is recommended.

It is open everyday from 8.00am – 6pm. Take public transport towards Lhoknga.

Indra Patra Fort

Indra Patra Fort was built, according to some sources, by Sultan Iskandar Muda and according to others it was built during the Indra Patra Hindu reign. There are traces of Hindu influence in the architecture, including several stupas. The fort was used as a defense against hostile invaders. It is located about 20km to the east of Banda Aceh and can be reached by public transport heading towards Krueng Raya. It has become a lively place to go on Sundays and is located near a nice beach that is good for swimming.

Indrapuri Mosque

This is probably the oldest mosque in the region of Banda Aceh. Indrapuri was once the main centre of worship in a Hindu Kingdom. After Islam had been introduced in the region by Sultan Iskandar Muda, the temple was converted into a mosque. It is about 25km from Banda Aceh along the road to Medan. You can go to Indra Puri village by public transport and the mosque is located about 500m off the road just after the bridge.

Tanoh Abee Library

This village is reputed to have the most remote Islamic library in the world containing a rare 17^th century Arabic manuscript. The Tomb Teungku Tanoh Abee, a prominent 19^th century religious leader can be found here.

Kreung Raya Area

There is a harbor in Kreung Raya with ferries to Pulau Weh. If you have time this area offers many things to see and do. The beaches in the area are very nice. The surrounding hills offer gorgeous views over the coast, harbor and the ocean. The near-by village is welcoming and worth a look around. You can take public transport from Banda Aceh to Kreung Raya. If you would like to take a drive around the area you can hire a motorbike, just ask in one of the coffee shops in Kreung Raya.

Balee Inong Fort

A few kilometers past Kreung Raya laid the ruins of Balee Inong Fort. This fort was built under the command of the female Admiral Malahayati. She was the widow of an admiral and formed an army of widows to defend Aceh from Portuguese attacks. It is not too far to walk from Kreung Raya but you can also hire a small mini-van or a motorbike.

Ie Seu-um hot springs

A hot water spring can be found in this area. It is used for bathing and people say the spring can heal several kinds of diseases and increase strength.