Putting Sumbawa on your list of “places to visit before I die” is hardly a bad idea. This island just east of Lombok holds a lot of natural beauty that is still unspoiled and ready to be explored.
Mount Tambora and Moyo Island are not the only draws on this island, the home of Sumbawa’s wild mare’s milk. Down in the south of Sumbawa, in the district of Sekongkang, you will find white-sand beaches that are hard to walk away from.
Read also: Moyo Island, Sumbawa: A Complete Travel Guide from Local Operators
Getting to Sekongkang District takes about two hours from Poto Tano Harbour in Sumbawa. It is a fair distance, but the views along the way more than pay you back.
Wondering which beaches in Sekongkang are worth the trip? Here they are:
1. Pantai Tropical
Pantai Tropical (Tropical Beach) is a white-sand beach that gives you more than a pretty view; the sand runs on for a good long stretch. The big swell typical of the south coast is the main magnet here for surfers, both Indonesian and foreign.
No surprise, then, that you will often run into travellers carrying their boards down to the water.
Access and Facilities
Pantai Tropical is easy to reach, sitting only about 200 metres off the main road. If you want to linger a while, you can stay the night at Hotel Tropical, right on the beachfront.
Catching the sunset at Pantai Tropical on a clear evening is the kind of thing you do not forget.
2. Pantai Rantung
Sharing the same shoreline as Pantai Tropical, Pantai Rantung (Rantung Beach) offers a beautiful spread of white sand and rolling waves that are easy to watch for hours.
Things to Do
A late-afternoon walk along the sand with the sound of the surf beside you is a perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
This beach suits anyone looking for quiet, away from the crowds. You can also sit down to a candlelight dinner at Hotel Rantung, with breaking waves for a soundtrack and a lovely sunset in front of you.
Getting There
Pantai Rantung sits right beside the main road, so it could hardly be easier to reach. Is there another beach this accessible and this pretty?
3. Pantai Lawar
If you are after a beautiful beach with a bit more privacy, Pantai Lawar (Lawar Beach) is the answer. Two hills close in on either side, forming a calm and comfortable bay.
What Makes Pantai Lawar Different
Unlike Pantai Tropical and Pantai Rantung, the sand at Pantai Lawar does not stretch very far. What it gives you instead is peace. If you are lucky you may be the only visitor, and the whole beach feels like your own.
There are no big waves for surfing at Pantai Lawar, but the beach does have a diving spot that is worth a try.
Getting There
Pantai Lawar lies in Sekongkang Atas, about one kilometre from the main Maluk-Sekongkang road. The road down to the beach is now passable by motor vehicle.
Watching the sun drop straight in front of you at Pantai Lawar is an experience that stays with you.
Enjoy the Beaches of Sekongkang
So, how about it? Are you ready to go and see the beaches of Sekongkang for yourself?
Let’s pack your bag and enjoy your trip in Sumbawa!
