Sabang is a little town on the island of Weh, which lies just off the north coast of Aceh Province. It is the entry point for those visiting this fantastic island, which boasts fine beaches and diving.
Sabang is the northernmost city in Indonesia and is split into two districts - Sukakarya and Sukajaya. To the north of town is the KMZero marker, marking the top of the country. There’s not much to hang around Sabang for as all of the snorkeling and diving action is in nearby Iboih (northwest) and at Gapang Beach in the south.
Iboih and Gapang are both about an hour away from Sabang by road and come with relaxed vibes, great beaches and excellent diving. Iboih’s best diving is the reefs around the nearby Rubiah islet, while Gapang’s house reef features sharks and mantas rays. Head up Mount Balek for hiking and land-based wildlife.
Accommodation options are better in Iboih and Gapang than in Sabang although Sabang comes with banking facilities as well as shops, cafés and bars.
Travel to Sabang - getting there
Although Sabang has a small airport, the de facto way in is by boat from the harbor at Banda Aceh, about 40kms to the south. Fast ferries leave the harbor morning and night and take an hour to reach Sabang. There is also a slow ferry which takes 2 hours, 30 minutes. Banda Aceh is 2 hours, 40 minutes from Jakarta by air.
Sabang attractions
Sabang snorkeling and diving: the main activity on Pulau Weh, where an abundance of coral and fish reside.
Side trips from Sabang
Iboih: 45 minutes to an hour from Sabang, Iboih is the main backpacker hangout, with beach bungalows and superb snorkeling.
Gapang: Weh Island’s best beach is a long stretch of sand in the south of the island with the best diving.
In brief
What to do: visit Iboih and Gapang beaches, relaxing, hiking.
Best time to go: March through September has the best weather in Sabang.
How long? At least two nights on Pulau Weh.
Trivia: Sabang is the northernmost and westernmost city in Indonesia.