All that remains today of Aceh's powerful sultanates are on view at Gunongan. Built by Sultan Iskandar Muda (r 1607-36) as a gift for his Malay princess wife, it was intended as a private playground and bathing place. The building consists of a series of frosty peaks with narrow stairways and a walkway leading to ridges, which represent the hills of the princess' native land.
Directly across from the Gunongan is a low, vaulted gate, in the traditional Pintu Aceh style, which gave access to the sultan's palace - supposedly for the use of royalty only.
To reach Gunongan, take a labi labi (opelet) bound for Jl Kota Alam.
