Aceh Besar

Visas

Citizens of another 87 countries are eligible to obtain one of the following visas:

• Electronic Visa On Arrival (e-VOA/B213)
• Electronic Visitor Visa
• Social, Tourist, or Cultural Visa (B211)
• Free Visa Stamp
• Multiple Entry Visa

Some passport holders are eligible to apply for an online e-VOA or Visitor Visa, otherwise, you must obtain a visa in advance at an Indonesian embassy or consulate. If you get the e-VOA before you arrive, you have the option to extend by simply filling out a new Indonesia eVisa application form online, but must first leave the country in order to request a new visa.

Visas issued at the airport on arrival can only be extended through an immigration office, which should be done 14-7 days before expiry.

Visitor Visa is a single-entry visa valid for a 30-day stay in Indonesia with the purpose of Tourism, Government visits, Business Meetings, Goods Purchasing, or Transit only and is not extendable.

The B211 is a 60-day visa for visiting family, friends or an employment trial and can be extended 3 times by 30-days. More hoops to jump through including being sponsored by an eligible Guarantor. Cost IDR 2,000,000.

9 neighbouring countries get a Free Visa Stamp for stays of up to 30 days maximum with no extensions permitted (Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam).

Multi Entry, investment, sport and journalist 60-day visas are available through the main portal.

The 30-day e-VOA & Visitor Visa fee is IDR 500.000. You may be asked for proof of your return flight details and proof of financial resources.

DO NOT overstay as the fines aren’t cheap (IDR 1,000,000/day) and they can stop you from re-entering for a period of time. As always, check for any updates before you book your trip, as visa policy has changed a few times in recent years.

Getting There

Banda Aceh’s airport is only 40mins from Lhoknga. Main link is Air Asia from KL or fly from Medan on a number of Indonesian carriers.

Getting Around

Buses from Medan to Banda Aceh take 10hrs. There are 2-3 ferries a day between Ulee Lhe and Pulau Weh. It’s only 30min from Banda Aceh to Lhok Nga by “labi-labi” bus so commuting every day to stay in better hotels is an option. Taxi/bemos are easy to find. Roads are in good condition and traffic is not too bad for an Indonesian city of 230,000 people. Most surfers rent a motor scooter with board racks for driving to and from the beach and these are usually organised through whichever losmen you stay at.

Accommodation

Lhoknga Riverside Resort is a 5min ride from the beach set in extensive gardens, with a reputation for the best food and nice a/c bungalows. They can hook you up with kiteboard/surf/SUP packages. Local shredder Yudi's Place is walking distance to the beach and also offers equipment and beginner packages. There are many other budget options including one of the originals at Mami Diana’s Losmen. Food is standard Indo fare, but the exception is the beach restaurant near Cemara, where western food is complemented by probably the best pizza in Sumatra. Aceh coffee is amongst the most flavourful in the world.

Activities

The Great Baiturrahman Mosque, built by the Dutch in 1881 to replace the mosque they burnt down, is the city's architectural centrepiece. Visit the Tsunami Museum and the house with a boat wedged into its roof. Visit Pulau Weh for a change of pace and great snorkelling/diving. There is a cool swimming hole with jump rocks just outside town - ask a local.

Hazards & hassles

Lhoknga (say Lock-nar) is an easy zone, close to an international airport with good transport links. The semi-autonomous government does implement facets of Sharia Law, so local women swim fully clothed and female surfers should take long lycras and dress appropriately on land. The reefs are generally dead coral shelves but are studded here and there with some new growth and urchins.

Handy Hints

Yudi's Place in Lhoknga has some boards and essential accessories at their beachfront cafe in front of the Left. There are lots of cafes/warungs lining the beach, some of which carry wax, etc.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.