PIDIE

Pidie is located to the northeast of Banda Aceh between Aceh Besar and Aceh Utara. It has a population is approximately 500,000 people. The capital of Pidie is Sigli. It is the region which was once popular for its sooth silk, Pedir. The name Pidie refers to the former important Islamic Kingdom.

GETTING THERE

Sigli, the capital is only 100kms from Banda Aceh. It takes about one and a half hours to reach Sigli from Banda Aceh by public transport.

Medan is also well connected to Sigli by regular buses and mini-buses. A bus trip from Medan to Sigli will take 8-9 hours; a smaller mini-bus will be a bit quicker.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Historical Graves

There are some important graves in and around Sigli. The graves of Sultan Maarif Syah, the first king of Pedir and the grave of Teungku Di Kandang, the Muslim leader of Pidie, are the most popular. These graves are located in Klibeut, 4km from Kota Bakti. The local people usually visit these graves for religious reasons. Visitors can reach the graves by public transport.

Colonial Architecture

There are still many colonial buildings in Pidie. Some are on the eastern side of the Kreung Barn River. Further down the beach there are some old bunkers and inside these there are several Dutch graves. In Kampung China you can find the site of the old railway station.

Guci Keuramat Mosque

This mosque is in Beuracan, 46km from Sigli. There is a large clay jar in this mosque. It is believed that a long time ago there were two of them in the mosque and that they fought each other until one of them was broken.

Traditional Houses

To see Acehnese houses in good condition visit some of the villages in Pidie, along the road to Banda Aceh. Some of the houses are still very traditional and are still complete with the old ornaments and style that show the ancient culture of the Acehnese.

Guha Tujoh

There is a popular cave in Pidie called the Guha Tujoh, which means seven caves. It name derived from the seven entries into the cave which stretches far back into the mountain. Stalactite and Stalagmite formations can be found in the cave. There is someone who looks after the cave and he will show visitors around for a small fee.

Handicrafts

Gold embroidered handicrafts can be found easily in Sigli. For those who would like to see where they are produced, you can go to Garot which is 8km away from Sigli. The local clay ceramic producers can also be found in Klibut, also not very far away.