Sumur Tiga Beach

The Charm of Sumur Tiga Beach: A Tropical Paradise at the Western Tip of the Archipelago

Sumur Tiga Beach is a hidden gem located in Sukajaya District, Sabang, Weh Island, Aceh Province. Known as one of the beaches with the longest coastline on Weh Island, this destination offers a perfect combination of coastal geomorphological beauty, crystal-clear seawater, and rich local history. Unlike other beaches in Indonesia that might be dominated by dark volcanic sand, Sumur Tiga Beach stands out with its fine, shimmering white sand, contrasting with the sea's gradation from transparent light blue to deep ocean blue.

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Natural Characteristics and Coastal Landscape

Geographically, Sumur Tiga Beach has a unique topography. The beach faces east, making it the best spot on Weh Island to witness the sunrise phenomenon. Its coastline gently curves for approximately two kilometers, bordered by low cliffs and lush tropical vegetation.

One of the most striking natural features is the presence of tall coconut trees growing along the shoreline. The roots of these coconut trees provide natural protection against abrasion, while also creating cool shade for visitors. Furthermore, the sand texture here is very specific; as fine as baby powder, formed from the weathering of coral and marine organism shells over millions of years.

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Uniqueness of Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Sumur Tiga Beach is not just a recreational destination, but a dynamic coastal ecosystem. Beneath its surface lies a well-preserved underwater garden. Hard coral and soft coral reefs can be found just a few meters from the shore. The exceptional water clarity allows sunlight to penetrate to considerable depths, supporting the growth of algae and corals that serve as habitats for various marine species.

Visitors can often spot clownfish, parrotfish, and occasional sea turtles surfacing. Due to its location in the Indian Ocean waters, the currents around this beach carry abundant nutrients, resulting in high marine biodiversity. On land, the area surrounding the beach is also home to various tropical birds and long-tailed macaques living in small forests behind the coastline.

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Outdoor Experiences and Activities

For lovers of special interest tourism, Sumur Tiga Beach offers a variety of activities that are both adrenaline-pumping and soul-soothing:

1. Snorkeling and Diving: Without needing to rent a boat to go offshore, you can simply swim a few meters from the beach to witness the beauty of the coral reefs. The gently sloping seabed near the shore and the sharp drop-offs at certain points make it a favorite location for both beginner and professional divers.

2. Historical Exploration (Sumur Tiga): True to its name, this area features three unique freshwater wells. Despite being located only about 15 meters from the sea, the water in these wells remains fresh and not salty. These three wells are historical relics that are still functional and serve as interesting observation points for tourists.

3. Canoeing and Kayaking: The relatively calm waters in the morning are ideal for paddling a canoe along the coastline while enjoying the cliff views from a sea perspective.

4. Nature Photography: With the iconic coconut trees as a backdrop and dramatic sea gradations, this beach is a paradise for landscape photographers.

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sumur Tiga Beach is during the dry season, which is between March and September. During this period, the sky is usually very clear and the sea is at its calmest, which is highly conducive to underwater activities. For sunrise chasers, it is recommended to be at the location by 05:45 AM Western Indonesian Time to capture the moment the golden light emerges from the Indian Ocean horizon.

Conversely, during the rainy season (October to February), the west wind sometimes brings larger waves, and the water can become slightly murky due to sediment from the land, although the beach's aesthetic charm remains undiminished.

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Conservation and Environmental Protection

As part of the Sabang area that prioritizes ecotourism, Sumur Tiga Beach is under strict supervision by the local community and regional government. There are customary sea regulations that prohibit the removal of coral or fishing with destructive methods. Environmental awareness here is quite high; accommodation and restaurant managers around the beach are required to manage their waste to avoid polluting the sea. Visitors are strongly advised not to use sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to coral reefs (coral-reef safe sunscreen) and are strictly forbidden from discarding plastic waste on the beach.

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Accessibility and Facilities

Reaching Sumur Tiga Beach is relatively easy. From Balohan Port (the arrival point for ferries from mainland Aceh), the land journey takes about 15 to 20 minutes by local taxi or rented motorbike. The road to the location is smoothly paved with green hilly scenery along the way.

The facilities at Sumur Tiga Beach are quite adequate without compromising its natural feel. There are various accommodation options, ranging from simple homestays to tropical-style resorts built on cliffs with balconies directly facing the sea. Restaurants on the beachfront serve typical Acehnese cuisine and fresh seafood caught directly by local fishermen, offering an authentic gastronomic experience amidst pristine nature.

Sumur Tiga Beach is a perfect representation of Indonesia's pure natural wealth. The combination of unique geological phenomena (freshwater wells by the sea), rich underwater biodiversity, and a commitment to environmental preservation makes it a must-visit destination for anyone yearning for tranquility wrapped in the grandeur of Sabang's tropical nature.