Aceh – Between Tragedy and Paradise. A Journey Through Indonesia’s Most Unique Province

The Aceh province, known as the “Veranda of Mecca,” is Indonesia’s westernmost region, where Islamic Sharia law coexists with memories of a tragic past. Banda Aceh, the provincial capital, became a symbol of human tragedy after the 2004 tsunami, which claimed over 160,000 lives here.

Banda Aceh – A City Reborn from the Ruins

Today, Banda Aceh is a city of contrasts – modern buildings stand alongside poignant reminders of the disaster. Must-see sights include:

  • Tsunami Museum – a moving exhibition commemorating the victims
  • PLTD Apung – a 2,600-ton ship carried 5 km inland by the waves
  • Baiturrahman Mosque – miraculously survived the tsunami and became a symbol of hope
Banda Aceh
Banda Aceh

Traveling to Aceh: Between Religion and Technology

A flight from Medan (about 400,000 IDR) is not only the most convenient but also one of the most fascinating options. Lion Airlines surprises passengers with a prayer book featuring prayers from Indonesia’s five main religions – a testament to tolerance in a region governed by Sharia law.

Prayer
Prayer Book on Lion Airlines

Everyday Life in Aceh

Aceh is the only Indonesian province enforcing Sharia law. Here, you will find:

  • A ban on alcohol consumption
  • An obligation for women to dress modestly
  • A prohibition on being alone with a person of the opposite sex after dark

A Male Ritual: Visiting a local barber (around 3 USD) is a true cultural experience. The traditional straight-razor shave here is world-class in male grooming.

Asian palm civet
Civet

Pulau Weh – A Diver’s Paradise, A Sanctuary for the Soul

This small island at the northern tip of Sumatra remains one of the last places in the region untouched by mass tourism. The ferry ride from Banda Aceh (25,000 IDR) marks the beginning of your adventure.

Who is Pulau Weh for?

  • Yes – for lovers of peace, diving, and authenticity
  • No – for those seeking nightlife and luxury

Diving: Pulau Weh offers some of the best diving spots in Southeast Asia. Prices start at 25 EUR per dive (PADI license required). Here, you can encounter whale sharks, manta rays, and countless species of tropical fish.

Note! Infrastructure on the island is basic – power outages are common. Repairs are often carried out in unconventional ways:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6afD4fNsrU
Aceh energy repairs – improvisation

Aceh is a place where history, religion, and nature intertwine in a unique way. From the memory of the tsunami to the coral reefs of Pulau Weh, this journey leaves a mark not only on your memory but also on your soul.