Whale shark encounters · Island escapes

DiscoverSumbawa.

Whale shark encounters, island escapes and nature adventures — private and small-group journeys starting from Lombok.

Sumbawa · Indonesia · Original field footage
From our field team, in Sumbawa00:12

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.

Whale Shark EncountersTropical IslandsWaterfalls & NatureVolcanic LandscapesLocal Culture

Why visit Sumbawa?

A Hidden Gem
in Eastern Indonesia

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.

Nature
at its heart
Local
perspectives
Room to
explore
Learn More About Sumbawa
Dry grassy headland beside blue water, with islands and distant hills in Sumbawa
Coastal and island scenery in SumbawaPhoto: vherliann · Unsplash License · edited

Signature experiences

Unforgettable Adventures in Sumbawa

View All Experiences
A whale shark and a swimmer underwater in Sumbawa, from the field team’s original footage
01 / SALEH BAY

Whale Shark Encounters

Discover Sumbawa’s extraordinary marine wildlife, with respect for the animals and their space.

Explore this experience

Our initial tour route

LombokAssembly & road transfer
Alas StraitKayangan → Poto Tano
SumbawaContinue your adventure

One journey. A whole new island to discover.

Getting to Sumbawa

Your Journey to
Sumbawa Starts Here

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

Local Expertise.
Authentic Experiences.

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.

Destination knowledgeThoughtful planning, grounded in the place.
Human connectionsRespect for local people and culture.
Responsible travelCare for wildlife and natural spaces.

Before you go

A Little Knowledge.
A Better Adventure.

Find your bearings

Sumbawa sits east of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Allow for travel across a large island.

Where is Sumbawa? →

Choose your gateway

Our initial tours meet in Lombok. Domestic air routes offer other arrival options, subject to availability.

Plan your route →

Travel with the conditions

Sea, rainfall and mountain weather affect different activities. Check the conditions for each destination.

Choose your travel dates →

Give wildlife space

Observe calmly. Do not touch, chase, ride, feed or obstruct whale sharks, and follow the local guide’s briefing.

Responsible encounters →

Leave time between adventures

Moyo, Kenawa and Saleh Bay involve different transfers. Build flexibility into a multi-day journey.

Plan a multi-day trip →

Think beyond the map

Road journeys, ferry crossings and boat trips take time. Confirm logistics before booking onward travel.

Transport essentials →

A few things to know

Your Questions,
Answered.

A good journey starts with clear expectations.

Where is Sumbawa?

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.

How do I reach Sumbawa from Lombok?

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.

Are whale shark sightings guaranteed?

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.

Can I combine whale sharks, Moyo and Kenawa?

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.

When should I visit Sumbawa?

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.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

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.

Your Sumbawa Adventure Begins Here.

Explore extraordinary destinations and start planning your journey with Sumbawa Trip.

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