Banda Aceh

Indonesia

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Sunrise

6:31 AM

Sunset

6:47 PM

About

Banda Aceh, located on the northwestern tip of Sumatra, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings. It's a gateway to the stunning national parks and beaches of Aceh, as well as a center for Islamic studies. The area has recovered tremendously from the 2004 tsunami, and visitors can enjoy the city's historic architecture, beautiful mosques, and delicious local cuisine.

30 Best Places to Visit

1. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

A stunningly beautiful mosque, built in 1879, with 7 domes and a central tower that reaches a height of 35 meters.
2. Tsunami Museum

A heart-wrenching museum dedicated to the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that hit Banda Aceh and its surrounding areas.
3. Gunongan Historical Park

A beautiful park featuring a towering Gunongan fountain that was built in the 16th century to serve as a royal bathhouse.
4. Lambirah Elephant Training Center

A unique place to get up close and personal with these majestic animals and learn about their training and care.
5. Aceh State Museum

A fascinating museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Aceh through exhibits on religion, art, and daily life.
6. Blang Padang Park

A park featuring a beautiful lake, colorful gardens, and plenty of space for picnics and relaxation.
7. Ulee Lheue Beach

A popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, with beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
8. Aceh Tsunami Museum Park

A peaceful park with beautiful landscaping and a variety of benches and picnic tables, located next to the Tsunami Museum.
9. Cut Nyak Dhien House Museum

A historic house that once belonged to the legendary female freedom fighter Cut Nyak Dhien, now a museum with exhibits about her life and achievements.
10. Aceh Cultural Park

A park that celebrates the diverse cultural traditions of Aceh through exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
11. PLTD Apung Memorial

A unique memorial that features a stranded shipwreck that was carried miles inland by the 2004 tsunami.
12. Rahmatullah M. Djabir Library

A beautiful and modern library that houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other publications.
13. Indra Patra Fortress

A historic fortress that was built by the Aceh Sultanate in the 17th century to protect against enemy attacks.
14. Teuku Umar Cemetery

A historic cemetery that is the final resting place of several important figures in Aceh's history, including the famed guerrilla fighter Teuku Umar.
15. Balohan Market

A bustling market with a wide variety of goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing, and handmade crafts.
16. Siak Mosque

A beautiful mosque that was built in 1560 and serves as an important religious and cultural landmark in Banda Aceh.
17. Geurutee Hill

A hill that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape, accessible via a short hiking trail.
18. Ulhe Lheu Mosque

A historic mosque that was built in the 16th century, with beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
19. Jami Mosque

Another historic mosque, famous for its unique blend of Acehnese and Ottoman architectural styles.
20. Lampu'uk Beach

A scenic beach with white sand, clear water, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
21. Keumala Beach

A peaceful and secluded beach that is perfect for picnics, snorkeling, and watching the sunset.
22. Lampoh Aneuk Gadang Nature Reserve

A large protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, and crocodiles.
23. Kilometer Zero Monument

A famous landmark that marks the geographical center of Aceh province and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a fountain.
24. Mercure Grand Mirama Banda Aceh

A luxurious hotel that offers stunning ocean views, a swimming pool, and top-notch amenities.
25. Titi Banda Bridge

A beautiful bridge that spans the Krueng Aceh river, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding cityscape.
26. Ulee Lheue Market

A vibrant market that sells a wide variety of goods, including fresh seafood, handicrafts, and clothing.
27. Aceh Besar Museum

A museum that features a wide range of artifacts and exhibits related to Aceh's history, art, and culture.
28. Lampuuk Coral Reef

A stunning coral reef that is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and eels.
29. Blang Kolam Waterfall

A beautiful and secluded waterfall that is perfect for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.
30. Aceh Santri Great Mosque

A large and impressive mosque that serves as a hub for Islamic education and worship in Banda Aceh.