The Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman is a stunning piece of architechture located in Banda Aceh.

I went out a couple of nights ago to take an evening shot – this mosque photo doesn’t do the Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman justice.

It was first built in the 1870s by the Dutch and bits have been added on since.  It survived the 2004 earthquake and tsunami intact – a sign seen by some as divine intervention.

The best time to see the mosque in action is during Friday afternoon prayers, when it is packed inside and also in the yard.

That’s it for me from Banda Aceh.  I have loved my time here, and I highly recommend coming here to check it out.

You can read more at The Great Mosque of Banda Aceh: Its History, Architecture and Relationship to the Development of Islam in Sumatra.

Next stop: Pekanbaru, central Sumatra.

Air Asia are the kind sponsors of this trip.  Check out their website for their flights all over the place!