Sumbawa Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Travel Guide
These places are the heart of Sumbawa's appeal, drawing visitors with their unique characteristics.
From world-renowned surf breaks to a historically significant grand house and a colossal volcano, Sumbawa's landmarks present diverse exploration opportunities.
Plan your trek for the dry season (April-October) for clearer paths, better views, and safer conditions. This trek is physically demanding and calls for good fitness. Wear suitable hiking gear and bring ample water.
Formal, excavated archaeological sites are limited. Some small, unexcavated ruins or markers of historical significance exist in remote areas, mainly of local interest. These are not typically part of standard tourist itineraries.
Sumbawa Besar, around the Sultan's Palace, retains traditional architecture. Bima, a former sultanate, has colonial-era buildings and the Bima Sultanate Palace (Museum Asi Mbojo).
Numerous mosques dot the island. Visitors are welcome but must dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and remove shoes. Traditional gravesites or sacred natural sites hold spiritual meaning for local communities.
Small local monuments exist throughout Sumbawa, commemorating historical events or local heroes, but they typically hold significance mainly for local communities.
Sumbawa's tourism mainly focuses on natural beauty and cultural experiences. Industrial or armed forces heritage sites are not a main focus for tourism.
Sumbawa excels in offering diverse and pristine natural beauty.
Formal parks and extensive public gardens are limited. The natural landscape of Sumbawa itself, specifically its mountains, coastlines, and islands, serves as the main attraction.
Mount Tambora Caldera: A breathtaking natural wonder, accessible via a challenging trek. Moyo Island: A protected nature reserve. Satonda Island: A unique volcanic island featuring a saltwater lake.
Moyo Island: Home to wild deer, wild pig, macaque monkeys, and various bird species. Saleh Bay: Famous for whale shark sightings, especially between April and October. Tour operators offer trips to swim with these gentle giants. Book wildlife tours here.
Volcanic Landscapes: Mount Tambora and Satonda Island showcase dramatic volcanic formations and calderas. Dramatic Coastlines: The southern coast of Sumbawa, facing the Indian Ocean, features dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and sweeping bays shaped by ocean forces.
Lakey Beach: Famous for its surf. Maluk Beach: Another well-liked surf beach. Jelenga Beach: A beautiful, often quiet beach in West Sumbawa. Ai Manis Beach: Near Sumbawa Besar. Many secluded, unnamed beaches stretch along Sumbawa''s seashore, accessible by scooter or private car.
Mata Jitu Waterfall (Moyo Island): A multi-tiered waterfall on Moyo Island, known for its clear turquoise pools. Barry's Boulders (Moyo Island): Unique rock formations. Saleh Bay: A vast bay, with calm waters ideal for boat trips, snorkeling, and whale shark encounters.
A beautiful, lesser-known waterfall in West Sumbawa, needing a bit of a trek for a refreshing reward.
A small, picturesque island a short boat ride from Poto Tano. It features an iconic grassy hill, white sand beaches, and clear waters, perfect for stunning photos.
Sumbawa holds many lesser-known treasures awaiting discovery.
Sumbawa's diverse landscapes and cultural richness present unique photo opportunities for every traveler.
From sweeping volcanic vistas to serene waterfalls and candid moments of local life, the island is a photographer's dream.
Mount Tambora's Rim: The expansive views of the caldera at sunrise or sunset offer dramatic photographic opportunities. Capture the vastness and the unique geological formations.
Mata Jitu Waterfall: The multi-tiered falls with turquoise pools present a beautiful natural backdrop. Ideal for serene nature shots.
Kenawa Island: The iconic grassy hill on Kenawa Island has an unique, minimalist landscape, especially at sunset. Perfect for wide-angle and silhouette shots.
Traditional Villages: Opportunities to capture local life, traditional houses, and the warmth of the Sumbawan people (always ask permission first).
To maximize your exploration of Sumbawa's attractions and natural wonders, consider booking tours and experiences.
Secure entry to Sumbawa's key attractions and sites in advance. Find tickets on GetYourGuide.
Explore Moyo Island, Satonda Island, or go on a whale shark tour in Saleh Bay. Book your island excursions.
Organize treks to Mount Tambora or other adventure activities. Plan your adventure tours.
This serves as a significant gateway to and from Sumbawa, connecting to Lombok and different islands. It provides a bustling hub of activity.
View ferry optionsLocated in eastern Sumbawa, this terminal is the main connection point for journeys to Flores, including Komodo National Park.
Explore connections to FloresThe main airport for West Sumbawa, offering domestic flights. It makes air travel to the region possible.
Search flightsServes as the airport for Eastern Sumbawa, providing domestic air links. Important for reaching Mount Tambora and eastern regions.
Find flights to BimaA staging point for Mount Tambora treks, offering local guides and basic amenities for climbers.
Arrange Tambora treksDiscover the distinctive coastal features and hidden coves that line Sumbawa's shores.
Beyond the main island, discover smaller, pristine islands perfect for day trips and exploration.
Always seek area recommendations for safety and to respect local customs when visiting less-traveled areas or engaging with communities.
Be mindful of environmental impact and leave no trace during your adventures.
Sumbawa holds many lesser-known treasures awaiting discovery.
Air Terjun Sekongkang Bawah (Sekongkang Waterfall): A beautiful, lesser-known waterfall in West Sumbawa, needing a bit of a trek for a refreshing reward.
Visiting traditional villages (e.g., Desa Pamulung, Desa Mantar) provides a glimpse into local Sumbawan culture, daily life, plus heritage crafts like weaving (tenun). This experience calls for area recommendations and respectful interaction.
A small, picturesque island located a short boat ride from Poto Tano (the ferry terminal in West Sumbawa). It features an iconic grassy hill, white sand beaches, and clear waters.
A true hidden gem for tranquil beauty.
Many secluded shores, local swimming holes, plus tinier waterfalls are known mainly to locals.
Authentic experiences away from typical tourist routes.
Areas beyond the main surf breaks slowly gain attention for eco-tourism and cultural experiences, as infrastructure gradually improves.
Discover Sumbawa's evolving tourism landscape.
Expansive views of the caldera at sunrise or sunset offer dramatic photographic opportunities.
The multi-tiered falls with turquoise pools present a stunning natural backdrop.
The iconic grassy hill on Kenawa Island has an unique, minimalist landscape, especially at sunset.
