Sumbawa is an island in Indonesia that offers a wealth of natural beauty, adventure, culture, and exclusivity. It is a perfect destination for travellers who are looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience in one of the most diverse and stunning countries in the world.
Whether you are into surfing, diving, wildlife, history, or luxury, Sumbawa has something for you. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you should visit Sumbawa, what to do and see in Sumbawa, when to go and how to get to Sumbawa, and where to stay and relax in Sumbawa. Let’s dive in!
Sumbawa’s Natural Beauty
Sumbawa is blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes and scenery in Indonesia. From volcanoes and lakes to islands and beaches, Sumbawa will take your breath away with its diverse and dramatic natural wonders. Here are some of the places you should not miss when you visit Sumbawa:
Mount Tambora: This is the site of the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history, which occurred in 1815 and caused a global climate change. Today, you can hike to the crater rim and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. You can also visit the nearby villages and learn about the local culture and history.
Lakey Peak: This is one of the most famous surfing spots in the world, attracting surfers from all over the globe. The peak offers consistent and powerful waves that break over a shallow reef. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the beach and the ocean from the shore or from the nearby hills.
Satonda Island: This is a small island that was formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. The island features a saltwater lake that is believed to have magical powers. You can swim or snorkel in the lake and admire the colourful corals and fish. You can also explore the island and see the ancient trees and the flying foxes.
Moyo Island: This is a larger island that is home to a national park that protects a variety of wildlife and flora. You can go on a safari and spot deer, wild boar, monkeys, birds, and more. You can also visit the waterfalls and the caves that dot the island. Moyo Island is also a popular diving destination, with pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Sumbawa’s Surfing Paradise
Sumbawa is a surfer’s dream destination, with some of the best surfing spots and waves in Indonesia. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will find a wave that suits your level and style. Sumbawa’s surfing season runs from April to October, when the swell is consistent and the wind is favourable. Here are some of the surfing spots you should check out when you visit Sumbawa:
Lakey Peak: As mentioned above, this is the most famous and popular surfing spot in Sumbawa, with a world-class wave that breaks both left and right. The wave is fast and hollow, and can reach up to 10 feet in height. The best time to surf here is during the high tide, when the reef is covered by water. Lakey Peak is suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, who can enjoy the thrill and the challenge of this wave.
Periscopes: This is another surfing spot near Lakey Peak, with a right-hand wave that breaks over a shallow reef. The wave is shorter and less crowded than Lakey Peak, but still offers a fun and exciting ride. The wave is best during the mid to high tide, when the water is deep enough to avoid the reef. Periscopes is suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, who can enjoy the speed and the barrel of this wave.
Nungas: This is a surfing spot on the east coast of Sumbawa, with a long and consistent left-hand wave that breaks over a sandy bottom. The wave is smooth and mellow, and can reach up to 6 feet in height. The best time to surf here is during the low to mid tide, when the wave is not too shallow or too deep. Nungas is suitable for beginner to intermediate surfers, who can enjoy the long and easy ride of this wave.
Scar Reef: This is a surfing spot on the west coast of Sumbawa, with a powerful and hollow left-hand wave that breaks over a coral reef. The wave is one of the best in Indonesia, and can reach up to 15 feet in height. The best time to surf here is during the mid to high tide, when the water is deep enough to avoid the reef. Scar Reef is suitable for advanced to expert surfers, who can enjoy the adrenaline and the beauty of this wave.
Sumbawa’s Diving Adventures
Sumbawa is a diver’s paradise, with some of the best diving sites and marine life in Indonesia. Whether you are into coral reefs, fish, turtles, sharks, or manta rays, you will find a dive site that will amaze you. Sumbawa’s diving season runs all year round, but the best time to dive is from April to November, when the visibility is good and the water is calm. Here are some of the diving sites you should visit when you visit Sumbawa:
Satonda Island: As mentioned above, this is a small island that features a saltwater lake and a coral reef. You can dive in both the lake and the reef, and see the different types of corals and fish that inhabit them. The lake is shallow and clear, and has a unique ecosystem that is influenced by the volcanic activity. The reef is deeper and more colourful, and has a variety of fish, such as clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and more.
Moyo Island: As mentioned above, this is a larger island that features a national park and a coral reef. You can dive in the reef, and see the diverse and abundant marine life that lives there. The reef is well-preserved and healthy, and has a range of fish, such as snapper, grouper, barracuda, trevally, and more. You can also see turtles, sharks, rays, and dolphins, depending on the season and the luck.
Sangeang Island: This is a volcanic island that is located north of Sumbawa, and is part of the Komodo National Park. You can dive in the waters around the island, and see the spectacular and unique underwater scenery that is created by the volcanic activity. The water is warm and bubbly, and has a black sand bottom that contrasts with the colourful corals and fish. You can see fish, such as anthias, damselfish, triggerfish, and more. You can also see critters, such as nudibranchs, seahorses, frogfish, and more.
Sumbawa’s Wildlife Wonders
Sumbawa is a wildlife lover’s heaven, with some of the most unique and diverse wildlife and flora in Indonesia. From Komodo dragons and Sumbawa horses to deer and birds, Sumbawa will delight you with its variety and beauty of animals and plants. The best time to see the wildlife in Sumbawa is from April to October, when the weather is dry and the animals are more active. Here are some of the wildlife and flora you should not miss when you visit Sumbawa:
Komodo dragons: These are the largest and most famous lizards in the world, and are endemic to Indonesia. You can see them in the Komodo National Park, which includes Sangeang Island and some other islands near Sumbawa. You can join a guided tour and observe these majestic and ancient creatures in their natural habitat. You can also learn about their behaviour, diet, and conservation status.
Sumbawa horses: These are a breed of small and sturdy horses that are native to Sumbawa. They are used by the local people for transportation, farming, and racing. You can see them in the rural areas of Sumbawa, where they roam freely or are kept by the villagers. You can also ride them and experience the local culture and lifestyle.
Deer: These are a species of deer that are found in Sumbawa and some other islands in Indonesia. They are also known as rusa deer or Sunda sambar. They are herbivorous and nocturnal, and live in the forests and grasslands. You can see them in the national parks and reserves in Sumbawa, such as Moyo Island and Tambora. You can also see them on the beaches and the roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
Birds: These are a variety of birds that are found in Sumbawa and some other islands in Indonesia. They are colourful and vocal, and add to the charm and diversity of Sumbawa. You can see them in the forests and gardens in Sumbawa, where they feed and nest. You can also hear them sing and call, especially in the morning and evening. Some of the birds you can see in Sumbawa are the yellow-crested cockatoo, the olive-backed sunbird, the white-breasted woodswallow, and more.
Orchids: These are a type of flowering plants that are found in Sumbawa and some other islands in Indonesia. They are beautiful and fragrant, and come in different shapes, sizes, and colours. You can see them in the forests and gardens in Sumbawa, where they grow and bloom. You can also buy them as souvenirs or gifts, as they are popular and symbolic in Indonesia. Some of the orchids you can see in Sumbawa are the dendrobium, the vanda, the phalaenopsis, and more.
Sumbawa’s Culture and History
Sumbawa is a cultural enthusiast’s delight, with a rich and fascinating culture and history that spans centuries and influences. From the Bima Sultanate and the Tambora eruption to the traditional villages and the festivals, Sumbawa will educate and entertain you with its cultural and historical heritage. Here are some of the places and events you should not miss when you visit Sumbawa:
Bima Sultanate:
This was a powerful and influential Islamic kingdom that ruled over Sumbawa and some other islands from the 17th to the 20th century. You can visit the former palace of the sultan, which is now a museum that displays the royal artifacts, such as weapons, jewellery, costumes, and manuscripts. You can also see the mosque and the tomb of the sultan, which are examples of the local architecture and art.
Tambora eruption:
This was the largest and most devastating volcanic eruption in recorded history, which occurred in 1815 and caused a global climate change. You can visit the site of the eruption, which is now a national park that preserves the natural and cultural heritage of the area. You can also learn about the impact and the aftermath of the eruption, which affected millions of people and ecosystems around the world.
Traditional villages:
These are the villages that still maintain the traditional way of life and culture of the local people, who belong to different ethnic groups, such as the Sumbawa, the Bima, the Mbojo, and the Samawa. You can visit the villages and see the typical houses, which are made of wood, bamboo, and thatch. You can also interact with the villagers and learn about their customs, beliefs, and crafts.
Festivals: These are the celebrations and ceremonies that mark the religious and cultural occasions of the local people, who follow Islam and animism. You can join the festivals and witness the rituals, performances, and festivities that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of Sumbawa. Some of the festivals you can see in Sumbawa are the Maulid Nabi, the Bau Nyale, the Sape Festival, and more.
Sumbawa’s Exclusivity and Luxury
Sumbawa is a perfect getaway for those who seek privacy and comfort, with some of the most exclusive and luxurious resorts and villas in Indonesia. Whether you want to relax on a private beach, enjoy a spa treatment, or indulge in a gourmet meal, Sumbawa has something for you. Here are some of the places you should stay and relax when you visit Sumbawa:
Amanwana:
This is a luxury resort that is located on Moyo Island, and is part of the prestigious Aman group. The resort offers 20 spacious and elegant tents that are equipped with all the modern amenities and overlook the ocean or the forest. The resort also offers a range of activities and services, such as diving, snorkeling, sailing, hiking, spa, dining, and more.
Moyo Island eco-lodge:
This is an eco-friendly lodge that is located on Moyo Island, and is part of the Wild Frontiers group. The lodge offers 10 simple and cozy bungalows that are made of natural materials and blend with the environment. The lodge also offers a range of activities and services, such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife watching, yoga, dining, and more.
Private villas:
These are the villas that are located on various parts of Sumbawa, and offer a high level of privacy and comfort. The villas vary in size, style, and price, but they all offer a stunning view of the sea or the mountains. The villas also offer a range of facilities and amenities, such as swimming pool, jacuzzi, kitchen, living room, garden, and more.
Sumbawa is a hidden gem of Indonesia that deserves to be discovered and explored by more travellers. It offers a unique and diverse experience that will satisfy your curiosity and adventure. Whether you are into nature, surfing, diving, wildlife, culture, or luxury, Sumbawa has something for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Sumbawa today and enjoy the beauty and the charm of this island. You can contact us at Tripoto and we will help you plan your perfect Sumbawa vacation.
We are experts in creating customized and memorable trips that suit your needs and preferences. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned more about Sumbawa. Thank you for reading and happy travels!