|
 The cozy
Sabang is an historical town and it shows. Many old
colonial buildings are still standing, shadowed by huge trees that
the Dutch once imported from Suriname. Sabang is one of the few
towns in Indonesia which still has a sleepy old colonial atmosphere
combined with a very social and friendly people.
 Due to its
excellent harbor and good water supply Sabang became an important
coal loading station for ships en route between Europe and Asia.
Sabang was once even bigger than Singapore. The Merbabu Graveyard
has many odd and interesting gravestones.
The main attraction is however the atmosphere and the people. It is
a pity not to try it out. Enjoy eating out, the coffee shops, the
morning market and the nearby beaches. Pantai Kasih is a very nice
beach in walking distance. Further down are the beaches Pantai Tapak
Gajah and Sumur Tiga. The reefs along Sabang Fair are reportedly
nice for snorkeling.
FOOD & DRINK
Don't miss the traditional Acehnese coffee shop. Order a cup of
coffee and sit down. Traditional cakes on a plate will be placed in
front of you. When you are finished just tell how many you had. The
locally grown Acehnese coffee is excellent. It is normally filtered
before served, however, in the countryside the coffee is sometimes
served unfiltered. If you cannot wait for the coffee beans to sink,
remove them with a spoon. The remaining beans you just spit out.
Beware of coffee shops serving instant coffee. Support the local
coffee farmers! A small glass costs normally Rp. 1.000-1.500.
All kinds of Noodles, called "mie" in Indonesia, are popular
in Sabang. "Mie Jalak" is a Sabang specialty. Pulau Baru on Jl.
Perdagangan 29B has become famous for it. A portion is Rp. 6.000.
For good Minangkabau food (West Sumatra style) try Lumbung Sari on
Jl. Perdagangan 26 (Ph: 21311) or Perkasa Utama on Jl. Perdagangan
157 (Ph: 21185). For Chinese try the somewhat fancier restaurant
Dynasty. Aneka Ria has nice and price worthy sandwiches. Nice BBQ
Chicken and Octopus Satay are sold in two stalls opposite Lumbung
Sari a bit to the right. Otherwise there are many restaurants and
food stalls along Jl. Perdagangan and its vicinity. Beyond the RSU
hospital on the sea front are a few nice places serving juices and
light food in the evenings.
Beer or other alcoholic beverages are
normally not available in restaurants, but in places serving
Westerners, alcoholic beverages are often available for non-Muslims.
A can of beer costs between Rp. 14.000-20.000.
ACCOMMODATION
- Sabang Hill
The classical hotel with the grand view over Sabang
town is under a major renovation.
- Nagoya Inn
Jl. Cut Meutia 34. Tel: 0652-22311, 0812 699 6068 (Mr.
Parlan). 5 rooms. Aircon, bathroom, satellite TV: Rp. 200.000.
- Hotel Putra Salju
Jl. T. Umar 16. Tel: 0652-22747. 9 rooms. With
aircon and bathroom: Rp. 165.000-220.000.
- Pulau Jaya
Jl. Pulau Jaya 17. Tel: 0652-21344. 15 rooms. With fan:
35.000-82.500. With fan and bathroom: 110.000. With aircon: 170.000.
- Sabang Jaya
Jl. T. Umar 17-19. Tel: 0652-22168. 13 rooms. With fan:
from 30.000. Fan and bathroom: 85.000. With Aircon: 150.000.
- Losmen PUM
Jl. T. Umar 3. Tel: 0652-21148. 15 rooms: With fan: Rp.
50.000-75.000. With fan and bathroom: 100.000.
- Losmen Sabang-Merauke
Off Jl. T. Umar. Tel: 0652-21928 12 rooms.
With fan: Rp. 30.000-60.000 for one, two or three beds.
- Hotel Holiday
Off Jl. Perdagangan. Tel: 0652-21131. 24 rooms. With
fan and bathroom: 50.000-140.000. With aircon: 175.000-350.000.
- Mess Pamen
Jl. Perdagangan 60. Ph: 0852 7766 1249. 5 rooms. With
bath and aircon: Rp. 125.000-200.000. Owned by the Water Police.
Strategic location.
|
