Lhokseumawe is well-known for being a regional center that is significant for Aceh’s economy, given its location between the cities of Medan and Banda Aceh. This allows the city to become among the vital distribution channel for trading traffic in Aceh. With an area of 181.06 square kilometers, Lhokseumawe is the second largest city in the exclusive district of Aceh found on the north of Sumatra with a total population of 171,163 residents. It is named after two words, namely “Lhok” which means deep ocean trenches and “Suemawe” implies swirling water. Lhokseumawe has been historically crucial since ages, being linked to the rise of Samudera Pasai Kingdom, as well as being part of the Sultanate of Aceh and a state under Dutch East Indies. Consisting of 4 districts, 9 residents, 68 villages, and 259 sub-villages, the city is recently found in 2001, being part of North Aceh Regency as well as its urban expansion.

Airports in Lhokseumawe

Malikus Saleh Airport

Malikus Saleh Airport is the main airport in North Aceh Regency that is meant to serve the city of Lhokseumawe and other surrounding areas, is located 28.4 kilometers away from the city. It is named after Malikus Saleh, which was the first ruler of the Samudera Pasai Kingdom that used to reign over the areas within northern Aceh. Built and opened since 1985 by PT Arun NGL, it is designated as a domestic airport with destinations around Indonesia, notably to and from Medan via airlines such as Citilink and Wings Air. The public airport was owned by the Government of Lhokseumawe and was operated initially by Pertamina before being passed to the Ministry of Transportation. At an elevation of 27 meters, the airport has a 1,850 meters long runway that is paved. While there are no direct flights from Manila to Lhokseumawe, one can expect to board a flight from Manila to Jakarta or Medan and take a local flight heading to Lhokseumawe.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Lhokseumawe?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travellers to find the cheapest flights to Lhokseumawe. All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Lhokseumawe.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Lhokseumawe?

The off-peak season is in February which is the least humid month in Lhokseumawe. As such, one can expect travel costs to be much lesser if you are travelling around this month. The peak time to visit Lhokseumawe is usually around November to January, therefore expect prices to rise around this time. If you plan your trip well, you can undoubtedly save your money because the price for hotels and flights during the peak season will cost you a lot of money.

Lhokseumawe, just like the nearby cities and regions around Indonesia and surrounding countries, has a tropical rainforest climate which dry season is shorter, and rainfall usually is heavy throughout the year. The average maximum temperature in Lhokseumawe around 32 and 35 degree Celsius while the average minimum is around 23.4 and 24.4 degree Celsius. The hottest months are usually around April, May and June. Lhokseumawe too has a high humidity with some months being more humid than others.

In Lhokseumawe too, you can similarly enjoy a couple of festivals to the locals would. Just like some other parts in Indonesia, Lhokseumawe as part of Aceh is predominantly inhabited by residents practicing the Islamic faith. As such, they will observe Hari Raya Aidilfitri, with celebrations done after fasting for one month during Ramadan. They will also observe other Islamic religious activities such as Aidiladha, Muharram and Prophet Muhammad's Birthday.

What are the Top 5 Things to Do in Lhokseumawe?

Ujong Blang Beach – Named after Ujung Blang village which is near the beach, it is among the famous beaches that can be found in Lhokseumawe. While watching fishermen doing their life work nearby the sea, one can always look forward to the mesmerizing views of the sunrise, which is one of a kind.

Bukit Goa Jepang – Among the higher points in the city, the hill allows you to have a greater view of the beach. It also has a cave which has a historical value, being used as the Japanese's final defense line before the independence declaration by Sukarno.

Seumadu Island – Once known as Rancong Beach, Seumadu Island can be found at Muara Satu which is about 10 kilometers east of Lhokseumawe, it is a tourist spot that is also visited frequently by locals and foreigners alike. While taking a walk here to enjoy the view, there are also food stalls selling food nearby that allows you to grab a bite or two while hanging around the area.

Waduk Posong – It feels incomplete to not come over to this place when in Lhokseumawe. Surrounded by lights, this reservoir is best visited at night when most lights are illuminated to offer better visuals of the place. Indeed the light arrangement can be terrific for a night out with friends.

Riyadhah Park – Being the only park of its kind that can be found in the city area, Riyadhah Park is always visited by people from all walks of life, be it locals or foreigners. In addition to the playground and the tracks, there is a connection to the Internet via Wi-Fi that urges visitors to stay longer than their expected time.