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Places of Interest |
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Rubiah Sea Garden
The island of Weh as a whole has a unique and beautiful atmosphere.
The island is rich in natural beauty and historical sites, and provides
a special way of life for its people. In addition to old cannons and
fortresses, there are many other interesting objects that remain as
relics of the past. Weh is small but holds great discoveries - something
for everyone. The main place of interests are as follows.
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| Rubiah Sea Garden is situated about 23.5 km west of
Sabang by road, or about 7 km by boat, adjacent to the village of
Iboih. The Indonesian Government has estabilished this water area of
2600 hectares around Rubiah Island as a special nature reserve.
Being located in Sabang bay the waters here are calm and crystal
clear too (25 m visibility) the sea here abounds with an incredible
variety of colourful tropical fish and coral reefs. You can find
gigantic clams, angel fish, school of parrot fish, lion fish, sea
fans, and much more. |
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For experienced snorkelers, Octopus and Stingrays
(not dangerous to observer) are sure sightings here. Try viewing the
coral from glass bottom boat. Sunbathe or stroll on the remote white
sand beaches of the adjacent shores. Undoubtedly one of the best
kept secrets in the world of tourism - a paradise for snorkeling and
scuba diving. The distance to the coral is only 5 m from the shore.
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| For those who just can not get themselves to leave this
spot, accomodation and meals are available from the villagers of Iboih
upon request.
Iboih is a smalll and friendly village. Its people will happily serve
you in any way. In a place where tourist come one by one, the people
here have retained their sense of curiosity towards westerners. Helpful
guides are available to accompany you to Iboih and the Sea Garden if you
wish. Ask the manager of the losmen about this or any other information
you may require. |
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Iboih Recreational Forest is situated adjacent to
Rubiah Sea Garden. This forest covers an area of about 1300 hectares
and is also protected as a spesial nature reserve for Weh island.
This forest is a thick tropical rain forest and although it is dense
an difficult to wander trough, visitors are encouraged to explore
it. |
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Home to many kinds of animals. See wild monkeys,
small and big reptiles and colourful birds, or try your skill at
spotting the Nicobar pigeon, not found in any other part of the
Indonesian archipelago.
At dusk wild boars and swarms of giant fruit basts are sure
sighting. Where the road ends is a great lookout over the Indian
Ocean.
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| Beaches |
| Weh boasts a wide variety of beaches waiting to be
explored by visitor. Pantai Kasih (Love Beach) is the nearest beach
to the town of Sabang. About 2 km to the southwest lies a rocky
beach with over hanging palm trees stretching the length of the
peninsula. Along this northern peninsula you will find World War II
gun emplacements. Some have decayed while others have remained
intact. |
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| Following the coast two kilometres further will lead
you to Pantai Tapak Gajah (Elephant Step Beach). If you go on you will
reach Pantai Sumur Tiga (Three Well Beach). This is generally considered
to be Weh's most beautiful beach. Its soft white sand and crystal clear
water make it an ideal place to swim and snorkel.
About two kilometers beyond Pantai Sumur Tiga lies Pantai Ujung
Kareung (End of Rocky Beach). Here Sea Brain coral, fish from the rock
or hunt for starfish in the crevices near the shore.
Another beautiful beach can be found at Gapang frequented by the
locals, this wide sandy beach is lined with lush green coastal trees
that provide appreciated shade on a hot afternoon. |
| Boiling Mud Cot Simeureugoh (547 m msl) is 17 km from
town. This semi-active volcano holds boiling water in its caldera and
occasionally emits smoke. Also located near the village of Iboih is a
small volcano with its well of boiling mud. You can hike up the side of
this small volcano to the well and look down into it. This volcano is
semi-active, the crater holds boiling mud and occasionally emits gases
and billowing smoke. Weh also contains several hot water springs at
various location, which remain in their natural state. Ask about them in
Sabang or Iboih. |
| Coastal Caves
There are several natural caves located along the west coast of
Weh adjacent to Iboih Recreational Forest. The caves face the ocean
and are inhibited by various kind of birds, bats, and snakes.
Explore these water caves by boat - but only with a local guide who
knows them very well. Access to these caves may be difficult during
the west monsoons season (May - September).
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