Rubiah Island

Landscape and Geographical Characteristics

Visually, Rubiah Island presents a dramatic color contrast. Its seawater gradient starts from clear transparent hues at the shoreline, shifting to turquoise blue in shallow areas, and then to deep blue in the trench zones. The coastline is dominated by fine white sand and ancient coral rock formations that give the island a sturdy character.

Unlike densely built tourist islands, the interior of Rubiah Island remains a lush coastal forest. Large trees provide natural shade, creating a cool microclimate despite being in the middle of the sea. Its relatively flat topography on the side facing Weh Island makes it an ideal place for relaxation, while its outer side features more challenging currents with steep underwater cliff formations.

Biodiversity: A Giant Aquarium in the Wild

The main uniqueness of Rubiah Island lies in the richness of its coral reef ecosystem. The waters around the island are home to at least 14 out of the 15 protected coral species in Indonesia. Here, visitors can find sprawling Acropora, Brain Coral, and giant table corals.

The health of these coral reefs supports the survival of thousands of marine life. Visitors don't need to dive too deep to encounter clownfish (Amphiprioninae) dancing among anemones, colorful parrotfish (Scaridae), and large groupers. If lucky, hawksbill and green sea turtles are often seen swimming calmly in this area. This diversity makes Rubiah Island one of the most important marine research locations in western Indonesia.

Outdoor Activities and Tourist Experience

Rubiah Island is a prime destination for water activity enthusiasts. Here are some specific experiences offered:

1. Snorkeling at the "Marine Park": This is the most popular activity. Tourists can rent equipment at Iboih Beach and then cross over to Rubiah. The best snorkeling spots are on the front side of the island where the currents tend to be calm and water visibility can reach 15-20 meters.

2. Diving (Scuba Diving): For licensed divers, Rubiah offers stunning dive sites like Rubiah Sea Garden. Here, coral formations are more massive, and there's an opportunity to see more pelagic species (deep-sea fish) that occasionally approach the island.

3. Natural History Tour: Besides its nature, the island holds the ruins of the first Hajj quarantine building in Indonesia, built during the Dutch colonial era. Walking along the paths within the island allows tourists to see how nature is reclaiming these old structures, creating a magical and historical atmosphere.

4. Glass Bottom Boat: For those who prefer to stay dry, there are boats with glass bottoms that allow for coral reef observation from the deck.

Best Time to Visit

Visits to Rubiah Island are heavily influenced by Aceh's wind seasons. The best times are from April to July and September to November. During these periods, the sea tends to be calm, winds are not too strong, and underwater visibility reaches its peak (very clear).

Avoid visiting from December to February when the west wind season often brings high waves that can limit crossing access and reduce water clarity due to stirred sediment. Additionally, it's important to note that on Fridays, all water tourism activities in Sabang are usually temporarily suspended until noon to respect local customary sea law.

Conservation and Environmental Protection

Rubiah Island is under strict supervision by the local community and government through the "Lembaga Panglima Laot" system. There is an unwritten but strictly adhered-to rule: it is forbidden to take anything from underwater, including dead shells or coral fragments.

Conservation efforts here include coral rehabilitation through transplantation methods carried out by local communities and environmental activists. Visitors are strongly advised to use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent coral bleaching caused by harmful chemicals.

Accessibility and Facilities

Reaching Rubiah Island requires a rather long journey, but it is amply rewarded by the scenery. Tourists must first reach Sabang City on Weh Island by ferry or fast boat from Ulee Lheue Port, Banda Aceh. From Sabang city center, the journey continues overland for about 45 minutes to Iboih Beach.

From Iboih Beach, access to Rubiah Island only takes 5-10 minutes by crossing on a small wooden motorboat or a glass boat. Facilities on the island are limited to small food stalls serving local cuisine like Mie Aceh and young coconuts, as well as snorkeling gear rental. There are no commercial accommodations on Rubiah Island due to its status as a protected limited natural tourism area, so tourists usually stay in bungalows scattered along the Iboih coastline.

Rubiah Island is a true testament that authentic natural beauty can endure if managed with respect for the environment. For adventurers, this island is not just a photo destination, but a space to reconnect with the pure harmony of the underwater world.