Sabang Island
SUMATRA, INDONESIA
Perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, Sabang boasts a marine ecosystem unlike much of the rest of Indonesia. Snorkelers can expect to encounter octopus, turtles, trumpetfish, batfish, reef sharks, and vast schools of powder-blue surgeonfish. One of the most memorable sights is the garden eels, swaying gracefully as they emerge from their sandy burrows. On the hazardous side don’t annoy the sea snakes, moray eels, lionfish or deadly stonefish.
Perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, Sabang boasts a marine ecosystem unlike much of the rest of Indonesia. Snorkelers can expect to encounter octopus, turtles, trumpetfish, batfish, reef sharks, and vast schools of powder-blue surgeonfish. One of the most memorable sights is the garden eels, swaying gracefully as they emerge from their sandy burrows. On the hazardous side don’t annoy the sea snakes, moray eels, lionfish or deadly stonefish.
Location
Sabang Island also called Palau Weh lies off the northern tip of Sumatra in the Province of Aceh. It is the first island in the Indonesian archipelago with the mile 0 monument located on the northern tip of the island.
Getting There
Direct flights are available from Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur into the city of Banda Aceh. From there it is a two-hour fast ferry ride to Sabang.
Land Adventures
Rent a scooter to circumnavigate the island on narrow well paved roads that wind through quiet villages, lush jungle, scenic viewpoints, and white-sand beaches. Watch out for monkeys dashing across the road. A highlight not to be missed is the Jaboi volcanic field, where a short walk leads to a stark, otherworldly landscape of bubbling mud pools, rising steam, and vivid yellow sulfur vents.
Destination Drink
Although avocado is not thought of as a juice in many parts of the world it is absolutely delicious and refreshing.