Discover the charm of Rubiah Island in Sabang, an exotic marine destination with beautiful marine parks, exciting activities, and captivating natural panoramas.
Rubiah Island, a small island in the Sabang region, Aceh, offers extraordinary natural charm with unparalleled underwater beauty.
Dubbed as a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, this island is one of the best marine tourism destinations in Indonesia. With a marine park covering 2,600 hectares, Rubiah Island is home to a variety of marine life, including 14 protected species.
Not only that, the beaches of Rubiah Island also exude charm with clean white sand, clear sea water, and calm waves.
This island, which is almost uninhabited, offers an authentic and off-the-beaten-track travel experience, perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Main Attractions of Rubiah Island
1. Enchanting Marine Park
Rubiah Island is famous for its extraordinary marine park. This area offers underwater views that resemble a giant aquarium, complete with ornamental fish, colorful coral reefs, and other marine life.
With calm water currents and clear visibility, exploring this spot is one of the exciting Things to do in Sabang, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving, even for beginners.
2. The charm of a calm and beautiful beach
Apart from the underwater beauty, Rubiah Island also has a beach with a stunning panorama. Clean white sand and calm waves make the beaches on this island very comfortable for relaxing or playing in the sand.
The natural atmosphere that is still preserved provides a different holiday experience, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
3. Unique History of Rubiah Island
Rubiah Island has an interesting history. During the Dutch colonial period, this island was used as a quarantine place for Hajj pilgrims before they departed for the Holy Land.
The name Rubiah itself is taken from Cut Nyak Rubiah, the wife of Teuku Ibrahim in Iboih, whose grave is located on this island. Until now, several colonial era buildings can still be found, although in a neglected condition.
Location, How to Get There & Travel Costs on Rubiah Island
Rubiah Island is located northwest of Weh Island, Sabang, Aceh. To reach this island, tourists can cross from Iboih Beach using a motorboat. This trip only takes about 15 minutes.
From downtown Sabang, tourists need to travel overland to Iboih Beach which is about 20 kilometers away. Public transportation and rental vehicles are available to facilitate the trip.
The cost of a trip to Rubiah Island is quite affordable:
- Boat rental: Rp. 150,000 – Rp. 700,000 (depending on the type of boat and time of use)
- Snorkeling equipment rental: Rp. 50,000 – Rp. 100,000 per set
- Underwater camera rental: Rp150,000 – Rp300,000
Interesting Activities on Rubiah Island
1. Snorkeling and Diving
Rubiah Island is a prime destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Visitors can rent snorkeling and diving equipment to explore the underwater beauty of the island.
Colorful fish swimming freely among healthy coral reefs are the main attraction. This activity is highly recommended for all ages because the water current is calm and safe.
2. Ride a Glass Bottom Boat
For those who don’t want to get wet, renting a glass-bottom boat is an attractive option. With this boat, you can enjoy the underwater beauty of Rubiah Island without having to dive.
This activity is suitable for families with small children or anyone who wants to experience the unique experience of watching marine life from a boat.
3. Playing in the Sand and Swimming at the Beach
The clean and calm beaches of Rubiah Island offer a fun sand playing experience, especially for children. In addition, the calm waves allow tourists to swim safely in the waters around the beach.
4. Tour the Island by Motorboat
Touring Rubiah Island by motorboat is an activity that should not be missed. You will be invited to visit the best spots around the island, enjoy the view of the blue sea, and the charming rows of green hills.
5. Photo Hunting with Exotic Backgrounds
Rubiah Island is a paradise for photographers. With beautiful beach landscapes, stretches of white sand, and green hills, every corner of this island offers the opportunity to get stunning photos.
Not only on the surface, the beauty of the underwater is also a very interesting photo object. Tourists can rent underwater cameras to photograph ornamental fish and coral reefs.
Tourist Facilities on Rubiah Island
Although popular as a marine tourism destination, facilities on Rubiah Island are still minimal. Here are some of the facilities available:
1. Accommodation
Rubiah Island only has one inn with two rooms. Most tourists usually choose to return to Iboih Beach after enjoying the beauty of this island.
2. Food stalls
On this island there are several food stalls that provide snacks and drinks. Tourists can enjoy simple food while relaxing on the beach.
3. Boat Transportation
Boats to access Rubiah Island can be rented from Iboih Beach at a cost of around IDR 150,000 to IDR 700,000, depending on the type of boat and rental duration.
4. Snorkeling and Diving Equipment Rental
Tourists can easily rent snorkeling and diving equipment around Iboih Beach or directly on Rubiah Island. Underwater camera rentals are also available for those who want to capture the beauty of the underwater world.
Rubiah Island in Sabang is a marine tourism destination that offers extraordinary natural beauty, especially for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
With a vast marine park, beautiful beaches, and various interesting activities, this island is the perfect place to enjoy the tranquility of nature as well as the wonders of the underwater world.
Even though the facilities are still limited, the experience offered by Rubiah Island is able to replace all these limitations.
If you are looking for a destination that offers the charm of the underwater world as well as a peaceful beach atmosphere, Rubiah Island is an option that should not be missed.
As one of the standout Tourist Attractions in Aceh, make sure to include Rubiah Island on your travel list when visiting Sabang, Aceh.
