Lhoknga



Lhoknga (or Lhok Nga) is a town in the province of Aceh, Indonesia. Located just 15 km from the provincial capaital Banda Aceh, you find the quiet beaches of Lhoknga and Lampuuk. These are perfect for those wanting to visit Banda Aceh, while avoiding the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Lhoknga is said to offer the best surfing, and Lampuuk to have the best beaches for swimming and basking in the sun. However, as the two are 30 minutes walk apart, and it's hard to tell where one beach stops and the other starts, it doesn't make much difference where you opt to sleep.

Get in
Taxis will take you there from the airport for a "fixed" price of Rp120,000, bargain hard and you'll get close to half that price.

Local public transport from Banda Aceh center (labi labi) can be taken from Banda Aceh for Rp10,000 (last departure at 17:00).

Get around
Motor bikes and bicycles are available for hire in the area. Just ask at your accommodation.

See
The Cement factory - in fact, you can't miss it. It's right on the beach.

Do

 * Surfing is the name of the game here. Take care when swimming, because the currents in this region tend to be very strong.
 * Golf The driving range is located in Lhok Nga.
 * Take a walk in the lush forest up the cliffs near Lampuuk.
 * Beaching Halfway between Lampuuk and Lhok Nga is a string of shaded, elevated sitting areas. Sort of like a porch without a house. Shops are abound selling cold drinks and food (fresh coconuts and grilled fish are a couple of favorites).

Lhoknga
You won't go hungry in Lhoknga. However, you won't find any fine dining either. The local food here is great and very cheap, and there are plenty rumah makan within short distance of the homestays. Additionally, it will be hard for you to stay long in a homestay without being invited to join your host for dinner.



Drink
Alcohol is not commonly available, just like elsewhere in Aceh. However, both Joe's Bungalows and Dian Rana have beer, wine and spirits at a price reflecting the fact that it's transported here from Medan.

Lhoknga
Lhoknga attracts the budget backpackers and surfers during the season (December - March). Simple Losmen and homestays are plentiful here. Some of the places are only open in season, but don't worry, there will always be a place for you to stay. All accommodation is around Jl Golf close together. Shop around for the one that fits your style.

Room and dormitory accommodation in traditional Acehnese house 300m from Lampuuk Beach (3km from Lhoknga) on Jalan Pantai lampuuk - +6281388100887 or boheiman1@yahoo.com

Go next
Minibuses to Meulaboh, Tapaktuan can be persuaded into stopping here on their way from Banda Aceh. Just ask your guesthouse to arrange it for you.