Banda Aceh
lungs of aceh
The center of Aceh is counting its new birth since 2004 when the devastating tsunami washed the city away.
Banda Aceh is the core of traditional Acehnese and muslim spirit.
Masjid raya
There are hundreds of mosques in Banda Aceh. But there is no as Masjid Raya. Exceptional architecture and strong muslim spirit make it the gem of the city.
Please make sure you are dressed properly if you want to step your foot into the are of this mosque.
Lho-nga beach
This free local beach is located about 18 km outside Banda Aceh. Crowded by local people and full of local food Lho-nga beach is a good place to see how Acehnese spend their weekends.
Vihara Dharma Bakti
Almost 100 percent of Achenese are muslims but there is space for all religions in Banda Aceh.
Check out this Chinese Buddhist temple in the city center.
Lampuuk Beach
Just around 12 km from Banda Aceh there is a white sand beach where locals spend their weekends.
At Lampuuk beach there are a lot of local coffee shops where you can eat local food and refresh with coconut water.
Alue Naga
This beach is usually visited only by locals. Do not be surprised to be the only foreigner here.
Although this beach has more dark brown sand than white one it is a good place to have a quick swim or watch a sunset.
Tsunami Museum
The year that Banda Aceh will never forget. 2004. It was the year of the saddest moment in history of Banda Aceh. After 9.1 magnitude earthquake huge tsunami washed away all the city and its suburbs.
The museum of Tsunami tells the story of the 26th December 2004.
Kapal di atas rumah
This ship landed on a family's house after tsunami in 2004. It was left at the place to remind about the devastating power of nature.
All the sailors in the boat survived the disaster.
Peunayong traditional market
In the center of Banda Aceh life is boiling from the early morning. At Peynayong (Chinese district) many local farmers brings their fruits and vegetables to sell for people of Banda Aceh.
If you are into exotic fruits and tastes stop at local sellers and do not forget to bargain.
Museum Aceh
If you decided to visit Tsunami museum, do not hesitate to jump in into Museum Aceh that is not so far from the first.
Here you can see traditional Acehnese house and step your feet into it for seeing traditional cloths, home appliances that were used by Acehnese for centuries.
Boat Apung 1
In the middle of the city you can find a huge boat that was carried kilometers from sea and reached Banda Aceh during tsunami in 2004.
This huge boat now serves as a museum. Inside the boat tourist can find information about tsunami that changed many lives of local people.
