SABANG Island, also known as Pulau Weh, is a unique volcanic island surrounded by beautiful ocean scenery and boasts a magnificent underwater landscape teeming with diverse marine life and vibrant reefs.
Located in the northwest of Sumatra, the island falls under the jurisdiction of the Aceh province in Indonesia. The journey to the island could take around two hours by ferry from the jetty in the capital city of Aceh province, Banda Aceh.
Sabang Island is also popular among tourists locally and abroad for snorkelling, diving, windsurfing activities and even the dolphin-watching experience!
The island boasts numerous sought-after spots, such as Batee Tokong, Rubiah Sea Park, Seulako, Batee Dua Gapang, Long Angen, Pante Aneuk Seuke, Pante Ideu, and Pante Peunateung. These locations are favoured by tourists for snorkelling and diving activities, thanks to their wonderful and interesting marine biodiversity.
Various coral reef fish species can also be found here, including damselfish, butterflyfish, anthias, fusilier, and angelfish. Additionally, visitors can encounter predatory fish such as groupers, trevallies, moray eels, sharks, and an array of fascinating invertebrates such as octopuses, crabs, shrimps, nudibranchs, and sea turtles.
Sabang City acting mayor Dr Reza Fahlevi said Sabang Island has long been a preferred destination for tourists seeking to explore the underwater beauty it offers.
“Tourists who dive and snorkel under the water here are treated to breathtaking undersea spectacle.
“Diving in Sabang Island is like being in a giant aquarium, with millions of sea creatures inhabiting its waters. We can assure you that it’s really worth it to visit Sabang.
“Most of the attractions here are managed by local communities, who actively participate in the protection and maintenance of Sabang Island’s coral reefs,” Reza told a press conference during the media familiarisation trip to Aceh on March 1.
Several media practitioners in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, including travel agents, undertook a special trip to Aceh from Feb 28 until March 3, exploring various attractions within the province.
The familiarisation trip was arranged by the Consulate General Republic of Indonesia in Penang (KJRI Penang).
According to Reza, his office will increase the promotion efforts to woo tourists from Malaysia as it is their primary market for this year.
“We will also increase the quality of our attractions to provide greater value and deliver the best experiences to our tourists.
“Besides snorkelling, diving, windsurfing and dolphin-watching activities, Sabang also has many interesting places to explore, such as the Jaboi Volcano,” he said.
He added that Jaboi Volcano is an active volcano with an altitude of 200 meters above sea level.
The mountain features four main craters, serving as the centre of tourist attraction. Within each crater, visitors can encounter sulfur emitting a distinctive aroma.
“Sabang Island also has many places that are rich in heritage and historical value, such as the Nol Kilometer monument.
“It is one of the favourite spots to visit, as it marks a crucial zone denoting the Indonesian border. The monument was inaugurated by the former vice-president of the Republic of Indonesia, Try Sutrisno, on September 9, 1997,” he said.
Reza also mentioned that his office has carried out several initiatives to encourage traders on the island to adopt cashless transactions in their businesses.
“This will make it easier for tourists to do their shopping here.
“Apart from that, we also looking forward to organising more events this year to boost tourism in Sabang,” he said.
Reza also welcomes any interested investors from Malaysia or neighbouring countries to establish facilities or start businesses on the island.
“We are open to collaborating, facilitating and providing ease of doing business with potential investors, as the island also has a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) status, just like Langkawi,” he said.
For further details regarding various attractions in Aceh, please visit https://acehtourism.travel/
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Riadz Akmal and courtesy of Aceh Culture & Tourism Office