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's westernmost point.

A classic short route in Aceh that combines tsunami history with an island getaway. Stay in Iboih first for easy access to snorkeling, then move to a quieter beach on the east coast. Ferries are infrequent, so allow plenty of time to reach the airport on the final day. Aceh practices Sharia law, so dress conservatively, and note that there is no bar scene. Perfect for divers and history buffs looking to avoid crowded tourist islands.

Rough seas from November to January can lead to ferry cancellations and affect island activities.

Day by day

Day 1 · City of Tsunami Memories

Banda Aceh（Baiturrahman Grand Mosque、Aceh Tsunami Museum、PLTD Apung 1、Lampulo Boat on the House）

Drive from the airport to the city center (approx. 40 mins). Charter a car or take taxis to visit the sites, which are all within a few kilometers of each other.

Dress appropriately when entering the mosque, and check the closing days of the Tsunami Museum in advance.

Stay: Around Baiturrahman Grand Mosque and Aceh Market

Day 2 · Cross the Sea to Iboih

Banda Aceh（Baiturrahim Mosque, Ulee Lheue） → Weh Island（Iboih, Weh Island）

Take a fast boat from Ulee Lheue to Balohan Port (approx. 1 hour), then drive to Iboih (approx. 45 mins).

Arrive at the pier 1 hour early to buy tickets; cash is often the only accepted payment.

Stay: Iboih

Day 3 · Rubiah Snorkeling & Kilometer Zero

Weh Island（Rubiah Island、Kilometre Zero Sabang）

Take a short boat ride (a few minutes) to Rubiah Island. In the afternoon, rent a scooter or charter a car to watch the sunset at the Kilometer Zero Monument.

Stay: Iboih

Day 4 · Loop the Island to the East Coast Beaches

Weh Island（Gapang Beach、Pria Laot Waterfall、Mount Jaboi Volcano、Sumur Tiga Beach）

Rent a scooter or charter a car to ride along the southern route of the island, passing Gapang and the volcanic geothermal area to reach the east coast (approx. 1.5 hours total driving time).

Stay: Sumur Tiga

Day 5 · Morning Boat Back to Banda Aceh

Weh Island（Sabang Town） → Banda Aceh（Gunongan & Putroe Phang Park、Aceh Museum）

Head to Balohan Port to catch the fast boat around 8:00 AM, arriving at Ulee Lheue in about 1 hour. Spend some time in the city before heading to the airport.

Schedules are subject to daily announcements at the pier; flights should be scheduled for the afternoon.