ACEH UTARA (NORTH ACEH)

Aceh Utara (North Aceh) extends along the eastern coast of Aceh. Lhokseumawe is the capital of Aceh Utara.
In the last few years this area has been developed as an important industrial zone. It is home to lager industrial companies such as the Natural Gas Plant, the ASEAN Aceh Fertilizer plant, the Iskandarmuda plant etc.

GETTING THERE

Medan and Lhokseumawe are connected by regular buses and mini-buses. Buses to Lhokseumawe can be found at the Pinang Baris bus station in Medan. The journey can take about 7 hours or more. Minibuses will drop passengers off directly at their hotel.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Pasai – Historical Site

Samudera Pasai was a very well known Islamic Kingdom in the 13^th century. It was located 18km east of today’s Lhokseumawe. The Kingdoms first ruler’s grave, Malikussaleh, can be seen here alongside other royal graves including that of Queen Nahrisyah. The Kingdom produced its own gold coins which can still be found in the surrounding areas.

Blang Kolam Falls

Blang Kolam Waterfalls are located about 16km south of Lhokseumawe and can be reaching by car or public transport. In contrast to the industrial zone of Lhokseumawe, Blang Kolam offers peace and quiet and an unpolluted atmosphere.

Ujong Blang Beach

This pleasant beach is only 2km to the north of Lhokseumawe. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, fishing etc. This beach is dotted with accommodation, restaurants and sheltered places to sit. It is also possible to see how local fishermen net their catch.

House of Cut Meutia

In Pirak, Matangkuli, 25km east of Lhokseumawe, you can find the traditional house of the national hero Cut Meutia. She was born in Perak in 1870 and was shot during fighting against the Dutch colonialism on October 24^th, 1910.
The house was built by the government to honor this Acehnese hero.

Grave of Tgk. Chik Di Tunong

In Meunasah Mon Gudong, a suburb of Lhokseumawe, is the grave of the national hero Tgk. Chik Di Tunong who was the first husband of Cut Meutia. He was sentenced and executed by the Dutch. To get here, take public transport from the small bus terminal towards Cunda.

PT Arun

Industries are not normally tourist attractions, but as the industrial area north of Lhokseumawe is the one in Aceh, we have included it in this book. PT Arun is possibly the most well known company here. Tours can be arranged in the refinery. Call the public relations department at PT Arun: 5567 EXT 2777 for further information.