Aceh Jaya
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Positives
- Year-round waves
- Flexible wind options
- Uncrowded with discovery potential
- Range of waves for all abilities
Negatives
- Shifting wind patterns
- Distance between spots
- Lack of accommodation
- No alcohol
Aceh Jaya surf travel guide
Aceh Jaya shares very little similarities to neighbouring Aceh Besar in geography, vibe and most importantly surf. Mountainous terrain sweeps out of Sumatra's interior and plunges into the ocean, separating the two regencies and creating a vastly different surfing experience. The monsoonal winds of the north don't reach down here and the howling onshores are less likely, so this is a year-round zone, providing there is some swell. Katabatic winds keep mornings groomed, while the indented coastline and nearshore islands mean there is usually somewhere protected. There can be quite some driving to do between spots, but it's done on post-tsunami rebuilt roads, which are some of the best in Indonesia.
Surf spots in Aceh Jaya
Research the 16 surf breaks in Aceh Jaya and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in Aceh Jaya.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 15,810,000
- Population
- 58,455,800
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- IDR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 14,080 IDR IDR
Cost of living
Communication
- Language
- Bahasa Indonesia (official), English, Javanese, Minangkabau (west), Palembang Malay (south) and many other languages and dialects
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cf
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
There's only one road in from Banda Aceh that goes over the coastal mountain range. If there's a bad crash or landslip, you can get cut off in Aceh Jaya.
Getting Around
The roads in Aceh Jaya are some of the best in Indo, after international aid rebuilt the main coast road and all the bridges that were washed away in the 2004 tsunami. Checking spots requires a bit of off-roading on narrow tracks so motorbikes are usually best for getting around on.
Accommodation
The best option for those looking for quality accommodation, great food and a surf guide is Spot X in the heart of the zone. There are virtually no other surf-centric set-ups aside from French ex-pat Patrick in Lhok Kruet who has a few rooms. Local losmens will be easier to find in the towns like Calang.
Activities
The verdant, mountainous backdrop is home to rare Sumatran tigers and elephants. 2 have been fitted with GPS tracking collars and can be tracked over a huge range. There is an elephant sanctuary (CRU) where orphans are taken when they are found, often on the palm oil plantations that now proliferate in Sumatra. There are great rivers for kayaking and some SUPing.
Hazards & hassles
Getting out to the islands costs a bit with the local fishermen. Currently, women are not allowed to mix/surf with men at Pulo Keuh, nor are mixed groups allowed to camp there. Wearing long lycra will help with the stares and unwanted attention that female tourists will experience in this area. Nearest reliable medical attention is back in Banda, a good 3hr drive away.
Handy Hints
Bring all equipment down as there is nothing to buy. Buying alcohol is impossible unless brought down from Banda.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.