Via Medan on Sumatra

You can also enter Indonesia through Medan on Sumatra. There are a number of international flights flying in from Penang, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) (Garuda, Malaysian Airlines, Air, Lion Air, Jatayu, Air Asia a.o.) and from Singapore (Silkair and Jetstar Asia/ValuAir). From Penang (Malaysia) there is also a daily fast ferry to Medan.

Belawan Seaport and Polonia Airport in Medan are visa-on-arrival entry points.
Info Indonesian visa regulations>

From Jakarta and Medan to Banda Aceh
*The transport schedules change frequently! Last updated: 21 February 2009

There are 3 airline companies offering daily flights between Jakarta, Medan and Banda Aceh: Garuda Airlines, Lion Air and Sriwijaya Air .

The airlines use many different classes, so price indications for tickets are difficult to give. More info:
Garuda www.garuda-indonesia.com
Lion Air www.lionair.co.id
Sriwijaya Air www.sriwijayaair-online.com

From Banda Aceh to Pulau Weh (updated June 2009)
From the airport of Banda Aceh, it's about a half hour drive to Ulee Lheu, close to the center of Banda Aceh, from where the ferries to Balohan (Pulau Weh's ferry harbour) are leaving.

When you arrive in Balohan on Pulau Weh there will be many cars and minibusses waiting.
If you don't wish to driven around through Sabang town first, try to ask for a taxi straight away. For taxis count on a minimum of Rp 150.000-200.000 or if shared with others 50.000 per person for a Kijang car to take you directly to LumbaLumba on Gapang Beach. In a minibus it's also Rp 50.000 per person, if there are more people going to the beaches. It is still another 45 minutes drive over (newly repaved) scenic roads around bays and over steep hills with prime forest and many monkeys.

International ATM
The first international ATM was placed in Sabang at Bank BRI . It's now possible to withdraw cash Rupiah from international accounts. Unfortunately it only dispenses Rp 500.000 per transaction, maximum 10 x a day, so it's expensive when you pay a bank fee per transaction. Beware that cards with the VISA/VISA electron logo aren't working yet.

At the diveshop, we accept cash Euro, US Dollar (new bills in good condition only), Rupiah, or any major currency and payments in Rupiah by VISA & MASTERCARD creditcards and by (internet) bank tranfers.