Sumbawa in Indonesia: all about the island and holidays

Sumbawa is one of the most underrated islands of Indonesia, located between Lombok and Flores. This destination attracts travelers with picturesque volcanic landscapes, wild beaches, excellent conditions for surfing and diving, and a rich cultural heritage. The island offers a combination of untouched nature, an authentic atmosphere, and opportunities for active holidays away from the popular tourist routes of Bali.

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Island features

• Sumbawa is located relatively close to tourist Bali and Lombok, in the middle of the Lesser Sunda Islands chain.
• The area of the island is more than 14 thousand sq. km. The highest point is Mount Tambora (2824 m), which is also an active volcano.
• The island has excellent transport connections with Bali and Lombok, but it is a completely different world. You will not find on Sumbawa the same developed infrastructure as on Bali, and society is somewhat conservative.
• Together with Lombok, Sumbawa forms the province of West Nusa Tenggara. Two different peoples live on the island, speaking the Sumbawan and Bimanese languages.
• It is on Sumbawa that Tambora volcano is located, whose eruption in 1815 became one of the most powerful in world history.
• This is mainly an Islamic island. It is known as a source of sappan wood, honey, and sandalwood.
• The climate on Sumbawa is similar to a savanna, and the wide grasslands are used for breeding horses, cattle, and for deer hunting.

On the western side the island borders Komodo, and on the east with the island of Flores. It is an ideal place for explorers and nature lovers who want to see the real, non-tourist face of Indonesia. Impressive mountain landscapes, grassy steppes and forests, picturesque waterfalls, and turquoise bays come together here.

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What to do on Sumbawa island

• Surfing on Sumbawa. The waves here attract surfers from all over the world. Perhaps on the island you will mostly find surfers. There are some of the best spots in Indonesia here: Lakey Peak, Scar Reef, Super Suck, and Yo-Yo's.
• Volcano hiking. Mount Tambora rises above 2800 meters. It is a popular place among active travelers: incredible views open up and there is an opportunity to look into the volcano crater.
• Cultural diversity. Sumbawa is home to representatives of different ethnic groups that shape the island's culture with their traditions, crafts, and holidays.
• Untouched nature. This is a pristine corner with coral reefs and national parks.
• Water activities. Try stand-up paddling, but before going out on the water make sure it is safe in terms of waves. Visit Secret Beach for snorkeling.
• Set off fireworks. This is a popular local pastime. Fireworks are often sold in shops for very little money. Wait for sunset and create your own fireworks show on the beach.
• Enjoy local cuisine. Try delicious fresh seafood and local dishes: nasi goreng, mie goreng, martabak.

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What to see and do on Sumbawa

There are several natural and architectural places that are worth marking on your Sumbawa route map.

Royal waterfall

Mata Jitu is a fairy-tale waterfall with cascading pools of turquoise water. Locals call it Lady Diana's waterfall because the British princess visited it in 1993. The hike to the waterfall is relatively easy: the trekking length is 4 km (bring a swimsuit with you!).

You can get to Mata Jitu by jeep or on foot through the jungle. The trails leading to the waterfall are picturesque and are already a bright adventure in themselves. See the island's varied flora and fauna. If you go on your own, without an excursion, you will need to pay a tax of 25,000 rupiah at the hotel in advance.

Egaryan Saadi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dalam Loka Palace

Dalam Loka was built more than 200 years ago for Sultan Mohammad Jalaluddin III. It occupies a whole city block. The palace was built from teak wood without using nails. This is a characteristic feature of the region's traditional construction. The building stands on high stilts, which not only protects it from floods but also provides ventilation and keeps it cool.

The roof of the palace has a unique multi-layered construction symbolizing the status and spiritual power of the sultan. Inside the palace you can see carved wooden panels, old relics, and traditional artifacts telling about the life and culture of the sultanate. For example, old photographs of the royal family, antique umbrellas, and carriages.

MosheA, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pasar Syketeng market

Get up early and head to the exotic Pasar Syketeng market in the city of Bima. It has become one of the key trade centers of the city, where you can see the real life of local people and get acquainted with the culture of the region. Pasar Syketeng attracts visitors with its color and noisy atmosphere. The market comes alive early in the morning and stays active until noon. You will find everything imaginable here, from fish to household items. You can also buy handmade products, fabrics, clothing, accessories, and souvenirs made in the traditional style.

As in many traditional markets in Indonesia, bargaining is normal here. Be careful with local food: there are no refrigerators at the market.

Moyo Island

Moyo Island is a small but incredibly picturesque island located north of Sumbawa. This tropical paradise is known for wildlife and untouched jungle where waterfalls are hidden. This makes it an ideal place for those looking for peace and privacy far from tourist centers.

A large part of the island is a reserve protecting deer, wild banteng cattle, bats, and boars. In this region you will find every ecosystem, from savanna to dense jungle.

Mangrove forests, tropical forests, and picturesque beaches offer many possibilities for active holidays. South of Moyo there are crystal-clear untouched reefs that are ideal for snorkeling and diving lovers. The coral walls surrounding Moyo Island are full of marine life. Here you can meet reef sharks, rays, and even sea turtles.

Amanwana

Amanwana - Moyo Island

There are only a few accommodation options on the island, from simple guesthouses to luxurious eco-resorts. The most famous of them is Amanwana, a luxury resort offering glamping in stylish tents. It is a truly unique place for an idyllic holiday on the coast of the Flores Sea.

You can get to Moyo Island by boat or private speedboat from Sumbawa in about 45 minutes. In the village of Ai Bari you can rent fishing boats.

Amanwana

Trekking on Tambora volcano

Gunung Tambora is the center of one of the most powerful eruptions in human history. Climbing Tambora is a unique opportunity to sink into volcanic landscapes and walk along trails where nature recovered after the catastrophic event of 1815. At that time the eruption was equal in force to the release of several hydrogen bombs into the atmosphere. As a result, a huge crater about 6 kilometers in diameter and more than 1.2 kilometers deep formed at the top of the volcano.

The ascent begins in Calabai, a small logging town on the coast. This is a difficult three-day route, so a guide is required. The trail leads through dense tropical forests that gradually give way to sparse trees and shrubs as you approach the summit. On clear days, from the top you can see the whole island of Sumbawa, as well as the neighboring islands of Flores and Lombok.

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Bima, the historic city of Sumbawa

Bima is the largest city in the region. It was once the center of the sultanate of the same name, founded in the 17th century. Local culture is a mixture of Islamic customs and the traditional beliefs of the Bima people. Many historical monuments have been preserved in the city, including old mosques and royal buildings.

In the hills east of Bima there are several traditional villages where people fled while escaping Islamization in the 17th century. Donggo is the oldest of them. The local people follow a traditional animist religion. You will have a rare opportunity to get acquainted with their way of life.

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Kenawa Island, an uninhabited corner of Sumbawa

The most attractive tourist destination of Sumbawa has become little Kenawa Island. It is located in Poto Tano, West Sumbawa district. This uninhabited island is famous for its wide savannas. In the center of Kenawa there is a hill that tourists can climb in just 10 minutes to admire the local landscapes.

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Paserang Island and travel routes

After visiting Kenawa you can visit another exotic island. Paserang is located in Poto Tano, West Sumbawa district. There are two routes, on the western and eastern side. If you choose the western side, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of Mount Rinjani. And from the eastern side, the open blue ocean. The island has electric lighting and gazebos.

Maluk Beach

The third tourist attraction of Sumbawa that must be on your list is Maluk Beach. It is located in the Jereweh area, West Sumbawa district. This is a paradise for surfers. The beach is considered one of the best in the world. You can watch sea turtles in the reserve.

Gili Bedil, an island of white beaches

Gili Bedil is a small but stunningly beautiful island located in the eastern part of the archipelago, not far from the western coast of Sumbawa. It is a tropical paradise especially popular among lovers of calm holidays and nature. Gili Bedil is famous for its white sandy beaches and clear blue water. The beaches on the island, surrounded by coconut palms, create ideal conditions for rest and relaxation.

How to get to Sumbawa island

Take a short domestic flight from Bali to Lombok. Then you will have a two-hour car trip to the ferry. The ferry goes to the western coast of Sumbawa, and travel time is 2 hours.

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