Stunning Sumbawa
Few visitors travel beyond the well-known neighbouring islands of Lombok in addition to also Bali, yet voyage a little eastwards in addition to also Sumbawa Island offers a peaceful escape via developed tourism areas. Lesser-known West Sumbawa reveals hidden coves, deserted beaches, in addition to also remote traditional villages with people living close to the land. Traditional villages perched high inside mountains provide perfect vantage points for soaking in dramatic sunsets in addition to also the stunning coastline. Sumbawa is usually a sprawling island with vast tracks of jagged peninsulas, volcanic mountains in addition to also idyllic, powdery white beaches, perfect for swimming.
The spectacular view of Gunung Tambora in North Sumbawa
Culture
Sumbawa is usually like two islands, divided by geography in addition to also language: Sumbawa inside West (Samawa ethnic group) in addition to also Bima (Mbojo ethnic group) to the East. The island has historical links with the Makassarese people of South Sulawesi in addition to also the Chinese who traded in these waters for hundreds of years.
Around 85 percent of Sumbawa’s terrain is usually mountainous. The plains yield prosperous crops in addition to also excellent returns to farmers who have long enjoyed the benefits of the fertile volcanic soil, enriched by the dramatic eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815. The Guinness Book of World Records describes This particular event as “the biggest volcanic eruption in modern history”. The top third of the mountain was blown off in addition to also over 150 cubic kilometres of rock in addition to also ash was showered across the valley.
Mount Tambora, North Sumbawa
Tambora belongs to two regencies; Bima in addition to also Dompu. The best way to get there is usually flying to Bima airport, in addition to also then operating to Pancasila village or Calabai village inside Dompu Regency. You then overnight in Calabai or Pancasila village, in addition to also begin your trekking to Mount Tambora. There are three route options. in which is usually necessary to plan all aspects of the trek in advance, in addition to also allow two days in addition to also one night via Pancasila or Calabai village.
The walk is usually for experienced climbers only in addition to also has its challenges. You must be physically fit in addition to also prepared for some discomfort in addition to also dangers. You will slash your way through virgin forest as the trail is usually not well worn, in addition to also, in fact, in 2009 only three groups climbed the mountain. Since records have been kept (2004), only 50 people per year have made the trek to the summit. The most powerful volcanic explosion of all time reduced the height of the mountain via 4,200 metres to 2,800 metres, in addition to also the sound of the explosion reached as far as Jakarta. This particular is usually a climbing adventure for the brave at heart.
Jelenga Beach (Scar Reef)
Surfers via all around the earth come here to surf the infamous left-hander, which can be surfed on any tide. Travelling around Sumbawa can be a bit on the fly, as many smaller hotels do not have reliable phone or internet connection. Travelling using a guide who has reliable contacts in addition to also local knowledge makes independent travel a whole lot easier.
We found a lovely little villa right on Jelenga Beach (located about 1.5 hours via Poto Tano). Scar Reef Beachfront Hotel includes a gorgeous tropical garden in which spills out onto a serene white sandy beach. The rooms are spacious in addition to also well appointed.
There was not another soul on the beach when we arrived, in addition to also This particular did not change for three days. I instantly found a hammock strung across a beach bale in addition to also settled in for a few days of swimming inside pristine warm waters. The only different people staying were surfers, who went out very early each morning, in addition to also were not seen again till late inside afternoon. The peace in addition to also quiet was just heavenly.
Jelenga Township is usually internet challenged, so one must be inventive if requiring communication with the outside world. This particular involved jumping on the back of one of the staff’s motorbikes after dinner in addition to also heading up to a nearby hill to get 3G reception, where even the local doctor was chatting to his girlfriend on the phone. You know you are far via tourism when you have experiences like This particular.
West Sumbawa’s Beaches
Sekongkang Beach is usually the most well-known surf spot, in addition to also nearby, Yoyo surf break attracts surfers via Australia to Hawaii. These beaches are located on the south-western part of West Sumbawa Regency in addition to also are a 35-minute drive via the nearest point of Maluk, or 1.5 hours via Taliwang.
For non-surfers, be sure to check out Maluk, a lovely beach located an hour’s drive via Taliwang. in which has the purest white sand in addition to also calm waters. Do not be surprised if you are the only one here. Exploring This particular West Sumbawa coastline is usually definitely worth a couple of days.
There are many examples of smaller low-key resort style accommodation in addition to also low-impact tourism. Rantung Beach Hotel has 12 guest rooms with ensuites. The beachfront cafe serves fresh Indonesian in addition to also Western cuisine. using a fresh juice or icy cold beer in hand, This particular is usually the perfect place to watch the sunset. Guided spearfishing in addition to also snorkelling are offered here in addition to also a great way to finish the day is usually to throw your catch of the day on the barbeque in addition to also watch the stars appear above you. Room rates here start at only US$15 a night.
Moyo Island
Moyo Island is usually located inside north of Sumbawa. The travel distance via Sumbawa Harbour is usually approximately 1.5 hours (by wooden boat) or 40 minutes by speedboat, or you can fly there via Bali. A stunning, mountainous island, Moyo is usually covered mostly by protected forests. The dense forest is usually home to a plethora of wildlife including deer, wild boar, wild cattle, monkeys, in addition to also various types of birds.
The island of Moyo claims to have some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indonesia, made famous by a visit via the late Lady Diana.
Insider
I met a local, Pak Hadi Zamzuri Al Mahsyat, via the Tourism in addition to also Creativity Economy Department of West Sumbawa Regency, who gave me some local insight into This particular region. “I love Totang Rasa Restaurant. An excellent choice for lunch or dinner,” he said when asked about his favourite place to eat. “Another favourite is usually Tanamira Restaurant, in addition to also if you like sweets in addition to also snacks call into Amat Loka inside afternoon for a traditional snack called Palopo.”
Pak Hadi explained there is usually no museum or gallery, in addition to also what draws most people to Taliwang are the buffalo in addition to also the local horse races. Held once every two weeks except for during Ramadan, people love to gather in addition to also enjoy these races. The races are held in different districts, in addition to also This particular organization looks after the scheduling. “Just check with me at the Tourism office in addition to also I can find out for you, or your local guide can advise.”
Local horse races attract visitors to Taliwang, Sumbawa
Fast Facts: West Sumbawa, Indonesia
Contacts:
Sumbawa Tour Guide in addition to also Driver – Pak Takwa
Email: takwasajidin@yahoo.com
Phone: +62 812 384 39828
West Sumbawa Regency Tourism – Pak Hadi
www.disparekraf.sumbawabaratkab.go.id
Email: agabergaz@yahoo.com
How to Get There:
By Boat: Public ferry via Lombok to Sumbawa departs daily via Labuan Kayangan (East Lombok) to Poto Tano (West Sumbawa). Travel time is usually two hours.
Places of Interest
Poto Tano: The harbour port town for ferries to in addition to also via Lombok.
Seran Village: Located 10km via Poto Tano, This particular is usually the location of a 1,000-year-old cemetery.
Mantar Village: Accessible by 4Wd – 1 hour via Poto Tano.
Mantar Paragliding with Pak Effendy Haris. Email: effendy_haris@yahoo.com or call: 081331728311
Jelenga Beach
Scar Reef Hotel: Snorkelling facilities, fishing, hiking in addition to also surfing. www.scarreefhotel.com
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Stunning Sumbawa
Stunning Sumbawa