Tracing the Footsteps of World War II at Sabang Fair // Another Side of Sabang Through Its Historical Tourism
When we hear "Pulau Weh," what typically comes to mind are beautiful beaches, sunsets at Iboih, or snorkeling at Rubiah. This time, however, I’d like to take you to see another side of Sabang—not white-sand beaches, but a quiet, rusted, yet story-filled historical site located at Sabang Fair.
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 smoothly—may you all have a wonderful day!
Sabang Fair is located not far from the center of Sabang City, overlooking the Bay of Sabang. While the area was later developed as an exhibition center and a venue for tourism promotion, it served a much more critical purpose long before that: it was a vital defensive stronghold.
Sabang acts as a gateway to the Strait of Malacca—the busiest shipping lane in the world. Whoever controls Sabang effectively controls the maritime traffic moving from the Indian Ocean into the Strait of Malacca. This is precisely why the Dutch built a fortress here, which was later seized and further fortified by the Japanese during World War II.
So...
In this blog post, I would like to take you on a tour of the area—a place I personally explored a few months ago while vacationing on Weh Island. Do stay tuned to my humble blog to see some images of the site, along with a few photos I captured myself.
As I mentioned earlier, Sabang Fair is located not far from the center of Sabang City, facing directly toward the Bay of Sabang. It offers stunning scenery, making it a popular spot for locals to enjoy the atmosphere—especially in the morning—while spending time with family or friends.
My friends...
The first thing that caught my eye was a small monument standing atop a grassy hill, which has been well-maintained by the local government. Facing the sea, the monument sits in an open area, framed by leaning coconut trees, with Klah Island visible in the distance.
This monument marks what was once a defensive site and an observation point; from here, you get an unobstructed, 180-degree view of the Bay of Sabang. Personally, I find this place perfect not only for taking photographs but also for quiet reflection.
Now, let us explore the area further. This time, an underground bunker caught my attention. As shown in the images I shared above, the bunker appears as a grass-covered mound of earth, featuring an entrance through a low concrete passageway. It is still possible to descend the stairs inside; the atmosphere is somewhat damp and dark. Within, there are small chambers that once served as ammunition storage, hideouts, and observation posts for soldiers to monitor enemy movements.
My friends...
This bunker stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Japanese war strategy. Rather than constructing tall, conspicuous fortresses, they opted to excavate and camouflage their defenses underground, sheltered by the shade of trees. From the outside, they were nearly invisible, yet from within, the soldiers could observe enemy movements at sea. Honestly, as I stepped into that passageway, a chill immediately took hold. It was completely silent—save for the sound of my own soft footsteps—which allowed me to vividly imagine what the atmosphere must have been like in the past.
Not far from this bunker lies another equally fascinating relic: a World War II-era cannon. It remains in its original form, though its exterior has been repainted black.
As I took a closer look, I noticed the cannon’s barrel pointed directly toward the open sea. Resting on a concrete base, it was clearly positioned to defend Sabang Bay against enemy ships; nearby, several other cannons stand in a row.
My friends...
A local tour guide explained that this cannon was manufactured in Britain, used by the Dutch, and later repurposed by the Japanese military in 1942. It’s easy to imagine how tense the atmosphere must have been here decades ago—a stark contrast to the peaceful scene that greets visitors today.
For me, this site holds great significance. Sabang is more than just a place of natural beauty; it stands as a witness to the history of colonialism, global warfare, and the struggle for control over international trade routes. Unfortunately, many tourists overlook this area—known as "Sabang Fair"—even though admission is free and it is very easily accessible. Exploring this site serves as a poignant reminder that beneath the allure of a tropical island lies a long, complex history of struggle and defense. If you find yourself growing tired of the typical beach-hopping routine while visiting Weh Island, I highly recommend stopping by to learn more about the history preserved in this spot, which I’ve shared in today’s blog post.
Well, my friends, that concludes this blog post, which includes a few images and some brief text. 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 view and read my post all the way through.
Please feel free to leave comments, show your support, or share your feedback so that I can 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
[//]:# (!worldmappin 5.89340 lat 95.31051 long d3scr