Friends, Sumbawa sits between Lombok and Komodo with ferry links at Poto Tano, world‑class breaks on both coasts, and the colossal Mount Tambora rising over wild bays.

It’s a bigger, quieter sibling to Lombok, prized for A‑frame peaks at Lakey, dry‑season barrels near Maluk, and boat‑easy islets like Kenawa and Satonda.

Plan by anchoring days around a surf zone, an island hop, or a waterfall trek, then stitch transfers that stay short and unrushed.

Gateway & Kenawa

Cross from Kayangan (Lombok) to Poto Tano in roughly 1h40m; foot fares start near IDR 12,800–18,800 (about $1–$2) with hourly departures. From Poto Tano, small boats run 15–20 minutes to Kenawa Island for savanna walks, snorkeling, and low‑impact camping under the stars. Day tours commonly pair Kenawa with nearby Paserang and Kambing for swims and sandy ridgeline views.

Lakey Peak

Lakey Peak is a genuine A‑frame with left and right off the same takeoff, surrounded by multiple breaks within a few kilometers for stacked options. It favors intermediate to advanced riders, with the right needing more tide and Bima Airport only ~44 km away for streamlined access. Dry‑season mornings (May–Oct) bring clean faces before winds, while cheap stays and surf houses sit right on the bay.

Moyo’s Falls

Just off Sumbawa Besar, Moyo Island’s Mata Jitu reveals terraced cascades and clear, emerald pools after a short forest walk. Known as “Queen Waterfall,” its four tiers and seven basins sit inside shaded jungle, making a cool mid‑day pause. Boats from the mainland or liveaboards tie visits neatly with nearby beaches like Ai Manis for a land‑and‑sea loop.

Satonda Lake

North of Tambora, Satonda’s crater lake fills a volcanic bowl with high‑salinity water and circlet trails above coral‑ringed shores. Formed millennia ago, the lake pairs naturally with snorkeling stops and easy rim strolls on day cruises. Many itineraries route in from Moyo or Pancasila, linking blue‑green lake views with calm anchorages.

Tambora Trek

Summit Tambora (~2,851 m) via Pancasila on supported 4D/3N or 5D itineraries, camping through forests to reach the vast caldera edge. Operators handle permits, porters, meals, and staging from Sumbawa towns or Lombok with flexible pacing per group. Expect full days on trail and a pre‑dawn push for crater light, building buffer time for weather and transport.

Jereweh Falls

Near Taliwang, Jereweh (also Ai Koa/Janup) tumbles in stepped ledges, pooling clear water beneath high roots and rock. It’s an easy add between Kenawa overnights and West Sumbawa surf days, with local guides familiar with forest approaches. Lodges around Jelenga and Taliwang share current path conditions and ride times to the trailhead.

Practical moves

- Ferries: Kayangan–Poto Tano runs roughly hourly; foot tickets from IDR 12,800–18,800 (about $1–$2), bikes and vehicles priced separately.

- Airports: For Lakey, fly to Bima (BMU) and transfer ~44 km; for west‑coast breaks, combine Lombok flights with ferry and overland.

- Seasons: Dry months (May–Oct) favor surfing, boat clarity, and Tambora windows; shoulder months can still deliver with flexible plans.

- Day tours: Kenawa/Paserang circuits include boat, lunch, and snorkel kit on private runs, keeping groups nimble and timing relaxed.

Sample day

Sunrise ferry to Poto Tano, quick hop to Kenawa for ridge views and swims, lunch on the beach, then back across for sunset bayside snacks in Maluk. Or, from Bima, drop bags at Lakey, surf early before winds, nap mid‑day, then scooter to Periscopes or Nungas for a second session.

Conclusion

Sumbawa shines when a day has one strong anchor—surf, isle, or summit—and time flexes gently around it for boat rides, short treks, and simple meals. Which anchor fits right now: an A‑frame morning at Lakey, a Kenawa ridge‑and‑reef loop, or a Tambora horizon? Mark it, and the rest of the stops will fall into place without rush.