Aceh Travel Guide
Discover the beauty of Aceh, Indonesia with our comprehensive tour guide. Read about the best places to visit in Aceh, where to stay, what to eat, and more.
- Aceh Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Aceh
- Introduction to Aceh
- List of Places to Visit in Aceh
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Aceh
- Best Things to Do in Aceh: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Aceh
- Food and Drink Scene of Aceh
- Where to Stay in Aceh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Aceh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Aceh
- Best Time to Visit Aceh
- Do’s and Don’ts of Aceh
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Aceh: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Aceh
- Where to Go Next from Aceh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Aceh Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Aceh
Aceh is a province located in the northwest of Sumatra Island in Indonesia. Famous for its natural beauty and rich history, it has become one of the most loved tourist destinations in Indonesia. Aceh is home to numerous cultural and natural attractions that you must visit during your trip. Our comprehensive tour guide will give you a glimpse of the beauty of this province.
Introduction to Aceh
Aceh is well-known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and its history that dates back to the time of the Sultanate of Aceh. The province is located just a few miles from the Equator, which means that the climate is tropical all year round. The people of Aceh are warm and friendly, making your trip more exciting.
List of Places to Visit in Aceh
There are a plethora of places to visit in Aceh, be it cultural or natural attractions. Here is a list of our top picks:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Museum Tsunami Aceh: Learn all about Aceh’s history, including the devastating tsunami that hit the province in 2004.
- Aceh State Museum: Located in the heart of Banda Aceh, this museum will take you back to the glory days of the Sultanate of Aceh.
- Gunongan Historical Park: Built during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda, this monument represents the love story between the sultan and his queen.
Natural Attractions of Aceh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Sabang Island: Known to be a paradise for divers, Sabang Island features stunning beaches and beautiful marine life.
- Mount Leuser National Park: This national park is home to numerous species of animals, including orangutans, tigers, and elephants.
- Iboih Beach: Known for its crystal clear water and serene atmosphere, Iboih beach is the perfect place to relax.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Aceh
Hiking and biking enthusiasts will love Aceh. Here are some of the best routes for hiking and biking:
- Mount Geurutee hike: Located in the western part of Aceh, this hike will take you through the beautiful forest, and the view from the top is breathtaking.
- Batee Iliek Waterfall hike: The hike to the waterfall takes about two hours and offers a scenic view of the surrounding forest.
- Coastal Bike Trail: This 70 km route from Banda Aceh to Sabang Island offers stunning views of the coast and is perfect for experienced bikers.
Best Things to Do in Aceh: Activities and Tours
Here are some of the best things to do in Aceh:
- Surfing: Aceh has some of the best surfing spots in Indonesia, like Lhoknga Beach and Lampuuk Beach.
- Cooking classes: Aceh is well-known for its delicious cuisine. Take a cooking class to learn how to make Acehnese dishes like Mie Aceh and Gulai Tunjang.
- Cultural tours: Take a tour of Banda Aceh to learn about the history and culture of the region.
Week-Long Itinerary for Aceh
Here is an itinerary for a week-long trip to Aceh:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the Aceh State Museum and Gunongan Historical Park |
| Day 2 | Hike Mount Geurutee and visit Lampuuk Beach |
| Day 3 | Visit Iboih Beach and Sabang Island |
| Day 4 | Explore the local markets and take a cooking class |
| Day 5 | Take a cultural tour of Banda Aceh |
| Day 6 | Visit Mount Leuser National Park |
| Day 7 | Relax and enjoy the beaches of Lhoknga |
Food and Drink Scene of Aceh
Acehnese cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors. Here are some must-try dishes:
Must-Try Dishes
- Mie Aceh: A spicy noodle soup dish with a mix of vegetables, meat, and shrimp.
- Gulai Tunjang: A beef tendon curry dish that is cooked until it is soft.
- Kuah Beulangong: A fish soup dish that is made with turmeric and lime.
Local Beverages
- Teh Tarik Aceh: A popular tea drink made with condensed milk.
- Kopi Aceh: A strong, sweet coffee that is served with a small glass of water.
Where to Stay in Aceh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are numerous options for accommodation in Aceh. Here are some of the best places to stay:
- Hotel Grand Nanggroe: A five-star hotel located in the heart of Banda Aceh.
- OYO 1017 Hotel Grand Permata Hati: A budget-friendly hotel with clean rooms and friendly staff.
- WHIZ Prime Hotel: A four-star hotel located in the center of Medan.
What to Buy in Aceh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home, here are some local products that you must buy:
- Traditional Acehnese textiles like sarongs and scarfs.
- Acehnese coffee and tea.
- Handicrafts made by the locals, like woven baskets and traditional ceramics.
Local Culture and Customs of Aceh
Aceh is known for its strict interpretation of Islamic law. When visiting the province, it is important to dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions.
Best Time to Visit Aceh
The best time to visit Aceh is from May to October when the weather is dry and sunny. The rainy season starts from November to April.
Do’s and Don’ts of Aceh
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when visiting Aceh:
Do:
- Dress modestly when visiting religious places and mosques.
- Learn some basic phrases in Bahasa Aceh.
- Try the delicious Acehnese cuisine.
Don’t:
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Aceh.
- Don’t drink alcohol in public places.
- Don’t smoke in public places.
Safety and Health
Safety in Aceh
Aceh is generally safe for tourists. However, it is always important to be cautious when traveling to a new place. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Health in Aceh
Make sure to get vaccinated before your trip to Aceh. Drink only bottled water and avoid street food to prevent getting sick.
Getting to Aceh: Transportation Options and Logistics
There are different ways to get to Aceh. Here are some transportation options:
Airports Near Aceh
- Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport in Banda Aceh
- Kuala Namu International Airport in Medan
Bus Stations Near Aceh
Some of the major bus stations near Aceh are:
- Medan Terminal
- Aceh Terminal
Other Options
- Hire a private car or taxi.
- Rent a scooter or motorbike.
How to Get Around in Aceh
The best way to explore Aceh is by renting a car or hiring a private driver. Alternatively, you can also rent a motorbike or scooter. Public transportation is limited and not recommended for tourists.
Where to Go Next from Aceh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can visit after your trip to Aceh:
- Lake Toba: A beautiful volcanic lake in North Sumatra.
- Pulau Weh: A small island near Banda Aceh that is known for its stunning beaches and water activities.
- Nias Island: An island near North Sumatra known for its unique culture and surfing spots.
Conclusion
Aceh is truly a hidden gem in Indonesia. The province is home to unique and diverse attractions that anyone would love to visit. We hope that our comprehensive tour guide has helped you plan your trip to Aceh. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local culture and try the delicious Acehnese cuisine. Have a great trip!
