Weh Island

A volcanic island off the northern tip of Sumatra, with excellent snorkeling and diving over coral reefs at Iboih and Rubiah Island. Its underwater volcanic dive sites are unique, and the Zero Kilometre Monument marks Indonesia's westernmost point.

Weh Island (Pulau Weh) lies about 30 km north of Banda Aceh, off the northern tip of Sumatra. The whole island belongs to Sabang City in the Aceh Special Region. It is Indonesia's westernmost point, with an area of about 150 square kilometres. The island was formed by volcanoes, its mountains are covered in tropical rainforest, and its surrounding waters are protected as a marine conservation area. Its coral reefs are in excellent condition, making it the best diving and snorkeling destination in Sumatra.

The sights fall into three main areas. In the northwest, the Iboih-Gapang area is home to dive centers and overwater bungalows. Across the bay, the Rubiah Island Marine Park is the most popular snorkeling spot. Further west is the Zero Kilometre Monument, and along the way are the Lhong Angen beach sunset and Sarang Cave. The middle of the island has Lake Aneuk Laot, Priyalot Waterfall and underwater volcanic dive sites off the south coast. In the east and north are Sabang's old town, the white-sand Sumur Tiga beach, the black-sand Anoi Itam beach and Japanese World War II bunkers. You can also see Jaboi Volcano, which is still steaming.

The best season is December to April, during the northeast monsoon, when the sea is calm and visibility is good. From May to November, the southwest monsoon brings big waves and frequent rain, and some boat dives are suspended.

Getting there: from Banda Aceh's Ulee Lheue port, a fast boat takes about 45 minutes, or a slow ferry about 2 hours, to Balohan port. From there, take a taxi or hire a car to Sabang town (about 20 minutes) or Iboih (about 45 minutes). The island has no public transport, so most visitors rent a motorbike or hire a car to tour the island. Plan 3 to 4 days, and longer for dive enthusiasts.

Note: Aceh applies Islamic Sharia law, so dress conservatively in public. Swimwear on beaches is limited to resort areas. During Ramadan, daytime food and drink options are restricted, and drinking alcohol is essentially not possible. ATMs are limited on the island, so bring enough cash from Banda Aceh.

Top sights

• Iboih, Weh Island – A seaside village on Weh Island favoured by backpackers. Stilt houses and guesthouses line the shore, with coral reef just metres from the…
• Rubiah Island – A small island opposite Iboih. The surrounding Rubiah Marine Park is one of the best snorkelling and diving areas at the western tip of Ind…
• Mount Jaboi Volcano – A small active volcano in the south of Weh Island. A walk leads to fumaroles and a sulphur geothermal zone, with views over the island's so…
• Lake Aneuk Laot – A mountain freshwater lake behind Sabang town and the island's main water source. A lakeside road offers views of the lake and Sabang Bay.
• Anoi Itam Beach – A black volcanic-sand beach on the southeast of Weh Island, with World War II Japanese bunker ruins on the hill overlooking the sea.
• Sumur Tiga Beach – A white-sand beach east of Sabang town with clear water and open views. It is one of the best beaches on Weh for watching the sunrise.
• Gapang Beach – A quiet bay near Iboih with wider sand, where dive shops and resorts cluster. It suits diving courses and snorkelling.
• Kilometre Zero Sabang – A symbol of Indonesia's westernmost point, on a cliff at the northwest corner of Weh Island, where visitors can collect a Westernmost Visit…
• Gua Sarang – A group of swiftlet-nest sea caves on the southwest coast of the island. Hundreds of steps lead down to a rocky bay, and cliff viewpoints s…
• Pria Laot Underwater Volcano Dive Site – One of Weh's most distinctive dive sites, where undersea volcanic vents keep releasing bubbles and warm water, surrounded by coral and fish.
• Lhong Angen Beach – A quiet sandy beach on the west coast facing the Indian Ocean, famous for its sunsets, with simple coffee stalls and small guesthouses by t…
• Pria Laot Waterfall – A roughly 15-metre waterfall hidden in tropical rainforest, with a small pool below for swimming. It's a 20–30 minute walk along the stream…
• Sabang Town – A small port town on the north coast of Weh Island, with colonial-era architecture and a harbour. It's the island's hub for accommodation…
• Japanese Bunker, Anoi Itam – A concrete gun battery and bunker built by the Japanese during World War II on a headland in the island's southeast. It overlooks the black…

Where to eat

• Ajo Octopus Satay – Sabang's most famous octopus satay stall, founded in 1990, with peanut or Padang sauce and open in the evening.
• Mie Sedap Noodle House – A family-run handmade noodle shop on Sabang's old street, known for fried noodles topped with spiced fish balls and cel…
• Dee Dee's Kitchen – A small eatery run by a mother and daughter on Iboih Beach, facing Rubiah Island. It's cheap, generous and a breakfast…

Itineraries

• Banda Aceh & Weh Island – Visit the tsunami memorial sites in Banda Aceh, then cross the sea to Weh Island for snorkeling and a trip to Indonesia…