Banda Aceh is the capital of the Indonesian province of Aceh on the island of Sumatra. It was also the capital for the Sultanate of Aceh upon its foundation in the late 15th century. Banda Aceh, at the tip of Sumatra, has long been a strategic, transportation and trading hub in the eastern Indian Ocean, and was a major port in trade between the region, India and Arabia.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Around 150,000 people were killed in Banda Aceh in the Tsunami of 26 December 2004. Some parts of the city became permanently submerged. Many aid agencies have been present since then to help rebuild. The long conflict between the Acehnese independence movement (GAM) and the Indonesian army (TNI) was ended by the peace agreement of 2005. The peace process has been quite smooth since. In 2006 the province held its first direct and democratic local elections. In 2007 the first democratically elected Governor, Irwandi Yusuf, was inaugurated. Banda Aceh has a tropical rainforest climate, with near constant average temperatures. The city's annual average temperature is 27 °C.
The main methods of getting around are becak (motorbike taxis) and labi-labi (public minibus). Due to the sudden influx of money post-tsunami, locals got used to overcharging, but now prices are stable again. Example becak fares are: Airport - Grand Mosque: Rp 50,000; Bus Terminal - Grand Mosque: Rp 8,000; Grand Mosque - Penayong: Rp 5,000. Inside the city, generally Rp 10,000 should do it. One knowledgeable and friendly local becak driver is Little John. He speaks good English (and Japanese), asks for fair prices and can arrange motorbike rent for you beforehand if you're heading to Sabang island (asking price is Rp. 100000 / 24 hours).
1 Masjid Raya Baiturrahman/Grand Mosque (Muslim dresscode). Baiturrahman is a great mosque located at the heart of Banda Aceh, The mosque has five black coloured domes and white four minarets. The mosque stands upon an elegantly green landscape. The white washed walls and minerals and charcoal blacks domes of the Grand Mosque are the most famous landmark in Aceh. The Mosque was built in 12th century and caught fire several time including during a Dutch attack upon Kutaraja (Banda Aceh) in 1873. A replacement mosque was built by the Dutch military government and was completed in 1883. The mosque is extraordinary in architecture and ornamentation.
Mountain Biking Cycling Hiking, Jl Al Huda Blok B, No 2 (close to food court). Cycle around the mountains, rice fields and beaches near Banda Aceh. Hike and bike tours and mountain bikes available from Rp 50,000. Banda Aceh city highlights tour on a Bicycle., Jln Al Huda Blok B, No 2 (close to food court). A bike is a great way to explore both the long history of Banda Aceh as well as the impact of the 2004 Tsunami. Bicycles, maps and route descriptions are available at Aceh Adventure. Tour around on a Motorbike (A motorbike is an easy and adventurous way of exploring Aceh), Jl Mesjid Al Huda Blok B No 2 (close to food court), ☏ +62 813 99578873. 24 hr.
The Acehnese breakfast staple is nasi gurih, rice cooked in coconut milk, sold in coffee shops everywhere. Food stalls and Padang restaurants are open across the undamaged part of town, and fruit carts are ubiquitous. Canai Mamak KL Restaurant, Jl Teuku Umar No 51, Seutui, ☏ +62 811-6845-471. Malay food, Halal Toyibah. Shidqi Cafe, Jl. Malikul Saleh, Lamlagang, (on the left side of the Red Crescent Hospital), [1]. Naturalis Cafe. PaceBene (Bene Restaurant), Jl Bhakti no 33A-B, Kampung Laksana, ☏ +62 651 31035. A great restaurant for its fresh seafood, pasta and pizza, and also its beautiful roof top garden.
Drinking alcohol is not allowed. Coffee-drinking is the main activity. My Juice, Jl. Twk M. Daud Syan, No. 9-11, ☏ +62 65121613. On what you might call "Auto Blvd", this clean, friendly restaurant features some of the best juice combos around. Try the terung belanda fruit juice, which is only indigenous to Sumatra. Friends caffee, Jalan Kartini (from Hotel Medan, turn left, the first right, then first left, and walk into the Jl Kartini untul you see Friends caffee on your left hand site). from noon. Excellent espressos, latte, iced-lattes and great juices. Glee Cafe & Resto, Mataie Hillside Adventure & Water Park (Mataie - Keude bieng). Black and White rumoh kuphi, Jl. T. Umar No.
As with all travelling common sense and a good attitude is all you need to get along in this small city. However there are some points to keep in mind. Although Banda Aceh is nowadays safer than most European cities it is still best to not go out alone after 22:00. Because Sharia law is enforced, drinking alcohol is not permitted, although it is still possible. Infractions upon the locally perceived interpretations of Sharia law may result in arrest by the Sharia police with physical punishment and public ridicule imposed upon an offending Muslim. Muslim women should normally wear headscarves in public areas. Western-style swimsuits are not advisable except in Sabang.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Banda Aceh typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 13 rainy days.
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