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Banda Aceh
ACEH
BANDA ACEH Banda Aceh is a major administrative and commercial hub in the province of Aceh, Indonesia. It is also the oldest Islamic city in Southeast Asia and, in the past, served as the capital of the Aceh Sultanate. Consequently, the city preserves an extraordinary legacy of Islamic history and culture.
About this destination
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air
All flights to Banda Aceh arrive at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport (BTJ). The airport is located approximately 16 km from the city center. Several transportation options are available:
Taxis: Airport taxis do not use a meter; instead, they operate on a fixed-fare basis, costing around IDR 80,000.
DAMRI Bus: You can take a DAMRI bus from the airport to the city center for a fare of approximately IDR 20,000.
By Bus
You can reach the city by bus from various locations on the island of Sumatra, as well as from the Rawamangun Terminal in Jakarta. If you are traveling from Medan, non-stop bus services to Banda Aceh are available—such as PMTOH, Kurnia, and Pusaka (located on Jalan Gajah Mada, Medan)—with a travel time of 9–13 hours. Bus tickets from Jakarta cost approximately IDR 500,000.
By Sea
Travel by sea from Jakarta to Banda Aceh is possible via ships departing from Tanjung Priok Port, with fares starting from IDR 150,000.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
If you enjoy surfing or other water sports, the best time to visit Aceh is between August and October, when the winds and waves are strong. If you wish to experience Aceh’s cultural festivals, consider visiting during the Islamic month of Ramadan or around the holiday of Mawlid al-Nabi (the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday).
LOCAL LANGUAGE
The language spoken in Banda Aceh is a variety of Malay.
By Air
All flights to Banda Aceh arrive at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport (BTJ). The airport is located approximately 16 km from the city center. Several transportation options are available:
Taxis: Airport taxis do not use a meter; instead, they operate on a fixed-fare basis, costing around IDR 80,000.
DAMRI Bus: You can take a DAMRI bus from the airport to the city center for a fare of approximately IDR 20,000.
By Bus
You can reach the city by bus from various locations on the island of Sumatra, as well as from the Rawamangun Terminal in Jakarta. If you are traveling from Medan, non-stop bus services to Banda Aceh are available—such as PMTOH, Kurnia, and Pusaka (located on Jalan Gajah Mada, Medan)—with a travel time of 9–13 hours. Bus tickets from Jakarta cost approximately IDR 500,000.
By Sea
Travel by sea from Jakarta to Banda Aceh is possible via ships departing from Tanjung Priok Port, with fares starting from IDR 150,000.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
If you enjoy surfing or other water sports, the best time to visit Aceh is between August and October, when the winds and waves are strong. If you wish to experience Aceh’s cultural festivals, consider visiting during the Islamic month of Ramadan or around the holiday of Mawlid al-Nabi (the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday).
LOCAL LANGUAGE
The language spoken in Banda Aceh is a variety of Malay.