Originally, I intended to have a laid-back day, but somehow found myself exploring the Pria Laot waterfall. I slept in until 10 am and then prepared for the day. My initial plan was to work on my tan by lounging on the beach in front of Freddie’s. However, when I went downstairs, I discovered they were still serving breakfast. The staff offered me a meal, and I thought, ‘Why not?’ As I’ve mentioned in my recent blog posts, I can’t help but emphasize how delicious the food has been during these days, and once again, it didn’t disappoint!
Freddie’s culinary delights have officially earned it a spot in my top three favorite restaurants – no kidding! The setting is enchanting, the staff is incredibly welcoming, and the food is simply outstanding. I’m absolutely smitten with this place at the moment. Following breakfast, one of the staff members encouraged me to sample some Aceh coffee. Surprisingly, even though I’m not a fan of coffee, I found the flavor to be rather enjoyable.
I headed to the beach and basked in the sun for about an hour. However, the weather took a turn, and the island became shrouded in dark clouds. Opting for a budget-friendly lunch at the restaurant, I recalled a conversation with two German acquaintances, Marc and Sebastian, from a few days ago. Their enthusiasm about the Pria Laot waterfall sparked my interest, compelling me to embark on a spontaneous trip to explore it.
A Deserted Trail
Upon reaching the entrance of the Pria Laot waterfall, I observed the absence of fellow visitors. Undeterred, I ventured along a forest path that extended for about one kilometer leading to the Pria Laot waterfall. Despite the cloudy skies, rain held off, just as Marc and Sebastian had assured me. The stroll along the path proved enjoyable, featuring unmaintained and weathered roads. Crossing one cement bridge, I had a brief moment of suspense as it wobbled underfoot, amusingly making me think it might give way—haha!
Abruptly, the path concluded with a set of small stairs leading to the rocks (as seen in the last picture above).
Climbing Rocks
“How on earth am I going to navigate these rocks?” I pondered. Out loud, I exclaimed, “Is this it?” The path to the waterfall seemed impassable due to the daunting rocks. Confused and unsure of my next move, I grappled with the decision to either retreat or forge ahead. The prospect of being alone and potentially slipping on the sizable, slippery boulders made me uneasy. Having seen James Franco in the movie “127 Hours,” I’m well aware of the potential dangers associated with these boulders.
Despite my hesitations, I resolved to press on—I was determined to witness that waterfall. This marked the first part of my journey where I ventured solo, anticipating numerous other solitary adventures ahead. As I began to climb, my progress came to a halt upon encountering these massive boulders. As I revise this in 2024, I can distinctly sense the inexperienced apprehension of this waterfall visit, especially when compared to, for instance, embarking on a solo hike at Dimholt Road in New Zealand.
While the boulders may not appear overly large or steep in these images, the ascent is quite challenging. The left side of the boulders was inaccessible, necessitating a crossing of the apparently shallow brook. Despite the visible bottom, as soon as I stepped in, the water rose above my knees, soaking my pants. Now, with damp sandals, I anticipated a loss of traction. With my camera held high, I successfully reached the opposite side of the brook. From there, I cautiously began the ascent, proceeding step by step.
The Pria Laot Waterfall
I nearly stumbled three times, but after 15 minutes, I conquered the elevated terrain and caught my first glimpse of the stunning Pria Laot waterfall. The challenging climb intensified the satisfaction of witnessing the waterfall in all its beauty.
I lingered there for a while, savoring the beauty of the waterfall. Looking back, I consider this waterfall a blessing compared to the countless touristy ones I would later encounter on my journey. At the time, having the Pria Laot waterfall all to myself, I didn’t fully grasp the extent of my luck.
As I strolled along the brook path, I observed many locals enjoying a bath. Some little children, feeling a bit shy about being seen with bared upper bodies, chuckled when they noticed me. Surprisingly, the parents didn’t seem bothered at all; in fact, they simply smiled at me. I received numerous smiles and waves as I continued. The warmth, cheerfulness, smiles, and greetings from both the locals here and those in Banda Aceh represent a profound paradigm shift. It’s difficult to envision Westerners in Amsterdam extending the same level of waves and smiles to a foreign traveler as they do here. This experience is both strange and incredibly welcoming.
Once back at my moped, I headed back to Sabang, returning to Freddie’s.
Dinner at Freddies
Back at Freddies Santai Sumurtiga, I unwound in my room, charting out my plans for the next few days. Come dinnertime, I joined Erwin and a couple from Australia, engaging in lively conversation about their harrowing encounters with dangerous animals. It was the perfect occasion for some captivating food discussions.
Our dinner commenced with a delightful vegetable soup infused with local spices. Although I’m eager to recreate it at home, I’m uncertain about all the ingredients (except for cauliflower and potatoes). The second starter featured a delicious asparagus cake paired with plums. The buffet surpassed expectations, ranking as the best over the three days. Regrettably, I didn’t jot down all the ingredients, but highlights included beef smothered in a delectable tomato sauce. The spread encompassed two salads (pasta and tomato/cucumber), a unique cake, a carrot dish, and shredded beef with asparagus. Despite feeling quite full after this feast, I would have gladly indulged in more if there had been room in my stomach.
Eventually, I engaged in further conversation with Erwin and the Australian couple. Erwin shared captivating tales of his adventurous off-the-beaten-track experience in Myanmar—living like royalty in a hotel and enjoying lively beach parties with locals. In return, I recounted the accommodation challenges I faced in Banda Aceh a few days prior. The Australian couple kindly suggested the Medan hotel in Banda Aceh to me. With my departure from Freddies scheduled for tomorrow, I intended to continue my journey. Planning a two-night stay in Banda Aceh, I resolved to explore the recommended hotel.
At around 11 pm, I packed my bag and turned in for the night, with the alarm set for 6 am.
