Pulau Weh, Nangroe Aceh Darussallam

Pulau Weh is one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in Southeast Asia. Pulau Weh is still the Pulau Weh (or Weh Island or Sabang) that we remember; the coral reefs, the scenery, the atmosphere and its friendly people.

 

There is so much more to this island than diving; fishing, nature, sceneries, atmosphere and much more. Ask any of the many travelers who stay month after month and still come back for more all the time. Iboih, Gapang, Sumur Tiga and Sabang Town are all interesting, relaxing and popular amongst foreign visitors.

 

THE NAME PULAU WEH

Western tourists have come to use the geographical name Pulau Weh or Weh Island. Indonesians normally use the administrative name, i.e. Sabang. It can be confusing when you ask for directions. 

 

In this web portal we use Pulau Weh as it is more widely known. In Acehnese it would be Pulo Weh. "Weh" means move or go away. It can also be derived from Ie (water).

 

  

Pulau Weh> Around The Island

There is more to see on Pulau Weh than Kincir (also called Long Beach) Iboih, Gapang and Sumur Tiga. Pulau Weh is a beautiful and very green island with lush vegetation and with breathtaking sceneries.

The wildlife that you will see is a lot of monkeys, sometimes jumping on your bungalow roof, wild boars roaming for food in the late afternoon and monitor lizards running away when you drive along the roads. Colorful butterflies are everywhere and interesting birds can be seen. North of Iboih is a protected forest. A walk along the road to the northern end of Pulau Weh is recommended. It is here that Indonesia officially starts. A monument has been built to commemorate that. The spot is called Kilometer Nol (Km 0), a must for Indonesian tourists.

 

The real start of Indonesia is however Pulau Rondo. You can see it far out to the north. From there it is not too far from the Indian archipelago Nicobar. Pulau Rondo has reportedly excellent fishing. It also has snorkeling and diving, but not anything better than Pulau Weh. If you want to go there, ask any boat owner near your accommodation. The cheapest alternative would be to join a fisherman from Iemeulee near Sabang town. There you can get a good deal, as long as the fisherman can fish during the trip.

 

 Renting a motorbike is a good way to see Pulau Weh. There are many small roads through the forests, orchards, and remote villages where you will become the attraction of the week. Some roads are in very bad condition and a few are very steep, for example coming down to Balohan from the east. Be sure your bike has good brakes and be careful. Petrol can be found almost everywhere in small stands; only Rp. 5.500 per liter. To rent a motorbike is app. Rp. 80-100.000 per day. Bargain!

 When you drive over the mountain south of Gapang you will see lots of monkeys waiting for passersby to throw them bananas. On the southern foot of the mountain, in Siruit, on the waterfront is Coffee Shop, a nice place to stop for a coffee and to feel a hot spring in the sea and to see a hot mud pool on the beach. There is also an accommodation here. You can swim to the hot spring outside the coffee shop, but you need to dive down to feel any warm water. The spring is on a depth of app. 6 m. To see the hot mud pool, just follow the stony beach to the left, or ask in the coffee shop. Be careful, the mud is boiling and it can be very hot in between stones going there. Don't leave your litter behind!

Guest House Mardimi
Siruit 
Phne :081269413179, 08126091929, +031118642019,
email mardimi@planet.nl
Website:  www.pulauwehguesthouse.com 4 rooms. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 250.000. Food can be ordered.

 Follow the main road a bit further to Pria Laot where a small river flows out. If you follow it upstream you will see the biggest waterfall on Pulau Weh. Just follow the river along a partly invisible path, crossing the river several times, climbing over and jumping in between rocks and you will arrive at a beautiful place perfect for bathing and relaxing. It is recommended.

Driving over the mountain to the south is also very nice. There are a few small lakes and a volcanic area with lots of holes, gas and bad smell. The locals in the surrounding villages often have to extinguish fires. Do not smoke or use fire in this area.

In the relaxed fishing village of Paya Keunekai is a sand beach called Pasir Putih. It is very beautiful during the eastern monsoon season (roughly the first half of the year). The two coffee shops on the beach are for hanging out. Two km further is the beach Pantai Cum, a.k.a. Pantai Bango. The following coast all the way to Balek Gunung is very desolate and perfect for solitude and finding own secret spots. Especially so 5 km from the junction in Paya Keunekai. At the bridge over a nice stream, follow the path to the beach and you find a nice camping ground. Cars and motorbikes cannot go through all the way to Balek Gunung and Iboihs.

In Keunekai, at the only junction in this village, turn down to the sea and you will find some pools with warm spring water.

In the ferry harbor Balohan is one small accommodation.
Wisma Mentari
Facing the ferry terminal. Ph:+6285260329992. 6 rooms. With bath, fan: Rp. 90.000. Barth, aircon: Rp. 180.000.

AROUND WEH BY BOAT
Many of the villages on Pulau Weh are fishing villages so it is also a good idea to charter a boat for a day or less to explore the coastline of the Island. Sharing a boat with friends can be very economical.

Various locations can be reached, for example the waterfall, volcanic bubbles spring, remote coral reefs and secluded beaches where you can relax and enjoy lunch. Game Fishing is also an option, trawling, popping or line fishing.

PUulau Weh > Teupin Reudeup a.k.a. "Kincir Long Beach"

Teupin Reudeup is the official name, but tourists have come to say Kincir or Iboih Long Beach. It is a bay with a beach a couple of kilometers beyond the junction for Iboih beach (Teupin Layeu) towards Km. 0. This area has recently become more popular and has already 2 dive operators and 4 accommodations. Some hundred meters before the beach is the small Tien's place in the forest overlooking the sea. Turn right at a small sign and follow the small road. A little bit further is the beach. Besides diving it is easy to arrange snorkeling and fishing trips. Motorbikes are available for rent. There is only a five minute walk from the beach to a hot water spring.

 

Accommodation

Tien's Place Tel: +6285277775212, Fb: Tien’s Place. 2 km beyond Iboih junction, martimbang@web.de www.tiensplace.sumatraecotourism.com 4 bungalows with bathroom: Rp. 350,000. Discounts for long stay. Restaurant. Nice hideaway, bakes own bread, strong on vegetables.

2. Pulau Weh Dive Resort
   Jl. Km Nol Iboih. Tel: +6265233324999, fax: +626522324900. www.wehresort.com 13 rooms, aircon, hot water. Rp. 1,250,000-1.900.000. WiFi. Restaurant.
    
3. Seulako View Cafe & Bungalows
   Just along the main road. Ph: 085260920505 Iswardani, seulako.view@gmail.com, fb: Seulako View Cafe & Bungalows. 3 bungalows w. fan, private or shared bathroom, Rp. 100-150.000. 3 rooms, fan, shared bath: Rp. 50,000-70,000. Accept camping. Restaurant. Small shop with essentials and swap books. Parking.

4. Steffen Sea Sports
   At Kincir, Pulau Weh, NAD. Tel: +62081360811848. steffenseasports@yahoo.com www.steffenseasports.sumatraecotourism.com www.steffen-sea-sports.com 4 rooms above the dive shop. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 200,000. One six bed dorm: Rp. 250.000. Has also 3-pin plugs. Will soon have a duplex bungalow on the seafront. (In Malaysia: Pulau Kecil -Coral Bay, Perhentian Island, Tel: 6-019-9111256).

 

Pulau Weh > Iboih (Teupin Layeu)

 

The beach area near Pulau Rubiah has become known as Iboih. Teupin Layeu is a more exact name. Here we use Iboih. This area has more of a backpacker and family feeling than Gapang. Besides diving, snorkeling, swimming and relaxing the area is also nice for walks, either north to the next beach and Km 0 or south along the path to Ujung Patek and Lhok Weing. The island Rubiah just outside is worth a visit. There are even a few bungalows on the southern end. It is possible to swim over, but only if you are a good swimmer. Use fins and remember that the current in between can be very strong. Don’t do it alone. Otherwise, go by boat. Boat trips are arranged by a boat owner community group. They have a shop at the parking lot "Loket Boat". There are also glass bottom boats available.

KLKP View information at the parking lot is owned by a tourism community group. They arrange boat trips, motorbikes, bicycles, snorkeling equipment etc. Internet is available next to the dive shop, Rp. 8.000/hr. However, many establishments now offer free Wi-Fi. Ph: +6285260904101 (Mr. M. Nasir Is).

Food
Several restaurants and coffee shops can be found at the fishermen's beach and parking area are overlooking the beach. They serve mainly Indonesian food. Beyond the gate to the bungalow area are also several restaurants, serving Western inspired food, such as Dolphin, Mama, and Dee Dee’s. Most accommodations have their own restaurants, such as Olala, O'Ong, Yulia's and Iboih Inn.

Accomodation
Bungalows in Iboih have improved their standard over the last few years. Inexpensive bungalows are still there, but there are now more bungalows with private bathroom, even with aircon. Prices fluctuate very much with the length of your stay. The prices below are just indications. There are also a few bungalows on Pulau Rubiah.

1. Yulia's Bungalow & Restaurant
   Ph: +6282168564383. 18 bungalows. With outside bathroom: Rp. 60-70.000. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 150-200.000. Depending on length of stay. No advance booking.
    
2. Iboih Inn & Restaurant
   Ph: +62811841570, +628126991659 (Ms. Saliza). Fb: iboih.inn@gmail.com 16 bungalows. Budget room, bath, fan: Rp. 100.000. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 250.000. With aircon, bathroom: Rp. 350.000. All rooms except budget: incl. breakfast. Pick up at Iboih pier if booked in advance. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Free Wi-Fi. Boat transportation and trips etc.
    
3. O'Ong Restaurant & Bungalows
   Ph: +6281360700150. 10 rooms. No Private bathroom: Rp. 40-50.000. With bathroom: Rp. 130.000-150.000, depending on length of stay.
    
4. Olala Restaurant & Bungalow (Moved further in to new buildings)
   Ph: +6285260607311. eka_olala@hotmail.co.uk 6 bungalows. With fan, outside bathroom: Rp. 80-90.000. Big discounts for long stay. Wi-Fi.
    
5. Mama Mia Restaurant & Bungalows
   1 bungalow. Rp. 50.000 depending on length of stay.
    
6. Fatimah Bungalows
   A couple of new bungalows available.
    
7. Iboih Hill Bungalow
   Ph: +6281360189132. 7 bungalows. With fan and outside bathroom: Rp. 150.000. Reception in Dolphin restaurant. Discounts for long stays.
    
8. Home High (former Arina)
   Ph: 082160180620. Their 4 bungalows are falling apart. Only restaurant now.
    
9. Ayub's
   2 rooms and 1 bathroom in one bungalow. Rp. 150.000/room. Discounts for long stay. Ask for Mr. Ayub at the parking area or ask in Erick's next door.
    
10. Erick's Green House
    Ph: +6282167899876. 5 rooms. Some with attached bathroom and all with kitchenette. Rp. 60-150.000. Discounts for long stay. Wi-Fi.
     
11. Fina Bungalow
    Ph: +6285262111366. Just before the gate. 6 rooms. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 150 -200.000. Aircon, bathroom: Rp. 250-300.000. Price depending on season.
     
12. Cut Agam Guest House & Coffee Shop
    First place when coming down to Iboih. Ph: +6281360363480. 4 rooms, fan, outside bathroom: Rp. 150-200.000. Big discounts for long stay. Pasta restaurant.
     
13. Jelita Bungalows
    Ph: ++6282164468376. 3 rooms, aircon, bathroom, TV: Rp. 250.000.
     
14. Pele's Ujung Patek Bungalows
    At the Petek point 500 meter south of Iboih, turn sharply to the right when in front of Cut Agam Guesthouse. Ph: +6285260958990 (Adun), +6285253702209 (Wani), doktorkalkyl@gmail.com 2 Bungalows. With fan and bathroom: Rp. 250.000. Remote and tranquil.
     
15. Pulau Rubiah
    Can only be reached by boat. Ph: 0813 774 11125 (Mr. Samsul), 0852 7746 4764 (Mr. Yahya). 8 bungalows.Outside bath: Rp. 100.000. Big two room bungalow with bathroom, kitchen: Rp. 300.000. Restaurant. Call for pick up. From Iboih parking area: Rp. 50.000.

Pulau Weh > Gapang

Gapang is one of the two most visited beaches on Pulau Weh. It has a wider variety of bungalows than any other beach, from very simple huts to air conditioned and TV-equipped bungalows.
Besides snorkeling, diving, hanging out and swimming you can also walk to Balek Gunung. It is not too far. For seeing flying foxes, waterfall and jungle; ask in Limbo Restaurant.

Do a JUNGLE TREK to Gunung Keris, the highest peak on Pulau Weh. See the protected forest, birds, butterflies etc. Contact Mustafa in Gapang on +6285277442222.

Food
There are several restaurants directly on the beach, such as Mama Jungle, Zero, Limbo, Barracuda and Dang Dang Na. International and Western style food available in all places. Don't forget to try Naguna Warkop & Nasi up on the main road. They serve both price worthy and nice Indonesian food.

Accomodation
If you plan to stay a week or two, you can get big discounts.

1. Guest House Obama
   Jl. Sabang-Iboih. 1 km beyond the gates to Gapang Resort. Ph: +6281360272270 (Mrs. Minna). 14 rooms. With aircon, bathroom: Rp. 200.000. Incl. breakfast. Restaurant. The new place of Hamdani and Minna.
    
2. Agha Hideaway
   50m above/behind the Naguna restaurant at main Gapang gate. Ph: +85277442222 (Mustafa), gpg_m@yahoo.com 1 roomy bungalow, big bathroom: Rp. 150.000 with fan, Rp. 250.000 with aircon. Great view, good for long stays.
    
3. Gapang Resort – This big resort covers the former Leguna Resort and Flamboyan Gapang Resort and is owned by the Sabang Government. Ph. +6281370616223 (not English speaking). 21 rooms in 18 bungalows are open at the moment. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 150.000. With aircon, bathroom: Rp. 250.000. 2-room aircon bungalow: Rp. 350.000. 3-room aircon bungalow: Rp. 400.000. Restaurant not open. Meeting room for 200 persons.
    
4. Dang Dang Na Restaurant & Bungalow (former Ohana)
   Ph: 0852 6041 8854 (Mr. Syukur). 6 bungalows. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 100.000. With aircon, bathroom: Rp. 200.000. Restaurant. Popular.
    
5. Lumba Lumba Living and Lumba-Lumba Living Colours
   Tel/Fax: +62652-3324133, +62811682787. www.lumbalumba.com info@lumbalumba.com7 duplex (11 rooms) bungalows. With fan, bath, fridge, diver adapted, and Wi-Fi: 26-30 €. In a new extension called Lumba Lumba Colours: 6 rooms. With fan, outside bathroom: € 12. With fan, bathroom: € 18.
    
6. Chephest Bungalows
   Ph: 085358849551. 1 room. With bath, fan: Rp. 100 000. Shared bathroom.
    
7. Vira Bungalow
   Tel: 0852 9747 0446. 6 rooms. With fan, outside bath: Rp. 100.000. For long stay: Rp. 50.000.
    
8. Jroeh Bungalow
   Behind the souvenir shop. Ph: +6285260607416. 2 rooms. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 100.000. With aircon, bathroom: Rp. 250.000. Depending on length of stay.
    
9. Beringin Bungalow
   Tel: 0852 7780 8024. 5 rooms. Fan, outside bath or with bath: Rp. 100-150.000.
    
10. Ramadilla
    Some bungalows, but seems to be without anyone taking care.

Pulau Weh > Balek Gunung


On the west coast, just opposite Gapang is Balek Gunung. The area can be reached by foot from Gapang and even from Iboih if you like long walks.

The coast consists of stones and has a seasonal beach that disappears app. the second half of the year. When it is there, it is extremely beautiful. A few caves are nearby. Goa Sarang can only be reached by swimming or boat at low tide.
Goa Kamprek is three small caves a few hundred meters away. The area is good for fishing, seeing Mantas, snorkeling and enjoying the solitude and the sunsets.
A new dive resort has recently been established here.

Accomodation
The Pade Dive Resort
Tel: 0652-33224500, 0652-332400, sabang@thepade.com www.thepade.com 13 rooms, aircon, bath, hot water: Rp. 950-1.200.000, incl. Breakfast and tax. WiFi.


Pulau Weh > East Coast (Sumur Tiga) 

Pantai Sumur Tiga on the east coast of Pulau Weh is during western season the best beach on Pulau Weh i.e. app. the second half of the year. For long it was kind of forgotten and only visited by locals living in the area and a few foreigners who knew about its solitude and good snorkeling.

The corals are not as good as in the Iboih/Gapang area; however when it comes to the fish there are no complaints. Dolphins are often sighted further out at sea. New resorts have been built here during the last years, with tastefully designed bungalows, international food and good service.

What is known as Sumur Tiga is a short stretch of beach, but in reality the beach stretches from Iemeulee and two miles south, thereby forming the longest beach on Pulau Weh. Sumur Tiga means the third well. There are actually five wells along this beach. The first well (Sumur Satu) is south of Iemeulee (meaning trickling water) in the beginning of the beach.

After the second well (Sumur Dua) and all the way to the far end, the land behind the sand beach is steep and the trees give a lot of atmosphere and shadow for those who prefer.

At the third well, i.e. the Sumur Tiga itself, is the bungalows of Santai Sumur Tiga, more known as Freddie's. At the forth well (Sumur Empat) is a Japanese bunker built with forced labor during WWII. Almost at the far end of the beach, is the fifth well (Sumur Lima). Here is the bungalows of Casa Nemo. By now you should be able to count to five in Indonesian. On the point itself is a new resort coming up.

A bit further down the coast beyond Sumur Tiga is Ujung Kareung with more bungalows. The east coast has some nice sand stretches in between rock formations. It can be nice to explore the coast with snorkel, mask, and fins. Check up the current before you start.

The road south is good until Anoi Itam, a popular place amongst locals on weekends. It has a black sand beach, a big Japanese bunker and nice corals. There is a new up-market resort here called Rasa Seni. There are several nice coffee shops out of the way along this road.

There are no Dive schools on the East Coast, but all the major accommodations have connections to Dive operators and can easily arrange diving. They also arrange snorkeling and fishing trips, as well as regular round trips.

Workshops
Sumur Tiga has become a popular place to do workshops. Especially the creativity and relaxing atmosphere are appreciated qualities. Santai Sumur Tiga and the new Ujung Karang Conference Center work together, coordinated by Freddie’s. Ujung Karang can take 60 persons in it’s fully equipped conference room. The new The Point also do workshops.

Accomodation

1. Freddie's Santai Sumur Tiga
   Pantai Sumur Tiga, Iemeulee. Ph: 0813 602 55001, santaisumurtiga@yahoo.com.au www.santai-sabang.com 9 bungalows and 3 family rooms. With fan, bathroom, hot water: Rp. 240-300.000. Complete international restaurant and an ala carte Restaurant on the beach. Access to meeting room for 60 persons. Wi-Fi available. Booking needed.
    
2. Casa Nemo
   Pantai Sumur Tiga, Iemeulee. Ph: 0813 6299 9942. casanemo@yahoo.com www.casanemo.com 8 bungalows w fan, bathroom: Rp. 230-295.000. Complete international buffet style restaurant. Booking needed.
    
3. Monle
   Jl. K.H. Agus Salim, Ujung Kareung. Ph: +6285371808274. 5 rooms. With fan, outside bathroom: Rp. 100.000. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 200.000. With aircon, bathroom: Rp. 225.000. Next to Perdana Beach.
    
4. Perdana Beach
   Jl. K.H. Agus Salim, Ujung Kareung. Above Casa Nemo. Ph: 0852 6207 1939. 20 rooms with aircon, bathroom, TV: Rp. 200.000. No restaurant, but food can be ordered.

The POINT Sabang Resort Jl. K.H. Agus Salim, Ie Meulee. Tel: 0652-22433, 082164835879 (M r . Chandra), thepointsabangresort@gmail.com www.thepoint.sumatraecotourism.com 39 bungalows/rooms. With aircon, bath, hot water, TV, sea view: Rp. 420.000. Family suite: Rp. 720-850.000. Excl. tax. Incl. Breakfast

6. Ujung Kareng Conference Center
   Ujung Kareung. Ph: +6281360255001 (Managed by Freddie’s Santai Sumur Tiga). Fully equipped and serviced. Up to 60 persons. 6 rooms. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 200.000.
    
7. Tuna Paradise Resort
   Jl. Ujung Kareung - Anoi Itam. Ph: +6281269080080 (Andre). momde_39@yahoo.com 9 bungalows. With fan and bathroom: Rp. 170.000. With aircon, bathroom, TV, fridge: Rp. 300.000. Big restaurant and small private beach. Meeting room for 20-30 persons.
    
8. Café Ujung Kareung
   A relaxing coffee and noodle shop on the water front. 100m beyond Tuna Café. Open 06.30- late at night.
    
9. Rasa Seni Hotel Resort, Anoi Itam. Ph: +62527010245, +6281396858460. info@rasaseniresort.com www.rasaseniresort.com 10 rooms. With aircon, hot water, etc. Rp. 450-800.000, incl. Tax. Incl. breakfast. Restaurant.

 

 

Pulau Weh > Sabang Town

The cozy Sabang is an historical town and it shows. Many old colonial buildings are still standing, shadowed by huge trees that the Dutch once imported from Suriname. Sabang is one of the few towns in Indonesia which still has a sleepy old colonial atmosphere combined with a very social and friendly people.

 

Due to its excellent harbor and good water supply Sabang became an important coal loading station for ships en route between Europe and Asia. Sabang was once even bigger than Singapore. The Merbabu Graveyard has many odd and interesting gravestones from these times.

 

The main attraction is however the atmosphere and the people. It is a pity not to try it out. Enjoy eating out, the coffee shops, the morning market and the nearby beaches. Pantai Kasih is a very nice beach in walking distance. Further down are the beaches Pantai Tapak Gajah and Sumur Tiga. The reefs along Sabang Fair are reportedly nice for snorkeling. 

 

An oddity in Sabang is that shops close between 12.00 and 16.00 or 17.00. The official Tourism office (Dinas Pariwisata) is located on Jl. T Umar, overlooking the Taman Ria park. The Pulau Weh-Sabang Tourism Association is located next to Hotel Zahira, not so far away. See map.

Food & Drink
Don't miss the traditional Acehnese coffee shop. Order a cup of coffee and sit down. Traditional cakes on a plate will be placed in front of you. When you are finished just tell how many you had. The locally grown Acehnese coffee is excellent. It is normally filtered before served, however, in the countryside the coffee is sometimes served unfiltered. If you cannot wait for the coffee beans to sink, remove them with a spoon. The remaining beans you just spit out. Beware of coffee shops serving instant coffee. Support the local coffee farmers! A small glass costs normally around Rp. 3.000. A nice coffee shop is Pantai Jaya on the water front, open 05.00-22.00. Next to it is the juice bar Jambu Itebe, open 09.00-23.00. Both are nice. They also serve noodles.

All kinds of Noodles, called "mie" in Indonesia, are popular in Sabang. "Mie Jalak" is a Sabang specialty. Pulau Baru on Jl. Perdagangan 29B has become famous for it. A portion is Rp. 10.000. For good Minangkabau food (West Sumatra style) try Lumbung Sari on Jl. Perdagangan 7 (Ph: 0658-22678). For Acehnese food try Perkasa Utama on Jl. Perdagangan 157 (Ph: 21185). Aneka Ria has nice and price worthy sandwiches.

All the food stalls ("kaki lima") that once used to congest the main street have been moved to a new place called Rek, next to the Police station. Nice BBQ Chicken, Octopus Stay, Duck, fried potatoes and much more are sold in stalls around a square filled with tables and chairs. Recommended. Otherwise there are many restaurants along Jl. Perdagangan and in its vicinity. Beyond the RSU hospital on the sea front are a few nice places serving juices and light food in the evenings. Just walk north along Jl. T. Umar and you will see it. One of the nicer coffee shops is Paradiso Cyber Cafe', popular amongst young people with laptops. There is free Wi-Fi.
 

Fresh fish is the specialty of Sabang Food Court in Pasiran. Go out of town along the harbor. On the right hand side before the road split up in two. Only the sign is visible from the road. Ph: +6281377109903, +6282160003602. Grilled fish, live fish, lobsters, one open area and one aircon-area. Open 24 hours. Also catering. Nice night view over Sabang harbor.
Beer or other alcoholic beverages are normally not available in restaurants, but in places serving Westerners, alcoholic beverages are often available for non-Muslims.

Accomodation

1. Sabang Hill Hotel - A classical hotel with a grand view over Sabang. Sabang Hill. Ph: +62652-21999, acehsabanghill@yahoo.com www.sabanghill-aceh.com 22 rooms. Aircon, bathroom: Rp. 400-1.000.000. Suite: Rp. 1.150.000. Incl. breakfast. Discount on weekdays and for longer stays. Restaurant, karaoke bar. Conference room for 30 persons. Free Wi-Fi. Pick-up at Ferry on request; Rp. 50.000.
    
2. Wisma Zahira
   Jl. T. Umar. Near waterfront. +6281348820811. 9 rooms. With aircon, bathroom, TV: Rp. 250-350.000. Free coffee and tea. Nice Location.
    
3. Kartini Home Stay
   Jl. T. Umar 25. Ph: +628126925510, +6285270655169. 5 rooms. One with fan, bathroom: Rp. 100.000. Four with aircon, bathroom: Rp. 200-250.000. Incl. breakfast, coffee and tea.
    
4. Sabang Guesthouse
   Jl. T. Umar 23-25. Tel: 0652-21186. 9 rooms. With bathroom, aircon, TV: Rp. 325-350.000 incl. breakfast, coffee and tea. Free Wi-Fi.
    
5. Hotel Putra Salju
   Jl. T. Umar 16. Tel: 0652-22747. 10 rooms. With aircon and bathroom, hot water, TV: Rp. 200-450.000. WiFi.
    
6. Guesthouse Pantai Kasih
   Jl. Sultan Hasanuddin 10. Ph:+62652-21066, +681377347444 (Ayie), www.pantaikasih.com 8 rooms. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 200-225.000. With aircon, bathroom, TV: Rp. 300-350.000. Incl. breakfast. Directly above the Pantai Kasih beach.
    
7. Nagoya Inn
   Jl. Cut Meutia 34. Tel: +62652-22311, +62812 699 6068 (Mr. Parlan), fax: +62652-22411, www.nagoyainn.com 19 rooms. Aircon, bathroom, hot water, satellite TV: Rp. 300-500.000, incl. breakfast, coffee and tea. Free Wi-Fi. Conference room for 50 persons.
    
8. Losmen Calok
   Jl. Malahayati. Ph: +6285260362584 (Roma). calok@gmail.com 8 rooms. With aircon, bathroom: Rp. 150-225.000.
    
9. Losmen Sabang-Merauke
   Off Jl. T. Umar. Tel: 0652-21928. 12 rooms with one, two or three beds. Very basic . Run down.
    
10. Pulau Jaya Hotel
    Jl. T. Umar 21. Ph: 0652-21344. 23 rooms. With fan, outside bathroom: Rp. 40-85.000. With fan and bathroom: Rp. 125.000. With aircon, bathroom, TV: Rp. 180.000.
     
11. Kartika (former Sabang Jaya)
    Jl. T. Umar 17-19. Tel: 0652-22168. 14 rooms. With fan, outside bathroom: Rp. 80.000. With aircon, bathroom, TV: 180.000.
     
12. Losmen PUM (former Irma)
    Jl. T. Umar 3. Tel: 0652-21148. 13 rooms: With fan or with aircon, bathroom.
     
13. Hotel Holiday
    Off Jl. Perdagangan. Tel: 0652-21131, www.facebook.com/holidayhs 24 rooms. With fan and bathroom: Rp. 100.000-200.000. With aircon: Rp. 250.000-350.000.
     
14. Montana Hotel, Jl. Surapati 20. Tel: 0652-22817, 0852 6177 5831, hotelmontana@ymail.com 20 rooms. With fan, outsidebath: Rp. 100.000. Aircon, bath: Rp. 225-500.000. Aircon, bath, 6 beds: Rp. 600.000. Wifi.
     
15. Penginapan Pondok Tapak Gajah
    Lingkungan Keuramat, Jl. Agus Salim. Near Merbabu graveyard. Ph: 0652-22378, +6281269546700, +6285360608300, iskandarmuda62@yahoo.com 12 rooms. With fan, outside bathroom: Rp. 75.000. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 125.000. With aircon, bathroom, TV: Rp. 200.000.

Pulau Weh > Diving & Snorkeling

 

Snorkeling
You don't have to be a full-fledged diver to enjoy the underwater world of Pulau Weh. You don't even have to go far. Almost everywhere you find nice snorkeling and you don't need to compete with other snorkelers about the space. If you snorkel in Gapang, Iboih, and Sumur Tiga you will very likely see hawksbill turtles. Snorkels and fins are available for rent almost everywhere; normally Rp. 30.000 per day complete with mask and fins. To rent an underwater camera, try the dive shops. 

 

Diving
The visibility, the number of species, the big fish, the clear blue water, and both beach and boat diving, make Pulau Weh perfect for both experienced divers and beginners. All the big ones have been spotted around Weh: Mega Mouth Shark, Orcas, Whales, Whale Sharks, Manta Ray, and Sun Fish.

Pulau Weh is the place to get a diving certificate. The prices are still very attractive, especially if you also have to rent the equipment. Two guided fun dives from boat is app. 25 € including full equipment. A non-guided beach dive with full equipment it is app. 12 € and an Open Water certificate is about 280 €. (Prices are only indications.) There are several good diving schools in the Gapang – Iboih area. Diving is also arranged from Sumur Tiga. Check the websites of the operators.\

 
Dive Operators

1. Rubiah Tirta Divers
   Iboih Beach, Pulau Weh, NAD, Indonesia. Ph/fax: +62652 2234 555, Ph: +6281534020050, +628128436308. info@rubiahdivers.com www.rubiahdivers.com
    
2. Lumba Lumba Diving Centre
   Gapang Beach, Pulau Weh, NAD, Indonesia. Tel/Fax: +62652 3324133, +62811682787. info@lumbalumba.com www.lumbalumba.com
    
3. Pulau Weh Dive Resort
   Kincir (Long Beach), Pulau Weh. Tel: 0652 3332 4999, fax: 0652 2324 900, pulauwehresort@yahoo.com www.pulauwehresort.com

Steffen Sea Sports At Kincir, Pulau Weh, NAD. Tel: +62081360811848. steffenseasports@yahoo.com www.steffenseasports.sumatraecotourism.com www.steffen-sea-sports.com 4 rooms above the dive shop. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 200.000. One six bed dorm: Rp. 250.000. Has also 3-pin plugs. Will soon have a duplex bungalow on the seafront. (In Malaysia: Pulau Kecil -Coral Bay, Perhentian Island, Tel: 6-019-9111256).

5. The Pade Dive Resort
   Tel: 0652-3322 4500, 0652-332400, sabang@thepade.com

Wrecks In The Depths
Pulau Weh also has a couple of wrecks to dive at. As the waters around Pulau Weh are very deep, the wrecks are only accessible for very advanced divers. One of the wrecks, Sopie Rickmers, was sunk by its German captain in order to avoid Dutch capture. While entertaining the Dutch with drinks onboard, his crew was busy making holes in the hull. The ship is therefore laying up-right just outside Pria Laot. Its upper part is 40m deep.

Freediving
Freediving is the most natural and serene way to explore the depths of the oceans with minimal impact. It is also the ultimate way to free yourself and spend more time enjoying the beauty and silence of the sea. Anyone who has held their breath underwater has freedived. However, freediving is not simply about seeing how long you can hold your breath or how deep you can go on a single breath. You have to create the right attitude and pay attention to the limits of your body and mind. This and much more you can learn at Lumba-Lumba this summer of 2012.
A unique AIDA and their courses set the standard in international freediving education. Discover Freediving (half day) and two star course (2-3 days). For everyone, from absolute beginners to keen snorkelers. Take a look at AIDA's website www.aidainternational.org

 

 

Pulau Weh > Transportation

Going to Pulau WehThe only way to go to Pulau Weh is by sea. There is a nice car ferry and two fast passenger ferries plying the route between Ulee Lhe in Banda Aceh and Balohan on Pulau Weh. Take a taxi or becak to the harbor. Bargain for the price. High speed ferries take 45 minutes and the car ferry takes 1,5 hours. They all leave from the new ferry terminal in Ullee Lheue. There are no airplanes. Note that schedules can change without prior notice.

Prices depend on class.
Car ferry is managed by PT. ASDP Indonesia Ferry in Banda Aceh: +62651-49977

Transport On Pulau Weh

The local transportation on Pulau Weh has been criticized for over-charging. The main problem is that there are not enough passengers to run a regular service between Balohan and Gapang / Iboih. Hopefully it will improve along the road. Minibuses are waiting in Balohan where the ferry arrives. Local fare in a sometimes packed minibus to Sabang town is Rp. 15.000 and in a taxi or similar Rp. 20.000. To Sumur Tiga it is Rp. 25.000.

An "ojek": (motorbike taxi) is Rp. 20.000 and a becak Rp. 25.000. To Gapang and Iboih it is Rp. 50.000 (minimum 2 passengers). The busses take turns in talking tourists in order to avoid price war. Prices and rules are valid in the harbor area. A becak is Rp. 50.000/passenger.

Motorized becak are available in Sabang. Min. Rp. 5.000 per ride. Market to Iemeulee is app. Rp. 10.000. To Sumur Tiga maybe 15.000. You now also find becak taking passengers all over Pulau Weh. The prices need to be bargained. Can be a very pleasant alternative to the minibuses.

To rent a motorbike is Rp. 80-100.000/day depending on type. A bicycle is Rp. 50.000/day. To charter a taxi is Rp. 500.000 per day. For example: Taxi Firdaus, Ph: 085260876849, firtaxi@yahoo.com

Pulau Weh > Handicraft

Most of the handicrafts found on Pulau Weh are made from the coconut palm. The industry is still small and it is not until the last few years that the people of Pulau Weh have come to understand that their art actually is appreciated. Almost no marketing has ever been done to promote it and as a visitor to Pulau Weh one almost has to search for it. A shop has opened in the ferry terminal and it is worth a visit.

 

What you probably will see in Iboih and Gapang are very beautiful necklaces and earrings made out of coconut shell, often combined with seashells. There are a handful of guys making these at home and selling them directly to foreign visitors. Recommended!

 

The government organization Dekranas support local efforts and has a small showroom.

In Ujung Kareung on the east coast is a small factory making handicrafts of wood from the coconut tree. There you can also see the how they work. Several women make embroidery at home. The shop Toko Sabang, Tel: 0652-21140, next to PUM Losmen sells souvenirs, mainly Acehnese embroidery from the mainland.

New souvenir shops have opened recently in Iboih, Gapang and in town. Not everything they sell are made locally. They have t-shirts with Sabang motifs.

The most popular souvenir from Aceh is however the classic Acehnese dagger, the Rencong, famous from Acehnese wars. Today the Rencong mainly functions as a detail in the traditional dress. The blade is made out of steel or brass and the hilts and scabbards are normally made of ivory, wood, or buffalo horn. Even silver or gold is sometimes used. The shape of the Rencong is said to be derived from the Arabic "Bismillah irrahman irrahim" (in the name of Allah, the merciful and compassionate). The best Rencongs can be found in Banda Aceh.