From Wikitravel

Aceh (pronounced "ah-chey", full name: Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam; various spellings include Acheh, Atjeh and Achin) is a province and special territory (daerah istimewa) of Indonesia, located in the northern part of the island of Sumatra, the largest island in the Indonesian archipelago. Population 4.2 million.

[edit] Regions

The province of Aceh is located in the Northwestern of Sumatra Island with the area of approximately 57,365.57 km square or 12.26 % of size of Sumatra Island. It consists of 119 islands, 73 major rivers and 2 lakes. Aceh is surrounded by Malacca Strait in the north, North Sumatra Province in the east, Indian Ocean in the south and the west. The capital of Aceh is Banda Aceh.

Aceh was long known for its desire for political independence from Indonesia. When the 26 December 2004 Tsunami hit the coastline of Aceh, the Acehnese welcomed and accepted the help offered from outside donors and communities in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the province.

The tremendous loss of life also influenced the thinking of political figures of the province, and the Aceh Government became more open to peace talks. The 29 year long struggle for special control (autonomy or independence) subsequently ended with the Helsinki Peace Agreement which was signed on 15 August 2005, and the decision to remain a province of Indonesia. Since then, the peace process has been quite smooth, without major incidents.The "AAM" (Aceh Monitoring Mission) funded by the EU oversaw the process.

There are a number of major towns, among them: Banda Aceh (capital), Lokhseumawe, Meulaboh, Sigli, and Calang. Also the island of Sabang (an hour ferry ride from Banda Aceh), considered a diver's and snorkeler's paradise, belongs to the province.

[edit] Cities

• Banda Aceh - capital city of the region

[edit] Other destinations

• Meulaboh

• Pulau Weh/Sabang

Sabang is the main town on this island (Pulau=island in Indonesian), about an hour's ferry ride from Banda Aceh.

The island is very relaxed and offers swimming, snorkeling and diving.

The island is called "Pulau Weh" or "Weh island". Sabang town has some picturesque streets with some old colonial houses.

[edit] Understand

For many years, travel in this part of Indonesia had been restricted by the Government due to separatist rebel activities. More recently, on 26 December 2004, the coastal portions of the area were devastated by a huge earthquake triggering a tsunami, which is estimated to have killed up over 160,000 people and completely devastated coastal infrastructure (including the capital city of Banda Aceh), and made over 500,000 people homeless.

Since the peace agreement was signed in Helsinki on 15 August 2005, the Indonesian Government, in cooperation with the European Union, has been working with the local militia to disarm weapons, with great success. After the tsunami, the UN and numerous international aid agencies moved in, in a quest to reconstruct the area.

The province is governed by Sharia law. Moderate dress and related behaviour under this type of governance is expected. Things are more relaxed on Sabang/Pulau Weh.

The largest portion of Leuser National Park is in Aceh Province, and provides habitat for many endangered species, including the Sumatran Tiger and forest Rhinoceros.

[edit] Talk

[edit] Get in

Road conditions are still quite poor heading from Medan to Banda Aceh, in addition to any other concerns over safety. It is recommended to use regular flights either from Jakarta or from Medan.

Daily flights between Jakarta and Banda Aceh are maintained by Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Adam Airlines, via Medan, though the preferred airline is Garuda Indonesia.

Aceh can also easily be reached by air from Singapore via Medan and ferry boat from Penang, Malaysia.

Ferry from Penang to Krueng Guekueh port, Lhokseumawe. The ship KMP Jatra III. Maxium passenger 100. Length of travel 13 hours. Agent: ASDP (M) Sdn Bhd is the agent (Penang)

The available transport facilities include public buses and cars, sea ships and air services which link the province with other parts of the Indonesian archipelago.

Taxis, hire cars and rikshaws are available in Banda Aceh.

[edit] Get around

Regulations have been relaxed, but travel permits (surat jalan) may be required for travel to some parts of Aceh. Enquire at Banda Aceh before setting off.

[edit][add listing] See

Aceh is rich of events, attraction and unique cultures that will fascinate anyone. Aceh is also rich in natural beauty, waves and sea garden which is suitable for diving. Some of the most beautiful Aceh tourism and historical sites and beaches have been damaged by the massive earthquake and Dec '04 Tsunami.

Highlights: The Baiturrachman Great Mosque, Aceh State Museum, The Graves of Sultan Iskandar Muda and of Teuku Syah Kuala, Ujang Batee and Lampuk Beaches, Tjut Nyak Dien Museum, Rubiah Sea Garden, Simpang Balok Hot Water Pool, Linga Isaag Hunting Area, Leuser National Park, Cakra Donya Bell, remains of the Samudra Pasai Kingdom and Teuku Cik Ditiro Heros Cemetery.

[edit] Itineraries

[edit][add listing] Do

Fantastic diving on Pulau Weh (called "Sabang" by the locals, the name of the city on the island). If you're certified, expect to pay €25 for your first dive, €20 for every dive afterward.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Get out

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