Weh Island is located in the Andaman Sea, where two groups of islands, the Nicobar Islands and Andaman Islands, are scattered in one line from Sumatra to the north up to the Burma plate. The Andaman Sea lies on an active moving small tectonic plate (microplate). A complex geological fault system and volcanic arc islands have been created along the length of the sea by the movement of the microplate. The island lies about 15 kilometres (9 mi) off the northernmost tip of Sumatra. The island is small at only 156.3 square kilometres (60.3 sq mi), but mountainous. The highest peak is a fumarolic volcano, 617 metres (2,024 ft) high. The last known eruption is estimated to have occurred in the Pleistocene age, as a result which the mountain partially collapsed and was filled by the sea, forming a separate island. At a depth of 9 metres (30 ft), close to Sabang city, underwater fumaroles emerge from the seabed. A volcanic cone is found in the jungle. There are three solfatara (mudpot) fields on the island: one is 750 metres (0.5 mi) southeast of the summit and the others are 5 kilometres (3 mi) and 11.5 kilometres (7 mi) northwest of the summit, on the western shore of Lhok Perialakot bay. There are four islets surrounding Weh Island: Klah, Rubiah, Seulako, and Rondo.
Weh Island is commonly a sea passage and a jewel for many yachts and cruise ships to visit and see. Diving in Weh Island is a well established recreational activity. Dive masters and dive instructors are ready to offer a variety of dive sites like the fabled Sea Garden in Rubiah Island. You'll find many delightful sea creatures, most notably manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins and sea turtles. Come and enjoy a swing on a shady hammock by the high tide hut in an island that many divers call it the unparalleled underwater universe. Although it is a small island, it gives you the sea experience and waterfall up in the rain forest as well. A gateway you can always remember as an Eden.
Getting There
There are two 'fast' fully a/c'ed ferries from Banda Aceh's Ulhee Lheu port, one in the morning the one in the afternoon. The crossing takes about 45 minutes (US$9 oneway). Shared taxis wait at the ferry terminal on Weh and will take you to all three places. Iboih, being the farthest away, takes over an hour!
Warning:
Due to Weh Island's location just off the tip of an enormous island, Sumatra, it sits right in the confluence of two oceanic currents. If swimming in unprotected waters (i.e. the west side of the northwest peninsula) and you're not careful, you could be well on your way to India.
