I Love Sabang

If you are looking for the perfect starting point for your first introduction to Pulau Weh, then the "I Love Sabang" sign is a must-see. Located in the city of Sabang, this vibrant landmark has become a true icon of the region, symbolizing the hospitality that sunny Indonesia offers its guests. The sign is installed in a strategically important and very scenic spot—in a park on Cot Ba'u hill.

I Love Sabang Sign. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The structure consists of massive letters that look impressive against the backdrop of tropical landscapes. On one side of the platform, a panorama of Lake Aneuk Laot opens up, surrounded by emerald mountains, while on the other, the endless expanse of Sabang Bay stretches out. This is not just a decoration, but a full-fledged observation deck from which the city is visible in the palm of your hand.

What makes this location especially popular is its proximity to Maimun Saleh Airport. Thanks to this neighbor, travelers can often capture planes taking off or landing right above the bright sign. This makes the "I Love Sabang" monument one of the most Instagrammable spots on the entire island.

For your convenience, we have gathered the current location details for this popular photo spot in the table below. The sign is located in the Sukajaya district and is easily recognizable from a distance thanks to its bright colors.

The main ritual for every visitor to the city is, of course, taking souvenir photos against the backdrop of the famous sign. It is common to pose so that the frame includes not only the letters but also the breathtaking panoramas of Iboih Bay. For the most patient visitors, there is a special bonus: if you wait for a local flight, you can get a unique shot with a low-flying plane right overhead.

Nature lovers should stay here until evening. The observation deck near the sign is considered one of the best spots to watch tropical sunsets. When the sun begins to dip below the horizon, painting the waters of Lake Aneuk Laot and the surrounding mountains in golden-pink hues, the atmosphere becomes truly magical.

In addition to taking photos, it is pleasant to simply walk through the park, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the quiet. A special viewing area is equipped nearby, from where it is convenient to observe the neighboring islands. It is a great place for a short break during an island tour, where you can recharge with positive energy and simply soak in the beauty of the moment.

Reaching this popular landmark is quite easy, as it is strategically located in the Cot Ba'u area. The journey from the main Balohan Port is about 12 kilometers. The most convenient way to get around the island is by renting a motorbike or taking a taxi. The road to the monument is in good condition, and the ride from the pier takes no more than 20–25 minutes.

If you are heading here from the center of Sabang, use Maimun Saleh Airport as your landmark, as the sign is located right across from the runway. For those staying in more remote areas, such as Gapang Beach, the drive may take over an hour due to the winding mountain roads, but the views along the way make it well worth the trip.

Public transport on the island is limited, so tourists most often use private drivers or ride-hailing apps to call a taxi. The sign is easy to find using navigation by entering the address or coordinates into online maps.

While the "I Love Sabang" sign itself is a modern attraction, its creation marked an important milestone in the development of tourism on the island. The monument was erected in early 2015 with the support of the city administration and Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI). It was designed to be a new, recognizable symbol of the city, complementing legendary sites like the "Zero Kilometer Monument."

Sabang City has a fascinating history that is subtly present in the atmosphere of these places. In the second half of the 19th century, the Dutch administration chose this deep-water harbor to establish a coaling station for steamships. By 1895, Sabang officially became a free port, attracting merchant ships from all over the world due to its exceptional location at the entrance to the Strait of Malacca.

Strolling near the monument, you can feel the spirit of that old cosmopolitan port, where the traditions of the Acehnese, Europeans, and sailors from distant lands once blended. Today, the "I Love Sabang" sign serves as a bridge between the city's rich past as a major maritime hub and its current status as a welcoming tropical paradise.

Most travelers need about 30 to 60 minutes to explore this location. This is plenty of time to take a series of great photos by the letters, stroll through the park area, and enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the bay.

However, if you plan to wait for a vibrant sunset or want to catch the moment a plane takes off or lands at the nearby airport, budget about 1.5–2 hours for your visit. In the evening, it is particularly pleasant to relax away from the hustle and bustle, slowly enjoying the changing colors of the sky.

Since the "I Love Sabang" monument is located outdoors in a public park, it is available to visit 24/7. Most tourists prefer to come here during daylight hours or at sunset to get the highest quality and most vibrant photos.

There is currently no specific operating schedule or entrance fee. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check for current information on the city's official tourism portals before your trip, as temporary maintenance work or festive events may be held in the park area.

A visit to the "I Love Sabang" sign is easy to combine with exploring other interesting spots on the island. The area around the monument is rich in both historical sites and cozy leisure locations, allowing you to create a full-day itinerary.

Below is a list of nearby attractions to complement your trip to Sabang: