Banda Aceh

Banda Aceh is the capital of the Indonesian province of Aceh on the island of Sumatra.

Introduction to Banda Aceh

Around 150,000 people were killed in Banda Aceh in the Tsunami of 26 December 2004. Some parts of the city became permanently submerged.

How to travel to Banda Aceh

It is feasible to get a 30-day Visa-on-Arrival at Banda Aceh Airport. The embassy in Kuala Lumpur can sometimes process the visa in the same day if you complete all the paperwork before noon, though thit is supposed to apply only to Malaysian residents.

Travel by Bus to Banda Aceh

There are non-stop night buses, with travel durations ranging from 9–13 hours - from Medan to Banda Aceh. Major bus companies such as PMTOH, Pelangi, Kurnia and Pusaka have offices on Jl. Gajah Mada, Medan. Price ranges from Rp 210,000 in a regular-sized-seat bus to Rp 600,000 in a wide-seat bus.

Mini-buses can also take you to Banda Aceh from the Medan area, but journeys are generally longer. Prices are a bit cheaper than the coaches. It is also feasible to travel over from Medan to Banda Aceh via Kutacane and Takengon. This will be 20 hours in total.

Fly to Banda Aceh

Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport IATA Flight Code: BTJ - Airlines fly daily between Banda Aceh and either Medan, a 1 hours trip, or Jakarta, a 2 hours 40 minutes trip.

AirAsia, Kuala Lumpur. , daily flights
Batavia Air, Jakarta -Soekarno-Hatta, Medan
Firefly, Penang, , Malaysia's community airline now flies from Penang to Banda Aceh every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Garuda Indonesia, Jakarta -Soekarno-Hatta, Medan, 3 daily Flights from Jakarta and two daily Flights from Medan. The Jakarta-Banda Aceh direct flight on Garuda takes 2 hours 40 min on a Boeing 737, although it is often changed to stopover at Medan without warning. Seasonal to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season
Lion Air, Jakarta -Soekarno-Hatta, Medan. They have two daily Flights from Jakarta and one from Medan.
SMAC, Blang Pidie, Meulaboh, Simelue, Takengon, Tapaktuan. Flies daily from Medan to Nias Island and Simeulue Island.
Sriwijaya Air, Medan
Susi Air, Meulaboh

Visa & Passport Requirements to enter Banda Aceh

Visa formalities at this airport are similar to those of other Indonesian immigration gateways.

Visa On Arrival (VOA) service is available at Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport.

Airport bus

A DAMRI bus provides a service from Banda Aсeh to the airport and from the airport to Banda Aceh. Operating hours are 10/11:00-26:30 (the last one is after the flight JT-306 LionAir from JKT), price to the city is Rp 60,000/person (May 2024)

The bus departing from the airport to Banda Aсeh leaves a few minutes after airplanes land. So departure time depends on landing time, more or less. Thus, it's advised to hurry to catch the bus. It is on your left when you leave the airport building (taxi drivers will tell you there is no airport bus, just keep on walking because the bus is there).

Please note that this bus goes to Banda Aceh Downtown; it does not go to the Bus Station or Ulee-Lhue Harbour. If you want to go to the Bus Station or Ulee-Lhue Harbour, take a becak after being dropped off in the Downtown by the airport bus.

To go to the airport, you can catch the bus at 08:00, 14:00 or 15:00 in front of the Big Mosque.

Travel by boat to Banda Aceh

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). The ferry from Penang is no longer operating. From Ulhee-lhee and the port of Banda Aceh you can go to Pulau Weh and to Pulau Aceh.

How to get around in Banda Aceh

The main methods of getting around are becak (motorbike taxis) and labi-labi (public shuttle van). Due to the sudden influx of money post-tsunami, local residents have gotten used to overcharging, but now stabilisation has returned. Example becak fares are: Airport - Grand Mosque: Rp 60,000; Bus Terminal - Grand Mosque: Rp 8,000; Grand Mosque - Penayong: Rp 7,000. Inside the city, generally Rp 20,000 should do it.

Sightseeing in Banda Aceh

Masjid Raya Baiturrahman/Grand Mosque | 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. It has five onion shaped domes, two tall minarets, wide white walls and decoratively ornamented pillars. (Jan 2024)1

Cut Nya Dien House | Cut Nya Dien was an Indonesian woman revolutionist from Aceh. The house is a replica of the heroine Cut Nyak Dhien House, from the Aceh War. The colonial forces burned down the house, but a replica was built later. This house in Lam Pisang, about 6 kilometers from Banda Aceh and is now a museum. The house is in Lampisang Village, Lhok Nga subneighborhood, Greater Aceh neighborhood. Although Lhok Nga was the area worst hit by tsunami and the Tjut Nyak Dhien House survived. The daughter of a chieftain, Tjut Nyak Dhien joined the fight against the Dutch invaders in 1875. Her first husband fell in battle and she remarried. When her second husband also died fighting, she continued the struggle with her children. After six years in the jungle, she was captured by the Dutch and exiled to Western Java where she passed away in 1906. Tjut Nyak Dhien is recognised as one of the National Warriors of Indonesia.

Gunongan and Taman Putroe Phang | Gunongan had erected by Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607-1636) as a private playground and bathing place for this wife Putro Phang (From Malaysia). This whimsical architectural fantasy had access to the sultan's palace through the traditional 'Pintu Aceh', used by royalty only. This building likely functioned as an important recreational peace located in the Taman Sari Park for the Queen and other royal family members to climb. It is quite enjoyable to visit this place during the late afternoon or sunset.

Graveyard in Bitay Village | In Bitay the grave of a saint, Teungku di Bitay, may still be seen. The tomb of Tuan di Bitay, who taught the Achehnese among other things the art of casting cannon and the mosque which stands beside the grave are revered as sacred up to the present day. Aceh and Türkiye had a close relationship in times past. Many technicians and weapons from the Turkish fleet came and settled in Aceh. Historical remains of this time include a mosque and a monument and headstone Turkish people in the village Bitai (~ 3 kilometers from Banda Aceh).

The Museum Aceh | The museum exhibits ceramics, weapons and many cultural artifacts such as clothing, jewellery, calligraphy, Islamic ornamenation, kitchen equipment and many other items. A most interesting item is a big bell called “Lonceng Cakra Donya”, a gift from China Grand-Duke (Ming Emperor, in the 15th century) for Sultan Aceh that was delivered by a Chinese Moslem, Admiral Cheng Ho in 1414, an inscription on the bell reads; “Sing Fang Niat Toeng Juut Kat”. In this complex there is also ‘Rumah Aceh’ house that was built by Dutch Governor Van Swart in 1941 in a style typical of classic Aceh’s house architecture. To the west of the museum or north of Aceh House of Custom there is graveyard complex holding the remains of Aceh Sultans.

Indonesian Airline Monument - Seulawah-Indonesian First Airplane | The monument was erected to commemorate the heroic contribution of the Acehnese to the emergence of the Republic of Indonesia. When Indonesia became independent in 1945 the Dutch intended to reoccupy the nation. In the ensuing struggle in 1949 much area had fallen to the Dutch; the Republic of Indonesia was badly in need of an airplane to avoid the blockade of the enemy. Soekarno, Indonesian president at that time, urgently asked the Acehnese to donate money for an airplane. A Douglas DC-3 was purchased shortly afterwards and paid for with the donation. This very early plane was the precursor of Garuda Indonesia fleet.

Kerkhof - Dutch military graveyards of Banda Aceh | Kerkhoff or War Memorial Cemetery or known by local peoples as Peucut Kerkhoff, 2,000 Dutch soldiers who died in an Aceh War were buried in these graveyards. On the walls of the Kerkhoff entrance gate you may see the names list of the persons buried including details of where and when they died.

Ulee Lheue-Banda Aceh - Tsunami Ground Zero | Ulee Lheue is a shoreline facing the Malacca straits; when the tsunami hit Banda Aceh on 26 December 2004 and the beach line and the village nearby were severely damaged and submerged by a 10 m high wave. Now the local government has built a new seaport at Ulee Lheue and if you have plans to visit Sabang and Weh Island, you can take a Ro-Ro ferry or speed boat from Ulee Lheue. Ulee Lheue beach has still kept its enchanting beauty and almost every day people come to this place to enjoy the blue horizon of sky and sea, to see a beautiful sunset in the evening, or to enjoy the beach at night on the weekend.

Aceh Culture & Tourism Agency | Very friendly and helpful staff. They provide (free): a map of Banda Aceh and the region around Banda Aceh, a map of the Aceh-province, a very nice Aceh Guide Book (colorprint). These items are put in a small, really beautiful, shopping bag with pictures of Aceh on it.

Muslim Travel Tips

Mountain Biking Cycling Hiking | Cycle around the mountains, Rice fields and beaches near Banda Aceh. Hike and bike tours and mountain bikes available

Banda Aceh city highlights tour on a Bicycle. | 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 - After the tsunami international donors and the Indonesian Government build plenty of excellent roads. The road along the west coast is of great beauty. Expect green hills and mountains and behind every corner an even more beautiful beach.

Island dropping The uninhabited island of Pulau Kreusik has a splendid, mosquito free white beach and is about 1 hour from Banda Aceh. The island has safe swimming. You can either make a day trip to the island or stay overnight.

Discover Aceh Divers Club | There are some nice diving spots around Banda Aceh such as Pulau Tuan, Pulau Bunta and Lhok Mata Ie with underwater fish and corals. If you are lucky you will see Manta rays. The price includes the boat from Banda Aceh. Certified divemasters will accompany you when diving.

Shopping in Banda Aceh

Markets

There are interesting fish, Meat and vegetable markets in the centre of town. There are also some small souvenir shops selling various local items.

Visit a Muslim Friendly Mall in Banda Aceh

The Hermes Palace mall is located at the downtown of Banda Aceh. The mall has over 100 stores with foodcourt, supermarket and clothing stores.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Banda Aceh

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 (Malay) Food, Halal Toyibah.

Shidqi Cafe, Jl. Malikul Saleh, Lamlagang, (on the left side of the Red Crescent Hospital). Naturalis Cafe.

PaceBene - Bene Restaurant | Best restaurant in town, not just for its fresh seafood, Pastas and Pizzas, but also its great roof top garden. Dishes work from an Italian template, but with the best ingredients Banda Aceh has to offer. And watch out for when the salsa comes on, for the wait staff burst into spontaneous song. Also open weekdays for lunch.

Imperial Kitchen, Jl Teuku Umar. High quality Chinese restaurant.
Country Steakhouse, Jl Sri Ratu Safiatuddin 46D. Steaks, hamburgers, salads; Western style food.
Banda Seafood Restaurant, Jl Panglima Polem 125, (near the Kartika Hotel). Fine Chicken, Meat and vegetable dishes.
Big Top, (across the road from Warung Ibu Pocut). Chinese and Indonesian dishes.
Tower Coffee, (previously Putra Jaya), Jl Tgk Haji Abdullah Ujung Rimba No 14, (off Jl Muhammad near Masjid Baiturrahman). Panang style dining in nice A/C atmosphere with some English-speaking waiters.
Niagara Cafe, Jl Hasandek 8-9. Has every fruit juice imaginable and a satay stand outside.

Istana | Two locations. Offers your typical Aceh fare in an A/C dining area. Careful ordering - they may serve and charge you two dishes.

Hermes Palace - formerly Swiss-Belhotel | The restaurant here presumably offers the best hotel food in town and has nice dinner buffets as well as a la carte.

Sultan Hotel, has a popular cafe, while the chef at the hotel’s Koetaradja Restaurant boldly tries his hand at a Sultan Burger.

There are some nice coffee houses with soothing Rice paddie views around Ulee Kareng, along Jl Tengku Iskander on the town’s Western outskirts.

My Juice | 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 | Excellent expressos, latte, iced-lattes and great juices.

Black and White rumoh kuphi | A cozy place to hang out with friends. You can find friendly faces although if you come solo. Coffee, local food including mie Aceh and various fresh juices. Free wifi is available.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Banda Aceh

Banda Aceh - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Banda Aceh, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Banda Aceh. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Banda Aceh and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Banda Aceh. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Banda Aceh. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Banda Aceh: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Banda Aceh.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Banda Aceh: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Banda Aceh, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Banda Aceh.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Banda Aceh, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Banda Aceh, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Banda Aceh and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Banda Aceh, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Banda Aceh, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Banda Aceh without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Banda Aceh is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Banda Aceh.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Banda Aceh is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Banda Aceh, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Banda Aceh Media: info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Banda Aceh

Ramadan 2025 in Banda Aceh

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Hotel Lading | A 5-min 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. Airport shuttle services also available.

Hermes Palace Hotel - formerly known as the Swiss | IDD telephone, refrigerator, hair dryer, internet access and 32-channel TV, wake up call service, concierge, meeting room, business centre and 24-hr room service.

Hotel Sultan (in the centre). 2 star hotel, around US $30–40.
Pavilliun Seulawah,Jl. Prof. A. Majid. Ibrahim II No. 3, (in the centre,). Good hotel with a restaurant, WiFi is included. Next to a park with sports possibilities. Around US $50.
Oasis Hotel (just outside the centre). More cozy than the Swiss Bell and the rooms are just as nice, with WiFi in the lobby. Around US $75 per day.
Uncle's Homestay, Jl Mujahidin No. 2A, Lambaro Skep. ☎+62 852 6028 4432 (mobile phone) or homestay ☎+62 821 6821 5200 or ☎+62 852 0673 5330. This place is not the same since "Uncle" (Abdul) passed away. Now his widow Yulia runs the place. A bit far away from town center, offers basic rooms (water in the toilet after request) Rp 90,000.

The Pade Hotel | Boutique hotel in the town, Spacious and modern rooms, individual terrace, WiFi. Saturday night BBQ, Wednesday Pastas party

Hotel Wisata | Clean basic rooms with fan, cold shower and Wi-Fi for Rp. 125.000. A room with A/C costs more (Rp. 175.000?). Hot water also feasible (costs more). Night food stalls are right in front of the hotel.

Stay safe in Banda Aceh

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.

News & References Banda Aceh

Go Next

Lhoknga and Lampuuk, beautiful beaches 17 km west of the city, great for surfing or just relaxing on the beach.
Pulau Weh is a neighbouring island, with the city of Sabang and some of Indonesia's finest diving.