Sumbawa, East of Lombok Island & West of Flores
Sumbawa, east of Lombok Island, lies quietly at the heart of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands. The island preserves a strong sense of identity through its languages, horsemanship, weaving, and close relationship with nature.
The Sumbawa area is 15,448 square kilometers, or 5,965 square miles (three times the size of Lombok), with a population of 1,669,787 in mid-2024.
What’s Sumbawa Island’s marine life special?
Whale sharks in Saleh Bay
One of Sumbawa’s highlights: whale sharks and fishing platforms.
Moyo Island Marine Area (Sumbawa Island, East Lombok)
- snorkeling and diving
- Calm bays with visibility often 20–30 meters
- Secluded beaches
Interesting Places in Sumbawa Worth Visiting:
Mount Tambora: A world-renowned volcano famous for its massive 1815 eruption. Today, it’s a great place for trekking, incredible views, and unique volcanic landscapes.
Saleh Bay: A large bay with calm waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and one of the few places in Sumbawa where you can spot whale sharks in their natural habitat.
Moyo Island: a paradise island with pristine beaches, great snorkeling/diving spots, and lush nature.
Mata Jitu Waterfall: A multi-tiered, scenic waterfall located inland on Moyo—wonderful for hiking and nature photos.
Lakey Beach & Huu Surf Spots: Sumbawa’s most famous surfing destinations are attracting surfers from around the world with consistent waves.
Kenawa Island: A small, picturesque, uninhabited island with white sandy beaches and clear waters—great for a day trip, photos, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Bungin Island: one of the most densely populated in the world, with an unusual cultural story.
Puncak Bukit Mantar: A scenic hill with sweeping views—especially magical at sunrise & for paragliding
Gili Bedil: Small tropical island perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.
Ai Manis Beach: A beautiful seaside outside Sumbawa Besar with clear blue water.
Gua Liang Petang: An adventurous cave near Sumbawa Besar that offers a bit of local history and spelunking fun, plus a refreshing bathing spot nearby.
Cultural and Local Experiences
- Dalam Loka Palace: Historical sultan’s palace in Sumbawa Besar.
- Traditional villages and markets: Explore local crafts like weaving and lively markets.