Sabang Island, also known as Pulau Weh, is a hidden gem nestled in Indonesia’s Aceh Province. Located just 15km off the northwest coast of Sumatra, the island is famous for having some of the best snorkelling and diving sites in the Indonesian archipelago.
The island was once part of Sumatra’s mainland and the Aceh mountain range until a volcanic eruption several million years ago caused part of the range to collapse, forming what is now the island. Sabang is also home to an active volcano called Jaboi, and being a volcanic island, there is fascinating presence of geothermal activity beneath the sea. At sites like “Hydrothermal Point”, located at a depth of 9 metres at Gapang Beach, divers and snorkellers can observe underwater fumaroles – vents releasing volcanic gases that warm the water and enrich the surrounding marine life. Culturally, the island is home to a diverse mix of communities, including Batak, Chinese, Minang and Javanese people, each adding to Sabang’s rich cultural tapestry.
How To Get to Sabang Island?
There are no direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sabang Island. However, getting there isn’t so difficult:
- Fly from KLIA to Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport, Banda Aceh. Airlines that operate this route include AirAsia, Firefly, and Super Air Jet. The flight duration is about 1.5 hours.
- You’ll need to make your way from the airport to the Ulee Lheue Port, which is about a 35-minute taxi ride. From there, you’ll have to take a ferry over to Balohan Port, Sabang Island.
- Ferries run several times a day, but schedules can vary due to weather, festive periods, or peak seasons. It’s best to check the ferry schedules in advance to confirm. There are two types of ferries heading to the island:
- Express Ferry: Passenger-only, takes around 45 minutes. Highly recommended for speed and comfort
- Regular Ferry: Carries passengers, vehicles, and goods, travel time is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
- Once you’ve arrived at the island port, you can hire a taxi, rent a motorbike, or use Gojek to head to your accommodation or the surrounding points of interest. If you’ve booked through a tour agency, ensure transport to your accommodation or tour spots is arranged in advanced.
Check out our 4D3N Best of Sabang & Aceh Discovery Tour Package!
Island Accommodation
- Budget:
- Yulia Resort – A simple 1-star private with direct access to a private beach area and beachfront. Guests have reviewed enjoying gorgeous sea views, and spending time at the sun terrace that’s complemented by a lush garden
- Price: From ~RM78/night
- Pulau Weh Paradise – Stay in beach front bungalows fitted with large floor to ceiling windows that give unobstructed views of the blue waters against the volcanic mountains on the Sumatra mainland.
- Price: From ~RM78/night
- Yulia Resort – A simple 1-star private with direct access to a private beach area and beachfront. Guests have reviewed enjoying gorgeous sea views, and spending time at the sun terrace that’s complemented by a lush garden
- Average:
- Iboih Inn – A cozy private beachfront stay near Iboih Beach (4-minute walk) that provides a serene environment for you to kick back and relax.
- Price: From ~MYR104/night
- Freddies Santai Sumurtiga – Freddies offers a private beach area and beachfront access. Part of Sumur Tiga Beach, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkelling straight from their accommodation.
- Price: From ~MYR91/night
- Iboih Inn – A cozy private beachfront stay near Iboih Beach (4-minute walk) that provides a serene environment for you to kick back and relax.
- Luxury: –
- Casa Nemo Beach Resort & Spa – Located close to Sumur Tiga Beach, Casa Nemo is an eco-friendly & sustainable beach resort proudly offering bungalows built with traditional Acehnese style architecture.
- Price: From ~MYR200/night
- The Pade Dive Resort – A peaceful dive resort with a private beach area, direct beachfront access, and a stunning house reef
- Price: From ~MYR280/night
- Casa Nemo Beach Resort & Spa – Located close to Sumur Tiga Beach, Casa Nemo is an eco-friendly & sustainable beach resort proudly offering bungalows built with traditional Acehnese style architecture.
Island Attractions
- Sabang Town
- “I Love Sabang” Monument
- Sabang Anoi Itam Japanese Fort
- Tugu Simpang Garuda
- Sabang Fairview
- Paradiso Beach Park
- Tebing Emput
- Other Points of Interest
- Jaboi Geothermal Spot
- Sarang Cave Spot View
- Monument Nol (0 KM)
- Sabang-Merauke Monument
- Balohan Hill
- Sabang Anoi Itam Japanese Fort
- Dolphin Sighting Tour
- Snorkelling & Diving
- Sophie Rickmers Shipwreck
- Batee Takong
- Batee Gla
- Gapang House Reef
- Rubiah Sea Garden
- Local Beaches
- Iboih Beach
- Gapang Beach
- Sumur Tiga Beach
- Anoi Itam Beach
- Ujoung Kareung Beach
- Kasih Beach
- Pasir Putih Beach
- Tapak Gajah Beach
- Nearby Islands
- Rubiah Island
- Seulako Island
- Klah Island
- Rondo Island
Good to Know
Weather
Tropical climate which is hot and humid year-round with occasional rain during the monsoon season.
- Best time to visit: April to October
- Best time for diving: April to October
- Best time for snorkelling: April to November. Other months are alright but water may be cloudy if it rains
- Rainy season: September to February. Peak rainy season runs from December to January
- Hot season: May to August
- Monsoon seasons: Northeast monsoon (wet) – October to March, West monsoon (drier, windy) – May to September
Time Difference
Sabang is one hour behind Malaysia’s time.
Sharia Law
Aceh is Indonesia’s only province that implements full Sharia law.
Beach Dress Code
Bikinis and topless sunbathing/swimming are strictly prohibited on public beaches and in other public areas. However, resorts with private beach access or designated tourist beaches may allow more relaxed swimwear guidelines, though nudity remains discouraged.
Alcohol Availability
The sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Aceh under Sharia law. However, some hotels, resorts, and select establishments may discreetly serve alcohol to tourists. While Sharia law primarily applies to the locals, international and non-Muslim visitors are encouraged to remain respectful by consuming alcohol discreetly, ideally within private spaces like resorts or hotel rooms.
Dress Modestly
While Pulau Sabang is more laid-back compared to Banda Aceh, it’s still advisable to dress modestly when out in public spaces. Make sure to avoid clothing that’s too short, tight, or see-through. If you’re planning on visiting religious sites, be sure to bring a shawl to cover your head as a sign of respect.
Cash is Essential
There are a limited number of ATMs on the island, so ensure you bring enough cash with you.
