Rubiah Island in Sabang offers enchanting underwater views, white sandy beaches, and a well-maintained natural ecosystem, making it a marine tourism paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Rubiah Island, located off the northwest coast of Weh Island, Sabang, Aceh, is one of the marine tourism destinations that should not be missed.
The beauty of this uninhabited island has attracted the attention of local and foreign tourists thanks to the clarity of its sea water, diverse underwater life, and peaceful and natural beach atmosphere.
Located in a marine park conservation area, Rubiah Island offers a unique tourism experience with crystal clear sea water, soft white sand, and various amazing snorkeling and diving spots. Many call this island a “hidden paradise” for nature lovers and underwater explorers.
The Unforgettable Attraction of Rubiah Island
Rubiah Island offers various natural attractions that are a magnet for tourists. Here are some charms that will amaze you and make you want to linger on this island:
1. Charming underwater beauty
Rubiah Island is known as one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Indonesia. The waters around the island are adorned with colorful and healthy coral reefs. The coral reefs here are home to a variety of tropical fish species, turtles, rays, and other marine life.
Diving here, you will feel an unforgettable experience because of the rich and exotic biodiversity. It’s one of the Top Things to do in Sabang, offering an incredible underwater adventure for nature enthusiasts and diving lovers.
2. Very Clear Sea Water
The clarity of the sea water around Rubiah Island allows tourists to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world with high visibility. Divers can even see to quite great depths very clearly. This makes Rubiah Island a dream destination for divers, both beginners and experienced.
3. Soft White Sand Beach
Rubiah Island has a beach with clean, soft white sand, making it the perfect place for sunbathing or just sitting back and relaxing while enjoying the sound of the calm waves. The calm waves also make this beach safe for swimming, even for children.
4. Calm Ocean Currents
One of the advantages of Rubiah Island is its relatively calm sea currents, making it safe and comfortable for beginner divers.
For those of you who are not yet experienced in diving, this island provides an ideal environment to learn and practice diving while enjoying the spectacular underwater beauty.
5. Preserved Natural Ecosystem
Rubiah Island is located in a protected conservation area, so the nature and ecosystem on this island are still very natural. The natural environment and minimal human interference are one of the main attractions, providing a peaceful atmosphere and a refreshing tourism experience.
6. Various Diving Spots
Rubiah Island offers various diving spots with varying depths, according to the experience level of the divers. Starting from shallow spots to deeper, all provide an impressive experience for divers, especially those interested in the diversity of marine life around it.
7. Easy Access from Sabang City
Access to Rubiah Island is relatively easy. From Sabang City on Weh Island, you can rent a boat from Iboih Beach to cross to Rubiah Island.
Travel time from Iboih Beach is only about 15-20 minutes. Boat rental fees range from IDR 20,000 per person for a round trip, while for a glass boat with a capacity of 10-15 people, the rental fee starts from IDR 350,000.
Various Interesting Activities on Rubiah Island
Besides snorkeling and diving, Rubiah Island also offers various other fun activities:
1. Glass Boat Ride
One of the activities that tourists like is riding a glass boat. This boat is equipped with a glass bottom that allows you to see the beauty of the underwater world directly without having to get into the water. Tourists can watch coral reefs and fish swimming under the boat comfortably.
2. Playing on the White Sandy Beach
The soft white sand on Rubiah Island beach is very clean, making it an ideal place to play in the sand, sunbathe, or just sit and enjoy the atmosphere. The calm waves also allow tourists to swim safely on this beach.
3. Renting Snorkeling and Diving Equipment
For those who want to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world, around the island there are various snorkeling and diving equipment rentals that are quite complete.
In addition, guide services are also available for tourists who need assistance when exploring the underwater world.
4. Underwater Photography
For those of you who want to capture the moment, there is an underwater photography rental service that allows you to have charming photos while diving or snorkeling on Rubiah Island.
Tourist Facilities on Rubiah Island
Even though it is quite well known, the facilities on Rubiah Island are still relatively minimal. On this island there is an inn with two rooms, but for more complete facilities, tourists are advised to stay around Iboih Beach.
1. Lodging and Warung
Rubiah Island does not have many accommodations because of its status as a conservation island. However, if you want to stay overnight, there are several simple accommodation options on Iboih Beach which is adjacent to Rubiah Island. Around this beach there are also small stalls that provide food and drinks for tourists.
2. Place of Worship
Because Rubiah Island does not have a prayer room, tourists who want to pray are advised to do so around Iboih Beach before crossing to Rubiah Island.
3. Snorkeling and Diving Equipment Rental
At Iboih Beach there are snorkeling and diving equipment rentals. For tourists who do not bring their own equipment, they can rent it here at an affordable price. In addition, there are also snorkeling and diving guide services for tourists who need them.
Tips for Visiting Rubiah Island
- Choose the Right Season: The best time to visit Rubiah Island is during the dry season (April to September), when the weather is sunny and sea visibility is high.
- Bring Food and Drinking Water: Given the lack of facilities on the island, bringing food and drinking water is highly recommended.
- Rent Snorkeling or Diving Equipment at Iboih Beach: To save time, you should rent snorkeling or diving equipment before crossing to Rubiah Island.
- Avoid Bringing Plastic Waste: To maintain the cleanliness and naturalness of Rubiah Island, avoid bringing plastic waste that is difficult to decompose.
Rubiah Island is a hidden gem in the western tip of Indonesia that offers extraordinary natural beauty.
From spectacular underwater panoramas to charming white sand beaches, this island is the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Aceh’s sea in a calm and natural atmosphere.
It is one of the must-visit Tourist Attractions in Aceh, offering a serene escape and unforgettable coastal experience.
