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.
|
- 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.
- 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.
-
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mama Mia Restaurant & Bungalows
1 bungalow. Rp. 50.000 depending on length of stay.
- Fatimah Bungalows
A couple of new bungalows available.
- Iboih Hill Bungalow
Ph: +6281360189132. 7 bungalows. With fan and outside bathroom:
Rp. 150.000. Reception in Dolphin restaurant. Discounts for long
stays.
- Home High (former Arina)
Ph: 082160180620. Their 4 bungalows are falling apart. Only
restaurant now.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Jelita Bungalows
Ph: ++6282164468376. 3 rooms, aircon, bathroom, TV: Rp. 250.000.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
-
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.
- Chephest Bungalows
Ph: 085358849551. 1 room. With bath, fan: Rp. 100 000. Shared
bathroom.
- Vira Bungalow
Tel: 0852 9747 0446. 6 rooms. With fan, outside bath: Rp.
100.000. For long stay: Rp. 50.000.
- 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.
- Beringin Bungalow
Tel: 0852 7780 8024. 5 rooms. Fan, outside bath or with bath:
Rp. 100-150.000.
- 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
-
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.
-
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Café Ujung Kareung
A relaxing coffee and noodle shop on the water front. 100m
beyond Tuna Café. Open 06.30- late at night.
-
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
- 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.
- Wisma Zahira
Jl. T. Umar. Near waterfront. +6281348820811. 9 rooms. With
aircon, bathroom, TV: Rp. 250-350.000. Free coffee and tea. Nice
Location.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hotel Putra Salju
Jl. T. Umar 16. Tel: 0652-22747. 10 rooms. With aircon and bathroom,
hot water, TV: Rp. 200-450.000. WiFi.
- 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.
- 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.
- Losmen Calok
Jl. Malahayati. Ph: +6285260362584 (Roma).
calok@gmail.com
8 rooms. With aircon, bathroom: Rp. 150-225.000.
- Losmen Sabang-Merauke
Off Jl. T. Umar. Tel: 0652-21928. 12 rooms with one, two or
three beds. Very basic . Run down.
- 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.
- 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.
- Losmen PUM (former
Irma)
Jl. T. Umar 3. Tel: 0652-21148. 13 rooms: With fan or with aircon,
bathroom.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
-
Rubiah Tirta Divers
Iboih Beach, Pulau Weh, NAD, Indonesia. Ph/fax: +62652 2234 555,
Ph: +6281534020050, +628128436308.
info@rubiahdivers.com
www.rubiahdivers.com
-
Lumba Lumba Diving Centre
Gapang Beach, Pulau Weh, NAD, Indonesia. Tel/Fax: +62652 3324133,
+62811682787.
info@lumbalumba.com
www.lumbalumba.com
- Pulau Weh Dive Resort
Kincir (Long Beach), Pulau Weh. Tel: 0652 3332 4999, fax: 0652
2324 900,
pulauwehresort@yahoo.com
www.pulauwehresort.com
-
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.