PLTD Apung is a former power-generator ship in Banda Aceh that now stands as a memorial to the 2004 tsunami. The wave carried the vessel far inland, and it has stayed where it landed. At the museum you can walk around the ship and climb to its upper deck, where the view across the city shows how far the water reached. Guides explain what happened and the recovery that followed. Souvenir shops stand nearby.
The ship and how it came to rest
PLTD Apung 1 was a floating power station that made electricity from diesel. It was moored in the sea near Banda Aceh and was meant to supply power to the Ulee Lheue area.
When the tsunami struck in 2004, the wave lifted the ship and carried it inland into a residential area. It crashed into two houses, and the people inside them died. The ship has stayed on the spot where it landed, and it is now preserved as a memorial.
Climbing aboard and the view
Visitors can climb onto the ship and walk around it. The ship is divided into three stages, and the visit follows them.
From the top, you look out across Banda Aceh. The view makes it clear how far from the coast the vessel was carried.
Around the site
A city tour from Banda Aceh can pair the ship with the Boat on the House tsunami monument and the Kandang grave site, along with the Tsunami Museum and the Grand Baiturrahman Mosque.
Souvenir shops are close to the museum, and some prices there can be negotiated.
Visiting with respect
The ship is a memorial to people who lost their lives in the disaster, so treat it as one. Take your time on the decks, and listen to the guide's account of the events before you take photos on the upper deck.
If you want the full story, ask for a guide. The guide's account is the clearest way to understand the scale of the wave and the recovery that followed.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, the museum charges admission. The site recommends buying tickets in advance.
Can you climb the ship?
Yes. Visitors can walk around the ship and climb to the top, where there is a view over Banda Aceh.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
The site has a wheelchair accessible elevator.
Where can I park?
There is a free parking lot and a paid parking lot on site, and paid street parking is also available nearby.
Is it suitable for children?
The museum is listed as good for kids, and it has restrooms and a changing table.
