I came to Aceh looking for peace—and
I found it in a quiet village called Iboih.
Tucked away on the western tip of Pulau
Weh, Iboih isn’t just a beach. It’s a gentle world of its own—where the
jungle leans over turquoise water, and life slows to the rhythm of waves and
sea breeze.
I hadn’t planned on staying long.
But I ended up losing track of time.
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The Journey to Iboih
Getting here was an adventure in
itself. From Banda Aceh, I took
a morning ferry to Pulau Weh,
arriving at the port town of Balohan.
The ferry ride took about 1.5 to 2
hours, depending on whether you choose the fast or regular boat.
From the port, I rode on the back of
a motorbike taxi through twisting jungle roads until the forest opened up and
the water turned crystal clear—that’s when I knew I had arrived at Iboih.
There’s no official entrance fee to the beach, but Pulau Weh is part of a marine park, so there’s a conservation donation of around IDR 5k–10k collected at the park gate.
First Glance: Water Like Glass
The moment I stepped onto the tiny
main road of Iboih Village, I felt the difference. No cars, no stress—just
wooden huts, dive shops, and the gentle sound of the sea lapping at the pier.
The water here is unbelievably
clear. From the edge of the beach, I could see fish darting between coral rocks
below the surface. I didn’t even need to snorkel to spot them—it was like
looking into an aquarium.
A Snorkeler’s Dream
I rented a snorkel mask for about IDR 30k and waded into the sea
straight from the beach. Within minutes, I was surrounded by colorful coral
gardens, butterflyfish, and parrotfish.
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If you want more adventure, local
boatmen offer affordable trips to nearby Rubiah Island, just a short ride away. It’s one of the most
popular snorkeling spots in Indonesia—calm, shallow, and teeming with marine
life.
Forest Meets Ocean
What makes Iboih unique isn’t just
the water—it’s how the dense tropical
forest leans into the sea. Monkeys swing through the trees above the beach,
and hornbills sometimes fly overhead. It felt like the reef and the rainforest
were having a quiet conversation, and I was just lucky enough to be listening
in.
Simple Life, Deep Flavor
After a swim, I stopped by a
beachfront café for a fresh coconut and mie
Aceh—a spicy noodle dish bursting with flavor. Meals here were simple
but satisfying, usually under IDR 25k.
There’s no fancy dining scene, but who needs it when you’re eating with your
feet in the sand?
Where I Slept
I stayed in a rustic wooden bungalow
overlooking the sea for less than IDR
150k per night. The sound of waves became my lullaby, and the view in
the morning—sunlight dancing on water—was the kind of thing you never forget.
Essential
Info
- Location: Pulau Weh, Sabang, Aceh
- Ferry from Banda Aceh: 1.5–2 hours (fast or slow boat)
- Conservation fee: IDR 5k–10k (collected at the gate)
- Opening hours: The beach is open 24/7—sunrise swims are magical
- Snorkel rental: Around IDR 30k; boat trips to Rubiah Island ~IDR 100k round trip
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Best Time
to Visit
The best months to visit Iboih are May to September, during the dry
season. You’ll enjoy sunny skies, perfect visibility for snorkeling, and calm
ferry rides from Banda Aceh. While I visited in early July, the weather was ideal—hot but breezy, with no rain in
sight.
The wet season, from October to April, brings unpredictable rain and
rougher seas, making boat trips less reliable and visibility underwater lower.
That said, Iboih never truly gets crowded, even during holidays. It’s a place
where time feels suspended—where you can visit any time of year and still feel
like you’ve stepped away from the world.
Final
Thoughts
Pantai Iboih isn’t a beach for
partying or selfies. It’s a place for floating, for breathing, for remembering
what quiet feels like.
If you’re a traveler looking to reconnect—with nature, the ocean, or just yourself—come to Iboih. Let the forest, the sea, and the silence show you a softer kind of magic.