Aceh’s Weh Island Offers Diverse Diving Sites

The Sail Sabang Freediving Competition has introduced new diving spots at Weh Island in Aceh to Sail Sabang 2017 participants, the Ministry of Tourism said on Sunday (03/11).

World-class divers, including William Trubridge of New Zealand, and Alexey Molchanov of Russia, participated in the competition, which was held at Balohan Bay on Weh Island between Tuesday and Saturday.

“Sabang has some of the world’s best spots where divers can attempt to break world records as well,” said Ramadhani, head of marketing at the Aceh Tourism Agency.

Balohan Bay is more than 130 meters deep, which is a target for divers to break Trubridge’s world record of 101 meters in the constant weight without fins category and 124 meters in free immersion.

The island also offers other diving sites, such as Batee Tokong, where sharks are often encountered, Pantee Peunateung, where colorful fish gather, and Arus Balee, where the ocean current is suitable for beginners.

Aceh Tourism Agency head Reza Pahlev said they will keep developing the diving spots to support marine tourism in the region.

Sail Sabang 2017, which ends on Dec. 5, is the ninth series of Sail Indonesia, which began in Bunaken, North Sulawesi, in 2009.

//jakartaglobe.id