A tiny tropical treasure trove of peace along with adventure can be found tucked away in Aceh’s far north, at the north-westernmost edge of the Indonesian archipelago. Weh Island is usually a tiny active volcanic island using a fringe of magical beaches, colourful corals, along with rich marine life, just 45 minutes by fast boat via the gateway city of Banda Aceh.

I found my way to Casa Nemo Bungalow Resort & Spa in Sumur Tiga Beach along with by late afternoon I was relaxing in my comfortable bungalow hammock, gazing out at the Andaman Sea. Cloaked in lush green forests, Weh brims with secret delights. Aside via diving, underwater hot springs, gorgeous waterfalls along with high mountain trails wait to be discovered.

The local Acehnese people add an air of charm to which friendly, welcoming tropical isle. Most tourists who find their way to Weh are adventurous travellers in search of a remote, island experience. The reward for travelling which far? An easy, slow-paced along with completely stress-free holiday experience.

I spent my first day discovering the beautiful bays along with beaches of Weh by motorbike – the best way to cruise around along with explore the island. The highlight of the day was hitting the big zero, the spot made famous for marking the physical beginning of Indonesia. A zero as tall as a football goalpost is usually positioned at Weh’s westernmost point, aptly named Kilometre Zero. which makes for a well-known meeting point for locals along with foreigners alike at 6pm, when the sun drops off the edge of Indonesia.

I ordered a sundowner at the warung along with got talking to the locals, who told me there is usually a spot in Papua marking the easternmost point of Indonesia. A lively discussion developed among the warung’s patrons: what was the exact number written on the kilometre sign at the eastern end of Indonesia’s chain of islands? Most agreed was around 5,300 kilometres, yet no one actually knew. Most locals don’t venture very far via Weh Island.

Suddenly, I heard the whirr of a machine along with papers shuffling. The clever shop owner had a little side business: spitting out of a printer were bright yellow certificates with beautiful gold lettering. Each were individually numbered along with signed by the Mayor of Sabang (the main port town on Weh Island). How could I resist? I requested one for a keepsake, pleased to see on inspection I was visitor number 91,743.

Next up, a discovery tour of the island to find out what lies beneath the diamond-strewn waters of Weh. I discovered there were 20 dive spots around the island, with Gapang beach along with its house reef the most well-known.

The marine life is usually prolific, along with Marjan van der Burg, owner of Lumba Lumba Dive Centre, explained to me which local people keep the sea gardens protected from the traditional way. “Diving keeps the economy afloat here,” she explained.

“Each village takes responsibility to protect their local patch of marine environment. If an outside boat comes into a villager’s territory along with is usually engaging in any sort of destructive fishing practice, like coral crushing or illegal dynamite blasting, the village takes action immediately. By law, they can confiscate the offender’s boat for one week along with impose a fine. If the fisherman offends a second time, they can burn the boat.” which strong local social village structure keeps offenders away. According to van der Burg, which has resulted in wonderfully prolific sea life along with pristine coral seabeds.

Weh’s bounteous marine life includes scores of scorpion fish, lionfish along with blue spotted rays. Even giant whale sharks are known to swim through these plankton-rich waters. Rubiah Island, which sits a very short distance via the shores of Lumba Lumba Dive Centre, has unique coral gardens which are home to black spotted along with honeycomb morays. Divers can explore the Rubiah wall, which drops down 30 metres.

After a full day’s diving, head back to Gapang Beach to try the local Acehnese food, which packs from the spice. More classic Indonesian dishes are also available along with some basic Western food like pancakes, sandwiches along with fries. Mama Jungles is usually a favourite family-style restaurant located right on the beach.

For non-divers there’s plenty to do on Weh Island. Transport is usually easy to find along with very reasonably priced. Keen explorers can arrange a motorbike or car via your homestay, bungalow retreat or dive stay. Head into the Inside to hike jungle trails, swim in Danau Anak Lauta (a serene freshwater lake) or climb Gunung Merapi, a semi-active stratovolcano. In between the sights along the narrow, winding island roads you’ll encounter quaint little villages habited by welcoming farmers.

The island’s low-key yet adventure-ready vibe, together with the richness of its sea gardens along with genuine Acehnese hospitality, makes Weh Island a real Sumatran gem.

Underwater Nightlife

Lumba Lumba Dive Centre offers amazing night dives at Gapang House Reef. See colourful nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, symbiotic shrimps, octopus, frogfish along with squat lobsters. If night dives don’t tickle your fancy, try a day dive with the beach’s three resident turtles. All you need are fins along using a snorkel along with you can swim with them in only a couple of metres of water. http://www.lumbalumba.com

Rainforests on a Mountain Bike

If you can tear yourself away via the beaches, renting a bike along with touring through the rainforest is usually a great way to experience the island’s natural diversity along with get some exercise too. The roads are relatively traffic-free so you can cycle in peace along with solitude. An easy 30km ride will take you through a Great chunk of the island along with reveal beautiful coastal scenery.

Sea Breezes along with Wildlife

You can easily spot monitor lizards, monkeys, sea eagles, kingfishers along with various other tropical birds via the Lumba Lumba Dive Centre garden. Coupled with salty sea air is usually the smell of lush foliage, as large overhanging gapang trees surround part of the beach.

Dining Out

The taste sensations at Casa Nemo Bungalow Resort & Spa on Sumur Tiga Beach include a complete menu of authentic Acehnese dishes. At the top of the list is usually the delicious curry (fish or meat) called Gule Aceh. Try Ikan Kayu, a dried tuna dish cooked in a light curry sauce. Rendang Gurita sam Keuung is usually a local octopus dish cooked for six hours in coconut milk, herbs along with spices, along with another favourite Plie U is usually a tasty vegetable soup topped with dry coconut. Western tastes are catered for as well with bakery items, pastry along with breads, thin crust pizza along with fine espresso coffee. http://www.casanemo.com

Accommodation

Casa Nemo Bungalow Resort & Spa is usually located on the beautiful white sandy shoreline of Sumur Tiga Beach along with offers snorkelling right outside the door of your bungalow. which is usually a family-run resort, with your gracious hosts Gianluca along with Balqist providing excellent service along with beautiful food. Gianluca goes to the local fish market very early every morning, so you are guaranteed to have fresh seafood daily. Accommodation is usually in customary Acehnese house style. Performances of traditional music along with dance take place every Saturday night. http://www.casanemo.com