A white crescent
Between green headlands.
Astari28 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Yaumilicious — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Afrizal Saputra — CC BY-SA 4.0
A long white-sand beach on the Indian Ocean south-west of Banda Aceh, a crescent bounded by green rocky headlands, counted among Aceh's most beautiful. The 2004 tsunami destroyed almost the entire village here, leaving standing only the famous Rahmatullah Mosque nearby; the village was later rebuilt. Today the beach draws townspeople on holidays and surfers in the swell season, with huts, simple cafés and grilled-fish restaurants, and a small conservation centre for the sea turtles that nest on this sand. The beach is usually free, with parking charges. Aceh applies Islamic law, so modest dress is required on the beach, women swim in covering clothes, and cafés observe prayer times. Ocean waves are strong in some seasons, so swim only in calm spots. The best time is late afternoon until sunset; combine it with the Rahmatullah Mosque in Lampuuk and neighbouring Lhoknga beach.
Between green headlands.
Only the Rahmatullah Mosque stood.
A small conservation centre.
Lampuuk, Lhoknga district, about 17 km south-west of Banda Aceh
On calm days and in sheltered parts, yes, but Indian Ocean waves build in some seasons and draw surfers, so ask locals before going in.
