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Sabang

Craving paradise with a side of adventure? Look no further than Sabang, Indonesia! Imagine this: crystal-clear turquoise waters lapping at pristine white beaches, all framed by lush rainforests. That's your daily dose of vitamin sea sorted.

But Sabang isn't just a beach bum's paradise. Dive beneath the waves and discover a kaleidoscope of colorful coral reefs teeming with exotic fish. Feeling adventurous? Swim alongside majestic manta rays or maybe even a friendly reef shark (don't worry, they're more interested in the coral than your toes!).

Sabang's not all about what's underwater, though. Hike through verdant jungles teeming with wildlife, or take a thrilling motorbike ride along scenic coastal roads. History buffs can explore ancient forts and historical sites, remnants of a bygone era.

Craving some downtime? Relax on a hammock strung between swaying palm trees, with a good book and a fresh coconut in hand. In the evenings, indulge in delicious Acehnese cuisine – think fragrant curries and fresh seafood – and soak up the laid-back island vibes.

Sabang is your escape hatch from the everyday. It's a place to reconnect with nature, have unforgettable adventures, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, grab your swimsuit, and get ready to discover your slice of paradise in Sabang!

Travel Tips for Sabang

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Sabang

A guide to Sabang's local transportation

Car

Ojek

Ferry

Angkot

Renting a car can be a practical choice for tourists who want to explore Sabang more freely. Various rental service providers offer vehicles at competitive prices. Driving a car allows you to access exciting places in Sabang more freely, explore hidden beaches, and enjoy spectacular natural scenery.

The price of car rental in Sabang varies depending on the type of car and the rental period. Generally, you can pay between Rp 200,000 and Rp 500,000 daily for a car.

To rent a car in Sabang, you must present a valid driver's license and a credit card.

Practical Tips for Sabang

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the top things to do in Sabang?

When visiting Sabang, enjoying the tropical island life is the best thing to do. This place has two famous beaches: Iboih Beach, with its long stretch of white sand perfect for swimming, sunbathing, building sand castles, and Rubiah Island, which you can reach by a short boat trip. Here, you can relax by the beach, snorkel in the crystal clear waters, and spot colorful fish around the coral reefs.

You can also enjoy underwater activities like scuba diving or snorkeling, as Sabang is home to some of Indonesia’s best diving spots. If you're lucky, you might even come face-to-face with a majestic manta ray!

Island hopping is also a prevalent activity. This way, you can discover hidden, untouched gems around Sabang.

Aside from the tropical fun, you can also explore Sabang’s nature by trekking through its lush rainforests or climbing Mount Jaboi to find breathtaking natural scenery.

A trip to Fort de Kock or Fort Amsterdam is also recommended. This historic Dutch fort will take you back in time and teach you about Indonesia’s history!

How to get to Sabang, Indonesia?

The most common way to reach Sabang is by flying to Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport (BTJ) in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province. From there, you can take a short domestic flight to Maimun Saleh Airport (SBG) in Sabang.

If you prefer a more adventurous journey, you can take a ferry from Banda Aceh to Sabang. The ferry ride takes 2-3 hours, depending on weather conditions. Ferries depart regularly from Ulee Lheue Port in Banda Aceh to Balohan Port in Sabang. It's advisable to check the ferry schedule in advance and arrive early to secure your ticket, especially during peak travel seasons.

How do you get to Rubiah Island?

To reach Rubiah Island from Sabang, head to Iboih Beach, the boat departure point. Charter a boat from local operators or join a group tour. Enjoy a 10-15-minute boat ride across the Andaman Sea to Rubiah Island. Disembark and explore its stunning beaches and marine life. Remember essentials like sunscreen and snorkeling gear.

What do I need to know before traveling to Sabang?

Before going to Sabang, consider the following: This area has two seasons. Between April and October, the dry season offers sunshine and calm seas, perfect for diving and outdoor activities. The wet season (November to March) brings occasional rain showers, lush greenery, and fewer crowds.

You'll find a good range of options in Sabang, from budget guesthouses to luxurious beachfront resorts. Iboih and Gapang beaches offer the most choices, while Sabang town has a more local vibe.

Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are readily available in Sabang, but carrying some cash for smaller purchases or local transportation is always wise.

It’s also worth noting that Aceh is a conservative province. While visitors are welcome, modesty is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites.

What are the recommended diving spots around Sabang?

Sabang is a mecca for scuba divers, with many incredible dive sites offering something for all experience levels. Some of the top recommended spots include Rubiah Sea Garden. Rubiah Sea Garden boasts a shallow reef teeming with colorful fish life, perfect for beginners and families. Divers can explore coral bommies and swim-throughs and encounter a variety of invertebrates like nudibranchs and shrimp.

Another excellent spot for novices is the Batee Dua or Gapang Horse Reef, which features a gently sloping reef with diverse coral formations. Expect to see schools of vibrant fish, octopuses, and even the occasional reef shark cruising by.

You’re also recommended to check out Sabang Wreck. This wreck of a former Japanese cargo ship is a fascinating dive for experienced divers. Explore the encrusted decks, engine room, and cargo holds, teeming with marine life that has made the wreck its home.

For advanced divers seeking thrills, Arus Balee offers drift diving with strong currents. Hold on tight and witness a spectacular display of pelagic fish life, including giant trevally, barracuda, and manta rays.

Last but not least is Rondo Island. This remote island boasts some of Sabang's most pristine reefs. Divers can explore underwater pinnacles, swim-throughs, and walls teeming with colorful coral and a wide variety of fish species.