Thedry season, and probably best diving, is from April to October. Getting there The jumping off point for trips to Pulau Weh is Banda Aceh, which can be reached by air from Medan on Sumatra. It is also now possible to fly to Banda Aceh from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. From Penang in Malaysia, there is also a ferry to Medan.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Attractions in OttawaHistoric Sites • Government BuildingsMilitary Museums • Points of Interest & LandmarksAdmission tickets from $ Museums • Natural History MuseumsObservation Decks & TowersPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Government BuildingsPoints of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks*Likely to sell out Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor travelers are sayingVery impressive building from the outside but due to building work we couldn’t see inside, the work is due to carry on for quite a long while. The area around here has some really nice buildings and is worth a stroll around Written June 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on educational, from a thorough Canadian history perspective. Canadian militaries have always found themselves in a "support" role, but have paid the ultimate sacrifice just as much as the parties they are "supporting". The military hardware section is amazing. After being in this museum, I have come to appreciate the efforts Canada has made in promoting world peace, despite having to take up arms to achieve that goal. The world is a better place because of Canada's global efforts. This is a must see museum, regardless of one's viewpoint towards the use of force; both hawks and doves can learn a lot within these four April 9, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on canal walk is lovely even in April on a cold day with some ice on the canal still. We walked the pathway from Lansdowne back into the city centre and enjoyed the scenery along the way. There were not many others out walking but a few runners and cyclists passed us so seems to be popular with them. We were fascinated by the entryways set up for when the canal is frozen and ice skating takes April 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on really enjoyed the gallery which has a wide selection of art from modern to indigenous to classics all set in a light and airy peaceful environment. The cafe was clean and the food tasty whether you want coffee and cake or lunch, we ended up having both. A really enjoyable experience and we fully recommend June 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on TEdmonton, Canada96 contributionsMy husband and I loved visiting this museum on our trip to Ottawa. It's so well done! It has some interactive exhibits for the kids which we loved too - and is very informative. It's also in an incredibly beautiful building, which made the experience even better. We weren't sure about going, since it meant us taking a car from our hotel, and we prefer to walk, but we're so glad we did! Highly recommend. Written April 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on inside of the Basilica is very ornate, not to our taste but worth a look, it’s opposite the National Gallery so we combined them both Written June 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on building that is having work done to it, part of a selection of nice buildings, worth a look at street June 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.sissyDoha, Qatar9 contributionsGet the tour guide to benefit your visit . Go early in the morning to avoid crowd and enjoy the simulators. Buy your souvenirs and gifts from the shop, they offer an excellent selection. I will visit again next time I’ll be in Ottawa Written April 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on is a very good memorial with sentries on duty during the day from spring to autumn, there is a changing of the guard , if you are any where near then it’s worth spending the time to watch and at 5pm you will see and hear the piper during the short June 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on had a private tour led by Edward. Edward was an outstanding tour guide incredibly knowledgeable about the mint and eager to answer any questions we asked. A perfect way to start your shopping for coins at the Mint!Written June 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on is a little oasis in a busy part of the city, there are places to sit and enjoy the quiet and get out of the hustle and bustle. There is building work going on by the riverside but once finished it is a nice place to relax Written June 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on no concept of Governor General's role in Canada before visiting this this place as "optional." When approaching its compound, saw a statute of the late Queen Elizabeth II riding on a horse at the front entrance, and securities guards in all gates. It's near the residence of the Canadian Prime Minister. Decided to visit this place before leaving Ottawa and very glad to have done it. Otherwise, it would be a big "miss." Through this visit, I learned that* Governor General represents the British Monarch, in Canada. * This is the place where Governor General officially appoints the Canadian Prime Minister on behalf of the British Monarch.* Rideau Hall is like the White House in the United States or Buckingham Palace in UK. * This is the official residence of the Canadian Governor GeneralStill unsure if there are public visitor parking inside the compound. There is street parking along MacKay St. You will walk through a huge park-like area before reaching the Rideau Hall. You will go through the security check. There is at least one staff in each room, and they will provide commentaries about the rooms. Emmalyn, Gabriel, Emy, and Ryan were knowledgeable and able to answer most Hall itself has rich history other than its significance in representing the British Monarch in Canada. Unlike long wait time at least three months in advance and tight security background check required for visiting the White House in the United States, there is no advanced reservation required and the visit is free for Rideau the visit, I would change this place from "optional" to "must see."Written October 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on was a nice out of the way excursion in Ottawa, on the Ontario side. You would need a car to get there, but it was worth the trip. There is a park on either side of the falls, so walking, picnicking, biking etc, are all October 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on Vancouver, Canada9 contributionsIf you're looking for something fun to do on a rainy day in Ottawa, this place is surprisingly fun. We're all adults and we had a great time with the interactive displays and avatars, but if you had kids, I think they'd have a blast!Written June 6, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on ROntario's Near North, Canada13 contributionsThe park is lovely and spacious on the sunny days but at the northern tip are the best free washrooms in Ottawa. Great views from the parkWritten June 7, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on Asked Questions about Ottawa

Located off the coast from Banda Aceh, the northernmost tip of Sumatra lies Pulau Weh. It is sometimes referred to as Sabang, by locals, the name of the primary town and port. Pulau Weh is a large, sprawling island of volcanoes, beaches and palm trees with friendly village dogs and wild pigs running around in the undergrowth all surrounded by fantastic marine life. The main attractions here are the laid back undeveloped island life, accessible snorkelling and amazing diving. The region of Aceh only opened up to tourism in around 2005, prior to the Boxing Day Tsunami the area was unstable with political and religious problems culminating in civil war. A truce agreement has since been made and tourism in the area is still in the early stages, which, for those hunting for quiet, back to basic cheap accommodation, you’re in the right place. We heard there are plans to develop an old army base into an airport. Who knows what impact it will ultimately have. Primarily, I anticipate a bigger market opening up for diving weekenders from Malaysia and Singapore. It may well take several years for this to become a reality, if at all but it’s likely to lead to development on a larger scale. Where to Stay on Pulau WehThings to do in Pulau WehWhat to Eat & DrinkGetting thereWhere to go next? Where to Stay on Pulau Weh The main backpacker area is located in the village of Iboih pronounced, ee-bow, around a forty minute drive from the port in Sabang. It’s pretty well represented with plenty of accommodation options with ATM’s and slow WIFI. The choice is only likely to be severely limited on Fridays and Saturdays when families and groups from Medan and northern Sumatra arrive for weekends. Iboih is a string of bungalows perched over the ocean and in the rocks above it, all linked by a small, rocky path with occasional steps – it’s not suitable for wheelie suitcases. Make sure you bring a torch to get around after dark! Treetop Guesthouse and Bungalows and Pele’s Place are good options perhaps more-so Treetop. Another option is Gapang, where diving holidays are catered for with accommodation linked to the dive shops as well as some independent choices. For more Pulau Weh accommodation, click here! Things to do in Pulau Weh Diving The main draw for most is the diving. The tsunami damaged the shallower reefs but deeper the conditions are very good, with huge fan corals, good tropical fish stocks, a lot of moray eels and the potential to see some of the ocean’s biggest and best – Whale sharks, mola-molas sunfish and manta rays. You’ll have to be incredibly lucky to see any, but they are around. There are dive shops in Iboih and a couple more in the neighbouring village, Gapang. Some are local and some are foreign-owned. We always prefer to support local businesses but it ultimately depends on comfort, equipment and ease of communication. There can easily be communication issues with the Indonesian divemasters and health and safety may not seem to be their priority –you should be very aware of your own capabilities and comfort level in these environments as Pulau Weh is home to some incredibly strong currents. Diving is very good value, from €17-25 per tank. Courses can be taken here too, but there are far better places in South East Asia for conditions and ease of communication to complete them. A tiny island called Pulau Biawak just off the coast of Pulau Weh Snorkelling You can snorkel pretty much anywhere in front of the village, with lots of fish to see. You can either swim, kayak or get a boat across the channel to the Sea Garden, which is a popular snorkelling spot. Be respectful towards the locals and don’t wear swimwear in the village and near the mosque. Be respectful in snorkelling near this area too. Biking the island Motorbike hire is easily arranged with almost every accommodation offering to rent for around 100’000 Rupiah per day. You can head out to the volcano, beaches and generally glide around palm tree-lined roads which are new and recently laid by NGO’s in the aftermath of the tsunami avoiding the monkeys lying in the road. What to Eat & Drink Eating in Weh is generally a little more than the mainland due to island costs and the majority of customers being foreigners. There’s plenty of choice in Iboih, several restaurants appeal to western tourists offering introductory Indonesian flavours, a few specialities and ubiquitous Indonesian nasi or mie goreng. Dee-Dees make their own bread and have good salads as well as Indonesian dishes like mie aceh and ikan semur. There’s also a great communal homestyle restaurant scene with sociable meals of curries and vegetables. Stop in at Oongs or Mamas in the afternoon to check out what’s on the family menu that night – 25-30’000 per person, including rice for a buffet-style feast. Ask around some of the long-term residents and dive shops about the doughnut lady, who sells near the mosque. At 2’000 rupiah a sugar-coated pop it’s a very tasty and economical breakfast – pre-order the night before if you want a lot. Nightlife is non-existent, it’s a staunch Muslim area and alcohol is theoretically illegal although some of the guesthouses have a few expensive beers in the fridge for tourists. Ask around – Oohlala is a good place to start, Oongs often have beers available, although it’s more expensive than the dinner. Getting there The ferry runs from Uleh-Leh port and fast and slow options are available. Boats are supposed to leave around 8 am, 11 am 2 pm and 4 pm depending on the day of the week and whether it’s a fast or slow boat but often run late and occasionally, early! Prices vary from 25,000-75,000. Both boats are comfortable and take around forty-five minutes or two hours. A forty minute shared taxi will drop you in Gapang or Iboih from Sabang for around 40’000 but you may need to taxi from the airport to Uleh- Leh should take around thirty minutes and cost around 100’000 for the whole vehicle. There is apparently a bus service that runs from the airport to the town, thought to be timed around the inbound flights, although in my experience it did not arrive. If the bus does turn up, it will be on the right-hand side, as you exit the terminal. Taxi drivers will obviously tell you it’s already left, which may be the case but if you have time, it might be worth waiting and a lot cheaper as a solo traveller. Where to go next? Once you leave the island you’re in Banda Aceh, the state capital. From here you can head south to Medan which connects with all the well-visited Sumatran highlights, Lake Toba, Berastagi, Bukittingi and Bukit Lawang. Read more about Sumatra here.

DivingPulau Weh and dive sites. There are more than 20 good dive locations located around Pulau Weh, accessible by boat though some you can get to by swimming a few hundred meters from shore. The visibility is almost always in good weather between 10 - 30m. I enjoyed every single dive on this beautiful island and wanted to stay there longer.

pulau weh how to get there