When you start to dread your alarm clock and the coffee at work just doesn’t cut it anymore, you need some gosh-darn peace and quiet…and a good cup of joe.
That sounds like a job for Banda Aceh, Indonesia (aka “The Land of One Thousand Coffee Shops”). Book one of our Banda Aceh holidays and spend your time on lazy beach days, curried cuisine and easygoing nature tours—that’s a ticket to chill.
Going on holiday to Banda Aceh is all about the simple things in life, so grab a book, a towel, an iced coffee from your new favourite brewing grounds, and spend an arvo sunbathing at Lampuuk Beach, located just 15 km west of Banda Aceh. Then return to civilisation downtown, where you can get around to top sights, like the State Museum, with one of our sweet Banda Aceh car hire options. To see the city at a slower pace, join a cycling tour past popular landmarks.
Speaking of bicycles…remember how you scraped your ankle while learning to ride a bike and years later covered the scar with a gorgeous tattoo? Well, Banda Aceh is just as scrappy as you, mate. After a historic tropical storm, this seaside city has created art, resources and memorials to tell the story of its resilience at the Aceh Tsunami Museum and numerous sites around the coastline. These days, catch gentler winds while kite-surfing near Pulau Bunta, an island north of Lampuuk Beach. Pulau Bunta may not be inhabited by humans, but the fish and coral can’t get enough of the quiet terrain and clear waters, so cap your Banda Aceh holiday with a snorkelling trip in the South China Sea.
In Banda Aceh, save up your travel funds on Banda Aceh packages with lastminute.com.au and go “malls” to the walls. Locals love to spend the day—and their fun money—at sprawling shopping centres, like Hermes Palace Shopping Mall, located near the gorgeous Grand Mosque, first built during the 19th century. For a more traditional experience, stay up late at the Pasar Malam Rek to graze away on delicious local meals.
Speaking of grazing, you can do just that along the banks of the Aceh River. Stick to the north side for more authentic fare, like mie aceh—a spicy noodle dish—and ayam tangkap—aromatic chicken and greens. Wash it all down with the island’s own coffee served pour-over style.
Banda Aceh is the perfect place to avoid the bar scene and skip seeing couples canoodling when you’re trying to eat your dinner in peace. That’s because alcohol is not permitted in Aceh Province and ladies and gents are asked not to socialise in co-ed groups at night. We’ll order seconds on dinner, then.
It’s time to book one of our awesome Banda Aceh holiday packages, mate! Whether you’ve got your sights set on the sea or the riverfront, you’ll find sweet deals on accommodation and airfares right here at lastminute.com.au. And if you’re itching to cut loose, extend your trip to the Thai islands and book one of our Phuket holidays, too!
Reviewed on 30 Dec. 2021
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Aceh Tsunami Museum during your travels in Banda Aceh. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.
You can find out about the history of Banda Aceh when you stop by Masjid Raya Baiturrahman. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.
You can learn about the history of Banda Aceh with a visit to Pasar Aceh Central. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on lastminute.com.au from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.