The Charm of Balohan Harbor || A Proud Icon and the Main Gateway to Weh Island.
If you’ve been following my blog lately, the scene I’m sharing today will surely look familiar. This is Balohan Harbor—the main gateway, the first face you see, and the final impression you take away from Weh Island.
Good evening, my friends, wherever you may be. As always, I hope you are all staying healthy and happy, allowing you to go about your daily activities with ease—may you all have a wonderful day!
For many, a harbor is merely a place where ships arrive and depart; but for the people of Sabang, Balohan is much more. It serves as a proud icon, the lifeblood of the local economy, and a silent witness to countless encounters and farewells. In this post, I would like to share some photos I captured with my mobile phone during my vacation to Weh Island a few months ago, specifically in the area of Balohan Harbor. So, please stay tuned to my humble blog to see these images and read a few brief thoughts from me.
A few months ago, I took a vacation to Weh Island. After exploring the island, I set aside some time to visit and look around the Balohan Harbor area.
The first thing that caught my eye—prompting me to take a few photos—was the iconic gateway at the harbor entrance. A large sign reading "Selamat datang di Pelabuhan Balohan" (Welcome to Balohan Harbor) greeted me, featuring a distinctive turquoise-blue hue. Here are some of the photos I captured of this harbor gateway from various angles.
I then began to explore the harbor area. One of the first things I captured in photographs was the passenger terminal building; with its soaring roof and modern design, it has become a landmark for the city. This structure is more than just a waiting area—it serves as a symbol of Sabang’s ongoing efforts to improve and welcome visitors.
My friends...
Balohan itself holds a unique charm, leading many travelers to use this harbor as both their first and last photo spot during their vacation on Weh Island. Whether posing against the backdrop of a ferry, the harbor gate, or simply at the edge of the pier overlooking the open sea, these moments become essential keepsakes, frequently captured by tourists.
I began exploring the charms of Balohan from a different angle, and I soon discovered a spot near the terminal building featuring a small monument atop a white pedestal, surrounded by well-tended green grass.
My friends...
Upon further investigation, I learned that this is no ordinary decorative monument; it is a memorial for the KMP Gurita tragedy—the darkest event to ever occur at the port of Balohan.
To give you a brief background: this memorial was built to commemorate the sinking of the KMP Gurita on January 19, 1996. It was erected exactly one year later, on January 19, 1997, by Wang Sung Tee, a Taiwanese national who survived the disaster. He commissioned this miniature ship monument in Balohan as a gesture of mourning and remembrance. Atop the pedestal sits a replica of the KMP Gurita—now rusted—symbolizing the vessel that never returned. The monument’s weathered, rusted appearance is intentional; it is left this way to reflect the nature of the tragedy itself.
I continued my journey on foot, and the next few steps revealed another major sight: the KMP BRR—a ferry that serves as the vital link on the route between Banda Aceh and Balohan—docked in all its imposing glory. This vessel acts as a lifeline.
It carries everything from basic necessities, vehicles, and local produce to the hopes and dreams of travelers.
Beyond that, I walked to the very end of the pier, where I discovered a quieter side of the scene: a vast expanse of blue sea set against a backdrop of lush, green, pristine hills—faintly visible in the distance—a place where time itself seems to slow down.
I also encountered local residents and children playing among the rocks along the harbor’s edge; their laughter blended with the gentle, rhythmic sound of the lapping waves. Nearby, locals fishing in the harbor area added a unique, authentic charm to the atmosphere.
My friends...
Balohan Harbor is a perfect blend of utility and beauty. It serves its purpose as a vital logistical artery exceptionally well, connecting Sabang—separated from the mainland of Aceh by the sea—to the rest of the region. Without Balohan, the wheels of Sabang’s economy and tourism would simply cease to turn.
For me personally, Balohan teaches a valuable lesson: a gateway should always be memorable, as a first impression often shapes one’s longing to return. Balohan succeeds in this—it welcomes visitors warmly, provides excellent service, and bids them farewell with a silent wish for their return. So, if you ever plan a vacation to Weh Island, I suggest you take your time. Enjoy every corner of Balohan, sit for a while on the pier, breathe in the sea air, and discover for yourself why this harbor has become a source of pride for the people of Sabang.
Well, my friends, those are some images and a brief write-up for this blog post. I hope you enjoy what I’ve shared and find it entertaining. A huge thank you to all of you for taking the time to check out my blog and read it all the way through.
Please feel free to leave comments, show your support, or share any feedback—it truly means a lot to me and will help me create even better content in the future. That’s all for now; see you in my next blog post!
| Camera used | Handphone |
|---|---|
| Lens | 64 mp |
| F-stop | |
| Iso speed | ISO |
| Focal length | MM |
| community | Worldmappin |
| Photographer |  @antonydossantos |
A Little About Me
My name is Maulizar Mawardi, also known as
I am a student and nature lover who enjoys documenting my travels through writing and photography. While not a professional photographer, I believe that every journey and every simple image, no matter how small, has value and a story worth sharing
Through this blockchain, I want to share my experiences, observations, and appreciation for nature and the simple moments that are often overlooked