West Sumbawa
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Positives
- Consistent swells
- World-class waves
- Semi-crowded Exploration potential
Negatives
- SE trade wind restricts choice
- Slow overland access
- Lack of alternative activities
- No direct flights
West Sumbawa surf travel guide
The next surf zone of West Sumbawa has been surfed for decades, but due to lack of good transport links, it has remained a boat itinerary for most. Scar, Supers and Yoyo’s are firm favourites, but cruise around the corner and a wave wilderness opens up along the south coast for 180km (110mi). Once again the charters are in a hurry to get to the name breaks and safe anchorages so few spots are regularly surfed. The predominant coastal angle would favour NW wet season winds, but there are many deep bays backed by high coastal ranges that funnel winds down valleys to meet the sea at rivermouths and reef passes that are going to work during the dry season. Remoteness, rough seas and no roads are going to keep this coast off the maps for years to come.
Surf spots in West Sumbawa
Research the 9 surf breaks in West Sumbawa and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 9 breaks in West Sumbawa.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to West Sumbawa
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 10,625,566
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- IDR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 14,080 IDR IDR
Cost of living
Communication
- Language
- Bahasa Indonesian (official) and other local dialects by island
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cf
Visas
Citizens of another 87 countries are eligible to obtain one of the following visas:
- Electronic Visa On Arrival (e-VOA/B213)
- Electronic Visitor Visa
- Social, Tourist, or Cultural Visa (B211)
- Free Visa Stamp
- Multiple Entry Visa
Some passport holders are eligible to apply for an online e-VOA or Visitor Visa, otherwise, you must obtain a visa in advance at an Indonesian embassy or consulate. If you get the e-VOA before you arrive, you have the option to extend by simply filling out a new Indonesia eVisa application form online, but must first leave the country in order to request a new visa.
Visas issued at the airport on arrival can only be extended through an immigration office, which should be done 14-7 days before expiry.
Visitor Visa is a single-entry visa valid for a 30-day stay in Indonesia with the purpose of Tourism, Government visits, Business Meetings, Goods Purchasing, or Transit only and is not extendable.
The B211 is a 60-day visa for visiting family, friends or an employment trial and can be extended 3 times by 30-days. More hoops to jump through including being sponsored by an eligible Guarantor. Cost IDR 2,000,000.
9 neighbouring countries get a Free Visa Stamp for stays of up to 30 days maximum with no extensions permitted (Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam).
Multi Entry, investment, sport and journalist 60-day visas are available through the main portal.
The 30-day e-VOA & Visitor Visa fee is IDR 500.000. You may be asked for proof of your return flight details and proof of financial resources.
DO NOT overstay as the fines aren’t cheap (IDR 1,000,000/day) and they can stop you from re-entering for a period of time. As always, check for any updates before you book your trip, as visa policy has changed a few times in recent years.
Getting There
Sumbawa Besar (SWQ) is not on many airlines routes; Lion Air and Merpati link to SWQ from Lombok. Lion, Merpati and Kartika fly from Denpasar to Bima Regency, miles away. Sekongkan airport still has no service. From Bali, most people go overland; first a 4hr ferry to Lombok, then cross Lombok by car, bike or an 8hr bus followed by another 2hr ferry ride to Poto Tano then 1-2hr drive to Taliwang or Maluk; total travel time is 11-13hrs at best. Easiest of course, is to sail by charter boat out of Bali, surfing Lombok on the way. There are also expensive seaplane and fast boat options.
Getting Around
The main road across the island follows the northern coastal route. The road infrastructure down the west coast has been improved since the Batu Hijau mine opened in 2000. From Sumbawa Besar airport, it’s a further 3hr journey to Taliwang/Jereweh and the waves. All the waves are close to shore so no need to hire local fishing boats.
Accommodation
Charter boats; Sri Noa Noa is an Australian owned 46’ twin masted schooner ($900/6d – Freeline). Moggy is a 46ft cat and runs all year. There are many smaller Bali-based outfits that offer various vessels like Dreamweaver and Indocean – shop around for price vs safety. Cheap, land-based losmen accommodation is available at Jelinggah (Scar), Maluk (Super Suck) and Sekongkang (Yo-Yo’s) from $5/n. Supersuck Hotel starts at $30/n. The upscale Tropical Beach Club in Sekongkang caters to the ex-pat mining community, next to the charter airstrip.
Activities
Boat charter flat day options include good fishing and snorkelling, otherwise take a long book. Sumbawa is not as culturally rich as Bali. There are some great buffalo races in the rice paddies, but most of the more interesting sites are a long way from the waves.
Hazards & hassles
Hitting the reef is going to be your major worry. Malaria is also a problem (take a net) and travelling overland will be slow and frustrating.
Handy Hints
Take everything you need (no surf shops) including an Indo gun for those frequent 8ft+ conditions. This trip is usually linked in with one to Lombok. Be very careful of cheap offers in Bali, scams happen!
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.