Asik OriginalFrom
$50
Saleh Bay, Sumbawa
Whale Shark Snorkeling, Saleh Bay
1 DaySmall groups
Whale sharks in Saleh Bay, empty surf at Lakey Peak, and an island most travelers skip.
Why go
Most travellers fly straight over Sumbawa, which is exactly why it works. Mornings on Saleh Bay mean swimming alongside whale sharks with no other boats in sight; the south coast serves consistent, uncrowded barrels.
Best for
Wildlife travellers who want the whale-shark encounter without the crowds, and surfers chasing consistent waves with an empty line-up.
Planning note
The whale sharks are most reliable in the early morning; base yourself near Saleh Bay the night before rather than day-tripping.
The sights worth building a day around. Open any one for a full guide.
waterfallA multi-tier mainland waterfall near Sempe village, named the 'talking water' by locals.
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surfAn A-frame reef break near Hu'u offering both lefts and rights over shallow coral.
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waterfallTiered limestone pools on Moyo Island, the spot Princess Diana made famous in 1993.
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islandA forested island off Sumbawa Besar with waterfalls, reefs, and a famous luxury hideaway.
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islandA tiny uninhabited island off Poto Tano with a 15-minute hike to a 360-degree hilltop.
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snorkel siteSnorkel beside feeding whale sharks at the fishermen's bagan platforms in Saleh Bay.
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