Sabang, Indonesia - 1 of 2

We made an “unexpected” stop in Sabang today (we were supposed to be in Myanmar for the next three days but his was cancelled since there is still a civil war there with little hope for diplomacy soon since the government armed with Russian weapons is not willing to discuss anything).

Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania Asia between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Indonesia consists of 18,110 islands. Java, the world's most populous island and home to more than half of the country's population. As the world's third largest democracy, Indonesia is a presidential republic with 38 provinces, of which nine have special status. The country's capital, Jakarta, is the world's second-most populous urban area.

Sabang is the NorthWest most corner of Indonesia. Indonesia is United in Diversity in there are 200 culture groups, 2000 languages over 6000 inhabited islands and 275 million people in 735,400 square miles (3200 miles wide. Their motto is "Bhineka Tunggal Ika" meaning “Different But Still One” or “Many Yet One”. There are many tribes, religions, races, arts, customs, languages, and so on but still a unity of countrymen united with flags, national anthems, currency.

Sabang population is 35,000 in 47 square miles. It became a free port in 1895. Japanese occupied the island and built bunkers (see photo) 1942 until in 1944 when the Allies overtook it and they gained independence. Sabang again became a free port in 1963 and then real growth began in shipping and trade when it became a free trade zone in 2000. The main ethnic people are Acehnese, Padang, Nias, Javanese, Bataks and Chinese. The religions are modern Islam and some traditional Islam. This is followed by many Protestants and some Catholics, Hindus and Buddhists.

Sabang is a starting point for Indonesia (they have a ZERO km monument) in the northern tip of Sumatra. It is located on 6 islands and has beautiful volcanic mountains and beaches. The islands name is Weh Island but Sabang is the main town. Caroline and Cella pulled over on the side of the road where we were walking and offered for us to join them in a tuk tuk (4 person cab attached to a motorcycle). We jumped at the chance (it was already too hot) and drove with them through “downtown” Sabang. First stop was a Japanese bunker. On the way, the buildings we saw were Dutch colonial and the homes were very quaint. Sabang Bay was quite beautiful and has a big beach area with all different water sports and a major diving sites. There are some beautiful beaches including Sumur Tiga Beach, Pantai Iboih and Gapang Beach. We did stop a few times to take in the view and get closer to the water. Great little tour of this first island in Indonesia.Baca lagi