Banda Aceh Travel Guide

Banda Aceh is the capital of Aceh Province, northern Sumatra, and one of the island's main attractions. It sits right up on the tip of Aceh and is best visited by plane.

Worth It?: Yes, for the town's diverse attractions and surroundings.
What to Do: tsunami tours, visit Sabang.
Best Time to Go: February through to August during the dry season.
How Long?: A few days exploring the city and surroundings.
Trivia: around 60,000 people were killed in Banda Aceh alone as a result of the 2004 tsunami.

There are plenty of historical sights to see in Banda Aceh that still stand after the tsunami swept through in 2004. The main highlight is the dazzling Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman mosque. It features white walls and huge black domes and was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1879.

Tsunami monuments are all about Banda Aceh and so-called tsunami tours are popular. All sorts of boats and monuments dot the town and countryside, including the Fisherman's Boat which was boarded by dozens as the waters swept in. The Tsunami Monument and Garden is situated by another ship that was dragged five kilometers inland.

There are plenty of markets and souvenir shops in town and along the coast are stunning beaches. Lhoknga Beach is 17kms away and is good for surfing, as is

Lampuuk Beach. Sabang Island is an hour from Banda Aceh by ferry and is a popular snorkeling spot.

Travel to Banda Aceh - Getting There

Flights land at Banda Aceh Airport from Jakarta (2 hours, 40 minutes) as well as from Medan, North Sumatra, within the hour. Banda Aceh is about 12 hours by bus from Medan.

Banda Aceh Things to Do

Banda Aceh Attractions

Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman

Banda Aceh's main mosque is the finest building in town.

Banda Aceh tsunami tours

taking in the various icons and monuments attributed to the tsunami, these tours are popular with visitors.

Side trips from Banda Aceh

Sabang Island: lying an hour or so by ferry off the coast, this island is a laid-back tourist destination with great beaches and snorkeling.