Pulau Weh (Sabang)

jetty at Iboih
photo by Tilo

Pulau Weh is the north-western most island of Indonesia, a few km of the coast of Banda Aceh. It is famous for it's good snorkeling and diving.

Pulau Weh (or "Sabang" as it is locally known, or Pulau Sabang, Sabang Island) is a very mountainous island with many bays, lush vegetation and great views. It doesn't have many classic fine sand beaches but fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities. It is here where Indonesia officially starts ("Kilometer Nol" at the north-western tip of the island). Besides Sabang Town, there are 3 main areas for accommodation on the island: Iboih (the backpacker's favourite), Gapang (has 2 resorts and dive centres) and Sumur Tiga (best beach during the dry season (March - October) with pricier but very good laid back "resorts"). The word "weh" means "move" or "go away" in Acehnese. The island got the name because it's population immigrated here from all over the archipelago.

Wikitravel says:
Sabang is a town name on island north of Banda Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra. Strictly speaking, the island's name is Weh Island (Pulau Weh) and Sabang is the main town on the north coast, but the names are often used interchangeably. Amongs local the place more well knowned as "Sabang" but amongs tourist is well known as "Pulau Weh". The island is best known for its snorkeling and diving. ... read more

Wikipedia says:
Weh Island or Pulau Weh or Pulo Weh is a small active volcanic island to the northwest of Sumatra. It was originally connected to the Sumatran mainland and became separated by sea after the volcano's last eruption in the Pleistocene era. The island is situated in the Andaman Sea. The largest city on the island, Sabang, is the westernmost outpost of Indonesia. The island is known for its ecosystem; the Indonesian government has declared 60 square kilometres (23 sq mi) of inland and sea around the island as a wildlife protection area. A rare megamouth shark species was found on shore and the island is the only habitat for the threatened toad, Bufo valhallae (genus Bufo). Coral reef areas around the island are known for their large variety of fish species. ... read more