This is an official Port of Entry.
See
Indonesia Formalities for details on clearing into and out of Indonesia.
Be sure to check in with the authorities here as soon as you arrive at the region, even if you plan to anchor outside Sabang for a few days. Cruisers report that clearance formalities can easily be done within a few hours and there is no need for an agent.
Quarantine is located at the BPKS Port Headquarters just a few hundred meters to the west along the waterfront road. They will probably want to come to your boat to do an inspection.
Immigration is located at the top of the hill up from the roundabout. On leaving Immigration, follow the hilltop road east until you come to Customs. After Customs, walk east 100m and you come to a stairway down to the Harbour Master's office. If you are over 20 net tons, there will be a nominal harbour lights fee.
All offices are open 24/7 but as Sabang is part of the strictly Muslim Aceh province, make sure the offices/shops will be open when you wish to check out. Friday from noon to 2 pm all businesses are closed (by law) for Friday prayers (including restaurants and food stands).
Clearing in
There is one large yellow Quarantine Buoy for yachts clearing in at Sabang, however, you can also anchor in front of the dinghy dock in approx. 18m of water. Call the Harbour Master on VHF Channel 16 who will probably come out to you in his own boat.
You will then have to collect quarantine officials from the dinghy dock, who will check any health requirements and probably your medicine cabinet. You will then need to collect Immigration and Customs, give them each a crew list and they will photograph all the necessary documents. Be prepared for the filling in of many documents.
Once permitted ashore, you will have to visit all three offices to collect documents and pay any fees. The Harbour Master will give you a Port Clearance Letter ("Surat Persetujuan Berlayar").
Clearing out
To clear out, first stop is Customs, then Immigration and finally to Biosecurity, where you have to pay 20,000 IDR (for the payment you need to go to the Post Office or Bank). Last step is the Harbour Master where you will get your clearance papers and pay a fee of 50,000 IDR.
See
Related User Comments for latest fees charged here.
Last updated: November 2023
