'''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.

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.

Cities

  • Banda Aceh - capital city of the region
  • Other destinations

  • Lhoknga — surfing within easy striking distance of Banda Aceh
  • Meulaboh
  • Sabang (''Pulau Weh'') — The westernmost point of Indonesia and Aceh's favorite beach getaway
  • 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.

    Talk

    Get in

    By plane

    There are two direct international flights to Banda Aceh. Air Asia [http://www.airasia.com] offers flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, while Firefly [http://www.fireflyz.com.my] connects four times a week from Penang. Prices of tickets range from 15 to 70 USD.

    '''Note''': Banda Aceh is ''not yet'' a visa-on-arrival entry point, so you'll need to have an advance visa! Visa on arrival can be obtained in Medan. Indonesian consulates and embassies abroad also issue 60 day tourist visas.

    Domestically, there are daily flights between Jakarta and Banda Aceh by Garuda Indonesia [http://www.garudaindonesia.com], Lion Air [http://www.lionair.co.id/] via Medan and Kartika [http://www.kartika-airlines.com]. Kartika is the cheapest but Lion Air and Garuda fly generally newer aircraft.

    By bus

    The road from Medan to Banda Aceh are now reasonable. Especially the express night buses from Medan 10 hours,200 000 IDR are a good deal. Non express day and nigh busses are cheaper (150 000 IDR) and take longer 12-14 hours.

    By boat

    The Ferry from Penang to Krueng Guekueh port, Lhokseumawe has stopped running. Instead, take the ferry to Medan and continue from there.

    Get around

    There is no need for travel permits anymore in Aceh. Taxis, rental cars and motor taxis are available in Banda Aceh.

    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.

    Itineraries

    Aceh for Nature and Outdoor Lovers Arrive in Medan, travel from Medan to the jungle resort ofBukit Lawang from there you can go to the more remote Tangkahan. From Tangkahan http://www.sumatraecotourism.com/tangkahan/] travel to the mysterious Danau Laut Tawar near Takengon were you can hike and climb some spectacular volcanoes. From Takengon you can travel to Banda Aceh. There you can visit some great beaches and mountain biking [[http://www.aceh-adventure.org and hiking. Banda Aceh is also the place to get a ferry to Sabang or Pulau Weh where you can dive and snorkle http://www.pulauwehsabang.com/en/.

    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.

    Aceh is also great for hiking and mountain biking and bicycling. More information can be found on the Aceh Trek and MTB site http://acehtrek.googlepages.com/home.htm and the Aceh Adventure Site [http://www.aceh-adventure.org. The website of the Aceh Bicycle community is another great resouce of information http://www.atjehbicycle.com.

    Surfing is great at Lok'na beach where you can also rent boards and do surfing courses.

    Eat

    Stay safe

    Get out