Pulau Weh, Indonesia

Inside the Japanese bunker

Boiling water of the volcano

Took advantage of the waterfall to cool off

The potential Sabang Marina - not sure if this will ever see any boats!

One of the local students talking at our school visit

Pulau Weh, Indonesia

March 31 2016

"Pulau" means "island" in Bahasa Indonesian. So we are on Weh Island. Today marks the end of four days that were planned and sponsored by BPKS. This is a company, funded from the Indonesian government in Jakarta, that builds and plans marine infrastructure projects to promote business in the various areas of the country. The manager and some staff from the Sabang office have spent most of their time with us. Conversations on the bus and over meals have been interesting to get a sense of business here. They have certainly been generous to us, thanks to Luc's negotiations.

Yesterday afternoon Luc did a presentation to them and other local business people on tourist development. Today we visited one such project that is to be a marina. Docks are in, retaining walls, stairs and several buildings. Now they are wondering if the location is right for the depth and seas. They were looking for our comments and also letting us know that they are looking for someone to manage it. One of the points Luc made in his presentation is that you need to think first and act second. One of the city guides with us said " I think they forgot to do that." Unfortunately, it looks like a few projects have gone that way, but they are trying to learn.

On Tuesday we took their bus on an island tour. There is rain forest in the center, good views, great beaches, wildlife, and lots of good snorkeling. We passed many iguanas on the road, and monkeys waiting along the road for a possible snack. Our guides introduced some of the plants and fruits growing along the road. We stopped at an old Japanese bunker from WW2 when they held these islands. Of course , it had a great viewpoint. They still have the tunnels to the beach. Another stop was at a volcano where there are still spots with bubbling water in them. We climbed around the whole crater area. At another spot there were swimming pools with hot spring water flowing in. After a lunch we did a slippery hike to a waterfall. At one time there were bridges over the stream but many had been washed out. Like many waterfalls, there was a good swimming pool at the base that we took advantage of. At the end of the southwestern peninsula is Kilometer 0. This is the most western part of Indonesia. As a landmark they are erecting a huge monument with a zero incorporated into it. Although not yet finished, tourist stalls have already sprung up around it. Given the size of the structure we were wondering what the Kilometer 3000 would look like at the other end of Indonesia!

In the evening, we had an official welcoming dinner with other dignitaries present. As well as good local food, we had entertainment. A group of boys did some serious drumming along with two singers. Great costuming and enthusiasm in the Indonesian style.

Wednesday morning, the crews of three boats visited a local Junior High School and spent time with some of the students. Although they knew a bit of English, they were quite shy and we communicated with translators. We told them about the BPO and our goals regarding climate change. We also shared with them some of the effects we have seen in our travels. They shared some changes they have noticed, like the dying off of corals. Mostly it was a chance for both groups to ask questions. We broke into smaller groups where everyone felt a bit more comfortable talking. We were pleased to know that they discuss these topics in their curriculum. They have also helped with planting trees in the mangroves as many were destroyed in the tsunami. The most moving part of the morning was a sharing of 2 personal experiences from the tsunami. Banda Aceh, on the mainland, was the hardest hit spot. There was not as much damage here. But the manager of BPKS lives in Aceh and was there, high in a mosque, as the waters and bodies went by. He was to have been at the ferry dock coming in to work here but their baby was sick and he decided to stay home. The whole ferry area was wiped out. He shared much more, as well as the Muslim views on all these things.

Thursday we got a chance to enjoy one of the things Pulau Weh is famous for, the diving  and snorkeling. The water is very clear and warm with lots of rock and coral near the surface and the shore. The area around Iboih and Rubiah Island are where the tourists go but it is still very quiet compared to Thailand. The variety and colours of the fish were amazing. After a seafood lunch by the beach it was back to Sabang.

In the meantime, with help, we found an engine mechanic to look at our dinghy motor. It has been gradually performing worse each day since Thailand. When we got back to the dinghy dock today, he had it running great. ($20 plus a grateful tip).

Before we leave this area we want to take the ferry to Aceh to visit the tsanami museum, which is supposed to be worth seeing. They are closed Fri as that is the afternoon of prayers for Muslims. So we plan to take that trip Sat with Gaia. Tomorrow we need to plan the beginning of the next leg, probably starting Sunday.