Banda Aech and Palau Weh (Sabang)

15 hour bus ride meant I got into Banda Aceh late, around midnight,the bus ride was interesting had the front seat so got to see the crazy driving...joy. Had a big meal with a fellow passenger that could speak English,he paid, I like Muslim hospitality. Raining when we got off the bus so caught a Bechak (motorbike sidecar) into the centre, all the cheap hotels were full so ended up forking out for a smick room, hot water, air con and cable tv. Up early the next day, rice for breakfast. Hunted around and found some sunblock to replace the one Aussie customs took.

Bandar seems to up and running again, busy little city, still alot of debris about and alot blank spots where the wave came through.

Caught a ferry out to Palau Weh, then a labi labi a ride out to Iboih beach, found a nice bungalow for 50,000R ($5US). Ended up staying 8 nights on Sabang, was really nice,pretty chilled. Really good snorkel ling. Saw many reef fish, turtles, sharks, Ells, lion fish, stone fish etc. Did a ride around the island on a hired scooter. Checked outa small semi active volcano, steam coming out and sulfur smell about. The longest snorkeling misson was over 4 hrs in the water. Have my own mask but was hiring fins. Met and hung out with some fellow travellers. Most people that make it to Aceh are well travelled so plenty of good stories and where to go and what to do.

Back to Banda Aceh, did not want to leave the Island but only have 19 days left on my Indo visa so want to check out more of Sumatra. Some serious net time, dunno what im doing might go down to Berastagi via the highlands or via Medan....... See what the bus station has to offer.