TSUNAMI MUSEUM

Over 170,000 people in Aceh lost their lives as a result of the tsunami of 2004, and the Tsunami Museum in Banda Aceh acts both as a monument and an education center regarding the tragedy.

The museum has rolling footage of the tsunami and the aftermath, but one of the most gripping parts of the museum is the waterfall sections which aim to mimic how the towering waves would have felt.

These areas of the museum consist of dark corridors that drip with water, and as you move along you will be able to hear the sound of rushing waves all around you.

It is a powerful and very moving experience and is also one of Aceh’s most famous attractions.

PLTD Apung

Aceh understandably has a range of attractions dedicated to the tsunami and another one of these located in Banda Aceh is the PLTD Apung which is the name of a large ship.

When the tsunami struck Aceh it carried the ship inland where it has been positioned ever since, and it has now been preserved as a tribute to those who died in the raging waters.

You can visit the boat and even climb aboard and from the deck of the ship you can take in the views that stretch all over the city.

This is a quirky attraction and also a timely reminder of the power of the sea and it is worth the trip alone to see this ship sitting in the middle of the city.

Have a coffee at Warung Kopi Solong

To try some for yourself you need to head to Warung Kopi Solong which has been in business since the 1970s and is famous as the place to come if you want good coffee in the province.

This coffee shop also serves a range of snacks and you can see how they grind the beans as well as their amazing coffee pouring technique which filters the coffee before it goes into your glass.

You can even buy bags of their signature beans here to take home as a souvenir.

This coffee shop is immensely popular in Banda Aceh and is also the place to come if you want to see how the locals hang out in a province where alcohol is banned and bars and nightclubs don’t exist.

Enjoy the rainforest in Ketambe

Tourist Attractions in Aceh – Mount Leuser National Park

Gunung Leuser National Park starts in the province of North Sumatra and stretches all the way into Aceh.

Many people choose to visit the park via Bukit Lawang in Sumatra, but if you want a more secluded section of the rainforest away from the crowds then the best place to do this is in Ketambe in Aceh.

The park is made up of primary rainforest and is full of a plethora of flora and fauna including orang utans and monkeys.

There are a range of hikes that you can take from short day trips to longer treks that take several days and let you camp in the middle of the forest.

The Aceh Museum in Banda Aceh is a great place to visit if you want to find out more about this corner of Indonesia.

It is not the largest museum in Aceh, but it is filled with interesting galleries and you will find a range of items here such as ancient farming equipment, textiles, weaponry, and even a few local oddities.

One of these is the stuffed baby buffalo which is on display and is notable for having two heads.

The museum is closed on Mondays but if you are in the area at another time then make sure not to give it a miss if you want a fascinating insight into Acehnese culture and history.

Explore Rumah Aceh

The former home has been turned into a museum and offers an insight into how people in Aceh would have lived in the days of old.

This is one of the best examples of traditional architecture so make sure not to miss it when you visit Museum Negeri Banda Aceh.

Sunbathe on Lampuuk Beach

Lampuuk Beach The currents around Aceh can be strong, so if you want to swim and sunbathe then the place to do this is Lampuuk Beach which is located outside Banda Aceh. The beach has miles of rolling sand and makes a great spot if you want to sunbathe or paddle in the water.