Weh Island

Weh Island: Diving the Untouched Edge

Embraced by vivid and healthy coral reefs, Weh Island is naturally untouched despite its small size and convenient access. It is another garden often forgotten. Its location is at the westernmost island of the Indonesian archipelago. Situated at the entrance way of the Malacca Strait, the island is commonly a sea passage and a jewel for many yachts and cruise ships to visit and see.

Diving in Weh Island is a well established recreational activity. Dive masters and dive instructors are ready to offer a variety of dive sites like the fabled Sea Garden in Rubiah Island. You'll find many delightful sea creatures, most notably manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins and sea turtles.

Come and enjoy a swing on a shady hammock by the high tide hut in an island that many divers call it the unparalleled underwater universe. Although it is a small island, it gives you the sea experience and waterfall up in the rain forest as well. A gateway you can always remember as an Eden.

To Buy

Handmade souvenirs from coconut wood will delight your loved ones and perhaps you'd like to keep one as a memento.

Traditional markets offer fresh tropical fruit and traditional side dishes and snacks. Dodol (some kind of sweets made of certain flour, sugar, palm sugar and sometimes fruit), chips, cake and bread (specialty of this island) can be found here. It’s a lively place to mingle with the locals. Most foods here are organic. Come in the morning when the market is at its busiest time.

Get There

From Banda Aceh, you can take a ferry in the morning in Ulee Lheue Sea Port and arrive in Gapang Beach. The trip will only take a couple of hours, or 45 minutes if you decide to ride a speedboat. Or if you're from Medan, you can go to Banda Aceh first by bus or plane. Traveling from abroad? Several airlines can be used as well to reach Banda Aceh. Please refer to Banda Aceh to see ‘how to get there’.

To Eat

You can have your fill of sea food dishes in the restaurants throughout the island. Try to visit Bungong Sakura at Ujong Kareung, Mama’s Jungle, Dang Dang Na, Naguna, and Coco’s Café at Gapang, or Olala, 7 Bungalows, and Chill Out at Iboih.

To Stay

You will be able to swing it, no matter how tight your budget is. Various accommodations are available and you just choose one that fits. Try basic wooden hut if you want to experience the simple life. Perhaps a pricey bungalow is your option for more comfortable surroundings.

Iboih Beach is famous among backpackers, world travelers, and divers. Iboih Beach presents simple life with horizon of fisherman villages. Live like them and use facilities they use. New businesses are opening such as bungalows and dive centers. Open air cafes are irresistible. Everything here is affordable.

Some of the guesthouses along the beach is O’ong Guesthouse, Yulia Guesthouse, Erick Guesthouse, Ayub Guesthouse, Anna Bungalow, Fina Bungalow, Fatimah Bungalow, and Mamamia Bungalow.

Gapang Beach is another resort in the vicinity of Rubiah Sea Garden. This beach is nothing strange to divers. Among the available accommodations are: Gapang Jaya and Ramadila.

Get Around

Minibuses are available, motorcycles and three-wheeled pedicab or becak are there to explore this island. For a more comfortable journey, you can also rent a car.

To explore Sabang and the beaches, nothing is more enjoyable than walking on foot, although taxis are also available.