West Sumbawa is a regency in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province, lying just east of Lombok Island. With a spread of appealing destinations, West Sumbawa makes for a rewarding holiday.
Getting to West Sumbawa There are two main ways to reach West Sumbawa:
- From Sumbawa Besar Town: It is roughly a 2-hour drive by motor vehicle.
- From Lombok Island: Ferries cross from Kayangan Port in East Lombok to Poto Tano Port in West Sumbawa, and the trip takes about 2 hours.
Here are 10 places to visit in West Sumbawa that we have put together, each one with an aerial photo shot by drone.
1. Kenawa Island
Kenawa Island is a favourite stop, known for its savanna grassland and photogenic hill, plus white sand beaches and striking underwater scenery. It’s a fine choice if you enjoy snorkelling.
Getting to Kenawa Island: From Poto Tano Port it is only a 5-minute ride to the crossing jetty. Boat charters run at around IDR 300,000.
Read Also: Kenawa Island, a Special Island in West Sumbawa, NTB
2. Paserang Island
Paserang Island is often paired with Kenawa Island on the same trip. It sees fewer visitors, and the beaches are exotic with captivating underwater scenery.
Getting to Paserang Island: Ask your boatman to take you over while you are on Kenawa Island, for an extra fee of about IDR 250,000.
One Day Trip Kenawa Island (Start Sumbawa)
From
IDR 490.000
per person
3. Mantar Village
Mantar Village became widely known after it served as a filming location for the movie Serdadu Kumbang. Sitting on top of a hill, it looks out over a wide panorama and has grown even more popular thanks to paragliding.
Getting to Mantar Village: From Poto Tano Port, drive 20 minutes to Tapir Village, then carry on by ranger pick-up truck for IDR 40,000 (return trip).
4. Lebo Lake
Lebo Lake is the largest ancient lake in NTB and lies only 30 minutes from Poto Tano Port. It’s a lovely spot for photos, especially at sunset.
5. Masjid Agung Darussalam (Grand Mosque)
Standing in the middle of Taliwang town, this mosque is a handy stop for Muslim travellers to pray before moving on to the other sights around West Sumbawa.
6. Jelenga Beach
Jelenga Beach, in the district of Jereweh, draws travellers from abroad thanks to waves that suit surfing perfectly. The beach is about 1.5 hours from Poto Tano Port.
7. Maluk Beach
Maluk Beach is known for its white sand and sits in the lively district of Maluk, around 2 hours from Poto Tano Port. You can also try the local food sold around the beach.
Tip: Drop by Mantun Hill near Maluk Beach to see the shoreline from above.
8. Lawar Beach
Lawar Beach is quiet and still, with a shoreline that doesn’t run very far. It’s one of the best places around to watch the sun go down.
Getting to Lawar Beach: The beach lies in Sekongkang district and takes 2.5 hours to reach from Poto Tano Port.
9. Rantung Beach
Rantung Beach, also in Sekongkang district, has no shortage of places to stay. The waves pull in visitors from overseas, surfers above all.
10. Tropical Beach
Tropical Beach has the longest shoreline in West Sumbawa. It sits in Sekongkang district and holds the only 4-star-class hotel in the area, which makes it a good pick for a honeymoon or a romantic break with your partner.
Read Also: Three Beaches in Sekongkang That Are “Worth To Visit”
With this much variety on offer, West Sumbawa is the kind of place that stays with you. We have listed the destinations above by distance, from the nearest to the farthest, to make planning your trip that little bit easier.
