Pulau Weh Island is a volcanic island and also one of the municipality in Aceh Indonesia with the capital city of Sabang. Sabang city is the westernmost city and island of Indonesia which it free trade and economic zone. The island is strategically located at the entrance to the Malacca Strait, which is an international shipping line. Weh Island can be reched by fast ferry within 45 minutes or slow ferry within 2 hours from Banda Aceh which is the main gate to Aceh through Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport.
Pulau Weh Island is not only known for its friendly local people, but there are also many interesting things to do in Pulau Weh like a paradise island. Travel to Pulau Weh is like travelling in a different world with its colonial buildings, its atmosphere, beautiful scenery, beautiful beaches and various other advantages that make this island spectacular. Besides, the island also offer world-class diving sites up to 20 dive spots around the island. here are we would like to guide you up on Pulau Weh Travel Guide.
Explore the Island of Weh
Pulau Weh is one of the main tourist destinations in Aceh. On this island, you will enjoy a variety of tours both marine tourism, religious tourism, historical tourism, cultural tourism to culinary tours. Get holiday promo with us. Here are the following Pulau Weh Island Tour & Vacation Package that we offer to you:
Special Tours in Pulau Weh
If you want to enjoy special attractions in Pulau Weh such as diving, and sport fishing, you can see our offers below:
Geography & Climate
Pulau Weh is a volcanic island located in the northern tip of Sumatra Island in Andaman Sea. This island has the highest point of 630 meters above sea level namely Mount Cot Kulam. Pulau Weh its self has an area of 120.67 square kilometers or the total area including the small islands around is 153 square kilometers.
Most of the island is covered by hills and mountains with dense forests that provide beautiful views. There are four small island around Weh Island namely Klah Island, Rubiah Island and Rondo Island.
Weh Island has a tropical climate with a rainy season usually from September to February and dry season from March to August with temperatures ranging from 23 to 31 degrees Celsius.
How to get to Weh Island
Banda Aceh is the main gateway to Pulau Weh Island. in Banda Aceh, the tourist can enter through Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport, which is located 17 kilometer from the city center or precisely in Blang Bintang, Aceh Besar regency.
Tourist can also take the land transportation or night bus from Medan to the Bus Terminal in Batoh Banda Aceh. From the airport to Ulee Lheue ferry port it takes about 35 minutes by taxi or fifteen minutes from Batoh Terminal. Later you can take either fast ferry within 45 minutes to Weh Island or slow ferry that will bring you to the island within 2 hours. for more detail of how to get to Pulau Weh & Ferry timetable and airport shuttle, check out the information below:
Population & Religion
The population on Weh Island was 40,040 people in 2017 with the majority Acehnese ethnicity. Islam is the main religion practiced by the majority of the population. However, it also has churches and temple for minority.
Transportation
Balohan is the main entrance to Pulau Weh. There are various types of transportation at Balohan Harbor such as Tuk Tuk (tricycle transport), minibuses and taxis that are ready to take you to various main destinations such as Gapang, Iboih, Sumur Tiga, Anoi Itam, Kincir, Sabang city and Balik Gunung. If you need a transport & transfer service in Pulau Weh, you can book it below:
Popular Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing in Pulau Weh Aceh
Pulau Weh nowadays well known as a national marine tourism destination. This make the island continue to develop tourism sector. The richness of underwater world makes it becomes main attraction where major tourist destination on the island such as Iboih and Gapang is colored with marine tourism activities such as snorkeling and diving.
In addition to natural and marine tourism, this island also has plenty of historical sites, culinary highlight and cultural tourism that also enriches the tourism potential in Weh Island such as the heritage of World War II, the heritage of past Islamic history and cultural attractions such as local wisdom, hospitality and cultural values in the daily life of local communities.
If you want to take a vacation and enjoy life on the island of the westernmost tip of Indonesia, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Pulau Weh, consisting of natural tourism, marine tourism, religious tourism, historical heritage, culinary tours, cultural tourism and adventure travel.
Here are the popular tourist attractions on Weh Island that you might visit:
- 1. Teupin Layeu Iboih Beach
Teupin Layeu Iboih Beach is one of the main destination on Pulau Weh. The beach better known as Iboih Beach. all marine tourism activities to Rubiah Island will start from this beach. on this beach there are various glass bottom boat operators, diving operators, snorkeling equipment rental, restaurants, accommodations, souvenirs and other tourist facilities.
- 2. Gapang Beach
Gapang Beach is a white sand beach with shady beachside trees. On this peaceful beach, tourists can relax, snorkel, swimming and diving with diving spots that are not so far from the beach.
- 3. Sumur Tiga Beach
Sumur Tiga Beach is the most beautiful beach on Weh Island with a panoramic view of white sand beach and rows of coconut trees and decorated with turquois blue sea water. having a long coastline, this beach makes visitors feel at home and stay longer.
- 4. Anoe Itam Beach
Anoi Itam Beach is one of the black sandy beach in Weh Island. however, when the beach viewed from Japanese Fort, this beach is truly exotic even though it has black sand but the blue sea water makes this beach one of the place you must visit on the island of Weh.
- 5. Pria Laot Waterfall
Pria Laot Waterfall is a waterfall on Weh Island which is located in the upper Sarong Keris mountain. To reach the location of the waterfall, you have to walk through the protected forest on foot. But it is not a short trip. You are like an explorer. On the way you will see many types of trees, clove plantations, species of colorful butterflies, birds and bats. Arriving at the location you will see a waterfall and a pool where you can also swimming in the pool.
- 6. Aneuk Laot Lake
Aneuk Laot Lake is a lake located in the middle of the island flanked by hills that offer such beautiful views. This lake has an area of 37 hectares, which can be a place for camping on Pulau Weh.
- 7. Rubiah Island
Rubiah Island is the best snorkeling destination on Pulau Weh. Not only has famous snorkeling spots, this island also offer amazing diving sites, kayaking, jet skiing and camping ground. There is no doubt about the beauty of the famous Rubiah Sea Garden. This island can be reached either by speedboat or glass bottom boat from Iboih Beach.
- 8. Klah Island
Klah Island is one of the 4 island in Weh Island. the panoramic view of the island can be seen from Cot Sibatree hill which is a spot to see the island’s sights. In this place there is also Rujak Pulo Klah which is a typical fruits salads and become a culinary tour while enjoying the view of Klah Island.
- 9. Paradiso Beach
Paradiso Beach is located very close to the city only 1 kilometer away. This beach is a favorite place to see the sunset and enjoy the dining. There are many cafes and restaurants along this beach till to Sabang Fair.
- 10. Pasir Putih Beach
Pasir Putih Beach is a beautiful beach located about 18 kilometers from the city center. You can see a white sand beach with views of the mountains and blue sea waters.
- 11. Sabang Grand Mosque
Sabang Grand Mosque or Babussalam Great Mosque is the largest mosque in Sabang city. It feels incomplete for those of you who want to have religious tour yet to visit this mosque. Babussalam Grand Mosque is an Islamic center in the city of Sabang where religious activities are held. It has beautiful architectures makes this mosque have its own characteristics.
- 12. Sarang Caves
Sarang Caves is sea cave which is an exciting adventure destination for those who like an adventure trip. This cave is located on the edge of the sea canyon overlooking the Indian Ocean. You have to step down a lots of stairs along the hill and trekking path until you arrive at 4 sea caves. Arriving at the location you will see a very stunning view.
- 13. Japanese Bunker WWII
Weh Island was a very strategic island for the defense of the Japanese army during World War II, which made this island a military port base against allied attacked from the west. In Pulau Weh, there are lots of Japanese forts and bunkers. One of the most popular is the Anoi Itam Japanese Fortress because its location offer such magnificent view.
- 14. Sabang Museum
Sabang Museum is a historical museum that filled by a number of miniatures, datas, video documentaries and other historical items that inform about Pulau Weh in the past, both during the Dutch colonial period and the Japanese colonial period. In this museum you can also see the traditional items and tools of Acehnese culture.
- 15. Zero Kilometer Indonesia Monument
The Zero Kilometer Indonesia Monument is one of the tourist attraction a must visit on Pulau Weh. It is a landmark and icon of where Indonesia starting from in the westernmost part. You can find the same monument in Meurauke, Papua. Here there are culinary tours, souvenir shops and also the most spectacular moment when the dramatic sunset.
Tourism Activities in Pulau Weh
There are various tourist activities and interesting things to do in Weh Island. these attractions and activities are intended for those of you who want to experience an island vacation. The following is the list of tourist activities and things you can do on Pulau Weh:
- 1. Scuba Diving
Pulau Weh has natural wonders under the sea with many world-class diving spots up to 20 dives sites around the island. the island has a variety of underwater beauty and very challenging. There are many species of fish that can be seen such as whale sharks in certain seasons, school of manta rays, sunfish and many others. The excellent visibility makes the island dive experience so memorable. In addition, there are many species of corals and marine biota that beautify the underwater world on this island. if you are interested in diving in Pulau Weh Island, you can see the diving spots below: