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City in Aceh, Indonesia
Photo: Tj Pramono, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Sabang is a town of 34,00 people (2019) on an island north of Banda Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra. The island's name is Weh Island (Pulau Weh) and Sabang is the main town on the north coast, but the names are often used interchangeably. Among locals the place is more often referred to as "Sabang" but among tourists it is well known as "Pulau Weh". The island is best known for its snorkeling and diving. This article covers the town of Sabang (in which there is not much to see or do) and the rest of the island as well.
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The westernmost point in Indonesia is on Pulau Weh. You can rent a motorbike from Iboih for around Rp 100,000/day and head out on your own, or rent a minivan and guide to take your group.
Dive school based in Iboih, with a lot of restaurants and accommodations nearby. Has a big boat (under repair in early 2013) and two smaller boats, nice staff and many knowledgeable instructors and leaders. The place has a very collegiate atmosphere with lots of divers hanging out after their excursions. Local coconut artist Andy Coco works here as an instructor.
Lumba Lumba Diving Centre & Beach Resort
Popular western-owned dive operator in Gapang beach. Provides premium accommodations (for divers only). If you want something else than diving and hanging around with them 24/7, or tend to be more price-conscious, consider the other options.
A new shop, just opened by a local diver (Salim) with fifteen years experience, offering courses and more personalized dives at about the same price as the other shops. He usually does two dives in the morning and one in the afternoon, depending on weather conditions. Because Salim keeps the number of divers limited to four, it's a good choice if you're diving with one or two friends as you can pick your own dive spots.
The Pade Dive Resort is on Lhong Angen Beach on the very quiet westcoast of Pulau Weh. Here some of the islands' best divesites such as Batee Meuduro, Pantee Peunateung and The Canyon can be found. Well maintained rental equipment and NITROX is available for divetrips to all of Pulau Weh's divesites on the four boats. The housereef, which is also ideal for snorkeling, is easily accessible from the beach. The rooms are equipped with A/C, hot water shower, satellite TV and WiFi is available throughout the resort. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
Aceh Adventure organizes cycle tours on the island.
A higher standard very close to the sandy beach. Erick speaks good English, and has a wealth of information to share. As many of the rooms are attached to one building, there is a community feel to this place. Limited Wi-Fi available.
started with two bungalows right on the water, but has since built a few more. If you're lucky enough to get one of the original shacks, you can watch the fish from the hammock on the balcony.
Oong's
Norma is the default location for return visitors. Expect a communal atmosphere with home cooked meals. Norma is an institution!
More up-market, Iboih Inn offers a range of bungalows from cheaper smaller one with no views to huge air-conditioned places, right by the sea. This is the closest you get to luxury in Iboih. They also have their own dive shop.
At the very end of the path sits Yulia's. This place seems more professionally run (less of a family atmosphere). The views from the bungalows, their spacious positioning, the creative concrete walkways, and immediate access to one of the better snorkeling spots, more than make up for the long walk. As a bonus, the shared bathrooms have clean western toilets and showers. Exceptionally good internet access in the dining area.
Five minutes' walk from Iboih village in a quiet location. With only the sounds of nature and the occasional fishing boat passing by, it is very peaceful. The construction is eco friendly with very little disruption to the natural environment. Close to the sea there is footpath, stretching along the coast, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk. Bungalows and guesthouses with hot water dispenser for tea and coffee and small fridge. AC, hammock, big terrace, fire alarm, parking area, snorkeling, diving, coral reef.
By boat
Return tickets are cheaper. See the diving websites of Rubiah Divers and/or Lumba Lumba for up to date information for getting to the island.
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Banda Aceh · International · BTJ
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