quiet main street on a sunday afternoon
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Imagery ©2010 DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Map data ©2010 AND, Europa Technologies -
Sabang town (local call the whole island Sabang) is a cozy historical town with old colonial buildings and huge trees that the dutch once important from Suriname. There are many good places to eat to try local Acehnese, Minangkabau food or all kinds of noodles. The town has a relaxed atmosphere and friendly people. A good way to get in touch is to sit down in a traditional coffee shop for a cup of famous Acehnese coffee.
Sabang also has the only ATM machine on the island. You can only withdraw a limited amount (Rp.500,000 per transaction, max. 10 times a day).
Land Transportation
There are several types of transportation available on Pulau Weh. The most common are taxis and minibuses. Taxis can be chartered per hour or per day with the fare. Minibuses normally go on specific routes and pick up other passengers, but they can also be chartered like taxis.Boats are also widely used for local transportation. Fishing boats are always available for rental to visitors. Another means of transport is the becak or pedicab. Cars and motorcycles can also be rented.
Taxi and Car rental
Firdaus A.S
- Car Rental
- Island Tour
- Pick Up Service
Phone: +62 852 6087 6849
ARPEN Car Rental
- Car Rental
- Island Tour
- Pick Up Service
Phone: +62 852 6010 6230
PT.TRAVEL NURIN
131A, Jln. Tgk. H. M. Daud Beureu’eh.
Banda Aceh - 23123
Phone: +62-651-636346
Fax: +62-651-635456
E-mail: travelnurin@yahoo.co.id
| Minibus Fares | Balohan | Sabang | Sumur Tiga | Gapang/ Iboih |
| Balohan | Rp. 15.000 | Rp. 20.000 | Rp. 50.000 | |
| Sabang | Rp. 15.000 | Rp. 20.000 | Rp. 30.000 | |
| Sumur Tiga | Rp. 20.000 | Rp. 10.000 | Rp. 30.000 | |
| Gapang/ Iboih | Rp. 50.000 | Rp. 30.000 | Rp. 30.000 |
| Taxi/ Kijang | Balohan | Sabang | Sumur Tiga | Gapang/ Iboih |
| Balohan | Rp. 20.000 | Rp. 30.000 | Rp. 50.000 | |
| Sabang | Rp. 20.000 | Rp. 10.000 | Rp. 35.000 | |
| Sumur Tiga | Rp. 30.000 | Rp. 10.000 | Rp. 35.000 | |
| Gapang / Iboih | Rp. 50.000 | Rp. 35.000 | Rp. 35.000 |
The local transportation on Pulau Weh has been criticized for bad service and over-charging. The main problem is that there are not enough passengers to run a regular service between Balohan and Gapang/Iboih. There are efforts to improve the situation and hopefully it will become better with fixed prices and scheduled departures.
Minibuses are waiting in Balohan where the ferry arrives. Local fare to Sabang town is Rp. 15.000 in a packed minibus; however tourists are often charged Rp. 20.000, supposedly in a less packed minibus. Add Rp. 5.000 if you continue go to Sumur Tiga Beach. To Gapang and Iboih they charge Rp. 50.000. Always bargain.
An alternative route to Iboih is by boat from Sabang town. It is faster and more comfortable. The owner of Rubiah Tirta Divers in Iboih go by boat from Sabang Town to Iboih every morning at 08.00 and return around 17.00-18.00. The boat is big and tourists are welcome to come along. It is up to you if you want to pay or and much.
Pak Yunus has a 16m long boat equipped for diving, fishing, and cruising. It is available for charter. It can be an alternative to go to Banda Aceh if you are a group. The trip to central Banda Aceh from the Gapang – Iboih area takes app. 2,5 hrs. Call 08126991949 (No English) or ask in Gapang.
Motorized becak are available in Sabang. Min. Rp. 5.000 per ride. Market to Sumur Tiga is app. Rp. 10.000.
Boats are also widely used for local transportation. Fishing boats are always available for rental to visitors. Another means of transport is the becak or pedicab. Cars and motorcycles can also be rented.
For info and explanations in English call the taxi driver Mr. Firdaus, also head of the tourism organization HP: 0852 6087 6849. He will try to help you out.
To confirm departure times call the harbor in Pulau Weh: 0652-331065 (for all ferries).
MOUNTAIN TOP VIEW OF SABANG BAY
The drive from the ferry terminal in Balohan to Sabang town reveals extraordinarily scenic views of Sabang Bay, Aneuk Laut, and several lush offshore islands, including Rubiah. A village is nestled in the valley below the overlook, and fishing boats and ocean-going vessels dot the horizon.
WATERFALL
The Pria Laot River has its source in the Sarung Keris Mountains. In the middle of the jungle, yet not far from the village of Pria Laot, the river turns into a dramatic, multi-tiered waterfall. There you can swim beneath the fall or simply enjoy the atmosphere in the protected forest with its many butterflies. The waterfall is located 1.7 km from the Pria Laot Bridge.
MONKEY ROAD
Pulau Weh’s indigenous monkeys greet travelers on the way to the Kilometer Zero Monument. Toss them a banana and make a friend for life!
VOLCANO
The volcano on Pulau Weh is very small but well worth a visit. Go to Jaboi and turn left after the village. Follow the road until you cannot get any higher. You will have to walk the last 200 meters on a path which wears off to the right. It may be a bit tricky to find, so just follow the smell of the sulphur fumes from the volcano!!
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Imagery ©2010 TerraMetrics, Map data ©2010 AND, Europa Technologies -
Parts of the road to the site are still in very bad condition. The field is only a short walk from the road along a cement stone pathway.
The Zero Kilometre Monument
The Zero Kilometre Monument is located in Ujong Ba’u (Iboih), 29 kilometers west of Sabang town and about 5 km from Iboih. The monument is built on the spot where Indonesia national road begins from a west to east perspective. It is built on the edge of a 22.5 meter high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. In Indonesian, it is called Nol Kilometer, and it has the national symbol of the Garuda engraved on it.
Tourists can obtain a certificate from Tourism Office in Sabang or arrange with your travel & tour agency as proof of their visit to this unique geographical site.
The Seven Kilometre Monument is, not (surprisingly, located about 7 km from the Zero Kilometer Monument. It used to be the Zero Kilometer Monument, but it lost that designation as a result of a comprehensive geographical survey.
Kilometer Nol is where Indonesia officially starts.
At Kilometer Nol there is a big monument and good views over to Pulo Aceh and lots of monkeys. It is located in a military zone, hence sometimes there are people charging an entry fee of Rp.20,000. Kilometer Nol is about 9km from Iboih.
JAPANESE BUNKERS
A huge number of Japanese bunkers are scattered across the entire island. This is why Pulau Weh is known as the “Island of a Thousand Fortresses”. The bunkers were all built between 1943 and 1945. They used to be connected by tunnels that are now closed due to security reasons. There is, however, a bunker in Anoi Itam that is still in fairly good condition. There is also a big bunker with many tunnel entrances on Gunung 1Zbu. Flamboyant bungalows in Lhong Anen are bu1t on the site of a former Japanese camp and many remnants still exist there. It is also a popular place for Japanese ghosts!
KOTA ATAS AND KOTA BAWAH
Kota Atas, the upper part of Sabang town, has a great view of the bay and stretches all the way to the other side of the peninsula to Kasih Beach. This part of town is easily recognized by its many colonial buildings where the Dutch used to live in stately grandeur. There are also huge, shady trees that were imported from South America and planted at the beginning of the 20th century.
Kota Bawah, the lower part of Sabang town, can be divided into three parts: first, the traditional fishermen’s huts along the south shore of the harbour; second, Pasiran, the main street (Jl. Perdagangan) with its many shops, restaurants, coffee shops and the Chinese area; and thirdly Kongsi, the cramped and lively residential area north of the harbour.
SPECTACULAR SUNRISES AND SUNSETS
Pulau Weh’s many scenic views of the ocean offer gorgeous sunrises and sunsets from numerous points around the island or from the intimacy of your own romantic bungalow.
LOCAL CHARM
When you visit Pulau Weh, you experience a real community that adheres to its timeless traditions while also moving forward in the 21st century. Sabang town and the island’s villages are quite picturesque. They will charm you with their authentic and rustic homes and way of life.
TRADITIONAL FISHERMEN
Fishing is still a primary livelihood along the coastal areas of Pulau Weh. After the thrill of a spectacular sunrise, watch the fishing boats check their night’s catch and cast their nets into the sea. Then enjoy fresh fish and seafood later in the day.
MERBABU GRAVEYARD
This large graveyard in Kota Atas is a mere 20 minutes walk from downtown Sabang. Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists from Indonesia, China, and Japan, the Netherlands, France and many other countries are buried side by side here.
Rich lay next to poor, the daughter of a Batak king rests amongst Dutch colonialists, a Raden (Javanese nobleman) lies beside an adventurer. The inscriptions on the graves tell the fascinating story of Pulau Weh.
HOT SPRINGS
In Keunekai, near Pasir Putih Beach, there is a small pool fed from hot springs where it is possible to enjoy a nice, relaxing bath. The hot springs are visible from the road. When you come from Keunekai, turn left to reach it. The road to the right leads to Pasir Putih and Bango.
DURIAN KERAMAT
Sacred Durian, or Durian Keramat, as it is called in Indonesian, is located in the mountains near Iboih. It can be reached by walking and climbing for about 1.5 hours. The path is quite difficult to follow as it goes through the jungle. Durian Keramat is one of the most sacred places on the island and must be respected both by locals and visitors.
Sabang Accomodation
Rizky Hostel (Wisma Telkom)
Reservation : Telp: 0652-21575
Jl. A. Yani no.20 Sabang, Aceh, Indonesia 23412
ROOM: Standar 2 bed
FACILITY: Fan, outside bath
PRICE: Rp. 55.000
ROOM: Standar 3 bed
FACILITY: Fan, outside bath
PRICE: Rp. 60.000
ROOM: VIP
FACILITY: AC,TV,spring bed, inside bath
PRICE: Rp. 82.500
Samudra Hotel
Jln. Diponegoro, Kota Atas, Sabang
Tel: +62 (0652) 21503
PUM Losmen
Address :
Jln. T. Umar, Sabang
Tel: +62 (0652) 21148
ROOM: 2 Bed
PRICE: Rp. 50.000
ROOM: 3 Bed
PRICE: Rp. 60.000
ROOM: 4 Bed
PRICE: Rp. 75.000
ROOM: VIP
PRICE: Rp. 100.000
Putra Salju Hotel
Address :
Jln. T. Umar No.16
Kota Atas, Sabang
Tel/Fax: +62 (0652) 22747
ROOM: Standard
FACILITY: AC
PRICE: Rp. 110.000
ROOM: Deluxe (1 Bed)
FACILITY: TV, AC, Bathroom
PRICE: Rp. 165.000
ROOM: VIP (2 Bed)
FACILITY: TV, AC, Bathroom, CD Player
PRICE: Rp. 220.500
ROOM: Suite Room (2 bed)
FACILITY: TV, AC, Bathroom, cool box
PRICE: Rp. 330.000
ROOM: President Suite (2 Bed)
FACILITY: TV, AC, bathroom, refrigerator
PRICE: Rp. 440.000
Pulau Jaya Hotel
Contact: +62 652 21344
Address: Jln. T. Umar No. 17-19 Kota Bawah, Sabang, Aceh, Indonesia 23511
ROOM:1 Bed
FACILITY: Fan
PRICE:Rp. 35.000
ROOM:2 Bed
FACILITY: Fan
PRICE:Rp. 60.000
ROOM:3 Bed
FACILITY: Fan
PRICE:Rp. 82.500
ROOM:2 Bed
FACILITY: Fan, (Inside Bathroom)
PRICE:Rp. 110.000
ROOM:2 Bed
FACILITY: AC, (Inside bathroom)
PRICE:Rp. 170.000
Holiday Hotel
Jln. Perdagangan Belakang Kota Bawah, Sabang
Tel: +62 (0652) 21131
Single Room (1 bed) Rp. 50.000
Economy C (2 Bed) Rp. 80.000
Economy B (2 Bed) Rp. 125.000
Economy A (3 Bed) Rp. 160.000
Standard B (2 Bed) Rp. 200.000
Standard A (3 Bed) Rp. 275.000
Moderate (2 Bed) Rp. 425.000
Nagoya Inn
Address: Jl. Cut Mutia No. 34, Kota Atas, Sabang, Aceh, Indonesia
Reservation : +62 652 22311
All prices breakfast included, Free Coffee & Tea, drinking water hot/cold and Satellite TV.
Room Rate:
Standard B Rp. 225.000
Standard A Rp. 275.000
Deluxe Rp. 325.000
Sabang Guest House
Jl. Teuku umar no.23-25 Sabang.
Phone/fax: 0652-21186
Internet access available for guest with affordable surcharge
Include Breakfast.
Room Rate:
Standard Single Rp. 150.000
Standard Twin Rp. 250.000
Deluxe Rp. 250.000
Extra Bed Rp. 50.000
SHOPPING
TRADITIONAL MARKET
The big and lively market in Sabang town is a genuine attraction. Early in the morning villagers from the surrounding countryside take their products to the market.
You can buy everything from fresh fruits and vegetables and the catch of the day to other types of products and groceries. Most food-stuffs are organic and locally-produced.
The market is open from 6 am until 2 pm. Other shops in Sabang are generally open between 8 am and 12 pm and between 5 pm and 9 pm.
Morning is the best time for shopping when the market is at its busiest.
FRUIT MARKETS
Throughout the day and throughout the island fruit vendors will entice you with an amazing variety of delicious, healthy, local fruit.
FRUITS
Some of the fruits growing on the island include coconuts, bananas, kedondong (Tahitian apples) and salak (also known as snake fruits due to their reddish-brown scaly skin). These fruits are found all over the island.
HANDICRAFTS
Handicrafts are wonderful souvenirs of Pulau Weh, especially those made from coconut wood. There are plenty of coconut trees on the island and due to the beautiful texture of the wood it is often used to make furniture and other household items such as lamps, bowls, mugs, vases and ash trays.
DEKRANAS
Dewan Kerajinan Nasional (Dekranas), or the Sabang branch of the National Handicraft Board, is an institution that facilitates the handicraft activities in Indonesia.
In Pulau Weh, handicrafts are mainly made from coconut wood, but makers of all types of handicrafts are supported by this organization.
SABANG CAKE, BREAD, DODOL, and KERIPIK
This special cake from Sabang is sometimes called Bakpia Sabang. It is made from wheat flour and sweet green bean jam and is a popular souvenir to take back home.
In addition to cake, Sabang is also famous for its bread, dodol, a taffr made from sticky rice, coconut milk, and palm sugar, and “keripik” crisps made from fruits or vegetables. These tasty treats are also popular souvenirs.
FOOD and BEVERAGE
Tourists will enjoy trying some of culinary treats and traditional staples of the local diet. Breakfast is normally lontong, a warm bowl of sliced rice bars and vegetables in coconut milk with an egg or meat.
A lunchtime favorite is mie jalak (rice noodles) or goat soup. A perfect dinner would be squid satay. Freshly-caught fish and other types of seafood with rice also make a delicious lunch or dinner meal.
Aceh coffee, grown in the mountains in the center of the province, is amongst the richest and most flavorful in the world. Locals on Pulau Weh drink it with every meal, as well as Indonesian ice tea and local fruit drinks made from mangos, carrots, or avocados.
International food and drinks are also offered in restaurants catering for tourists who seek some comfort from back home.
