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There used to be far more dogs, chickens, geese etc etc in Gapang, but in the night the enormous jungle-dwelling pythons come into the village to feed. If your girlfirend is 5ft or under (like mine is), remember to always accompany her to the toilet in the night. Nothing ruins a holiday more than a girlfriend being eaten by a python...
Earthquake is still a common visitor in Aceh (and to be honest, it never fails to frighten me). Occasionally the quake is pretty strong and I saw people flee to look for safer place. It’s not earthquake which scared most people, but the possibility to have another tidal waves. When there is a quake, it’s a good idea to run outside to avoid worst case of building collapse. I myself found that a bit difficult to live with earthquake. You never know when it’s coming. Other option, when you feel that earthquake is pretty strong, it’s not a bad idea if you go to safer place (or higher ground) and wait until an hour, just for anticipation.The good thing is that there meteorological department in Banda Aceh has hotline number. I called the number when there was a pretty strong earthquake, and I was quite relieved that the number is working and I knew the richter scale of the earthquake from...
I hope I am not offending anyone by putting Shariah under Warning or Danger post.The Islamic Shariah implementation in Aceh has invited polemic, divided by pro and contra version. Some think that the implementation is too forceful, while some supporting it wholeheartedly, Let’s leave the polemic in the forum discussions.For foreigners, there may exception for not following the strict rules. But, please for your own good, just be a good guest. No alcohol (in public), intimate action in front of public, be polite and ask around for the local custom. Don’t worry, you’ll be ok.
In the past, one was considered “mad” enough to travel around Aceh. No matter how pretty the landscape is and how gorgeous the beaches are, the news about Aceh was rarely good ones.After peace agreement in August 2005, the situation is much better. Yes, there are few incidents here and there. But, overall, Aceh is much more welcome the visitors to explore its beauty.There are still few areas considered not recommended to foreigners, but that doesn’t have to concern you so much. Aceh is big and you can still explore its beauty.Get a local accompany, keep yourself updated with latest news, or get in touch with some organizations that currently working in Aceh, such as United Nations, BRR, etc for the latest security conditions are the best way.
In Lhonga, a famous beach in Banda Aceh, the current can be strong sometimes.Data has recorded that several locals and expatriates have found death due to the strong current. Cases are varying from droughn to death. Numbers of people are never found, death or alive.Latest news I heard, there are beach guards now. But still, the beach is too big for handful amount of safe guards. Safest way is always be careful when you decide to swim, inform your friend or beach guard.
Well, don?t expect about it too much my dear fellows. Service is almost at the last priority throughout Aceh. No matter you are a customer and you bring money with you, service is usually make me headache on my first weeks in Aceh.But surprisingly, once you start to know them, they will drastically change and serve you much better. In some places or shop, service is ok., but mostly not. Anywhere you go, hotel, restaurant, barbershop, etc?.one simple tips, never expect anything related to service or you will be disappointed.
Lhonga and Lampuuk, although beautiful, but its blue and clear water are very dangerous sometimes. The strong current is too tough to beat and the victims are rarely to find alive. There is no beach guard and first help is quite far.A wise tips is never swim alone. And ask around where the safe spot to swim.Most people will try to stop you from swimming in the beach. But, if you can?t resist the beautiful beach and temptation to swim, make sure that you are extra pre-cautious.
You can find holes and water in a road. This makes you have a lot of “Off Road” trip. When you are walking, this can cause a hassle to keep your trouser and shoes clean. The damaged roads are caused by earthquake and tsunami.
***the present situation has become less safe for tourism recently -check before you go***Many travellers don't even consider travelling through Aceh because of safetywarnings. However the violence is not aimed at foreigners. In fact I encountered elements of both sides several times without any trouble. The chance of being very unlucky is a little bit bigger than in other parts of Sumatra, though! It's always a good idea to have yourself informed about the current local situation from place to place. Locals are a much better source than embassies.Allow also extra time since delays are common due to checkposts that are in every tiny little village. If there's fighting going on, public overland transport comes to a halt. If the buses are running and locals are travelling, you might consider the roads as safe enough.The most popular destinations like Ketambe (Gunung Leuser NP) and Pulau...
The Achenese are amongst the most conservative Muslims of Indonesia. But this doesn't mean that you're not welcome. On the contrary! For Muslims there's the Islamic law, but to foreigners they are very tolerant. Nobody expects female non-muslim travellers to cover up, for example. To keep it this way, It's very important to show respect however, i.e. don't wear shorts, short tops, don't ask for pork, etc., just the basic things. You're not welcome in the places of worship if you're not a muslim, so don't try to enter anyway.
Hotel Medan Banda Aceh
2 Reviews and 10 Opinions Rooms from Rp 175000
Rasa Seni Hotel Resort Sabang
1 Review and 3 Opinions We passed by and were shown around by the German owner. With prices in euro the resort was a bit...
Swiss Belhotel Banda Aceh
0 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Aceh Special Region attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Aceh Special Region sightseeing.
Q: Anyone now of anywhere self catering on Pulau weh ? or even with a fridge. Looking to make a 2 or 3 week deal and have to find...
A: Don't know of self-catering on Pulau Weh. But the cheapest area to stay would be at the beach commonly referred to as Iboih (though Iboih is actually the island facing...
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