If you're seeking a place that is both serene and paradisiacal during your stay in Indonesia, head to Moyo Island. Located approximately 3 km north of Sumbawa, this destination remains unknown to most travelers. It's a place that has always retained its authenticity and charm.

One of Indonesia's Best-Kept Secrets

Only a select few, including some celebrities, know of this tropical paradise. Among the stars who have vacationed here are the Princess of Wales Lady Diana, professional tennis player Maria Sharapova, and singer Mick Jagger.

Geography of Moyo Island

Moyo Island covers an area of approximately 350 km² and is home to around 1,945 inhabitants. The local population is spread across several villages. In total, there are 6 villages on this peaceful stretch of land: Patedong, Sibatok, Labuan Haji, Brang Kua, Stema, and Brang Rea. The daily lives of locals revolve primarily around fishing and agriculture.

Moyo: Pristine and Untamed Nature

To protect its biodiversity, much of Moyo Island (nearly two-thirds of its area) has been designated as a nature reserve. As you venture into the local jungles, you'll discover numerous waterfalls, each more beautiful than the last. To reach these natural wonders, you can follow one of many steep trails cutting through the vegetation. During an excursion through Moyo's jungle (preferably with a guide), you'll likely encounter local residents such as wild boar, deer, monkeys, bats, giant lizards, and birds. Several bird species have been documented, including the lemon-bellied white-eye, the green imperial pigeon, the sulphur-crested cockatoo, the masked honeyeater, the sea eagle, and the famous Reinwardt's megapode. Known locally as "burung gosong", this bird is easily recognizable by its grayish crest, brown plumage, and large orange feet. Its size is comparable to that of a chicken. To protect its eggs from predators, Reinwardt's megapode digs into the ground and adds plant debris. Additionally, Moyo Island is home to numerous caves awaiting speleology enthusiasts.

Diving at Moyo

Beyond its rich terrestrial biodiversity, Moyo Island also harbors an impressive aquatic fauna in the crystalline waters surrounding it. The local seabed is renowned for its pristine reefs. Naturally, diving is one of the activities you can enjoy on this island. An underwater expedition in Moyo's waters can be undertaken year-round, but for optimal visibility (up to 50 m), it's advisable to dive during the dry season, generally from May to November. Average water temperature typically ranges from 26°C to 30°C. During the rainy season (often December to March), the sea becomes rougher, reducing visibility. However, this period sees increased plankton, attracting large schools of fish. A diving session at Moyo will give you the chance to swim alongside manta rays, groupers, and a variety of tropical fish.

Which Dive Sites Should You Explore?

Sea Wall

This site is accessible from the beach and suits both novice and experienced divers. It's distinguished by its drop-offs beginning at 2 m depth and continuing to 25 m. You can admire crevices and underwater caves inhabited by numerous aquatic species.

Labuan Aji Wall

Named after the village of the same name, it's characterized by its massive wall descending to 100 m. This zone is frequented by schools of tuna, fusiliers, sharks, and more.

Panjang Reef

This is a reef explored via drift diving and promises excellent encounters. Commonly spotted specimens include the toadfish, blue-ringed octopus, yellow-bellied damselfish, six-banded angelfish, and harlequin rasbora, among many others.

Angel Reef

Weak currents make this spot ideal for those beginning their underwater diving journey as well as macro photography enthusiasts. Aquatic species visible here include fusiliers, red-toothed triggerfish, gobies, pygmy seahorses, crabs, and shrimp.

Turtle Street

The name of this spot already hints at the animals awaiting you—hawksbill and green sea turtles.

Climate

Moyo Island experiences a hot tropical climate with consistently high temperatures throughout the year. Peak heat typically occurs between mid-August and November, when temperatures can reach 37°C.

Dressing Appropriately

Given that the weather is pleasant almost year-round on Moyo Island, pack your suitcase with mostly lightweight clothing. Opt for t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, and similar items. However, bring rain gear, as showers can occur even during the dry season, often in late afternoon.

Getting to Moyo Island is straightforward, as it lies off the coast of Sumbawa. From the island, particularly from the coastal city of Sumbawa Besar, you can rent a boat. If you take a speedboat, the crossing takes barely 15 minutes. You can also reach Moyo aboard a traditional outrigger canoe if you're looking to try a new experience.