The provincial capital and largest city in the province of Aceh, Banda Aceh is more recognized as one of the cities that was heavily destroyed during the 2004 boxing day tsunami. Despite the devastation the city has gone through, the city has quickly redeveloped in recent years. Some remnants of the tsunami are still visible around the city, like a massive ship washed on shore. More than just a city that was destroyed by the tsunami, not many know that Banda Aceh is actually a historic city, and a city that holds to its Islamic roots. But unlike the dreaded Islamic cities westerners tend to fear, here you will find the people very friendly and free spirited.
Medan, is the capital of North Sumatra, and is the city\'s largest commercial as well as economic center in Sumatra. More than just a business destination, it is also known as a gateway to North Sumatra, where adventure seekers come to experience the beauty of the highlands of Lake Toba or enter the wild jungles of Sumatra. Its once glorious history as a bountiful plantation for the Dutch during their colonization has left the city with European inspired architecture that still stand to this day. As a result, the city is a blend of modern lifestyle with a colonial heritage.