Welcome to Banda Aceh...
This friendly and pleasant historical town was for almost 800 years called Kutaraja, until the name in 1962 was changed to Banda Aceh. Here traders from all over the known world met. From here Islam spread to Malaysia, southern Thailand and southern Philippines. In the 17th century Banda Aceh was the center of a strong trading and military power fighting Melaka and Portugal for dominance over the Melaka Straights.
The Acehnese armada lead by a female admiral and using women as officers were feared by all. The black pepper trade in the 19th century Aceh made Aceh a strong power again. In 1873 the Dutch tried to take Kutaraja with 3.000 men, but were thrown back into the sea. Later with 10.000 men, the biggest Dutch army ever in Indonesia, they managed to take Banda Aceh. The war went on until 1907. A civil war went on for many years until Aceh was hit by the Tsunami in 2004. Not many knew Banda Aceh until December 26, 2004, but on this day Aceh made the headlines. The Tsunami, this tragic catastrophe killed around 75.000 of Banda Aceh's population and destroyed almost 60% of the town.
This turbulent history has left many objects of interest. See under "WHAT TO SEE AND DO". You can read more about the Aceh history under GENERAL INFO > HISTORY
Since the Tsunami new roads and houses have been built by different aid organizations. Banda Aceh was and still is a lush town with lots of trees giving shadow to its streets. Best is to take a day or two and really enjoy the attractions and get to know the very friendly people. The Acehnese love visitors, from wherever they come. If you just have a few hours you still can see some centrally located objects of interest, such as the impressive Grand Mosque and the central market behind it. The Tsunami museum is also well worth a visit, as well as the Aceh museum, and the PLN Electricity barge, a reminder of the Tsunami.
Maybe the biggest attraction of Banda Aceh is the nightlife with all its coffee shops and other places to eat. See more under "EATING OUT".
Remember, Lampuuk and Lhoknga with its fantastic beaches, good surfing and delicious fresh fish BBQs. Are not far away! See LAMPUUK LHOKNGA.
Note: Only hotels, restaurants and travel agents that help us cover the costs of the Banda Aceh section are listed and named in the maps.
Source: http://www.sumatraecotourism.com
