Pucok Krueng is a natural water pond that derives from a natural spring. This tourism can be considered a hidden gem due to its relatively isolated location. This tourism destination is located approximately 16 kilometers from the city center of Banda Aceh, and for several kilometers before reaching the location, the road is still not asphalted and both sides of the road are still covered by lush trees. This was my very first time visiting this location, and I was guided by my friend. Pucok Krueng itself is a local Acehnese language which means the headwaters of the river.
When we arrive at the location, we are greeted with a stunning view. Towering limestone cliffs, as well as a large basin filled with turquoise water. The surrounding area is lush with green vegetation, ranging from trees to creepers. Because this is the headwaters of the river as I said earlier, in front of this pond, is a stream that flows and empties into the Lhoknga beach area.
Most visitors swim around the bottom of the cliff. On the cliff, there is a large tree, to which a rope is tied to climb to the top of the cliff. During my time there, several people were seen climbing the rope. Once at the top, some of them just sat down while enjoying the view from the top of the cliff. The way these people descend is different. Some go down using the same rope, while others get an adrenaline rush by jumping freely.
To swim here, we have to be extra careful. This is because the visibility of the water is relatively low, so the bottom is not clearly visible. In addition, the bottom of the water is also overgrown with hydrilla algae and boulders. If you are not a good swimmer, I do not recommend swimming in the center of this area.
The right side of the pond is more lush and flat, so more people choose to take shelter and place their belongings and clothes on that side. The thing to be aware of is, to enter the pond from the right side, that the substrate underneath is rocks that have been plastered with lots of barnacles. If you are not careful, it is very possible that your body could be injured by these animals. Before swimming, most people will chat under the shade of the trees, and after swimming, most people also eat the food they have brought before. When I was there, the food stalls were also closed, so it's best to prepare enough food just in case.
Because it is located far from the crowds and traffic, we can occasionally hear clearly the chirping of birds or insects that live around this location. In my opinion, this place is perfect for releasing the tension for those whose daily lives are lived in a very crowded city with all the hustle and bustle.
Apart from sitting under the lush trees, some people also choose to sit on the boulders on the edge of the pond while chatting with their friends. There is also a part of the cliff that is shaped like a crack that can also be sat on.
From some references I read, it is believed that there are many caves formed underneath this cliff, which serve as a permanent source of water. This location is also suspected as a potential karst location by some parties.
Although its natural beauty cannot be doubted, I must say that this place needs more attention from the area manager. Currently, people who visit this location are generally those with special interests. Furthermore, in my opinion, the supporting facilities and infrastructure at this tourist location need to be improved while still paying attention to the preservation of the surrounding environment. The potential of this place is still very large and if it is managed better, it will certainly provide greater benefits, especially to the people who live around it.
Whoa, I think I've shared enough stories from my visit to Pucok Krueng this time. I hope you enjoyed it. Please feel free to leave your comments on this article. Thank you for visiting and see you in another post!
All these pictures were taken using iPhone XR
and processed through Adobe Lightroom