Banda Aceh & Pulau Weh

We came to Banda Aceh, a region renowned for its intense Muslim culture, for its persisting fighting between rebels and other forces, and of course the Tsunami in 2006 with completely open minds. We heard of an Island called Pulah Weh just north of Aceh which we immediately took a 2 hour Ferry to. It was extremely beautiful and we stayed first with Mama (our lovely homestay owner) in Gapang Beach for 2 days, did some snorkelling on the reefs and eased into island life quite effortlessly. Being Ramadan however it was pretty quiet and we were pretty much alone travellers which was wonderful in some respects, but also a little spooky and attention grabbing on the other. On the other side of the island was Simur Tiga and this was absolute paradise (see above!). It was owned by a lovely South African guy called Freddie who welcomed us in and the reef there was Epic. Not to mention the lovely people, both locals and other travellers we met and the FOOD! On our last night at Santai Simur Tiga Freddie hooked us up with a traditional Aceh meal which was unreal. Fresh fish, and typical Acehnese specialties. Enak fred!



Back on Mainland Sumatra we decided to spend 1 night in Banda Aceh where the Tsunami hit the worst. This experience was pretty impossible to imagine. We visited the Huge Cargo ship which was washed a few kilometers inland and wiped out everything in its path. The feeling of what it must have been like for the locals really hit in and we both felt an immense sadness for those it affected. We stayed with Yudi, a local up and coming professional surfer whose family survived and are rebuilding their homestay. It was lovely to help support them and see their strength and passion towards life and family.




Back in Medan (cough cough) now we booked 2 one way tickets to Bali and are out tomorrow morning to allow the ramadam period to pass and to kick back and enjoy travelling with a little more ease than we have experienced here in Sumatra. It was particularly tough for Shireen having to be fully clothed most of the time, Not being able to eat during the day out of respect for the locals, and the cost and length of journeys we have endured getting around this huge and vast area. Thanks for the messages guys, my english phone is still on and shireens dutch mobile is also. Lots of Love, us.