Identical to 'Cannabis Island', I was curious and desperate to take a speed boat to Aceh Island against the fierce waves of the Indian Ocean.
Actually to reach Pulo Aceh is not difficult. Just like going to Pulau Weh or Sabang, the initial start can be from Banda Aceh City. The mainstay of transportation to Pulo Aceh is a fishing motor boat (boat). Ferry is also available namely KMP Papuyu. However, they only sail three times a week, specifically to Pulo Nasi, not to Pulo Breuh.
The boat or ship on the Pulo Nasi route hangs at the Ulee Lheu pier. Meanwhile, the boat going to Pulo Breuh hangs out at the Lampulo fishing pier. Boat to Pulo Aceh sails once a day. The rates are very affordable, depending on the destination island. You will be charged Rp. 15 thousand if you ride a motorbike in a boat. The cruise to Pulo Nasi can be taken one hour if the weather is good.
The boat or ship to Pulo Nasi will rest at the Lamteng Harbor. Meanwhile, going to Pulo Breuh takes 2.5 to three hours. The boat route to Pulo Breuh ends at Lampuyang Harbor or Gugop. From Pulo Nasi to Pulo Breuh itself can be reached in half an hour by boat.
However, the time can take two hours if the destination is Meulingge pier, the village at the far end of Pulo Breuh. A trip to Pulo Aceh is guaranteed not to be boring. We can enjoy the expanse of blue sea that glows if the weather is sunny, and the fishing boats that sail on it. There are also clusters of islands that are close to each other such as Tuan Island, Batee Island, Bunta Island.
As I approached Pulo Aceh, I could clearly see the green hills with coral foundations leading to the sea. On the outskirts clear water rippled on the rocks. At certain points, the waves can be seen hitting the corals, giving rise to splashes and white foam which is very pleasing to the eye.
Small islands, and white sandy mini lands submerged in clear water are also visible at the foot of the island. Because of the cruise route to Pulo Breuh, I was really lucky to be able to see the scenery while I was between the mainland of Pulo Breuh and Pulo Nasi. From between the ends of each land separated by the sea, you can see another island in the distance.
My friend who has been there said that if you want to explore Pulo Aceh, it's better to bring a motorbike from Banda Aceh. Because there do not have public transportation over the land. The roads in Pulo Nasi and Pulo Breuh are also not completely paved. Even for certain villages such as Lapeng, in Pulo Breuh, it is even very difficult to penetrate by land. The only alternative transportation is fishing boats. Pulo Aceh does not yet have shops like in mainland Aceh.
However, to shop for daily needs there is a small kiosk or coffee shop. Pulo Aceh also does not have representative lodging places for guests such as guesthouses, koteks or bungalows. So if you don't bring a tent, please stay at people's homes. As a coastal community that still upholds customs and culture, the people of Pulo Aceh are friendly and polite enough to serve newcomers. Meanwhile, for Pulo Nasi and Pulo Breuh communication, the cellular network is already covered, except in some locations where the signal is not covered. Electricity is also not a problem anymore, because PLN has built a PLTD to illuminate the island.
Pulo Aceh has a natural beauty that spoils the eyes. Pulo Aceh is an archipelago district in Aceh Besar which has many small islands. However, only two large islands are inhabited, namely Pulo Nasi and Pulo Breuh.