Sumbawa Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Travel Guide
Arrange a boat charter from Ai Bari harbor, a short drive from Sumbawa Besar. The boat trip takes approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the boat type and sea conditions. Boats from larger resorts on Moyo are also an option.
Organized tours usually include boat transfer, snorkeling at various spots, and a visit to Mata Jitu Waterfall, a practical method to travel. Independent travel is an option for greater flexibility but more planning, requiring boat charter arrangements and potentially a local guide on the island.
Sumbawa's natural landscape offers abundant outdoor excursion possibilities.
Charter a boat from Calabai village, near the Mount Tambora national park entrance; this is the closest departure point. Longer boat journeys from Sumbawa Besar are also possible.
Take a short boat ride from Poto Tano ferry terminal in West Sumbawa (where ferries from Lombok arrive). The ride takes around 15-20 minutes.
Sumbawa serves as an ideal stepping stone for exploring more of the Lesserer Sunda Islands.
A popular extension, Lombok has diverse attractions. North Lombok features Mount Rinjani. Central Lombok has waterfalls and heritage villages. South Lombok features pristine, rugged beaches.
Many travelers consider this an almost required extension. A Fishing town in indonesia, on Flores, is the gateway to Komodo National Park, location of the Komodo dragons.
Regular public ferries provide the most common and cost-effective connection between islands. Domestic flights also connect Sumbawa's airports to Lombok and Bali.
Lombok contrasts Sumbawa's quietude with more developed tourism infrastructure and diverse attractions.
Explore the unique wildlife and marine wonders of Komodo National Park from Labuan Bajo.
Stay connected during your Sumbawa visit with these speaking insights.
Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo, and XL Axiata are Indonesia's main mobile operators. Telkomsel typically has the best coverage, especially in Sumbawa's rural and remote areas.
Wi-Fi is available in most mid-range to luxury accommodations, and some coffee shops or restaurants in larger towns like Sumbawa Besar or Bima. Connectivity can be slow or intermittent, especially in remote areas.
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. English is spoken by staff in surf camps and higher-end resorts. Proficiency among locals outside these tourist areas is still restricted.
Learning a few basic Indonesian phrases is valued by locals.
Knowing typical operating hours for businesses and services on Sumbawa will enhance your travel plans.
A handshake is common. Men shake hands with men, women with women. When greeting someone of the opposite sex, a polite nod or placing your hand over your chest demonstrates respect.
Use your right hand for eating or handing items. The left hand is unclean. Tipping is not generally expected in local warungs.
Be aware of cultural sensitivities to ensure respectful interactions.
Navigating social interactions thoughtfully creates positive experiences.
Indonesia is generally conservative, especially outside of major international tourist enclaves like Bali.
Public displays of affection for same-sex couples are not advised. Respect local customs regarding gender roles, especially in rural areas.
Travelers should dress modestly and conduct themselves respectfully to avoid unwanted attention.
Awareness of local sensibilities fosters positive interactions.
Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges remains very limited in Sumbawa.
Many attractions, especially natural sites, require walking over difficult terrain. Waterfalls, beaches with unpaved access roads, or trekking routes are examples.
Few, if any, formally accessible attractions or transportation options exist. Public transport vehicles are not accessible for wheelchairs.
Dedicated services or infrastructure for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are not available.
Sumbawa has an unique Indonesian island adventure.
Discover deep connections with the culture away from common tourist paths.
Unspoiled landscapes and sea environments await exploration.
