Sumbawa

Description

Sandwiched between Lombok and Flores, Sumbawa is one of Indonesia’s least understood islands—but one of its most rewarding for surfers, adventurers, and cultural explorers. With remote beaches, powerful surf breaks, volcanic peaks, and Sasak and Samawa traditions that still run deep, Sumbawa is all about raw experience. It’s not built for tourism. That’s the point.

This is the Indonesia you thought no longer existed—vast, beautiful, and still largely undiscovered.

Highlights

• Lakey Peak (Dompu): One of Indonesia’s top surf destinations. Powerful, consistent waves draw a small but dedicated crowd of surfers from around the world.

• Mount Tambora: Site of the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history (1815), Tambora is now a scenic trekking destination with dramatic craters, highland views, and serious off-grid appeal.

• Moyo Island: A nature reserve off the north coast, famous for pristine waterfalls, jungle trails, and the exclusive Amanwana Resort—a hideaway for those seeking barefoot luxury.

• Traditional Villages: Discover the customs of the Samawa people, known for their wooden stilt houses, horse culture, and oral poetry. Visit inland areas like Sumbawa Besar or Bima for a deeper cultural dive.

• Kenawa Island: A picture-perfect uninhabited island with clear waters, grassy hills, and excellent snorkeling—easily accessible from Poto Tano.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sumbawa is during the dry season from May to October, especially for surfing, trekking, and boat trips.

• May to October (dry season): Consistent waves for surfers at Lakey Peak and Scar Reef, clearer skies for trekking Mount Tambora, and calm seas for island-hopping. This is the most reliable window for travel logistics and outdoor activities.

• November to April (wet season): Rainfall can affect road access, especially to remote areas like Tambora and inland villages. That said, Moyo and Kenawa are still beautiful, and you’ll see lush green landscapes with far fewer visitors.

Festival Tip: Barapan Kebo, the traditional water buffalo racing event, is held around Dompu and Bima during planting season. It’s loud, muddy, and 100% local.

How to get there?

The best time to visit Sumbawa is during the dry season from May to October, especially for surfing, trekking, and boat trips.

• May to October (dry season): Consistent waves for surfers at Lakey Peak and Scar Reef, clearer skies for trekking Mount Tambora, and calm seas for island-hopping. This is the most reliable window for travel logistics and outdoor activities.

• November to April (wet season): Rainfall can affect road access, especially to remote areas like Tambora and inland villages. That said, Moyo and Kenawa are still beautiful, and you’ll see lush green landscapes with far fewer visitors.

Festival Tip: Barapan Kebo, the traditional water buffalo racing event, is held around Dompu and Bima during planting season. It’s loud, muddy, and 100% local.