Aceh: Next Interesting Places

Rubiah Sea Garden

Rubiah Sea Garden is situated about 23.5 km west of Sabang by road, or about 7 km by boat, adjacent to Iboih village. The Indonesian Government has established this water area of 2600 hectares around Rubiah Island as a special nature reserve. Being located in Sabang bay the waters here are calm and crystal clear too (25 m visibility) the sea here abounds with an incredible variety of colorful tropical fish and coral reefs. We can find gigantic clams, angelfish, school of parrotfish, lionfish, sea fans, and much more.

For experienced snorkeling, Octopus and Stingrays (not dangerous to observer) are sure sightings here. Try viewing the coral from glass bottom boat. Sunbathe or stroll on the remote white sand beaches of the adjacent shores. Undoubtedly, one of the best-kept secrets in the world of tourism is a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving. The distance to the coral is only 5 m from the shore. For those who just cannot get themselves to leave this spot, accommodation and meals are available from the villagers of Iboih upon request.

Iboih Recreational Forest

Iboih is a small and friendly village. Its people will happily serve the tourist in any way. In a place where the tourist come one by one, the people here have retained their sense of curiosity towards westerners. Helpful guides are available to accompany the tourists to Iboih and the Sea Garden.

Iboih Recreational Forest is situated adjacent to Rubiah Sea Garden. This forest covers about 1300 hectares area and is also protected as a special nature reserve for Weh Island. This forest is a thick tropical rain forest and although it is dense a difficult to wander trough, visitors are encouraged to explore it. This are is as home to many kinds of animals. See wild monkeys, small and big reptiles and colorful birds, or try our skill at spotting the Nicobar pigeon, not found in any other part of the Indonesian archipelago. At dusk wild boars and swarms of giant fruit bastes are sure sighting. Where the road ends is a great lookout over the Indian Ocean.

Boiling Mud

Cot Simeureugoh (547 m mill) is 17 km from the town. This semi-active volcano holds boiling water in its caldera and occasionally emits smoke. Also located near Iboih village, is a small volcano with its well of boiling mud. We can hike up the side of this small volcano to the well and look down into it. This volcano is semi-active; the crater holds boiling mud and occasionally emits gases and billowing smoke. Weh also contains several hot water springs at various locations, which remain in their natural state. Ask about them in Sabang or Iboih.

Coastal Caves

There are several natural caves located along the west coast of Weh adjacent to Iboih Recreational Forest. The caves faced the ocean and are inhibited by various kinds of birds, bats, and snakes. Explore these water caves by boat, but only with a local guide who knows them very well. Access to these caves may be difficult during the west monsoons season (May - September).

Japanese And Dutch Fortresses of World War II

During World War II Weh was fought over for its strategic location at the mouth of Malacca strait. At first Sabang was used as the head quarter by the Dutch. But then in March 1943, the Javanese took Sabang and forced the Dutch out of the island. As a result there are many Dutch and Javanese made fortresses to be found on Weh. Some fortresses have been built above ground while others below. Some are located on hilltops or hillside overlooking the sea and are ideal places from which to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Source:www.indonesia-tourism.com