Banda Aceh, a city in Indonesia, is known for its spiritual culture and historical significance. Its auspicious location on the westernmost point of the Indonesian archipelago has made it a popular destination for travelers seeking unexplored destinations. However, there have been reports of potential dangers for Westerners due to the strict Sharia laws.
Despite these concerns, Banda Aceh remains somewhat safe, with extra warnings in some regions. As of December 4, 2023, there are travel warnings and other safety considerations for tourists. The city is known for its resilient spirit, historical significance, and vibrant culture.
However, it is important to be aware of hot weather, as the city is governed by modified Sharia law. Despite this, Banda Aceh is a staunch Muslim city and a friendly city, with locals being welcoming of foreigners. Although violence against foreigners is rare, violent crime, such as armed robberies, occurs regularly.
Before visiting Banda Aceh, it is essential to be aware of the hot weather, cash is a must, and there is a cultural dress code. Banda Aceh is a conservatively Islamic and tsunami-battered city on the northern tip of Sumatra, so visitors should treat it like any other place with common sense and general courtesy.
As a non-Moslem Indonesian, it is safe to visit Banda Aceh, as it offers a unique blend of spirituality and cultural magnificence. Alcohol is a no-no in this Islamic city under the Sharia Law, and alcohol is not sold openly.
In summary, Banda Aceh is a safe destination for travelers, but it is important to be aware of the hot weather, the need for cash, and the cultural dress code.
📹 What is Banda Aceh Like? The Indonesian City Under Sharia Law 🇮🇩
What is Banda Aceh like? I spend a couple of days exploring the provincial capital of Sumatra’s Aceh province. This Indonesian …
Are tourists safe in Indonesia?
The US State Department has issued a cautionary advisory for US citizens traveling to Indonesia, citing concerns about terrorism and natural disasters. The advisory notes that certain regions within Indonesia have been identified as having an elevated risk profile. The US Embassy in Jakarta offers detailed information on this advisory, including specific guidance for LGBTQIA+ travelers.
Is Banda Aceh worth visiting?
Banda Aceh is a popular destination for tourists looking to immerse themselves in local culture and make their trip more memorable. The city is a religious city with ornate mosques as its center of daily life. To respect the local culture, tourists are expected to be modestly dressed, wearing long, loose pants and sleeved shirts. Under Sharia Law, unmarried couples are not allowed to share a room together, but exceptions may be made for tourists. Most travelers find the Acehnese to be friendly and hospitable, making the trip safer.
However, it is important to follow the rules and keep an open mind to avoid any complications during your trip. Remember to save short pants and bikinis for Bali and check with your hotel before booking.
Is it safe to travel to Indonesia today?
Terrorist attacks in Indonesia are ongoing, and travelers arriving at international ports must complete an electronic health declaration form called the SATUSEHAT Health Pass to prevent new Mpox variants from entering the country. The form can be completed online before check-in for flights, and a barcode containing health and travel history will appear. Indonesian authorities will scan the barcode upon arrival.
If you have Mpox symptoms, you may be referred to a hospital for treatment. Australians who become seriously ill in Bali may not receive the same level of critical care as Australians, and medical evacuation may not be possible.
What is the safest place in Indonesia?
Ubud, located in Indonesia, is a cultural sanctuary known for its safety and serenity. Its strong community bonds and tight-knit neighborhoods contribute to its secure atmosphere, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. Ubud’s emphasis on holistic wellness and spiritual practices fosters harmony and well-being, making it a safe destination in Indonesia Destinations.
Semarang, the capital of the Central Java Province, has efficient security measures and a blend of cultural heritage and modernity. Its vibrant community and ongoing urban development efforts maintain high safety standards, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Pallembang, located along the banks of the Musi River, is a unique blend of riverine charm and modern comforts. Despite being one of Indonesia’s oldest cities, it boasts a low crime rate due to its well-established security measures and vigilant law enforcement. Its strategic location as a major port hub also contributes to its overall safety. Visitors can explore historical landmarks and vibrant markets with peace of mind in one of Indonesia’s safest urban centers.
Where is the safest place to travel in Indonesia?
Indonesia is a diverse and enchanting nation, with five safe places to visit: Ubud, Semarang, Palembang, Balikpapan, and Banjarmasin. Ubud is a cultural sanctuary renowned for its safety and serenity, surrounded by lush rice paddies and verdant forests. Its strong community bonds and tight-knit neighborhoods contribute to its secure atmosphere, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. The town’s emphasis on holistic wellness and spiritual practices fosters a sense of harmony and well-being, further enhancing its reputation as a safe place in Indonesia Destinations.
Semarang, the capital of the Central Java Province, has efficient comprehensive security measures, ensuring a serene experience for travelers. The city’s harmonious blend of cultural heritage and modernity fosters a welcoming atmosphere, and ongoing urban development endeavors and infrastructure enhancements contribute to maintaining high safety standards. Overall, these five safe places in Indonesia offer a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What is the safest city in Indonesia?
Indonesia is a diverse and enchanting nation, with five safe places to visit: Ubud, Semarang, Palembang, Balikpapan, and Banjarmasin. Ubud is a cultural sanctuary renowned for its safety and serenity, surrounded by lush rice paddies and verdant forests. Its strong community bonds and tight-knit neighborhoods contribute to its secure atmosphere, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. The town’s emphasis on holistic wellness and spiritual practices fosters a sense of harmony and well-being, further enhancing its reputation as a safe place in Indonesia Destinations.
Semarang, the capital of the Central Java Province, has efficient comprehensive security measures, ensuring a serene experience for travelers. The city’s harmonious blend of cultural heritage and modernity fosters a welcoming atmosphere, and ongoing urban development endeavors and infrastructure enhancements contribute to maintaining high safety standards. Overall, these five safe places in Indonesia offer a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
How many people died in the Banda Aceh tsunami?
The 2004 Sumatra Andaman earthquake resulted in the Indian Ocean Tsunami, a massive tsunami that killed over 227, 000 people, more than ten times the number of lives lost in the remaining nine of the ten largest earthquakes combined. The tsunami occurred just offshore of a major population center, Banda Aceh, which had a pre-tsunami population of over 260, 000. The town of Lhok Nga, with a pre-tsunami population of 7000, was reduced to 400 after the tsunami. Banda Aceh itself suffered over 61, 000 fatalities, almost 25 of its population. Indonesian fatalities are thought to number at least 170, 000, over 70 of the total Indian Ocean Tsunami fatalities.
The Indian Ocean Tsunami was unique among tsunami disasters in the scale of fatalities caused on a regional scale. The rupture extended far north from Sumatra into the Andaman Sea, affecting India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand in the west and east. Over 61, 000 deaths occurred in Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. Around 2000 Europeans and tourists visiting Thailand were killed, including over 500 each from Sweden and Germany. 26 Australians died while overseas in southeast Asia, and dozens were swept to sea by the large waves and strong currents generated when the tsunami reached Australia’s western coast.
Is it safe to travel to Papua, Indonesia?
The travel advisory for Central Papua and Highland Papua advises against travel due to the potential for violence and civil unrest in these regions. The advisory also cautions against participation in demonstrations or crowds, as there is a risk of kidnapping by armed separatists targeting foreign nationals. Furthermore, the advisory underscores the elevated risks of terrorism and natural disasters in Indonesia.
Where not to travel in Indonesia?
The Indonesian Coast Guard (FCDO) has issued a travel advisory, recommending that individuals avoid traveling within a five-kilometer radius of the crater of Mount Sinabung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra. This advisory also extends to other nearby mountains, including Mount Marapi, Mount Semeru, Mount Ruang, Mount Ibu, and Mount Agung. The safety advice encompasses regions where the FCDO has issued specific guidance, and it should be consulted in conjunction with its overarching travel and safety recommendations.
Can you drink alcohol in Banda Aceh?
Alcohol is not allowed in Aceh due to Islamic sharia law, but coffee is the main activity. Beer is discreetly available in some larger hotels and restaurants. My Juice, located on Auto Blvd, offers some of the best juice combos and the Terung Belanda fruit juice, an indigenous Sumatra juice. Friends Cafe, located on Jalan Kartini, offers excellent expressos, latte, iced-lattes, and great juices from noon. Both establishments have closed down since June 2013.
Is it safe to travel to Aceh?
The threat of kidnapping is a significant concern in Indonesia, particularly in the provinces of Papua and Aceh, where foreign travelers have been subjected to abduction and even fatal consequences. Furthermore, terrorist organizations have been known to abduct tourists in the Indonesian provinces of East and West Kalimantan. It is recommended that travelers exercise additional caution, avoid solo travel after dusk, utilize diverse routes, and be mindful of potential harassment and verbal abuse directed at women traveling alone.
📹 Banda Aceh for First Timers | Traveloka ‘You Go, We Go’
Did you enjoy our previous travel vlog in Phuket? Well, we’re back with more — and this time in the beautiful land of Banda Aceh …
Hello Jason, welcome to my hometown!. i’ve been following you since you traveled to Algeria and you are my favorite! unfortunately i watched your article ten days after you posted it, and i thought you had left Banda Aceh. even though i have a lot of recommended places for you to visit like the Aceh museum near the Mosque, traditional market, the dutch cemetery, the fishing village, the waterfall, and also don’t forget Sabang Island, but im not worry because your article in Weh Island is already out now. If you go to banda aceh again, you have to go to these places. and you also haven’t tried Mie Aceh (aceh noodles) with a big crab and lobster right? that means you have to go to Banda Aceh again to try it hahaha. btw, enjoy your days in Indonesia, have a good one Jason!
Jason, I’m glad that you get to have a local mosque experience, but in general I’d advise against going to one during prayer time. The Muslims have strict rules around praying that they have to follow, one of them is that it’s forbidden to walk in front of people who are praying which is why I got nervous perusal you inside the mosque during Friday prayer. It’s actually a huge an offense that transgressors are subjected to… let’s say, very unsavory penalizing. This, along with other rules that only Muslims would know, is why mosques in Indonesia usually allow non-Muslims to enter, but not during prayer times. Indonesia is cool (even sharia-ruled Aceh) and foreigners would get away scot-free, but you might not get as lucky in stricter countries.
Indonesia is indeed a colorful country with its diversity … you can come to a conversative place like Aceh, then to Bali where conservativeness could be intrepreted in different perspective based on the locals’ belief system … and this goes the same in many other parts of the country As Indonesian, we believe one thing, yes we all can experience/see lots of different cultures and traditions in this country, but always with one definite rule to follow everywhere we visit each place – the rule is ‘When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do’ 😁😁😁
The last dish you ate (I now forget the name) looked so good. I’m not familiar with the cuisine in this part of the world. Serving it on the leaf (perhaps banana leaf?) really enhanced the presentation. I appreciate how friendly everyone is. So, strangers just want to take a photo with visitors??? How odd, but it’s better than any other alternative. Thanks for sharing this. You fell off my feed for a while and now you are back, Jason.
Glad you visited Aceh. Btw it is allowed for you to come inside Masjid, I saw them before. I asked someone why was that? he said they are human being not unclean/excrement, ofcoz they can. I’m happy to know that. For men, it’s more easier as long as you wear long pants but for girls they need to put scarf on. But I don’t know what rules today. but as I know there were a lot white people (sorry have to say that) there when the tsunami so for them white people are not strangers. Feel free to be there, no need to be too scared or too careful that makes you uncomfortable. they are fun people, if you did unintentionally something not really appropriate, they will tell you. for better experience, make a friend with a local before you visit the city. you will find many places that are not on the travel map.
I have to be honest as a Westerner, the words “Sharia law” scares me a bit. I realize it does make the country safer but the brutality of the kinds of punishments are very disturbing to me. The public hangings, cutting of hands, lashing, stoning and executions, throwing gay people from buildings….are all too harsh for me. I do see the Indonesian people as very different from the Middle East even though they share the same religion. They are an Asian culture after all. Barack Obama grew up in Indonesia and he only had wonderful things to say about his Muslim Indonesian father and people he grew up with in his biographies. He described the people as very quiet and very kind people. They don’t raise their voices like us Americans nor do they swear. I do think they have very strict capital punishment for drug smuggling. I remember when a few young Australian young blokes were caught trying to smuggle drugs into Bali, they were given the death penalty. The Australian government and its people pleaded for their lives making it a huge international incident that captivated the Western world all of who also got involved to plead for their lives. These boys were allowed to meet their family members for a few minutes and then taken blindfolded to a coconut tree I believe, where they were tied to and shot. Indonesia did not bend one bit. In a way they were fair about their treatment to everyone regardless of the wealth of your nation. Yet, it does seem harsh for us in the Western world for a first time offense, yet at times, I feel maybe that is what we need to happen in the US when you see all the damage drugs has done to families in this country.
Eventhou a state of syariah Islamic Law…the Acheh was soo big provincial. I heard that there was not save to left home for longer time. There was still has robbing personal belonging like motocycles. And even many youths not praying 5 times a day. And I seen many achen keeping longer finger nail that was soo unhigenic
In my opinion, sharia law in Aceh is stricter for women than for men. For example, if a man and a woman have sex outside of marriage, then only the woman will be caned, while the man will not and it will seem like he is special. Even though Aceh prohibits alcohol, gambling, cinema and other things that are considered detrimental to Islamic sharia, But in Aceh, marijuana is legal because Acehnese consider marijuana to be a spice, whereas throughout Indonesia, marijuana is illegal because it is a drug.
Sebagian besar masjid di Indonesia itu hanya bikin bising saja dengan TOA mereka yang berlebihan sangat lama durasi nya selain untuk adzan & iqomah. Hal ini sungguh menyimpang dari ajaran Nabi yg Rahmatan lil alamin baik untuk kenyamanan kaum muslim ataupun non muslim yang tinggal di sekitar masjid tersebut 👀✍️ Allahu yahdikum
Assalamualaikum wr.wb. Selamat datang di kota Banda Aceh.jelajahilah keindahan alam di kota ini dan nikmatilah berbagai kuliner khas di kota Banda Aceh.. Kota ini memiliki tradisi islami yg sangat kuat,dan juga kota ini sangat mulia,tidak salah jika anda berkunjung ke Banda Aceh,maka anda akan sangat dimuliakan layaknya saudara sendiri.karena masyarakat aceh memiliki petuah kata,yang berbunyi ”PEUMULIA JAMEE ADAT GEUTANYOE”,yang dimana artinya adalah memuliakan tamu adalah tradisi kami. Terima kasih telah memperkenalkan kota kami,kami setia menunggu anda berkunjung di kota ini.salam saudara buat anda semua. Thank to Traveloka Malaysia 🙏🙏🙏
AMAZING ACEH ! I was enthralled with the beauty of Banda Aceh. It is such a gem of Indonesia that could fascinate its visitors from all angles. From history and culture to marine creature, Aceh has it all. Despite the deadly tsunami that hit the region some time ago, Aceh is now thriving and rising up to be a top destination for holidays in the archipelago. Aceh is going to be in my next vacation checklist. Now #YouGoWeGo with #TravelokaMY #TVLKxFirefly.
Love this extensive vlog in Banda Aceh so much! I’ve heard a few times that it is a definite hidden gem in Indonesia. After visiting Bali last year, I’m very intrigued to visit other parts and regions in Indonesia to learn the variety of culture, attractions and of course, FOOD! Thanks to this vlog, Banda Aceh instantly becomes one of my dream destinations in Indonesia! #TravelokaMY #TVLKxFirefly #YouGoWeGo
“Dimana bumi di pijak di situ langit di junjung” mungkin itu kata pepatah yg tepat..! Kalo kita berkunjung ke daerah lain sepatutnya kita mengikuti peraturan, budaya ato adat istiadat ato daerah tersebut. Dari sekian banyak vlog tgg aceh munking cuma ini yg ceweknya gak pakai tudung, apa mereka mmg benar2 tdk tau ato cuma pura2 tdk tau dgn peraturan yg berlaku di aceh.. Sebagian bule aja klu ke aceh tau dia menutup kepala wlau tdk sesuai syar’i.
Banda Aceh adalah Persemakmuran Indonesia tetapi merupakan kerajaan otonom yang diperintah oleh fundamentalis Islam. Hubungan antara pria dan wanita dilarang keras dan bahkan tidak dengan meminum alkohol. Jika Anda memecahkan ini, Anda akan ditangkap dan dipukuli. Wanita harus menutupi seluruh tubuh mereka, dan karena Korea Utara, yang merupakan negara nakal terburuk di planet ini, adalah negara di mana kebebasan individu lebih terbatas, itu tidak akan cocok untuk orang-orang dari negara-negara yang berjiwa bebas seperti Korea Selatan untuk pergi bermain.
Assalamualaikum kakakfrom malaysia.semoga diberkahi perjalanan kalian di banda aceh.cuman sayang peraturan syariah islam nya nggha nyampe ama kalian.ya nggga baca peraturannya.KLO kaliannke banda aceh atw ke aceh pake kerudung atw di hijab bagi wanita ini bangga banget kalian ini seolah ketempat bebas vulgar gitu.untuk kaum wanita di seluruh dunia datanga ke aceh PAKE KERUDUNG NYA”