A traveller's reflection: Aceh 02: Banda Aceh

"Loss is not just a concept, but a palpable void that echoes through the lives of those left behind..." - Ghosts of the Tsunami

(Pulau Sabang beautiful sunrise)

Day 2: 21 February 2024 (Wednesday)
Route: Banda Aceh – Pulau Sabang
Hotel: Star Beach Resort, Pantai Iboih

We had early breakfast in the hotel. Packed our backpack for a one-night trip and kept the larger bags in the hotel. By 7.00 am we were on the bus and headed to Ulee Lheue Port.

(Heavy breakfast in the hotel restaurant)

(Ready to board the bus to the port)

We boarded the 8.00 am ferry to Pulau Sabang. Pulau Sabang is the most well-travelled island in Indonesia besides Bali. The morning ferry was packed with local and foreign tourists. The weather was extremely humid. Luckily, we managed to get seats in the air-con room while some preferred to stay on the open air deck. A one-way ticket costs Rph35,000 per pax. The ferry ride was about 1hr 30 min.

(Time to board the ferry)

(On board with Normah and Kak Nor)

(A one-way ticket)

We arrived at Pelabuhan Balohan in Pulau Sabang around 10.00 am and were met by our local guides and drivers. Pulau Sabang, also known as Pulau Weh is famed for its beautiful beaches and natural attractions. The island even owns interesting historical places for tourists to explore.

(Arrived safely at Pulau Weh)

(The main gateway to Sabang town)

(The rural road along the coastal line)

(Beware of livestock on the road)

The island tour started with the visit to Benteng Jepang or Anoi Itam Fort. Anoi Itam Fort is a Japanese defense complex located in the Ujong Kareung area about 12km from the Sabang city center. The fort has been there since 1942. Anoi Itam Fortress is built with underground tunnels. The fortress connects to other fortresses that reside near to the location through these tunnels.

(A short climb up the hill to the fort)

(Massive overgrown roots encroaching the pathway)

(A beautiful scenic view from the top)

Because of its proximity to Anoi Itam beach, this fort is named Anoi Itam Fort. It took us a short uphill trekking to reach the site. There panoramic view of the sea and its jagged shoreline is stunning.

(A huge signage of Benteng Anoi Itam)

(Rugged rocky edge)

(The calming view of the blue green ocean)

(A brief history of the Fort Anoi Itam)

(The small fortress perch on top of the hill)

(An old canon in the fortress)

(A nice view from inside the fortress)

(Another hidden fortress at the foot of the hill)

After visiting the fort, we had tasty rojak buah and drinks from the local vendors before we went to visit the next attraction.

(A beautiful white sandy beach)

(Enjoying cool drinks and rojak buah)

To the east coast of Pulau Sabang, there is a beach that has its own attraction. Pantai Sumur Tiga beach is a beautiful white sandy beach. The naming of a location is closely related to events, figures, or other things that are considered sacred, legendary, or as a form of respect. Once upon a time, there were three fresh water wells along the beach that became the source of water for people on the island around. The three wells were built by local pious men of the island and considered as 'Perigi Keramat'. The wells are no longer used as water source by the residents but still attracts visitors because of the mysticism.

(Three fresh water wells along the beach)

(A beautiful rocky beach)

(One of the mystical wells)

By noon we went for a hefty lunch at Restoran RM Kencana, one of the popular eateries in Sabang island.

(The famous RM Kencana Restaurant)

(Tasty spread of local dishes)

After lunch we performed jamak Zohor/Asar prayers at the Great Babussalam Mosque in Sabang City. The mosque was built with a strong touch of Ottoman Turkish architecture. The building is tall and has massive walls. Four sturdy towers stand at the four corners of the mosque, and a large dome sits on the roof of the mosque. This mosque is also equipped with a large courtyard is covered with very beautiful star-patterned floor tiles.

(A vast open courtyard to cater of Eid prayers)

(Quranic verses in the main prayer hall)

This mosque was originally just a small mosque located in the city of Sabang. However, along with the growth of people's need for mosques and the desire of Muslims there to have a holy and beautiful place of worship, the Sabang Grand Mosque was built with the magnificent architecture it is today. The Babussalam Grand Mosque often holds religious activities every year, such as the Prophet's Birthday, Musabaqah and various other Islamic nuanced activities.

(The men in our tour group)

Later we checked in Star Beach Resort located at Pantai Tiupen Laeyu, Iboih. After a short rest, by 4.30 pm we boarded the van to Kilometer 0 Monument and viewpoint to watch the beautiful sunset. Bought some t-shirts for souvenirs from the many souvenir shops.