Aceh
PULAU WEH, ACEH'S ISLAND
Pulau Weh is a small volcanic island off the northern tip of Sumatra, where the Andaman Sea meets the Indian Ocean. It is the quiet end of Indonesia: coral reefs that start a few metres from the sand, jungle roads with macaques on the verge, warungs serving fresh fish, and Kilometre Zero, the officially northernmost point of the country.
Diving and snorkelling at Iboih and Gapang
Iboih and Gapang are the two dive bases on the island, with drop-offs, volcanic vents and the Sophie Rickmers wreck within a short boat ride. Visibility is best from around February to November. If you do not dive, the house reef at Iboih and the water around Rubiah island are easy snorkelling straight from the beach, and the dive shops run fun dives and open-water courses for beginners.
Beaches, Kilometre Zero and island roads
Sumur Tiga on the eastern side is the long white sand beach where we base our travellers, with sunrise straight over the water. Rent a scooter for the day to cross the island to Kilometre Zero, stop at the Sumur Tiga lookout, the freshwater lake at Aneuk Laot and the hot sulphur springs. The whole island takes a comfortable day to circle.
Getting to Pulau Weh from Medan
From Medan it is a one hour domestic flight to Banda Aceh, a short transfer to Ulee Lheue port and a ferry to Sabang — the fast ferry takes about 45 minutes, the slow ferry around two hours. From the port it is roughly 30 minutes by car to Sumur Tiga or Iboih. Our Paradise Tour includes the flight day, the ferry tickets and the transfers.
Where to stay on the island
We use Freddies Santai on Sumur Tiga beach: simple sea-facing bungalows above the sand with a restaurant on the terrace. Iboih is the alternative if you want to be next to the dive shops and the reef, with wooden cabins along the shoreline path. Both are relaxed and low-key — there are no resorts or nightlife here.
Tours that visit Pulau Weh
TRIPS THROUGH HERE
FAQ
PULAU WEH QUESTIONS
- Is Pulau Weh good for beginner divers?
- Yes. The dive centres at Iboih and Gapang run discover-scuba dives and open-water courses, and several sites are shallow and sheltered. Experienced divers come for the deeper drop-offs, the volcanic vents and the Sophie Rickmers wreck.
- How do I get to Pulau Weh?
- Fly Medan to Banda Aceh (about one hour), transfer to Ulee Lheue port and take the ferry to Sabang — around 45 minutes on the fast ferry, two hours on the slow one. A car then takes about 30 minutes to Sumur Tiga or Iboih.
- How many nights should I spend on Pulau Weh?
- Three to four nights is the sweet spot: a couple of days in the water, one day riding around the island to Kilometre Zero, and a slow day on the beach. Anything shorter and most of it is travel.
- Do I need to cover up on Pulau Weh?
- Aceh is a conservative province. Swimwear is fine on the beaches and at the dive resorts, but cover shoulders and knees in Sabang town, in villages and when travelling through Banda Aceh.
- Which tour includes Pulau Weh?
- Our 9 day PARADISE TOUR combines Bukit Lawang jungle trekking with a flight to Banda Aceh and free days on Pulau Weh, including the ferry and all transfers. We can also build a private island-only trip around your dates.