Sabang: The Enchantment of The Beauty of Indonesia's Most Western Island

Sabang is a city located on Pulau Weh and is a gateway in the western tip of Indonesia. Sabang has an area of ​​156.3 km² with the highest peak of 617 meters above sea level. Because it is located on Pulau Weh many people call Pulau Weh as Sabang Island. Weh Island itself is the main and largest island separated from the mainland of Aceh by the Strait of Bengal.

Besides directly adjacent to the 3 countries of Malaysia, Thailand and India, Sabang is also a very unique area for Indonesia. That's because here you can find Zero Kilometer monument which is the forerunner of the term, "From Sabang to Merauke".

Currently Sabang transformed into a marine tourism destination Indonesia that offers a paradise for divers. Here you can enjoy the underwater nature by diving to discover hundreds of species of fish and the richness of natural reefs that are not planted or cultivated. The waters in Sabang are the meeting place of the Indian Ocean and the Malacca Strait. Currently Sabang equip tourist attraction by organizing Sabang International Regatta.

Sabang's charm offers the beauty of a beautiful coastline, nan blue and clean sea water and green trees. However, not only marine tourism can be found in Sabang. There are mountains, lakes, beaches, sea, as well as the forest is still natural and awake waiting to be visited. Not to mention your interaction with the local community will provide a memorable experience.

Sabang is a beautiful small town with a hilly land structure so locals call the city of Sabang with two names namely the city down and the city top.

Sabang consists of five large and small islands, namely Weh Island as the largest island, Rubiah Island, Klah Island, Seulako Island, and Rondo Island. The population is about 26,000 inhabitants. The total area of ​​the city is 153 km² which is divided into 2 Subdistricts, 18 Settlements, and 72 Villages. Topography includes lowland, bumpy, hilly and mountainous terrain, and rocks along the coast.

The Sabang border to the east is the Malacca Strait, west to the Indonesian Ocean, north to the Malacca Strait, and the south by the Indonesian Ocean.

At the time of the Kingdom of Aceh, Weh Island area itself is a place of expulsion or moved "geupeuweh" for someone who is subject to heavy penalties from the kingdom. The name geupeuweh is then attached to the name of this island and along with the time then the pronunciation abbreviates to weh and is defined as a separate island.

The word sabang comes from the Acehnese word 'saban' which means the same rights and position in all things. This is attributed to the existence of Sabang, which was once visited by many outsiders to open the garden (seuneubôk) or other business. The immigrants come from different regions with different cultures of good attitudes, values, and customs. Gradually assimilation occurs where the various differences eventually fade and their positions become the same. This term saban has long been attached to Weh Island which then slowly changed its mention to 'sabang'.

Sabang is the only area of ​​the Kingdom of Aceh that can be fully controlled by the Government of the Netherlands East Indies. Since 1881, Sabang is designated as a natural harbor called Kolen Station. The Dutch East Indies government then built various facilities and infrastructure. Especially after 1887 when Sabang Haven obtained the authority to build a port supporting facility. In 1895, Sabang became a Vrij Haven free port area run by Sabang Maatschaappij (Maatschaappij Zeehaven en Kolen Station). At that time the name Sabang increasingly popular in the archipelago and internationally as a port of international trade circulation.

World War II had destroyed Sabang until 1942 occupied Japan and made it the maritime base of the Japanese Navy. Unfinished repair akiba war, physical damage to the island is getting worse after the Allied Troops bombarded him to make Sabang was closed. It was only after Sabang's independence period was established as the center of Navy Defense of the Republic of Indonesia (RIS) and all assets of Sabang Maatschaappij Port were purchased by the Government of Indonesia.

In 1965 formed the government of Sabang Municipality and initiated efforts to reopen Sabang Pelabuhan Bebas and Free Trade Area. This effort was officially inaugurated in 2000. Activities Free Port and Sabang Free Trade began to pulsate with the entry of goods from abroad to Sabang Area. However, in 2004 Sabang again stalled because the central government established a state of martial law for Aceh.

After the peace agreement between the Government of Indonesia and GAM on August 15, 2005, Sabang again crowded. Sabang Free Port re-opened to speed up the economic development of Aceh through economic relations with abroad. In addition, a variety of maritime destinations and cultural uniqueness of Aceh was re-introduced to tourists coming to enjoy the charm of the island's most western island in Indonesia.

Activities

Sabang City also has 5 lakes: Aneuk laot Lake, Paya Senara Lake, Paya Karieng Lake, Paya Peutapen Lake and Paya Seumesi Lake. Among the largest are the Aneuk Laot Lake. Not to be missed visited Lake Aneuk Laot located in the middle of Sabang city. This lake is a source of springs for residents of Weh Island. There is a beautiful panorama awaits you in the afternoon because the place is cool and at dusk arrive more perfect enjoy the sunset. At night you can enjoy the lights from the hills of the city of Sabang flickering.

Another alternative to watching the sunset you can visit Sabang Fair. Here while drinking a cup of Aceh coffee and fried bananas then you will absorb the real charm of Sabang.

From Sabang why not continue the adventure of discovering the beauty of underwater panorama in Rubiah Island. This place has been established by the government as a special nature reserve area. The island with an area of ​​0.357 km ² land is though not inhabited but visited by many tourists who want to fish around this island because there are many reef fish such as groupers and large squid. You can also find hundreds of rare species of ornamental fish and unique coral reefs such as gigantic clams, angel fish, school of parrot fish, lion fish and sea fans. Boat boat takes about 2 hours to round the island. Rental per boat costs only Rp200.000,00 which can be climbed up to 10 people.

Every weekend, Sabang is often visited by foreign workers from Aceh who want to vacation in Gapang and Iboih. Gapang Tourism Object is 4 Km from the city of Sabang. The area has beautiful white sand with restaurants and rented cottages and a diving school run by a Dutch couple. Gapang Beach has a beautiful panorama is also suitable for snorkeling sports enthusiasts.

Iboih Tourism Object, located 5 km from the city of Sabang. You can enjoy the attraction of fishing with the bonus of clean white sand atmosphere. This forest is home to a variety of animals such as monkeys, small and large reptiles, and colorful birds including nicobar pigeons that are not found in other parts of Indonesia. From iboih you can go further by crossing by charter boat to see Rubiah Island tourist sights .

Visit Pantai Sumur Tiga located in Ie Meulee Village, Pulau Weh. This white sandy beach with a panorama of nature is so charming and much in demand of tourists. There are also diving and snorkling activities here.

You can take a step further to Laot Men's Waterfall. The location can be addressed by public transport or car rental as well as motorcycles. How is the beauty? You'd better just jump on it.

Kenekai Hot Spring is a busy wista object visited first where the hot water is sourced from the mountain sulfur and believed the local community can cure skin diseases.

Want to feel the natural cave tour? Come to the west coast of Pulau Weh opposite the Iboih Tourism Forest. The caves here face the sea and are inhabited by various animals. To explore this place you should be accompanied by local residents especially between May and September when the west wind season will be challenging for cave lovers.

Monument Kilometer Zero Indonesia is definitely a mandatory destination for your visit to Sabang. Location of this monument is located the most western edge of Ujung Ba`U Village. The distance is about 29 kilometers from downtown Sabang. In this place also you will be pampered beautiful natural atmosphere and azure panorama of the sea. Why not enjoy the beauty of the evening sunset here.

In addition to the natural panorama, Di Sabang you can browse the historical attractions of the castles of Portuguese, Dutch and Japanese relics. Even because many of the fortress is known as the city of Sabang a thousand fortress overlooking the open sea.