Banda Aceh Things to Do

4 more images

Lampu'uk beach can get quite bust on the weekend as day trippers from Banda Aceh take advantage of the beautiful stretch of coastline. If you are staying in the area and want something a little more private, Momonk beach is the place to go. Starting from the road leading down to Lampu'uk beach there is a sandy track which winds its way through the jungle and behind the cliffs at the northern end of Lampu'uk before opening onto a small cove. On my first visit I was guided by one of the friendly young men from Dian Rana bingalows, but after that it was easy to find my way.
Note that there is very little shade and you will be sharing the beach with an army of timid sand crabs, but it is a quiet haven in the afternoon and you can cool down sitting in the shadows and getting buffeted around by the low rollers.

4 more images

Lampu'uk Beach is approximately 15km from Banda Aceh. The north end has some stunning cliffs as a backdrop. During the week, the beach is almost deserted but it is a popular place for Banda Aceh residents on the weekend. The water is clean and the southern section is frequented by surfers. Early morning walks, before the heat of the day, are especially invigorating. There are a couple of little shacks selling coffee, water and cigarettes at the southern end. More stalls open on the weekend.
It is a beautiful quiet place to stay overnight during the week or to have a day trip from Banda Aceh.

3 more images

In the park area on Jalan Sultan Iskandar Muda, adjacent to the Aceh 'Thanks the World' site, are two more historical monuments. The first is a monument presented by the national government to Aceh commemorating the fight for freedom. The second is a replica of the first Garuda plane - the national carrier of Indonesia.
The park area is a short becak ride from the centre of Banda Aceh and close to the tsunami museum and kherkof.

The central pasar, right next door to the grand mosque is a hive of activity during the day - stalls overflowing with fresh fruit and other produce, and small shops selling clothing, toiletries, kitchen needs; you name it you can probably find it.
In front of the pasar you will find a becak stand and labi-labi terminal.
At night, one side of the pasar, Jalan Chik Pante Kulu is all but deserted; the other side, Jalan Diponegoro becomes a bustling night market.

3 more images

On the west side of Sungai Kreung Aceh, adjacent to Jalan Cut Meutia and less than five minutes walk from the cetral pasar and grand mosque, is a small newly built riverside promenade. The well kept gardens are called 'Taman Pembibitan Kreung Aceh'. There are wide paths along the river for a 300 metre stretch and some strategically placed seats looking out onto the river where young folk meet and while away the sunset hour.
It is a delightful little break from the traffic of the city centre.

4 more images

In my short time in Banda Aceh I spoke to several locals on the street. Everyone had a story to tell about the tsunami. And, without fail, everyone was grateful for the support Indonesia had received from other countries. Many would say 'That road was built by Australians' or 'Those house were built by Americans'.
As a sign of the gratitude an Aceh 'Thanks the World' Memorial was established in parklands. It is a simple yet beautiful memorial. Walking around the curved pathways, one sees plaques - approximately 150 - thanking each individual country who contributed to the reconstruction. Plaques are inscribed with a flag of the country and the words 'terima kasih dan damai' or 'thank you in peace' in the language of the respective countries.
Quite beautifully too, the pathways are used as jogging/fitness tracks by the local people - although how they jog in slickers in the heat, I don't know.
The memorial is located very close to the Tsunami Museum and Kherkoff, so is easily visited along with the others in one afternoon.
It is a really moving tribute.

1 more image

The newly built Tsunami Museum houses many photos and video footage of the destruction wrought by the December 2004. There are stories from survivors and the entrance corridor of two high walls or water represents the tsunami itself.
It is a chilling experience being reminded of the devastation, the ferocity and what must have been the absolute terror of the people who simply had no place to hide.
The building itself is a feat of architecture as the roof resembles a tidal wave and the floor is modelled on traditional Acehnese houses.
Visitors will surely appreciate such a harrowing experience.

4 more images

The Kherkof in central Banda Aceh is a cemetery housing the remains of many Dutch soldiers who fought against the Acehnese. It suffered some damage during the tsunami and since then 50 wooden crosses have been erected as rememberance to those who had been buried there.
It is a well-kept cemetery with some pleasant walking paths and historical headstones to read. It is interesting to see the quality of the different headstones - there appears to be a clear distinction between those of wealth and rank, and those who may have had neither.
It is right next door to the Tsunami Museum so easily visited in the the same trip. It is possible to walk from the centre of Banda Aceh - market area - but easier to get a becak for 10,000 rupiah maximum
Well worth the time of reflection.