Best things to do in Sumbawa
Some of the best surf in the world can be found off the coast of Sumbawa but there are plenty of things to do on the island. Non-surfers can trek through forests, snorkel off the south coast of Pulau Moyo or view ancient stone sarcophagi.
#1 Surf at Hu'u Beach
Due south of Dompu is Hu’u. Better known amongst surfers as ‘lakeys’, it offers superlative waves on the outlying reefs at Periscopes, Nangas, Lakey Peak, Lakey Pipe, and Cobblestones.
The main beach in front of the Lakey Peak surf break has beautiful white sand, and at low tide, there is good reef walking. Swimming and snorkelling are possible in small inlets.
#2 See large stone sarcophagi at Batu Tering
The hills east of Sumbawa Besar contain large stone sarcophagi, carved in low relief with human forms and crocodiles.
Batu Tering, about 29km (18 miles) south of Sumbawa Besar, has megaliths said to be the royal tombs of ancient chiefs of a Neolithic culture that thrived about 2,000 years ago.
About 2km (1.25 miles) beyond is Liang Petang (Dark Cave), with stalactites and stalagmites resembling humans and weaving looms.
#3 See the waterfalls of Palau Moyo
Travelling west from Sumbawa Besar brings you to Pulau Moyo. Two-thirds of the island is a game reserve to protect the island’s deer, banteng wild ox, 21 bat species and wild boars.
The flora here ranges from savannah to dense jungle containing teak, tamarind and banyan trees. There are two waterfalls; the one near Labuan Aji village is an easier trek.
South of the island the water is crystal clear and the reefs undisturbed, ideal for snorkellers and divers, with a white-sand beach opposite the island at Tanjung Manis.
#4 Climb Gunung Tambora
Serious trekkers may want to ascend Gunung Tambora. In 1815, some 100 cu km (25 cu miles) of debris were ejected into the atmosphere with a force equivalent to that of several hydrogen bombs, creating ‘the year without summer’ in 1816.
Located on the northern peninsula of Sumbawa, the gaping, 2,821-metre (9,250ft) high caldera offers spectacular views on a clear day. The ascent begins at Calabai, a small logging town on the coast. It is a very difficult three-day climb and a guide is essential.
#5 Watch a pencak silat (martial arts) performance at Bima
At Bima, if there is a festival going on, you may catch pencak silat (martial arts) and other dance performances at the sultan’s palace.
At the pasar (local market), you’ll see women wearing colourful headscarves that are unique to this region; unmarried women must cover everything except their eyes.
There are several traditional villages in the hills east of Bima, where traces of pre-Islamic belief systems endure. Donggo is the main settlement. Women here still weave indigo cloth, from which they make their traditional clothing.
#6 Spend the day at Sekongkang beach
On the west coast from Taliwang south to Sekongkang beach (familiarly called Yo-Yo’s), the scenic coastline has superb white-sand beaches.
There is prime surfing at Scar Reef near Jereweh, at Supersucks near Maluk, and at Yo-Yo’s on the south coast.
Where to stay in Sumbawa and around
As a surfing magnet, travellers tend to stay around the best breaks in Sumbawa, though accommodation on the island is somewhat basic unless you're staying at Pulau Moyo.
West Coast
Close to some of the best breaks, Maluk and neighbouring Benete have a number of budget hotels that cater to surfers.
Hu'u
There is a handful of cheap, chilled guesthouses near this famous surf spot.
Pulau Moyo
The rich and famous use part of Pulau Moyo, off the north coast, as a remote luxury getaway.
East Coast
The city of Bima has a number of non-award-winning hotels that cater to backpackers and businesspeople.
Find accommodation options to stay in Sumbawa.
Best restaurants and bars in Sumbawa
There are no Michelin stars to be found in Sumbawa, instead the best restaurants tend to be warungs selling Indonesian food. Some of the surfing spots sell Western food like burgers and pizzas. There is nearly no nightlife on the island, most will visit a night market.
Rumah Makan Sabar Subur, Bima Popular with the locals, the bandeng goreng (grilled fish and rice) at this clean, cheap warung is the pick of the menu.
Wreck, Lakey Beach As the name suggests, this restaurant has made the most of a beached boat that sells Indonesian and Western food. It's the Mexican-style fajitas and burritos that keep people lingering, though.
Aneka Rasa Jaya, Sumbawa Besar Some of the best seafood served on the island comes from this Chinese restaurant. Get the squid or the scallops in Szechuan sauce.
IMAGE
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