Meulaboh Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Meulaboh with this comprehensive travel guide, including things to do, places to eat and stay, safety tips and transportation options.


Introduction to Meulaboh

Meulaboh is a city located on the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is the capital of Aceh Barat district and is known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. The city has a population of approximately 100,000 people and is easily accessible by air, road, and sea.

List of Places to Visit in Meulaboh

Meulaboh has a lot to offer for travelers looking for cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Here are some of the must-visit places in Meulaboh:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Aceh Tsunami Museum: This museum was built to commemorate the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that destroyed much of the Aceh region, including Meulaboh. The museum exhibits different artifacts related to the tsunami, and its architecture is designed to resemble a giant ship.
  • Kerkhof Peutjoet Cemetery: This historic cemetery is the final resting place for many Dutch soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the Aceh War in the 19th century. The cemetery has well-manicured gardens and is a perfect place to learn about the region’s history.
  • Pulo Aceh Lighthouse: Located on Pulo Aceh Island, this lighthouse dates back to the Dutch colonial era and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Natural Attractions of Meulaboh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Krueng Sabee Beach: This white sand beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing while enjoying the beautiful sea views.
  • Peut Sagoe waterfall: This stunning waterfall is located 30 km away from Meulaboh and offers a serene environment for relaxation and exploration.
  • Lhok Bubon Hot Springs: A perfect destination for nature lovers, Lhok Bubon Hot Springs is a natural hot spring with scenic views and crystal clear water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Meulaboh

Meulaboh has several hiking and biking routes that allow visitors to explore the city’s natural surroundings. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Sinar Hati Waterfall: This route takes you through the dense forest to reach the stunning Sinar Hati Waterfall.
  • Pante Raja Beach: This route allows bikers to enjoy the scenic beauty of Meulaboh’s western coast while riding along the beach.

Best Things to Do in Meulaboh: Activities and Tours

  • Explore the Aceh Tsunami Museum: A must-visit attraction for history buffs and those interested in natural disasters.
  • Visit the Pulo Aceh Lighthouse: Get panoramic views of the surrounding area from this lighthouse in Pulo Aceh.
  • Go on a waterfall tour: Meulaboh has several stunning waterfalls, including Peut Sagoe and, Sinar Hati, worth exploring.
  • Try the Local Cuisine: Treat your taste buds with Acehnese cuisine, especially Nasi Goreng Aceh and Kue Blinye, which are regional delicacies.
  • Go on a beach trip: Meulaboh has several gorgeous beaches like Krueng Sabee Beach worth exploring.

Week-Long Itinerary for Meulaboh

Here is a sample itinerary for visitors who have seven days to spend in Meulaboh:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Aceh Tsunami Museum
2 Explore Kerkhof Peutjoet Cemetery and Pulo Aceh Lighthouse
3 Bike along Pante Raja Beach and explore the city
4 Visit Meulaboh’s local markets and try the local cuisine
5 Go on a waterfall tour: Peut Sagoe and Sinar Hati
6 Relax in Lhok Bubon’s natural hot springs
7 Spend the day at Krueng Sabee Beach

Food and Drink Scene of Meulaboh

Meulaboh has a diverse cuisine influenced by the region’s multi-cultural and multi-ethnic population. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nasi Goreng Aceh: A rice dish with a spicy aroma made with a blend of shrimp paste, meat, vegetables, and chili.
  • Kue Blinye: A sweet pancake-like snack made from coconut milk and rice flour.
  • Mie Aceh: A spicy Indonesian noodle dish with meat or seafood.

Local Beverages

  • Kopi Meulaboh: Locally grown coffee popular for its bold and sweet flavor
  • Teh Tarik: A popular sweet, frothy tea drink in Southeast Asia.
  • Air Kelapa Muda: A refreshing drink made from young coconut water.

Where to Stay in Meulaboh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Meulaboh has several options for accommodation, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular options include:

  • Swiss-belhotel Cut Meutia: A modern hotel with excellent amenities and a prime location in downtown Meulaboh.
  • Pantai Indah Hotel: A comfortable hotel located near Krueng Sabee Beach, perfect for beach lovers.
  • Remo Hotel Aceh Barat: A budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms with decent amenities.

What to Buy in Meulaboh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Meulaboh has a vibrant local market where visitors can buy unique souvenirs and local products. Some popular options include:

  • Acehnese Traditional Clothing: Exquisite batik and songket, traditional clothing items with trendy designs.
  • Wood Carving and Handicrafts: Intricately carved wooden sculptures and handicrafts inspired by the region’s nature and culture.
  • Meulaboh Coffee Beans: Locally grown coffee beans with a bold and sweet flavor, perfect for coffee lovers.

Local Culture and Customs of Meulaboh

Meulaboh has a vibrant and diverse cultural heritage influenced by the region’s multi-ethnic population. The Acehnese people have a rich history and traditions, and visitors can experience this through local festivals, music, and dance.

Best Time to Visit Meulaboh

The best time to visit Meulaboh is from March to December when the weather is dry and sunny. From January to February, the region experiences heavy rainfalls, making it challenging to explore the natural attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Meulaboh

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Learn some basic Bahasa Indonesian words.

Don’t:

  • Consume illegal drugs.
  • Enter restricted and military areas without permission.
  • Disrespect the Acehnese culture and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Meulaboh

Meulaboh is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should take standard precautions and be aware of their surroundings. Avoid walking alone in unlit areas at night and carry only the necessary documents and valuables.

Health in Meulaboh

Visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and malaria by using mosquito repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets. It is also advisable to carry a personal first aid kit and travel health insurance.

Getting to Meulaboh: Transportation Options and Logistics

Meulaboh is well-connected with other cities in Sumatra and other parts of Indonesia. The following are the major transportation options and logistics for reaching Meulaboh:

Airports Near Meulaboh

The closest airport to Meulaboh is the Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport in Banda Aceh, which is approximately 150 km away from the city.

Bus Stations Near Meulaboh

Meulaboh has a bus station located in the city center that offers regular buses to other cities in Sumatra.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire private taxis or rent a car to reach Meulaboh.

How to Get Around Meulaboh

Meulaboh offers several options for getting around, including taxis, motorbike rentals, and bicycle rentals.

Where to Go Next from Meulaboh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Meulaboh is an excellent starting point for exploring the beautiful region of Aceh. Some of the nearby destinations and exciting excursions include:

  • Banda Aceh: A city located 200 km away from Meulaboh, famous for its vibrant cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.
  • Takengon: A hidden gem in Aceh region, Takengon is a quiet town surrounded by mountains and offers breathtaking landscapes.
  • Weh Island: A beautiful island located off the coast of Aceh, famous for its serene beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Conclusion

Meulaboh is a fascinating destination to explore in Indonesia, offering visitors a perfect mixture of natural, historical, and cultural attractions. Whether you are an adventure seeker or a culture buff, Meulaboh will undoubtedly excite you with its stunning landscapes, delectable cuisine, and welcoming locals.

Aerial view of Meulaboh's mosque, shortly after the 2004 tsunami. Aerial view of Meulaboh's mosque, shortly after the 2004 tsunami.