Tsunami City - Banda Acheh Darussalam

Tsunami City - Banda Acheh Darussalam

March 17, 2014| Adiek Sarah

I had planned for trip about a year ago. I couldn't remember when was the time I had purchased the tickets. I saved a lot when I only spent RM78 for a return ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Banda Acheh.

After suggested this idea to a friend, we had picked the date of the trip which was 22nd February 2014.  Main destination to go - Weh Island.

Only 3 divers had confirmed to join in the beginning. The group had expanded to 8 including one non diver. 

The journey began to Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport, Banda Aceh, Indonesia and arrived one and half hour after the departure at 10.55 am (local time). Steffen a.k.a. Pak Tua, the owner of Steffen Sea Sports Dive Center was also on board with us. Upon the departure, two MPVs already waited to pick us up.

We had about 4 hours to visit around Banda Aceh before the departure of the last ferry to Sabang, Weh Island. However, it was Friday and it was already time to perform Friday prayers. 

We were blessed to have the opportunity to pray at the historical Masjid Baiturrahman. This was the mosque that everyone was talking about during the tsunami tragedy. With the power of Allah the Almighty, the architecture was still very strong and saved a lot of lives while others were destroyed.

I couldn't stop my tears when I was listening to the Khutbah and kept on thinking about a lot of 'things'.

Masjid Baiturrahman

Banda Aceh environment was quite simple and relaxing. This city was fully developed after the tragedy. Thanks to the world for contributing funds to bring back the city to normal. According to our driver, half of the funds were 'disappeared' at Jakarta. 

Everybody were starving. Sup Sumsum Kutaraja was the the place that we had enjoy our lunch. In Malaysia, we called it as Gearbox Soup. All types of soups that we chose came with complimentary rise, Bergedil (potato) and Paru Goreng. I was not sure whether we were really hungry or the soups were very nice, but all of the bowls and plates were left empty. If you ever come here, don't forget to order their nice juices such as alpucat (avocado) or or mango juice.

Next, we moved to Museum Tsunami and Floating Ship. These two places were located not far from each other. Museum Tsunami was built as a memorial place for all tsunami victims in 2004. No entrance fee was needed. When I first enter the building, my hair were standing because of the music, the darkness and the thoughts on how that incident could take many lives.

Name of all the victims

The tsunami that destroyed Aceh, leaving a tape variety of severity. As evidence, there was a ship weighing 2,600 tons brought into the heart of the tsunami in Banda Aceh. Barely plausible.

PLTD Float a ship weighs 2,600 tons. During tsunami on 26 December 2004, this ship was in Ulee Lhee Beach, Banda Aceh. Buffeted by the tsunami, the ship dragged and washed 5 km to the village Gampong Punge, Blangcut, Banda Aceh.  

This ship is now under the supervision of the youth of the village. Admission is free, but available funds to anyone who wants to donate for the development and maintenance of the ship.

We had bought some souvenirs and straight away left to the Ulee Lheu Ferry Port to Sabang, Weh. Frankly speaking, I didn't know how to pronounce it. Last ferry will be leaving at 4.00 pm. However, it was delayed for half an hour due to some emergency event.

The ferry divided into 3 classes - Economy (non-AC) for Rp. 65.000 per way, Executive (AC) for Rp. 75.000, and VIP for Rp. 95.000. We bought Executive return ticket for Rp. 140.000 (Rp. 10.000 discount).

It took about 50 minutes to reach Sabang jetty and we finally arrived at Pak Tua's 50 minutes later. It was almost dark and we already too tired. 

Steffen Sea Sport a.k.a Pak Tua was located a bit far from other places. It was just a basic accommodation and dive centre, but relaxing with very pleasant view. No TV, no WIFI, and not good phone coverage to keep you away from other hassle.