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Getting there |
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Medan, the capital of North Sumatera Province, is a bursting centre
of business and commerce, and is the chief gateway to Aceh as well as to
the rest of Sumatera. Banda Aceh, the capital of the Province of the
Special Region of Aceh, is located 608 km northwest of Medan, and is the
closest city to Weh. |
| Garuda Indonesia runs 1 flight daily and 2 flights
on every other day from Medan to Banda Aceh's Sultan Iskandar Muda
airport, while Pelita operates 5 flights a week from Medan to
Lhokseumawe, which is half way between Medan and Banda Aceh. There
are also flights from both Jakarta and Batam via Medan. Sultan
Iskandar Muda airport is about 17 km from Banda Aceh and can be
reached by taxi or bus. |
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| Besides the regular flights, Medan and Banda Aceh are
also connected by several public bus lines. The trip takes 12-13 hours
and enroute passes through the towns of Kuala Simpang, Langsa,
Lhokseumawe, Bireuen and Sigli. To find these public bus lines in Medan,
go to Pinang Baris Bus Terminal at Medan Baru area. Kurnia and Atra
lines also run exlusive buses twice a day for 10 hours trip. There are
also small 8 seater minibuses available, operated by Widuri and
Flamboyant lines. At Jalan Diponegoro in downtown Banda Aceh take a
minibus to go directly to Malahayati harbour, tell the driver that you
are going to Sabang (the island of Weh is more commonly referred to as
Sabang). The trip takes about 45 minutes so it is necessary to board the
minibus at jalan Diponegoro before 1 pm in order to arrive on time for
the ferry. |
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At Malahayati (the harbour of Krueng Raya) get your
ticket at the ferry office. You have a choice of either AC (air
conditioning) or economic class. The ferry leaves Malahayati for
Balohan, Weh, the trip will take about 2 hours.
At Balohan there are several minibuses and taxis that will take
you to Sabang (about 11 km away). Ask the driver to take you to one
of the Inns.
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