Sumatra
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Aceh became world news on the 26th of December 2004 after a Tsunami flooded the city and 250.000 people lost their lives. Meanwhile the repair is mainly completed and the citizens of Aceh also believe in the godly reasons of this enormous disaster. The civil war from before the Tsunami is also flooded away and there came a serene, quiet and safe mood in the city. The citizens help each other and it is noticed that Aceh is the only big city in Indonesia without loud honking and busy traffic. They give each other space and respect, and you will see and feel this when you walk through the city or talk to the people. Because the Tsunami is still topic number one and the citizens would like to tell you their stories. |
Day 1 Banda Aceh
After arrival at Iskandar Muda Airport there is a transfer to the hotel. Discover, on the way, the warm and relaxing city. See old colonial houses that are located on a quite spot between the modern buildings that are built after the Tsunami. Often the name of the multinational stands on the facade of the new building, like Coca Cola or Honda, who provided the financials. Learn about the culture of the traditional Aceh, by visiting the Aceh museum and the Tjoet Nyak Din (the heroin of Aceh) museum. Also visit Gunongan, what used to be the resort of the Aceh kingdom and continue in the direction of Lhokseumawe golf track where the immense Andalas cement factory is visible from the beach. On this beach a waterfall of more than 12 meters came on land and almost flooded the cement factory away in 2004.
Day 2 Banda Aceh
Today you will relive the Tsunami period. In the early morning, departure to the fish market where you will see the several traditional ships. Take a look at the boat that landed on the roof of a house by the waves of the Tsunami. From here, to the ship the PLTD Agung what demonstrates the strength of the Tsunami. This immense ship lay still about 6 kilometres from the coast on the fundaments of some houses. An unbelievable view. Next a visit to the Tsunami museum is made where everything about the Tsunami is to be found and also to feel the power of the earthquake (9,6 on the Richter scale) which the Tsunami has caused. On the end of this tour you will meet the citizens of Aceh by making a walk on the square of Blang Padang. Here the first airplane of Indonesia is to be found (a DC-3) that is often used by the first Indonesian president Soekarno. Addition is the acknowledgments to the countries that have helped Aceh after the disaster in the form of sinking the boat.
Day 3 Banda Aceh
Today a visit to the Indra Puri will be made. This is a mosque located in the centre of Banda Aceh. Around the mosque, beautiful walks can be made. Then you will return to the hotel. The rest of the day is for leisure.
The Indra Puri Mosque is according to archaeologists, the oldest mosque in the archipelago formerly been influenced by Hinduism. In 1874 the mosque was used to inaugurate Tuanku Muhammad Daud Shah as Sultan Muhammad Daud Ahah Alaiddin. In the heyday of the kingdom of Aceh Darussalam, Indra Puri was the capital of the empire. The mosque Indra Puri was used as a centre for propaganda, education, politics, economics and social contacts. From this mosque, many great scholars, thinkers and development experts who work for the kingdom, were born. Before the arrival of Islam in the time of the Hindu kingdom, the Indra Puri Mosque became a temple that served as a place for worship or veneration of the Hindus. In the time of Sultan Iskandar Muda, the former building of the temple converted into a mosque for public worship and easier to embrace Islam. |
Day 4 Banda Aceh - Weh Island
In the morning, departure to the harbour of Ulee Lheu to sail by ferry to Weh Island. In a luxury speedboat, you will arrive after 45 minutes in Weh Island. With the bentor (a betjak but then attached to a motor) the city Sabang is explored. See several colonial government buildings and also an old, abandoned Dutch residential. After that a visit to the factory on house follows where they make the typical and well-known Sabang cookies. Watch the process and taste the freshly baked cookies. From here, to Gapang beach where you can enjoy the lovely beach and absolute rest for the rest of the day.
Day 5 / 6 Weh Island
During this free day you have a trial dive for the non-divers. The ones that are already practiced can go on the boat for a beautiful dive in the bay that is known for the unbelievable amount of fish. This hotspot is as diver essential.
Day 7 Weh Island - Aceh
Time to leave Weh Island. In the morning, departure to the harbour of Weh island to sail by ferry to the harbour of Aceh. Then you will be taken to the airport. End of this impressive journey to Aceh and the effects (both negative as positive) of the Tsunami.
Price starting from € 845,- p.p.
* The arrangement as described can be booked as a private or as a group journey.
* Due to weather conditions the program can be changed
* The journey includes hotel or cottage accommodation with breakfast
* Transfer by private car
* Additional options can be arranged, such as:
- International or Domestic flights |