Top Things to do in Sumbawa
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What to do and see in Sumbawa, Indonesia: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Sumbawa, Indonesia including Tambora Hiking by VISITTAMBORA, Kenawa Island, Moyo Island, Paserang Island, Firman Surflessons & Guiding, Lakey Peak Surfing, Gili Bola (Bedil Island), Museum Asi Mbojo, Batu Bulan Dams, Kencana Beach.
Restaurants in Sumbawa
1. Tambora Hiking by VISITTAMBORA
Overall Ratings
5 based on 31 reviews
Mount Tambora, before the year 1815 it was the highest volcano in Indonesia and after the largest eruption in written history in 1815 it now has the deepest Caldera in the world. We are Tambora's hiking organisation. We pick you up from the airport, provide meals and accommodation, Porters and camping equipment and show you the stunning views from the rim of the crater. Like it more extreme? We can lead you down to the base of the Caldera.
Reviewed By Rick E - Kennewick, Washington
My wife and I recently climbed Mt. Tambora (28/07 - 30/07) with VisitTambora. We booked the 3d/2n package and had a truly wonderful experience. From our initial contact with Rik (owner) via email, the entire process was turn-key and flawless. Rik is a tremendous wealth of local information and from the beginning had helpful ideas facilitating our transportation needs.
Originating in Sumbawa Besar, based upon Rik’s recommendation, we went to Tambora via Moyo Island, which ended up saving us considerable overland time had we gone via the road system. It also allowed us to relax on the beautiful island of Moyo for a few days. Rik arranged for a boat to pick us up from Moyo Island which took us directly to Chala Bay on the Tambora Mainland side. Rik had arranged for us to be picked up at the dock and shuttled to the Park Service headquarters where we completed our registration process. Once completed an awaiting Ojek took us to Rik's guesthouse for our pre-climb debrief.
The next morning we were instantly greeted with cups of Rik’s homegrown/roasted coffee and a hearty breakfast. Minutes later our guides/porters arrived and we headed out on our trek. For the next three days and two nights we were treated to delicious more than you could eat meals, a comfortable camp set-up and a competent guide which directed us to the summit.
Overall the experience was one we will not forget. It is rare that a trip from start to finish is as turn-key and enjoyable as our experience was with VisitTambora. As Mt. Tambora is off the beaten path, it is comforting to know all of the details will be worked out prior to each step of your journey. We would highly recommend VisitTambora when climbing Mt. Tambora - it is truly a first class operation.
2. Kenawa Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Gilang90 - Bali, Indonesia
This is a savanna island, located 15 minutes by boat from Pototano port of Sumbawa. Yo can camp here but there is no clean water and any stall serve food, you definitely must bring your own. A beautiful coral underwater and clean water, you can take a photo in a small bridge at port of kenawa.
3. Moyo Island
4. Paserang Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Aslesa - Denpasar, Indonesia
Most beautiful Beaches i've ever been, many snorkling spots, there's a small hill you can hike with beautiful view. I was visited this island when the island is inhibited, but dont worry, the local goverment builds few cottages and facilities along the island now, hope it's going to open next year so you dont need bring tents to spent the night in this tiny island. It's not far from Lombok island, and great runaway from hectic tourism spots.
5. Firman Surflessons & Guiding
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Toshiaki A
Firman was our surf guide while we were in Bali. He was always on time to pick us up to take us to our surf destination which he chose based on our skill level and conditions for the day. Just overall a chill and flexible dude that will accommodate to your needs and just wants to make sure you have a good time. He will make sure you understand the break and paddle out/set you up in the right spots and instruct you when and where to go. A really good surfer and he was amazing with the go pro and will easily be able to follow you with the camera. Guaranteed you will have a good experience with him as your guide.
6. Lakey Peak Surfing
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By nathalie m - Perth, Australia
So it's definately a surf camp but very friendly locals, speaking more English than most bits of Indonesia.
We have two kids aged 3 and 7.
Stayed at Amangati in one of their houses- book it direct through hotel not agent and for $100AUD per day including breakfast we had a small cottage, fridge. No kitchen but the manager( lovely lady from Bali said I could use kitchen anytime to cook for kids) that's coz we usually bring fave Ozzie breakfast cereals, bit of instant mash and couscous in case kids get sick of indo food. Pool at Amangati fine for kids, some other guests seemed to complain that it got extra chlorine and therefore closed a few hours after busy with locals on weekends.
Best restaurant was Tutis, recently opened, kids begged to return for the food. Amangati restaurant useful as they served anything off the menu in restaurant as room service to our lounge room( awesome to sit in your own place if kids have been out all day and want aircon and not fit for restaurant for dinner ) some waves to suit little people learning to surf as well.
Lots of waves for Dad, very relaxing for Mum. Definately a winner family holiday if you can make you own fun beyond Surfing.
7. Gili Bola (Bedil Island)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By bayusuteja - Mataram, Indonesia
Went here on a tour with Kencana Adventure Komodo Trip, the island is so small, with diameter just around 700 meters. Has a white sand all over the island, and in the center grows many Coconut trees.
There is a couple who stay there during daylight, they sell young coconut and some instant noodles. The price for the coconut is less then 1 USD or 10.000 rupiahs.
The beach was lovely, and you can snorkel there, but be aware because the current is quite strong in the middle. Rarely people go here, so the island and the coral still consider a virgin.
Tips:
1. Bring money, the couple is poor and old, you can help them by buying the coconut. It taste good also.
2. If you are an amateur snorkel, you may need a guide.
3. Dont litter in the island.
8. Museum Asi Mbojo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Lanyp - Jakarta, Indonesia
I always love to come to this kind of place, they have their own stories to tell that the book of history at your school never mentioned and I was very lucky to meet such a wonderful staff that willing to explain all the things that inside the museum
1st floor had a lot of handicrafts, Keris (local weapon that also stated on one’s status), tools and also the crown that was made from golds with lots of diamonds (although they only show the picture of it ), old manuscript and steam tools that even the Dutch itself didn’t know about it (they presume it was a little canon since it really do look like canon with a rather small size)
2nd floor was the bedroom of sultan family and guest (1st Indonesia president had stayed here before), bathroom, servant room and throne area. It was amazing because it’s far from luxury images that I had when I saw all of the gold downstairs
9. Batu Bulan Dams
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Old S
As you leave the city, the countryside opens up and huge open spaces create a lovely contrast to the busy towns. A lake stretches through the Valleys and is held together by the dams. Fishing huts sit delicately on the lake and herds of cows move slowly around the edge, grazing at the arid land where possible. It is peaceful, we did not see any other people during our visit here!
If you want to know more about indonesia:
http://oldsolestories.com/tales/
10. Kencana Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Anthony S - Coombabah, Australia
A very quiet beach 15 minutes drive from town. The beach is at the front of the Kencana Hotel and is visited by the locals on the weekend. Has a great atmosphere. Food and drink is available from hotel and good prices. The beach is the best to walk along as it has a lot of coral that you have to walk along. As usual with most Beaches in Indonesia there is a lot of rubbish on it. However it is good to snorkel and swim at as it is very calm
