'''Banda Aceh''' is the capital of the Indonesian province of Aceh on the island of Sumatra.
Understand
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) has been solved for the time being by the peace agreement on 15 August 2005. The peace process has been quite smooth since. On 11 December 2006 the province held its first direct and democratic local elections. On 8 February 2007 the first democratically elected Governor, Irwandi Yusuf, was inaugurated.
Get in
Foreigners no longer require a travel permit (''surat jalan'') to enter Aceh, but an Indonesian visa is required.
By bus
There are non-stop night buses, with travel times ranging from 9 to 13 hours - from Medan to Banda Aceh. Major bus companies such as PMTOH, Kurnia and Pusaka have offices on Jl. Gajah Mada, Medan. Price ranges from 110,000 in a regular-sized-seat bus to 140,000 to 170,000 in a wide-seat bus.
Mini-buses can also take you to Banda Aceh from the Medan area, but journeys are long (20 hours from Takengon) though price ranges are low (70,000).
By plane
Two airlines fly daily between Banda Aceh and either Medan (a one-hour trip) or Jakarta (a 2 hour 40 minute trip). Garuda has three daily flights from Jakarta and two daily flights from Medan. Lion Air has two daily flights from Jakarta and one from Medan. The Jakarta-Banda Aceh direct flight on Garuda takes 2 hrs 40 mins on a Boeing 737, although it is often changed to stopover at Medan without warning. SMAC Airlines flies daily from Medan to Nias Island and Simeulue Island. Air Asia also sells discount tickets on daily flights from Kuala Lumpur but you can not obtain a Visa On Arrival there. The Embassy in KL can process the visa in the same day if you complete all the paperwork before 12 (updated 14 nov 08). Firefly airlines http://www.fireflyz.com.my , Malaysia's community airline now flies from Penang to Banda Aceh every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
By boat
The closest big (international) ferry terminal is Belawan Port, close to Medan. It receives vessels originating from Batam, Indonesia (a common route when coming from Singapore), Penang, Malaysia (Langkawi Ferry http://www.langkawi-ferry.com/schedule.html). Banda Aceh's ports are generally only for fishing.
Get around
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 have gotten used to overcharging, but now stabilization has returned. Example becak fares are: Airport - Grand Mosque: 40,000; Bus Terminal - Grand Mosque: 8,000; Grand Mosque - Penayong: 5,000. Inside the city, generally 10,000 should do it.
See
It's very possible to go on a "Tsunami Tour", as there are many boats still inland and other monuments devoted to that devastating day in 2004.
Fisherman boat on an inhabitant house. esa Lampulo, Kota Alam. ree. 59 people were reportedly saved by boarding this small boat and riding it to safety. Very dramatic image.
Floating Electric Generator Ship. ampung Bunge Blangcut, Jayabaru. A ship was carried 5 km inland during the tsunami. You can get a nice overview of the city from the top of the ship.
Tsunami Monument & Garden. Located beside the electric generator ship.
Others
Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman/Grand Mosque. uslim dresscode. A truly beautiful artifact and the largest mosque in Aceh province.
Cut Nya Dien House. Cut Nya Dien is an Indonesian's woman revolutionist from
Sleep
Hotel Lading. l Cut Meutia No.19, Banda Aceh. ext to BRI. 62-651-635123. ww.ladinghotelaceh.com. 4.00. 3.00. SD15-30. Only 5 minutes walk to the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque and Pasar Aceh market. With a nice view of the Aceh River. Close to several banks, restaurants, supermarket and internet cafe.
'''Hermes Palace Hotel''', the first international hotel and landmark hotel of Banda Aceh. [http://www.hermespalacehotel.com] Formerly known as the Swiss Bel-Hotel.
'''Hotel Medan''' (''in the centre'') - one star hotel
'''Hotel Sultan''' (''in the centre'') - two star hotel, around $30-40
'''Pavilliun Seulawah''' (''in the centre, Jl. Prof. A. Majid. Ibrahim II No. 3'') - a good hotel, around $50. Wireless internet access (included), restaurant. Next to a park with sports possibilities.
'''Oasis Hotel''' (''just outside the centre'') - more cozy than the Swiss Bell and the rooms are just as nice, with wireless internet in the lobby at around USD75 per night.
'''Uncle's Homestay''' A back packer place- room with fan about 70,000- air con more.
The full address is: Uncle's Homestay, Jalan Mujahidin No. 2B, Lambaro Skep, Banda Aceh Mobile no: +62852 6028 4432 (mobile phone) or homestay no: 0651-26219
Both Uncle (Abdul) and his wife Yulia speak English.
The Pade Hotel. l Soekarno Hatta 1. 99999. ww.thepade.com. 2.00. 2.00. S $ 50- 120. The best Boutique Hotel in Town, Spacious and modern Guestrooms, individual terrace, Wi fi zone , Every Saturday Barbeque Night, Every Wednesday Pasta Party. www.thepade.com
Eddie Homestay. 5 pernight. The full address is:Jl. Golf - Lhoknga in front of Golf course - Banda Aceh - Aceh Province. Eddie Homestay is new and very nice atmosphere with $5 per night. Eddie mobile phone# +62811688682, +6281360319126 and +6281360041350 and you can also reach him by email: ediquenzalo@yahoo.com and decolunga@yahoo.com. His speak English well and his family too. The beach is very good for surfing, sunbathing and relaxing.
Stay safe
As with all traveling, 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. It's best to not go out alone after 10pm. Because Sharia law is enforced, drinking alcohol and relationships between Muslim locals and foreigners are not permitted. Although both are possible, they may result in arrest by the Sharia police and physical punishment for the Muslim party involved. Headscarves need not be worn in the city by women, but are best used in the countryside. As a matter of taste, Western-style swimsuits aren't advisable. Pick-pockets abound, but be particularly careful on the ferries.
Get out
Lhoknga, a great beach 17 km west from the city
Lampuuk, another surfing beach