Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Baiturrahman_Mosque#mediaviewer/File:Meuseujid_Raya.JPG Author: Si Gam
Banda Aceh is a city on the northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is the capital and largest city in Aceh Province, Indonesia. The city, which was originally known as Kutaraja, meaning "king's city" is now called Banda Aceh, meaning "Port Aceh," partly because it was the traditional port for departures for Haj pilgrimages.
Rumah Aceh, a replica of a traditional Acehnese house
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rumoh_Aceh_2.JPG Author: Si Gam Acèh
Banda Aceh came to international attention when it was devastated by the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake, which caused the death of some 167,000 people within northern Sumatra alone. Much of the city has now been rebuilt, making it look like the newest city in Indonesia.
Travel to Banda Aceh
Budget travelers can now fly AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur and Firefly from Penang. You can also fly Garuda from Jakarta and Medan.
Travel within Banda Aceh
The main mode of transportation are the becak (motorcycle taxis and trishaws) and labi-labi (minivans). A trip within Banda Aceh should cost you in the region of Rp.8,000 to Rp. 15,000. A trip from airport to Banda Aceh should be around Rp. 40,000.
Mosque at Meulaboh Village, northern Sumatra, after the tsunami
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sumatra_meulaboh_mosque.jpg Author: U.S. Navy
Places of Interest in Banda Aceh
Cut Nya Dien House Former home of Indonesia's heroine Cut Nyak Dien.
Desa Lampulo Boat On House A boat carrying 59 people that was carried by the tsunami and deposited on a house. All on board survived.
Gunongan A whimsical structure erected by Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607-1636) as the bathing place for his wife Putro Phang.
Kerkhof War memorial cemetery to 2,000 Dutch soldiers.
Masjid Raya Baiturrahman The grand mosque at the very heart of Banda Aceh.
Museum Aceh Museum showcasing the cultural history of the region, with displays of ceramics, weaponry, attire, jewelry and calligraphy, among others.
Teungku di Bitay's Grave Grave of an Achenese Muslim saint.
Tsunami Monument Monument beside a 2,600 ton vessel that was swept 2 km inland.
Ulee Lheue Ground zero of the Tsunami, the shore line facing the Straits of Malacca where the tsunami approached.
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