Sumbawa : Indonesia
Sumbawa Travel Guide
Sumbawa is the vastest Goverment Regency in the West Nusa Tenggara Province. It’s 8,493 Km2 and incorporates 38 small islands. The population is about half a million. The main island of Sumbawa is larger than Bali and Lombok combined. Its divided into three administrative districts or regencies that correspond roughly to the former sulatnates, Bima in the east, Sumbawa in the west and Dompu in the middle.
The general topography is hilly and mountainous although low level plains are to be found near the northern beaches. The main sights beside the beaches are the towns of Sumbawa Besar City and Labuhan Sumbawa a sleepy old port, now only used by the ferries departing for Moyo island . They are about 1 Hour by boat from there and have a good wild reserve.
The best beaches of the islands are found at Kencana Beach , Saliper Ate Beach and Saleh Bay , Poto Batu Beach and Maluk Beach
Bungin Island is the most densely populated island in the world, it is built from coral and sand and there is almost no vacant land. The island in habited by the bajo people. And it’s area is becoming larger as the inhabitans extend the island as the population increases. Kaung Island is a small island, with a community of sailors, is located close to Bungin island, about 70 Kms from Sumbawa Besar. Kaung island produces various artefacts from oyster shell which are of interest.
Cultural Attractions in Sumbawa
Barempuk : Traditional boxing to celebrate harvest.
Barapan Kebo : Buffalo race, with numerous pairs of elaborately adorned buffaloes racing on readily-planted rice-fields.
Barapan Ayam : Chicken race on 25-40 meter tracks.
Main Jaran : Horse race with 9-15 year old children jockeys.
Lenggo Dance : Dance originally performed by princess of Bima Sultanate traditionally performed in ceremonies and royal occasion.
Ntubu (Head Fighting) : A traditional Bimanese game that literally means ‘pounding one’s head against another’. Because of its danger, it requires a special immunity ceremony conducted by a priest before the game begins.
Places of Interests
Alas : The stop over to Bungin Island.
Ambalawi : Beautiful beach resort about 2km north of Bima.
Batu Tering : Known for the 1 km long natural cave.
Bima : The capiutal town of the district of Bima. Visit the old Royal Palace of the Sultan of Bima and the cultural museum.
Bungin : A small island 75 km off Sumbawa Besar for watersports.
Calabay : Peaceful beach resort about 80 km from Dompu.
Dalam Loka : Known for the historical remains of the Sultan of Sumbawa, located at Seketeng Village, Sumbawa Besar.
Dara : Known for archaeological remains, located 2 km from Bima.
Dongo : A Bimanese traditional village.
Dora Bara : Known for archaeological remains believed to be the former Dompu Kingdom that was buried by the lava of Mount Tambora’s eruption.
Hu’u Beach : White sandy beach 60 km of Dompu best known for surfing.
Hodo : Idyllic beach resort 45km from Dompu. Also a stop over place to go up to Mount Tambora.
Karambo Wera : Excellent diving, waterskiing, and fishing site.
Kencana Beach : 12 km west of Sumbawa Besar.
Lamere Sape : The stepping stone to Komodo Island.
Lawata Beach : Former resting place of the Sultan of Bima.
Lebok Taliwang : By Lake Taliwang, 111 km west of Sumbawa Besar. Good for fishing and boating.
Lepadi : Known for traditional horse race.
Moyo Islet : On the northern shore of Sumbawa District, an hour by boat from Labuhan Sumbawa. Great diving site with huge variety of marine animals and beautiful sea garden.
Nanga Doro : Hot springs.
Poto, Raba Dompu : Hand-woven cloth center.
Poto Baty, Sarae Me’e Beach : Beach resort and wind surfing site.
Sarkofang : Known for the stone grave of 2000 years old, located at Batu Tereng village.
Mount Tambora : The highest peak in Sumbawa, known for its rich species of animals an dplants.
Wadu Pa’a, Wane Beach : Beach resort.
