Weh Island and the 4 Spots You Cannot Miss There

The existence of Weh Island (Sabang city) in the westernmost part of Indonesia has started to get international people’s interest in the past few years. This can be noted from the number of travelers coming to the island. Excerpted from the page of The Province of Aceh’s Department of Culture and Tourism, foreign tourists that came to Sabang in 2018 had reached 29.827 people; an extreme increase from the previous year that only had 2.981 international visitors.

One significant event that might contribute to it was the first Sail Sabang in 2017, where around 2200 global passengers of Costa Victoria cruise ship joined the event along with some national ships and 18 yachts from 7 countries. The magnificence of Weh Island’s underwater is the prime cause of Sabang’s tourism. Hence, if you’re planning to visit this island, here are the five spots you should never miss:

1. Anoi Itam Fortress. The first spot is located 6 km away to the east from the Balohan Port. Initially Anoi Itam Fortress was built by the Japanese to store their weapons when they first came to Sabang back in 1942. Unfortunately, the fort now is closed by the government for security reasons. But you still have to visit this spot because of the view. Yeah, Anoi Itam Fortress was named after Anoi Itam’s coast. Hence, even you missed the chance to get inside the fort, you’ll get a splendid view of the coral reef coast from the small hill near the fort’s entrance. You may get a sunset or sunrise, too.
2. Sumur Tiga Beach. Seven km to the north from Anoi Itam, there is Sumur Tiga Beach. This spot has several starred hotels and bungalows for you to stay over. The key feature of this spot, though, is the clear blue water and white sand beach. The coconut trees planted along the beach will make you relaxed while looking at the offshore. In here you can swim, snorkel, or even dive.
3. Iboih and Rubiah Island. Twenty-two km to the west from Sumur Tiga, there is Iboih Beach. Actually the underwater view from here is quite ordinary, but you mostly can jump right away to the beach from your bungalow’s room balcony. You’re reading it right—most of the bungalows in Iboih are built above the sea. However, you have to be careful of the water level if you want to jump from your balcony. The exoticism of Weh Island is located in Rubiah Island—a 30-minute speedboat trip from Iboih Port. In this inhabited island, you will get an extremely beautiful underwater experience. You may find some rare species of fish right from the tip of the beach as well as wild coral reefs when you dive under to 30 meters. Rubiah is also noted as one of the best diving spots in Indonesia.
4. Zero Kilometer Monument. About seven km to the west from Iboih, stands a Zero Kilometer Monument. Just like the name, this spot is a mark for zero kilometer of Indonesia. You may take some photos here and have a pleasant view of the Pacific.

Please note them down before visiting Weh Island! And also, check out the recommended diving spots in Indonesia!

(AP)