Banda Aceh Favorites

Favorite thing: We make it a point to drop in at the tourist information office of a town we visit for the first time. The office of the Dinas Pariwisata Aceh (Provincial Tourism Department) is housed together with other government services.

Did we come too early in the morning? The tourist office was locked, there was some running about to find the key and a knowledgeable employee. But in the end we were served very well with a map of Banda Aceh, a comprehensive Aceh tourist guide booklet (bilingual English and Indonesian), another booklet on Sabang (English), and even a Banda Aceh culinary guide (bilingual).

Address: Jalan Tgk Chik Kuta Karang no 03, Banda Aceh.

Directions: On walking distance from Hotel Medan and Foodcourt Rex, about 700 m east.

Phone: 0651.23962-26206

Website: www.acehtourismagency.com (Indonesian language)

Favorite thing: Aceh in general has an interesting history. During the Dutch colonialism, Aceh was the last region in Indonesia conquered by the Dutch. And there are many heroic stories and epics about the bravado of the heros and heroines of Aceh. Aceh was also given a special status of region from the Government of Indonesia. There are only two special regions status in Indonesia; Yogyakarta and Aceh. Aceh was also under long year’s conflict since 1970s. The region became very isolated and continuously under travel warning. Only those who are brave enough and have strong nerve could travel to Aceh. Then, several peace resolutions attempts failed. Tsunami on December 2004 destroyed most of the coastal areas in Aceh. Banda Aceh and towns along the west coast became “cities of ruins”. In Aceh alone, there was around one hundred thousands live death or missing. More hundred thousands were displaced. In several months after the Boxing Day, Banda Aceh was caught to recover from the thousands of bodies. Though hurt and painful, there was historical point in Aceh long process to peace process. A peace agreement was signed on 15 August 2005 in Helsinki between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement. Another new chapter has started in Aceh.

Favorite thing: In the beginning of recovery program, Aceh became one of the most multicultural spot in Indonesia. Almost all nationalities were found here. And many different people from different islands of Indonesia (remember, we have 17,000 islands) were found here too. Suddenly, Aceh became very international, very open for visitors after years of conflict.
No longer after that, many national and international organizations came to Aceh to provide assistance. And Aceh was surprised with visits of important people from around the world. Let say, former president of the United States, Bill Clinton and George Bush, Queen Anne of Britain, former UN General Secretary, Kofi Anan, etc.

Then, street of Aceh was filled with new branded cars with logo sticker of the organizations. The sudden open access of Aceh also brought up the prices, especially accommodation and food. Inflation rate was high. Both local and international people started complaining about the price. Many times the increase of price is not followed by the good service, and this is usually annoying.

These days, Aceh (Banda Aceh in particular) is starting to get more quiet. More and more organization close down their operation and foreigners started to leave.
Prices started to decrease. This time, the business people (such as seller, house owner) started to complain. Friends and lover who were met because of the opportunity are usually sad to see their loved ones leaving Aceh. As a coin always has two sides, there are always two sides on something.

Favorite thing: Though several years have passed since the boxing day on 26 December 2004, still, talking and visiting Aceh will nearly impossible not to talk about tsunami. Though people are moving on and they prefer not to talk again about the tsunami topic, but you will always find people who are willing to share their experience on that day. Also, if you travel on your own and decide to walk around, Becak driver will approach you and offer what they called “tsunami tour”. Usually, you will be taken to the places where you still can see the footpath of the disaster.