Learn from the city of Banda Aceh, which has recovered from tragedy! 5 Recommended Tourist Spots

Banda Aceh is located at the northern tip of Sumatra Island, Indonesia. It is the largest city in Aceh Province and also serves as its capital. When people think of Banda Aceh, many remember it as the city that suffered devastating damage from the massive tsunami triggered by the undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra on December 26, 2004.

However, Banda Aceh has overcome that tragedy and the city has made a remarkable recovery. Today, it is actively promoting its tourism industry and working hard to attract visitors from all over the world. Without turning away from the tragedy of that day, the city is moving forward, determined to pass its lessons on to future generations.
This time, we will introduce five carefully selected must-see tourist spots in Banda Aceh!

1: Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

Banda Aceh has a large Muslim population, even compared to other parts of Indonesia, and it served as one of the entry points for Islam into Asia. The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is an Islamic place of worship located in the heart of Banda Aceh. Often called the most beautiful mosque in Southeast Asia, it has become a symbol of the city.

Its striking exterior, with pure white walls contrasted by seven black domed roofs, creates a sacred and majestic atmosphere. While non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque, just viewing its exterior makes it worth the visit. Be sure to stop by and admire its beauty.

The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque also miraculously withstood the massive earthquake of 2004. It served as a refuge, saving the lives of people who evacuated to its upper floors. It’s a site that makes you want to quietly offer a prayer in your heart.

2: Aceh Tsunami Museum

You can’t talk about tourism in Banda Aceh without mentioning this place: the Aceh Tsunami Museum. Built in 2009 to ensure that the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami will never be forgotten, it is now Banda Aceh’s most famous tourist destination. Visitors from around the world come here to learn about the events that occurred in Banda Aceh.

The museum uses the word "Tsunami" in its name, which has now become a globally recognized term. Inside, you’ll find exhibits of photos and dioramas showing the conditions before and after the tsunami, helping visitors understand the terror of the disaster and the long road to recovery. The remains of a damaged helicopter and video footage of the devastated city give a strong sense of the disaster’s scale.

In April 2016, a special corner was opened to introduce Japan, another earthquake-prone nation like Indonesia. Why not take the opportunity to learn more about earthquakes and tsunamis in Banda Aceh?

3: PLTD Apung 1

In Banda Aceh, efforts are being made to ensure that the memory of the great earthquake is not forgotten by preserving places and remnants affected by the tsunami as tourist sites, to educate the world and younger generations. One such site is PLTD Apung 1, named after a large diesel power generation ship. At the time of the earthquake, this power generation ship was moored at the port, but the tsunami swept it 5 kilometers inland into the city.

The sight of a massive ship, 63 meters long and weighing 2,600 tons, stranded in the middle of town, speaks volumes about the incredible power of the tsunami. Today, it has become one of Banda Aceh’s famous tourist attractions, drawing many visitors. The inside of the ship has been turned into a small museum, and visitors can enter and explore. Why not visit and see it for yourself?

4: Boat on the House

Similar to the large ship mentioned earlier, there is also a fishing boat that was swept onto the roof of a house by the tsunami and left there as it was. In Indonesian, it’s called “Kapal di atas rumah Lampulo”, and the name has become a tourist attraction in itself.

This fishing boat is 25 meters long and weighs 2 tons. It was carried about 1 kilometer inland from the coast by the tsunami. There is a story that during the disaster, 56 local residents evacuated onto this boat and their lives were saved. This life-saving boat has now become a tsunami monument and attracts many visitors to Banda Aceh.

These tourist spots are managed by the Banda Aceh city government. Admission is free, but there are donation boxes where you can offer a small token of appreciation. How about making a little donation when you visit?

5: Lampuuk Beach

Banda Aceh is also home to many beautiful beaches. One of them is Lampuuk Beach, located in the suburbs of Banda Aceh. It’s a beautiful beach resort known for its panoramic views from its white sandy shores. Although Lampuuk Beach was devastated by the tsunami, it has since recovered and is once again a popular tourist destination attracting many visitors.

Lampuuk Beach has always been a relaxing spot for locals, both in the past and today. The area is lined with restaurants, and there’s a nearby park where people gather, especially at sunset, making it a lively place in the evenings. The sunset view here is breathtaking and should not be missed when visiting Lampuuk Beach.

It’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown Banda Aceh, making it the perfect spot to enjoy dinner while watching the sunset. Why not take a short trip and experience it yourself?

◎ Summary

Banda Aceh has successfully recovered from the damage caused by the tsunami. The city has regained its energy, and the local people have found their smiles once again. In fact, Banda Aceh is also one of Indonesia's top coffee-producing regions! Cafes line the streets throughout the city, bustling with people. Be sure to take a coffee break at one of these cafes. And why not visit Banda Aceh at least once?

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Learn from the city of Banda Aceh, which has recovered from tragedy! 5 Recommended Tourist Spots