Wonderful Indonesia | the best island in Aceh, Sabang island, 0 KM of Indonesia

Sabang is a town name on an island north of Banda Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra. Strictly speaking, the island's name is Weh Island (Pulau Weh) and Sabang is the main town on the north coast, but the names are often used interchangeably. Among locals the place is more often referred to as "Sabang" but among tourists it is well known as "Pulau Weh". The island is best known for its snorkelling and diving. Pulau Weh is a small island off the northern tip of Sumatra. The northern-most point of the Indonesian archipelago is known as kilometre zero,or KmZero. Fast Ferry (c. 1 hour, IDR80,000 economy, IDR95,000 business) leaves at 09.30 and 16:00 from Banda Aceh; 08.30 & 14:30 from Sabang Pulau Weh (April 2016). For the moment the fast ferry called "Pulo Rondo" only runs once a day departing from Ulee Lheue pier (Banda Aceh) at 09.30 to Balohan (Pulau Weh)and from Balohan (Pulau Weh) at 16:00 until further notice. Motorcycles and cars are not allowed on the fast ferry but bicycles can be shipped for IDR50,000. Slow Ferry (c. 2.5h, IDR25,000). Leaves Banda Aceh at 8:00 and 14:00 and from Pulau Weh at 08:00 and 14:00. Sometimes there are two trips/day with an extra trip at 11am. You can take motorbikes and cars on this for a small fee. See the diving websites of Scuba WEH, Rubiah Divers and/or Lumba Lumba for up to date information in regards to getting to and from Medan to Banda Aceh and from Banda Aceh to Pulau Weh. Travelling from Balohan port to Sabang costs roughly IDR30,000. From Balohan port (harbour) to backpacker hangouts of Gapang and Iboih IDR50,000 (negotiable) in shared transport (~1 hr drive) and to Semur Tiga Rp25,000 in shared transport (~20 min drive). From Iboih to Semur Tiga in shared transport costs IDR100,000 (~1 hr drive). Prices for minibuses (shared transport) from and to harbour are fixed (also if there is only one passenger in the car). A possibly cheaper option is to arrange transport in becaks or on motorbikes. For this transport you need to bargain. You can also take the whole taxi for IDR150,000. Bargain hard, since the prices are not set (although the drivers try to show you written notes with prices). A motorbike ride should cost around Rp30,000. Alternatively you can rent motorbikes at Iboih and Gapang and Semur Tiga (IDR100,000 per day). Besides that bicycles are for rent in Iboih,Santai Sumur Tiga and several Places like Kartika and Holiday Hotel. If you want to cycle from the port to your hotel its best to rent a bicycle in Banda Aceh and take it with you on the boat. There's not much to see in the city of Sabang. Head straight to either Gapang or Iboih beaches (40-50 minutes from the ferry). The main reason to go to Pulau Weh is for the beaches. Relaxing, swimming, snorkelling, diving. Don't worry about doing anything else. Kilometer Nol (Kilometre 0), the most Western point in Indonesia, is on Pulau Weh. You can rent a motorbike from Iboih for around IDR100,000/day and head out on your own, or rent a minivan and guide to take your group. Gapang Beach Gapang Beach has a few restaurants to choose from. Dang Dang Na is next to Lumba Lumba and serves a range of local and western food, prepare for a long wait though. Gado Gado is a peanut and salad based Indonesian dish well worth a try, also noodles and curry available. Best to order early as everything is on island time, and try to relax if your having to wait. Further down the beach there are Limbo Cafe, Zero Cafe and Mama Jungle (best to order in advance), all places can do fish and sometimes chicken BBQ's, give them a little notice first though. Barracuda is the newest around and is between the Lumbalumba Dive center and the souvenir shop. Owners speak very good English, and serve a comprehensive menu with the tastiest food on Gapang. Their curries and Tacos are just delicious. Sumur Tiga If you like it more for western taste, you should visit the east coast of pulau weh,the new tourist destination, for people who not only want to dive but also can. There are some accommodations at Sumur Tiga area. Freddies ([11]) who, next to his normal restaurant, daily from 7:30 p.m. serves delicious four course meals (let him know before 5p.m. that you want to join) for IDR65,000. Casa Nemo ([12]) has a limited menu but the people are very friendly and the food is fresh and good. Further about 6 KM the newest comfort accommodation on Pulau Weh on Anoi Itam Bay the Rasa Seni Hotel Resort. Iboih In the village you find the ubiquitous, paper-wrapped take-away, Nasi Campur (IDR7,000). Basically rice with some vegetables, maybe chicken (ayam) or egg (telur) depending on your request. The restaurants in the village are generally cheaper than those belonging to the bungalows. However many of these have the added bonus of free wifi to check your e-mails during meals. Source: wikitravel.org/en/Sabang_(Indonesia)