Aceh Tourism

Weh, Sabang, and Rubiah

There's not much to be gained from the literature to explain the origin of Sabang. Legend circulating in the community Sabang, located in Pulau Weh, the island was formerly united with the mainland of Sumatra. However, due to the earthquake, thousands and even tens of thousands of years ago, the island is separated from the mainland. So also with the surrounding islands.

M Nur Syafarie (59), a resident of Sabang, claimed to have heard the legend. He half-believed, half not.

The legend tells the beautiful women who inhabit this island, which is part of the province of Aceh, to ask the Creator to land on these islands can be planted. For that, he threw all his jewelry as evidence of its seriousness. In return, the Creator and the rain and earthquakes in the region.

Then the lake was formed and given the name Aneuk Laot. Lake area of ​​approximately 30 acres that until recently a source of water for the people of Sabang though the water elevation continues to shrink. After his wish fulfilled, the princess threw herself into the sea.

Although no clear written sources, the desire of the princess in order to Sabang into a lush and beautiful area of ​​at least reflected in the beautiful marine park around Sabang. Such conditions have in fact also provide livelihood to the community.

Originally Sabang

Sabang own name, Nur's knowledge, derived from Aceh "every", which means equally and without discrimination. The word is left of the character of those who tend to easily accept Sabang immigrants or visitors. This character is somewhat different from the general character of Acehnese who tend to be closed to new people they know.

"Maybe because the long conflict in Aceh so many people who chose a closed," said Djafar (45), a resident of Sabang.

Another version states that the name comes from the Arabic Sabang "shabag", which means the volcano erupted.

Sabang naming alleged departure from the many volcanoes in Sabang which traces can be seen in hot water attractions Jaboi. Currently tourism is no longer leaving the hot water. However, sulfur remains there confirm that there was once a volcano there.

Pulau Weh or Sabang has been known worldwide since the beginning of the 15th century. The Chinese explorer, Cheng Ho, had stopped there in 1413-1415.

Note Ma Huan, one of Zheng He's translator, explained that the north-west of Aceh, there is a land with towering mountains, which he named Mount Mao. There are about 30 families.

In his book Ying Yai Sheng Lan which is then translated into The Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores, Ma Huan reported that the land was to be one haven of merchants from various countries.

Mao mountain that stood out from the sea would be a beacon or marker for the merchants. Sabang is itself a timber-producing and producing the best laka lotus flower.

"Many historians assert that it is Mount Mao is the island of Weh," said researchers from the Center for Historical Studies and Social Sciences, State University of Medan, Erond L Damanik.

Sabang Erond also suspect that when it became a part of maritime trade network that stretched from the Persian Gulf to southern China in the 12th century until the 15th. Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India included.

Pulau Weh Indonesia itself is a border area with India and Thailand.

Looking at the historical record, Erond not be surprised if later on standing Sabang free port. Therefore, the traffic is interstate commerce has been going on since long Sabang.

Before World War II, became one of Sabang port city important, even more important than Singapore (Temasek). Sabang free port has been running since 1895. Sabang the strategic position of Indonesia as forming regional economic cooperation with Malaysia and Thailand in 1985.

Beginning in January 2000 President Abdurrahman Wahid asserted Sabang as a free port and free trade area. Imported goods through tax-free Sabang. Luxury cars from Singapore for sale in the city.

However, when defined as an area of ​​Aceh military operation, activity stalled Sabang as a free port.

Free port activities increasingly deserted by the publication of Decree of the Minister of Industry and Trade (Menperindag) Number 610/MPP/Kep / 10/2004 concerning Amendment to Decree No. 756/MPP/KEP/12/2003 Menperindag on Imports of New Capital Goods. There should be no longer used goods to be entered from across the border of Indonesia, including Sabang.

Rubiah

In the islands, in addition to Sabang, there are Rubiah. It is located right in front of Iboih, about 20 kilometers west of Sabang. To reach the region's public transportation is available from the Port Balohan.

Just like Sabang, not much to be gained from the literature written about the existence of this island. Rubiah together with the legend of Sabang.

Go to the Iboih would be less if we did not visit Rubiah because most of the marine parks around the island.

Walk to the island we will find some of the bungalows that once inhabited a number of actors-PemerintahIndonesia Aceh peace.

Slightly to the center of the island, we will find buildings that are similar to community health centers. Quizzed had inquired, newly renovated building that houses it was the former home quarantine pilgrims who will travel to the Holy Land.

Newly renovated building that impressed not maintained. Waist-high grass growing around adults. The back of the main building, which consists of four bathrooms, left moss. Some bats make it home during the day. Look at all that the building was never used again.

Saliza Mohammadar, owner Iboih Inn, was shocked to see photographs of the building. Despite more than two years living in Iboih, he claimed to have never seen the building. "When used properly, be a gallery for the exhibition of old photos, would be very nice. Certainly a lot of interested visitors, "he said eagerly.

Era of the mid-1900s, known as the embarkation Sabang Sumatra pilgrims. Some of the neighbors come from Sabang despatch congregation. But, now, the building moved to the Love Beach, Sabang. Rubiah, and the pilgrimage was only an old story. (KOMPAS.com)