Banda Aceh is a historic and an interesting city that is situated in Sumatra. It is the largest and the capital city which is well-known for its unique customs and culture filled with the values of Islam. In 2004, this city underwent the tsunami disaster that took the lives of hundreds and thousands of individuals. Additionally, it destroyed the infrastructure too. Fortunately, with both persistence and spirit, Banda Aceh people rose again and became successful in restoring their city. However, in this process, people from across the globe helped them thoroughly.
Visiting the city of Banda Aceh
When people visit Banda Aceh, they come across different interesting attractions including the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque. It is acknowledged as the sign of the beauty and majesty of the Islamic architecture. In the nineteenth century, Sultan Iskandar Muda built this mosque. He created it as a chief center of government and worship. If you visit this mosque you will find it to be having eight minarets, seven domes, and five doors that face the Qibla. Again, this mosque has a fountain too besides a library where you will find a huge array of classic Islamic books. You will also find a flower garden in this mosque.
The Gunongan Monument
Sultan Iskandar Muda built the Gunongan Monument in the seventeenth century and he dedicated this monument to his homesick wife. This structure intended to copy a hill which is situated in Pahang, Malaysia as it was her hometown. The princess used this monument as a bathing place and it was a big portion of a bigger complex, known as the Taman Ghairah.
Aceh Tsunami Museum
Aceh Tsunami Museum is regarded as a memorial for commemorating the Tsunami victims that hit on the 26th of December 2004. Whoever visits this museum finds it to be having a symbolic and unique design like the shape that a ship has. Again, it has walls of water and dark hallways too. Additionally, this museum has videos, relics, and photos of tsunami victims. This museum works to teach visitors about safety, hope, and natural disasters.
Ulee Lheue Beach
Visitors who visit Banda Aceh never fail to see the Ulee Lheue Beach. It is regarded as a stunning beach that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Malacca. If you visit this beach you will find it to be offering magnificent views of sunset. Another important thing is it has a peaceful and soothing atmosphere. Again, this beach has a stopover for pilgrims too who carry on their journey to Mecca. This way, it has turned into a recreational spot for both tourists and locals alike.
Try Durian
People who have not tasted this fruit should visit Banda Aceh to taste it. You can smell this fruit from a distance; however, it does not smell pleasant. Actually, it stinks too much. The penetrating smell of this fruit compelled it to get banned from different public spaces like hotels. Some people love the taste of their fruit whereas some find it to be like rotten.
Besides the Banda Aceh attractions mentioned above, there are several other attractions of this city including playgrounds, historical monuments, halal restaurants that serve Acehnese cuisine, and traditional markets. Hence, if you visit this city, you will get a memorable and unique tourism experience.
