Sumbawa Crossing
Borneo & Komodo Wildlife 9 days classique

Sumbawa Crossing

From whale sharks to the slopes of Tambora, the preserved island of Sumbawa reveals its volcanic and marine treasures.

From€1,195per person
27 years of local expertise4.91/5 (77 reviews including 72 Google)

Duration

9 days

From

€1,195/pers.

Ideal seasons

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Style

Guided tour

Comfort

classique

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends

The spirit of travel

At daybreak, in Saleh Bay, the massive silhouettes of whale sharks emerge from turquoise depths. This exceptional encounter opens the crossing of a little-known island in the Lesser Sunda Islands, where sleeping volcanoes and crystalline lagoons sketch an archipelago out of time. Sumbawa Besar reveals its 19th-century wooden palace and colorful markets, while Moyo Island harbors spectacular waterfalls in the heart of a jungle populated by deer and wild boar.

The highest point leads to the gaping crater of Mount Tambora, whose 1815 eruption marked world volcanic history. The night ascent reveals, at first light, a caldera of staggering dimensions overlooking black sands and the distant coast. Between terraced coffee plantations and the volcanic island of Satonda, with its crater lake transformed by the tsunami, each stage tells the geological heritage of this land forged by fire.

The Sumbawa people, still weaving according to ancestral traditions in the village of Kampung Pamulung, perpetuate an island culture preserved from tourist flows. This crossing offers the authenticity of a secret Indonésie, where the intensity of the landscapes matches that of human encounters.

The stages of your journey

D1–2
Sumbawa Besar
D3
Labuan Jambu
D4
Ile De Moyo
D5
Satonda
D6–7
Mont Tambora
D8
Bima
D9
Départ

Highlights

Ascension of Volcano Tambora
Swim with whale sharks
Wild Island of Moyo
Salt crater of Satonda
Authentic Traditional Villages
Jungle and preserved waterfalls

Day-by-day itinerary

Sumbawa Besar
D1

Welcome to Sumbawa!

Welcome at Poto Tano port and transfer to Sumbawa Besar. The rest of the day is free.
Sumbawa Besar
D2

Sumbawa Besar

City tour, notably its "colorful" market and the Sultan's Palace – a very long wooden house dating from the 19th century. Also visit a traditional village, Kampung Pamulung, where women weave and men... roll their cigarettes. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.
D3

Dance with whale sharks

The day will be dedicated to an exceptional encounter with whale sharks swimming in the waters of Saleh Bay. Night transfer to the small fishing village of Labuhan Jambu, where you then board a traditional boat and accompany the fishermen to their "bagan" (which literally means "spider-boat"), where they usually lift their nets. This operation always takes place at sunrise and it is at this moment that whale sharks appear. After spotting which "bagan" the sharks are heading towards, you jump into the water to approach them (with safety distance) and truly "dance" with them. Return to Labuhan Jambu at the end of the morning and transfer back to Sumbawa Besar.
Ile de Moyo
D4

Moyo Island

Early in the morning, you board a ferry heading to Moyo Island, which covers an area of approximately 350 km² and much of it has been converted into a nature reserve. In the afternoon, you venture into the jungle to approach the Mata Jitu waterfalls, which are probably the most aesthetically pleasing on the island. During your walk, you will certainly encounter some of the island's inhabitants such as wild boars, deer, monkeys, bats, giant lizards and birds. Return to the hotel in late afternoon.
Satonda
D5

Satonda Island

Early in the morning, you board a speed-boat heading to Satonda Island. Of volcanic origin, this island has the distinctive feature of housing, in its center, a crater filled with water. When, in 1815, the eruption of the Tambora volcano on the neighboring island of Sumbawa triggered a tsunami, seawater penetrated the crater that previously housed a freshwater crater lake. Satonda is forested, but has a sandy beach with a smaller jetty, from which a paved path leads to the crater. After discovering Satonda, return to the island of Sumbawa and transfer to coffee plantations, where you will spend the night in luxury tents. If time remains, visit a Hindu temple nearby.
Mont Tambora
D6

Climb of Tambora Volcano

In the early morning, you begin the ascent of Mount Tambora volcano, whose 1815 eruption is considered one of the deadliest in volcanic history. The route crosses tropical forest and passes through posts 1 (1,080 m) & 2 (1,320 m – where you take a short lunch break). Hiking 5-6 hours (+ 950 m elevation gain)
Mont Tambora
D7

Climb of Tambora Volcano

Around 2am, after a hearty breakfast, you begin the summit ascent towards the caldera ridge of Tambora volcano. Once you leave the forest, vegetation diminishes more and more and you can admire, in the first light of day, the nearby coast, while continuing your path on the black volcanic sands. Arriving at the crater's edge just before dawn, you will realize that the summit of Mt Tambora is one of the most fascinating in the world, as the size of the crater is notably incredible. The highest point is located on the western edge of the crater and is marked by a cairn and an Indonesian flag. Return to camp in early morning, then, after a short rest, you descend by the same path as on the way up to reach Top-Hill Glamping in late afternoon. Hiking 4-5h (+ 1,000 m positive elevation gain) | 7-8h (- 1,950 m negative elevation loss)
Bima
D8

Towards Bima

The day is dedicated to a long but interesting transfer to Bima. A wide variety of landscapes indeed unfolds before you. You also stop in salt fields, where you study the manufacturing process. You also make a stop in Dompu, where you can visit the remains of its old palace, which was covered with ash from Tambora in 1815. If you are lucky, you may even witness horse races in a small village south of Dompu. In the mid-afternoon, you reach Bima, where you visit its museum in particular.
D9

See you very soon in Sumbawa!

Early morning transfer to Sape port, where you board a ferry to Labuhan Bajo. Alternative: transfer to Bima airport.

Price per person

1 pers.€2,425/pers.
2-4 pers.€1,450/pers.
5-8 pers.€1,195/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • International & domestic flights
  • Insurance & Assistance
  • Visas & possible airport taxes
  • Meals not mentioned in the above itinerary
  • Beverages, personal expenses & tips
  • Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"

Included

  • English-speaking guide
  • Porter and cook team during the ascent of Mount Tambora
  • Ground transfers in private and air-conditioned vehicle
  • Maritime transfers
  • B&B Accommodations in Sumbawa Besar & Bima
  • Full board accommodation at Moyo and during the Mt Tambora climb
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary above
  • Site entries, trek permits & donations
  • Bivouac equipment (tents, mattresses & sleeping bags)
  • Mineral water and energy supplement during trekking days

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
  • Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
  • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.

Passport

To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).

Tourist stay without visa

Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.

The authorities may also request:

  • an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.

Formalities on arrival

Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).

This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:

  • passport information

  • flight details and itinerary

  • address of first accommodation in Indonesia

  • declaration of goods and currency carried

A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.

Health and vaccinations

No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.

As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).

Travel with children

Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.

In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.

Entry requirements by nationality

Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.

Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!

Choose the plan that suits you best:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Dominic, Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails
27years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Sunda Islands

Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta

Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.

Dominic

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.91/5