10 EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN SUMBAWA

The island of Sumbawa has astonishing scenery that combines secluded bays, abundant vegetation and majestic volcanoes overlooking sapphire seas. Although it is one of the lesser visited Indonesian islands the watersport lovers love coming here to enjoy the mighty swell of the Indian Ocean.

And while the Australian surfers are trying to catch a big wave the Russian elite take advantage of the great potential of Sumbawa and relish a luxury at its best. Moyo Island has all you need.

Characteristic scenery in West Sumbawa

MOYO ISLAND

No one would expect this from the humble volcanic island of Sumbawa. Yet there is a good deal of luxury in this remote paradise. The private Moyo Island offers opulence on a grand scale – Amamnwana eco-resort is tucked beneath tropical rain forest in an idyllic seclusion, and it enjoys wonderful views.

The resort was built by the owner of Aman Resorts International – the multi-billionaire Vladislav Doronin, and indeed the facility manifests the Russian sense of sumptuousness.

Amamnwana eco-resort, Moyo Island (prices USD1000+ per night)

BEST BEACHES AND SURFING LOCATIONS

Sumbawa Besar is the capital city and it is OK to stay a day or two. Every visitor will surely want to head off to the south coast.

1.SOUTH-WEST  COAST- Sekongkang & Maluk are the twin-spots where the (ill)famed SuperSuck is located –  the famed shallow lefthand barrel where the waves reach 3-4 m high. Yoyo and Scar Reef are another two well-known sites of the world-class surf.  

Apart from great swells, Sekongkang Bay has got some reasonably cheap, safe and clean accommodation, e.g. Rantung Beach and Maluk Beach.

2.SOUTH-EAST COAST – the coastline of Dompu Province, near Hu`u has also got top-class surf breaks. Lakey Peak is probably the most visited part of the island, exclusively by surfers. Note that in the main surfing season, the place gets often fully booked.

3.NORTH-EAST – some of the roughest wave breaks are at the Beach of Wane, an hour from Bima, where you can stay

Maluk Beach, south-west Sumbawa

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN SUMBAWA 

1.Stroll through the local markets and taste the flavours of the Muslim food – the spice level in Sumbawa rises together with the ocean waves (every town has a small market – you choose!)

2.Tropical Beach – an idyllic, white beach with seaside resorts, beautiful coral reefs for snorkelling and diving

3.Swim in the refreshing Jereweh Waterfalls in the middle of the thick jungles of Sumbawa

4.Explore the countryside and forgotten villages of the island interior. The very strict Islamic community does not allow any married woman to uncover their face, except eyes.

5.Catch a wave in the Indian Ocean. There are numerous world-class surfing locations in Sumbawa, like Lakey Peak and Periscopes or the well-known YoYo & Scar Reef. SuperSuck is just for the brave ones really.

6.Pay a visit to the Sultan`s Palace in Bima and watch the regularly held dancing performances

7.Visit the isolated, yet ultra-posh private Moyo Island and stay in the remarkable Amanwana Resort if your budget allows (bookings in advance)

8.Become one of the very few mountaineers and climb through virgin jungles, steep slopes and ridges to make it up to the summit of the active volcano Gunung Tambora (2751 m), one of the deadliest volcanoes in the world (3-day long route with a local guide ONLY)

9.Go camping to the Kenawa Island (take a ferry from Poto Tano), there are good facilities for camping, magnificent sunsets and beaches

10.Visit the Donggo tribal villages on the slopes off Mount Soromandi (near Bima) – they will take you back to the prehistoric times!

The Jereweh Waterfalls

Find out more at: travelmarbles.com/australia/#1465102454522-e3765fbd-1d07

WHERE TO STAY

There are three main towns on Sumbawa and they are a common resting point for those undergoing the never-ending agonizing overland route from Lombok to Flores, Sumbawa Besar – the gateway to the resort island of Moyo, Bima and Sape. These towns have a good range of accommodation.

The famous YoYo Reef – one of the best surfing locations in Sumbawa

TRAVEL TIP

Sumbawa is strictly a Muslim realm and the inhabitants are not much familiar with other fashion styles, so every visitor should be advised to dress conservatively unless in the ocean.

You will need to get around by scooter and the majority of roads in Sumbawa are unsealed and they get washed away during heavy rainfalls and that makes travelling here impossible.

Sumbawa is home to many active volcanoes among which Gunung Tambora (2751 m) is the fiercest

WHEN TO TRAVEL

The main surfing season runs between May and October, during the dry season and most of the island becomes accessible.

HOW TO GET THERE

Overland route from Labuhan/Lombok by slow ferry to Sumbawa/Poto Tano

Overland route from Flores/Labuan Bajo by slow ferry to Sumbawa/Sape

Most of the surfers will want to fly to Denpasar/Bali to catch a flight to Mataram/Lombok, hop on a shuttle bus to Labuhan Lombok from where there is a fast boat to Maluk/Sumbawa (see https://www.garuda-indonesia.com/)

For all international flights check out www.skyscanner.com or www.momondo.com