Rubiah Island in Sabang, Aceh, offers underwater beauty, white sandy beaches, and pristine nature, making it a favorite destination for divers and nature lovers.
Rubiah Island, located northwest of Weh Island, Sabang, Aceh, is a small paradise that captivates both local and foreign tourists.
The island, located in a marine park conservation area, displays natural beauty with clear sea water, soft white sand, and underwater scenery rich in coral reefs and marine life.
As a famous marine tourism destination in Indonesia, Rubiah Island attracts many divers and snorkeling enthusiasts with its untouched natural attractions. It is no wonder that this island is often referred to as a “hidden gem” at the western tip of Indonesia.
The main charm of Rubiah Island is alluring
Rubiah Island offers a number of natural attractions that will amaze anyone who visits it. Here are some reasons why Rubiah Island is a must-visit destination:
1. Exotic Underwater Paradise
Rubiah Island is known as one of the best snorkeling and diving locations in Indonesia. The waters are full of colorful coral reefs, a variety of tropical fish, turtles and rays.
Here, you can explore the abundant and unique underwater life as part of Things to do in Sabang, creating an unforgettable experience for every diver.
2. Clear and Fresh Sea Water
The clarity of the water around Rubiah Island is extraordinary. Tourists who snorkel or dive can enjoy underwater views with high visibility, allowing them to see sharper and more beautiful details of underwater life to a certain depth. This clarity adds to the uniqueness of Rubiah Island as a world-class marine tourism destination.
3. Charming White Sand Beach
Apart from the underwater beauty, Rubiah Island has a soft and clean white sandy beach. This beach is ideal for relaxing, sunbathing or playing in the sand.
With calm waves, this beach area is also suitable for swimming, even for children. The calm and natural atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy time with family or friends.
4. Calm Ocean Currents for All Divers
Rubiah Island has calm sea currents, which makes it safe for beginner divers. For those new to diving, the waters around the island offer a comfortable and non-threatening environment, allowing them to practice while enjoying the beauty of the underwater world.
5. Well-maintained Ecosystem
As part of a conservation area, the ecosystem on Rubiah Island remains natural and protected. With a well-maintained environment, the island provides a fresh and pollution-free tourism experience. You will feel at peace in a calm atmosphere and at one with nature.
6. Various Diving Spots
Rubiah Island has many diving spots to choose from, ranging from shallow to deep, allowing divers to explore the beauty of the sea according to their level of experience. Of the various spots available, each offers spectacular underwater views with extraordinary biodiversity.
Easy Access from Iboih Beach, Sabang
The journey to Rubiah Island is very easy. From Iboih Beach in Sabang City, you can rent a boat that will take you to Rubiah Island in about 15-20 minutes.
The boat rental fee is quite affordable, around IDR 20,000 per person round trip. For groups, there are also glass-bottom boats available, which allow passengers to see the underwater beauty directly from the boat.
Fun Activities on Rubiah Island
In addition to snorkeling and diving, Rubiah Island offers a variety of interesting activities for visitors. Some of them are:
1. Glass Boat Ride
The glass-bottom boat ride allows you to see coral reefs and tropical fish from a boat, without getting wet. This boat has a transparent glass bottom, so tourists can enjoy the beauty of the underwater world comfortably and relaxed.
2. Playing on the White Sand Beach
Rubiah Island Beach is very clean and the sand is soft, making it suitable for playing in the sand, sunbathing, or just sitting and enjoying the sound of the waves. With calm waves, swimming at this beach is safe, even for children.
3. Renting Snorkeling and Diving Equipment
Around Iboih Beach, there are various snorkeling and diving equipment rentals available. This makes it easy for tourists who do not bring their own equipment to still enjoy snorkeling and diving activities easily. Apart from that, there are also guides who are ready to help and provide direction to novice divers.
4. Underwater Photography
Capturing snorkeling or diving moments on Rubiah Island is an experience worth trying. Several equipment rentals here offer underwater photography services, allowing you to have a charming souvenir of your underwater exploration on Rubiah Island.
Facilities Available on Rubiah Island
As a conservation island, facilities on Rubiah Island are still limited. On this island there is only one inn with two rooms, but for more complete facilities, tourists are advised to stay at Iboih Beach, which has more choices of accommodation and food stalls.
Rubiah Island has several simple accommodations around Iboih Beach, as well as small stalls selling food and drinks for tourists. These stalls serve delicious local food and refreshing drinks, perfect for taking a break after exploring the island.
For tourists who want to snorkel or dive, Iboih Beach provides complete equipment rental at affordable prices. Tourists can rent equipment and utilize the services of experienced guides for a safer and more enjoyable underwater experience.
Tips for Visiting Rubiah Island
- Come in the Dry Season: The best time to enjoy the beauty of Rubiah Island is during the dry season, between April and September, when sea visibility is high and the weather is sunny.
- Bring Provisions and Drinking Water: Because facilities on Rubiah Island are still minimal, it is best to bring your own food and drink provisions.
- Equipment Rental at Iboih Beach: To be more efficient, rent snorkeling or diving equipment before crossing to Rubiah Island.
- Keep It Clean: Rubiah Island is a conservation area, so make sure not to leave any trash or damage the ecosystem.
Rubiah Island is a perfect destination for nature lovers seeking marine beauty. With healthy coral reefs, alluring white sands, and captivating biodiversity, Rubiah Island is an ideal choice among Tourist Attractions in Aceh for a relaxing holiday amidst pristine nature.
