Hey Hivers! How's your day going? I hope your weekend is filled with exciting and positive activities. I'm back with another travel story. This time we're staying on the main island of Aceh, specifically in Aceh Besar Regency. Let me take you on a journey to Bukit Lamreh, a hidden gem that's perfect for a weekend escape.
Located quite a distance from the heart of the capital city, the trip to Bukit Lamreh is an adventure in itself. According to the map, it's about 40 kilometers away, and it takes at least 50 minutes to reach this scenic spot.
Now, getting there isn't as straightforward as you might think. There aren't any specific pamphlets or signs leading you to Bukit Lamreh, so you'll need to rely on your navigational skills. The road to the location is only accessible by motorcycle, so if you're driving a car, be prepared to park and walk the last 2-3 kilometers. The local community does offer motorcycle taxi services for about IDR 20,000 (~1.27 USD) if you prefer not to walk.
For those of you planning to camp overnight, the locals ask for a fee ranging from IDR 50,000 to 100,000, which they say is part of a fund to develop basic facilities at the site. We decided to camp for the night, and while I managed to capture a few pictures, they're quite limited due to the constraints of my device.
That night, we cooked our dinner at the campsite. It was quite a challenge because it was a bit windy, and we had to shield the fire to keep it from going out. The food we prepared was ayam gulai, which we had pre-marinated before heading to the location, and also some grilled fish. Despite the challenges, the meal turned out to be delicious and added to the memorable experience.
A little tip: If you're thinking about camping here, be aware that there are currently no facilities like toilets at the campsite. The only available restrooms are at the main road where cars are parked. It would be great if basic amenities like toilets were available closer to the camping area, as it’s a pretty important need that would prevent people from littering the area.
Alright, let me dive into how the morning unfolded at Bukit Lamreh. This location is actually perfect for watching the sunrise, as it’s situated on the eastern coast. Unfortunately, I overslept and missed the chance to capture the sunrise, but I still managed to snap a few shots when the sky was painted with shades of orange.
As we were soaking in the morning atmosphere, we noticed a few police officers jogging around the area where we had set up camp. It’s always interesting to see how locals and visitors alike enjoy this natural beauty.
One of the highlights of Bukit Lamreh is its stunning location overlooking the sea. From here, you can see a small island called Pulau Ahmad Rhang Manyang in the distance. According to local lore, the island’s name comes from a story similar to the legend of Malin Kundang. Ahmad Rhang Manyang was a young man who was cursed and turned into an island after he disrespected his parents. As you look around, you’ll also notice a few trees scattered along the edge of the hill, adding to the area's beauty.
In the distance, you can spot tanker ships passing by, as there’s a nearby port and a cement factory that often uses these vessels to transport materials. Besides the tanker ships, we also saw some local fishing boats heading out to sea. The design of these boats is quite different from the ones I saw in Simeulue. While the Simeulue boats have outriggers on both sides, the boats here lack them, and their prows are high and pointed, likely to help break through the waves.
Another interesting sight was a few people fishing right below the cliff. I couldn’t figure out how they got down there, but it was fascinating to watch them. The clear blue water crashing against the rocks below created a mesmerizing scene.
Although the weather was perfect when I was taking pictures, things quickly changed. Within an hour, a storm rolled in, and we decided it was time to pack up and head home. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rain, so it was a good call to leave when we did.
That’s all for my Bukit Lamreh adventure this time. It was an incredible experience, and I hope you enjoyed the story. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you liked this post, I’d really appreciate it if you could support me by upvoting or re-blogging it. Thanks for visiting, and I’ll see you in the next story!