
Whale Shark Encounters
Discover Sumbawa’s extraordinary marine wildlife, with respect for the animals and their space.
Explore this experienceWhale shark encounters · Island escapes
Whale shark encounters, island escapes and nature adventures — private and small-group journeys starting from Lombok.
A spotted whale shark swims below the ocean surface while a swimmer with fins is nearby. Original footage supplied by the Sumbawa Trip field team, recorded in Sumbawa, Indonesia. This presentation is silent.
Why visit Sumbawa?
Beyond Lombok lies an island with its own rhythm. Discover marine wildlife, small tropical islands, forest waterfalls and volcanic landscapes — with space to slow down and connect with local life.

Signature experiences

Discover Sumbawa’s extraordinary marine wildlife, with respect for the animals and their space.
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An island journey into forest landscapes and the natural pools of Mata Jitu.
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A small island escape, with open landscapes and time beside the sea.
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Explore a different side of Sumbawa, shaped by volcanic landscapes and the outdoors.
Explore this experienceOur initial tour route
One journey. A whole new island to discover.
Getting to Sumbawa
Our initial tour journeys begin in Lombok, continuing by road and the Kayangan–Poto Tano ferry connection to Sumbawa. We help you consider the transfers that bring the journey together.
Other gateways include domestic flights to Sumbawa. Routes and services should be checked for your travel dates.
About Sumbawa Trip
Sumbawa Trip is a destination travel brand operated by PT. Gerbang Wisata Indonesia. We bring local destination knowledge and thoughtful trip planning to journeys that respect nature and the people who call this island home.
Before you go
Sumbawa sits east of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Allow for travel across a large island.
Where is Sumbawa? →Our initial tours meet in Lombok. Domestic air routes offer other arrival options, subject to availability.
Plan your route →Sea, rainfall and mountain weather affect different activities. Check the conditions for each destination.
Choose your travel dates →Observe calmly. Do not touch, chase, ride, feed or obstruct whale sharks, and follow the local guide’s briefing.
Responsible encounters →Moyo, Kenawa and Saleh Bay involve different transfers. Build flexibility into a multi-day journey.
Plan a multi-day trip →Road journeys, ferry crossings and boat trips take time. Confirm logistics before booking onward travel.
Transport essentials →A few things to know
A good journey starts with clear expectations.
Sumbawa is an island in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, east of Lombok. It is a different island from Bali and takes additional travel to reach.
Our initial trips assemble in Lombok and continue by road to Kayangan Harbour, ferry to Poto Tano in Sumbawa, and onward by land. Other ways to reach Sumbawa include domestic flights, subject to current routes and availability.
No. Whale sharks are wild animals, and their presence, visibility and sea conditions vary. An encounter can never be guaranteed. Weather and sea conditions may affect trips. Follow local guides’ instructions and applicable local wildlife interaction rules. Do not touch, chase, ride, feed or obstruct whale sharks.
These destinations can be considered for a multi-day itinerary. They involve separate land and boat transfers, so allow time between stops and confirm feasibility for your dates, fitness and sea conditions.
Choose dates around the activities you want to do. Boat trips depend on wind and sea conditions, waterfalls on recent rainfall, and hiking on local access and weather. Ask for a destination-specific conditions check before confirming travel.
Tell your trip planner about your swimming ability and any relevant support needs before booking a marine activity. Confirm the equipment, supervision and entry conditions with your guide; do not enter the water beyond your ability.
A little wilder. A little closer to nature.
Explore extraordinary destinations and start planning your journey with Sumbawa Trip.
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