A holiday to Sabang: Published on 25 Feb 2007

Just returned from a holiday trip to Sabang, a little Island north of Banda Aceh. Its a beautiful Island which is visited by many International NGO staff from Aceh. Sabang is the capital of Weh Island, which is part of NAD Province.

There are two prominent locations called 'Gapang' and 'Ibioh' which are just 5 Km apart. Gapang has nice cottages with attached toilet facility and AC rooms for USD 30 a night. Ibioh has basic accommodation with common shower and toilet facility which is available as less as USD 6 a night.

But Ibioh is very beautiful place with good coral reef. So we have stayed in Gapang and went to Ibioh for Snorkeling. The food is good in both the places, but Gapang has better choice of Restaurants. Oxfam, Muslim Aid and Redcross are building houses for Tsunami affected people in Weh Island.

We are 5 people from India, USA, England and Afghanistani traveled to the Sabang by a speed boat which takes just one hour. The price is Rp. 65,000 for VIP class. While returning, the VIP class is much cosier which costed Rp. 80,000.

There are two diving clubs in that area, and snorkeling sets are given on a rent for Rp. 30,000 a day. We saw beautiful fishes and coral reeves in Ibioh. I don't know swimming, but with the help of my friends, I went on snorkeling around 200 m away from the shore. Its totally a different world, and so exciting.

After two weeks of exhaustive restructuring work, its a break which is very much required, exploring new frontiers of the creation....