Sumbawa
Sumbawa is an island between Lombok and Flores, known for the Lakey Peak surf break, Mount Tambora and Moyo Island, reached by ferry and long road transfers.
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Sumbawa is an island in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, lying between Lombok to the west and Flores to the east. Most travelers reach it by ferry from Lombok and cross the island by road. Lakey Peak on the south coast is a well-known surf break, Mount Tambora in the north is the volcano whose 1815 eruption was one of the largest in recorded history, and Moyo Island lies off the north coast, reached by boat.
The island suits travelers who accept long road transfers for a slower pace. Lakey Peak works as a base for surfing, Tambora needs a dedicated day or more, and Moyo fits as a short side trip. The dry season, roughly April to October, is the usual window for south coast surf and trekking. Allow at least a week to see more than one area without rushing the road legs.
Sumbawa in five
- Cross from Lombok by ferryA regular ferry runs from Lombok's east coast to Poto Tano on Sumbawa, taking roughly an hour and a half. Allow time on the road to the ferry port and again after landing.Lombok
- Choose a surf stop by seasonLakey Peak and nearby breaks near Hu'u work best in the dry season, roughly April to October. Ask local surf camps about swell and crowds on your dates.
- Climb Tambora only with a guideTambora is a long, serious trek with an enormous crater. Book a guide through a local operator, and ask about permits and weather before committing.Nusa Tenggara
- Treat Sumbawa as the road to KomodoOverlanders link Lombok, Sumbawa and Flores by bus and ferry, ending at Labuan Bajo. The long crossing from Sape takes most of a day, so plan around schedules.Labuan Bajo
- Carry cash and a spare dayCash machines are few outside Sumbawa Besar and Bima, and delays are common on ferries and rough roads. Keep a buffer before any flight.Money in Indonesia
Need to know
- Airport
- Sumbawa Besar (SWQ) and Bima (BMU)
- Getting there
- Ferry from Lombok to Poto Tano, or flights from Lombok and Bali
- Getting around
- Car with driver; scooters; long-distance buses
- Best base
- Hu'u for surf; Sumbawa Besar for Moyo island
- Time needed
- 4–6 days
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryWet, humid
- FebruaryWet, humid
- MarchShowers
- AprilDrying out
- MayDry, quiet
- JuneSurf season
- JulySurf, busy
- AugustSurf, dry
- SeptemberDry, hot
- OctoberHot, dry
- NovemberShowers start
- DecemberWet season
Right now in Sumbawa
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
22
- Feels like
- 25°
- Humidity
- 91%
- Wind
- 7 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 81%
Sumbawa
04:40 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today32°21°81%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 81%.
- Wed33°22°41%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 41%.
- Thu33°22°53%Thursday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 53%.
- Fri34°21°84%Friday: Drizzle. High 34°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 84%.
- Sat33°21°94%Saturday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Sun33°21°90%Sunday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Mon32°21°97%Monday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 97%.
Updated 01:22 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 18,144 IDR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Moyo islandabout 1 hour by boat from the mainlandWaterfalls and quiet beaches; arrange a boat and guide in advance.
- Lakey Peak and Hu'uabout 3–4 hours by road from BimaA long surf coast with simple stays.
- Labuan Bajo and Komodoabout 8–10 hours by ferry from SapeThe long crossing to Flores and Komodo National Park.Read the guide
Before you go to Sumbawa
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Rules for Sumbawa, checked
- Visa: check whether you need a visa on arrival or an e-VOA before you fly, on the Directorate General of Immigration site (imigrasi.go.id).
- Drugs: Indonesia enforces strict drug laws with heavy penalties, including for small amounts. Carry prescription medicines in their original packs with the prescription.
- Dress: Sumbawa is mostly Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees in villages and at mosques, and take off your shoes before entering a mosque.
- Customs: declare cash above the limit and any restricted goods on your arrival form. Check the rules on the Directorate General of Customs and Excise site (beacukai.go.id).
Plan around Sumbawa
Gateway to the Poto Tano ferry
Read the guideSouth LombokSurf bays on the other side of the strait
Read the guideLabuan BajoWhere the overland route ends
Read the guideFloresKomodo and the Ruteng highlands
Read the guideGetting around IndonesiaFerries, flights and buses
Read the guideAll of IndonesiaIslands, entry rules and getting around
Read the guideSumbawa FAQ
How do you get from Lombok to Sumbawa?
Take the ferry from Kayangan on Lombok to Poto Tano on Sumbawa, which runs through the day. Cars and scooters board; foot passengers can go on a bus.
What is Sumbawa best known for?
Surf at Lakey Peak, Mount Tambora, Moyo island and the long overland route toward Komodo. It is rugged and quiet rather than polished.
When is the best time to visit Sumbawa?
April to October is the main dry season and the surf season at Lakey Peak. The wet season runs roughly December to March, with heavier showers and rougher roads.
Can you reach Komodo from Sumbawa?
Yes. The ferry from Sape on Sumbawa to Labuan Bajo takes most of a day, so overlanders break the trip in Sape. Fast boats and flights exist as quicker alternatives.
Is Sumbawa safe for independent travelers?
Generally yes for travelers who plan ahead, but facilities are limited and roads are rough. Carry cash, tell your hosts your route, and avoid long scooter rides in the dark.